Final Fantasy Origin Interview: Key Creatives Discuss Creation

This extensive interview delves into the creation of FuRyu's action RPG, Reynatis, slated for Western release on September 27th. We hear from Creative Producer TAKUMI, Scenario Writer Kazushige Nojima, and Composer Yoko Shimomura.

TAKUMI discusses his role in Reynatis' conception, production, and direction. He expresses delight at the game's overwhelmingly positive reception, particularly in the West, noting a strong connection with fans of Tetsuya Nomura's works (like Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts). He acknowledges the Final Fantasy Versus XIII trailer's inspirational influence, clarifying that Reynatis is a wholly original creation, born from a desire to explore the "what ifs" of that unrealized project.

TAKUMI addresses the game's Japanese reception, highlighting its appeal to fans of Nomura's style and the appreciation for FuRyu's unique gameplay elements. He confirms planned updates to address balancing and quality-of-life improvements, assuring Western players will receive a refined version.

The interview details TAKUMI's direct approach to collaborating with Shimomura and Nojima, utilizing informal communication methods like Twitter and LINE. He shares his personal admiration for their works, citing Kingdom Hearts and the Final Fantasy series as key inspirations.

TAKUMI discusses the game's development timeline (approximately three years), navigating the challenges of the pandemic, and the collaborative process with the development team. He explains the decision to release on multiple platforms (Switch, Steam, PS5, PS4), balancing production considerations with creative vision.

The conversation shifts to the NEO: The World Ends With You collaboration, revealing TAKUMI's personal fandom and the official approach taken with Square Enix. He discusses the technical challenges of developing for the Switch, acknowledging its limitations while striving for a visually impressive result.

TAKUMI reveals FuRyu's increasing internal focus on PC development and addresses the lack of Xbox releases, citing low consumer demand in Japan as a primary factor. He expresses personal interest in bringing Reynatis to Xbox but acknowledges the significant hurdles involved.

The interview includes TAKUMI's perspective on future smartphone ports, emphasizing FuRyu's console-centric approach and the need for games to maintain their quality across platforms. He expresses excitement about the upcoming Western release and the planned DLC, designed to enhance player engagement and avoid spoilers.

The email exchange with Shimomura and Nojima offers further insight. Shimomura discusses her compositional process, highlighting the creative flow experienced during the Reynatis soundtrack's creation. She reflects on the evolution of her style and the lack of specific external influences on this project.

Nojima shares his approach to scenario writing, noting the shift towards creating more realistic and relatable characters. He describes his involvement with the project and subtly hints at potential connections to Versus XIII. He highlights Marin's character development as a favorite aspect of the Reynatis narrative.

The interview concludes with a lighthearted segment on coffee preferences, followed by a summary of future interview plans.