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On July 7, 2025, Final Fantasy IX will turn 25 years old, and Square Enix announced the latest rounds of merchandise tying in to that are a Vivi mug with a cup and hat cover and a new plush pouch that also resembles the character. Both of the items will debut in Japan on August 16, 2025. As a reminder, the company still paused many US pre-orders as a result of the Trump tariffs.

The Final Fantasy IX Vivi mug stands at almost 6 inches tall (15cm) when the hat cover is on the cup, and it is about 3 inches tall (7.5cm) with the top taken off. It is designed to look exactly look like the little mage’s face and hat. The product page noted it can hold 250ml. That costs 3,520円 (~$24). 

As for the plush Vivi pouch, it is also designed to resemble the character’s face. When opened, the interior lining is a blue and white striped fabric that matches the way his pants look. That is around 7 inches (18cm) tall and almost seven and a half inches (19cm) wide. That will be 3,960円 (~$27).

Here’s how both items will look:

Square Enix announced a lot of Final Fantasy IX merchandise that looked like Vivi in addition to the cup and bag. For example, the company started selling a replica of the character’s hat in April 2025. There are also some more subtle purses and pouches based on the outfits he and Zidane wore in the game. In March 2025, a picture book and plush based on him also appeared.

The Final Fantasy IX Vivi cup that features a mug and cover that resemble him and his hat and a plush pouch will debut on August 16, 2025 in Japan. The game is available on the PlayStation, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, PC, and mobile devices. 

The post Final Fantasy IX Mug and Bag Look Like Vivi appeared first on Siliconera.

Square Enix Vocal Covers: Timeless Classics, a new cover album from Square Enix and Keiichi Okabe’s MONACA, will feature songs from NieR, NieR: Automata, Final Fantasy IX, FFX, and FFXIII. It will launch in Japan on June 25, 2025, with European and US debuts following in July 2025. It will cost $26.99/€19.99 and feature six versions of five songs. 

It sounds like all six songs will be performed by the same singer, with two of them being English covers and the other four being in Japanese. Square Enix didn’t reveal their identity yet though. It did share the track list, which consists of two versions of “Melodies of Life” alongside the other four performances.

Here’s the full list of songs:

1. “Weight of the World” English Version from NieR: Automata
2. “Kaine / Salvation” from NieR Replicant and Gestalt
3. “Suteki Da Ne” from Final Fantasy X
4. “The Sunleth Waterscape” from Final Fantasy XIII
5. “Melodies of Life” English Version from Final Fantasy IX
6. “Melodies of Life” from Final Fantasy IX

Square Enix also started to share samples of the Square Enix Vocal Covers: Timeless Classics songs ahead of the album’s launch. It started with the first song on the album, which is the English version of “Weight of the World” from NieR: Automata. 

The second sample to appear showed off “Kaine / Salvation” from NieR Replicant and Gestalt.

The reveals are going in order, as the one that showed up after that is the third track, “Suteki Da Ne” from Final Fantasy X. 

The last one Square Enix shared is “The Sunleth Waterscape” from Final Fantasy XIII. 

Finally, here's the cover art, which was created by Aamond.

Square Enix Vocal Covers: Timeless Classics album will come to Japan on June 26, 2025, followed by a July 2025 worldwide release of the six songs. One of its last cover albums was #SQkawaii Sounds – Final Fantasy.

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In honor of the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX, Square Enix announced even more merchandise like a Vivi black mage hat and purses based on both him and Zidane. All of the items are expected to launch in Japan on August 16, 2025. The hat costs 17,600円 (~$123). The larger versions of the purses are 11,600円 (~$77) each, while the smaller bags are 9,350円 (~$66). 

In the case of the FFIX Vivi hat, it is designed to resemble the ones worn by Final Fantasy black mage characters over the years. It’s make of materials like fake leather, cotton, and polyester. It is about 28 inches tall (72cm). It’s unisex, so anyone can wear it. Also, the brim is designed to be wide enough to cover someone’s eyes to create the illusion of the in-game design. It can also be displayed when not worn.

Here’s a closer look at the hat:

As for the FFIX Vivi and Zidane purses, both the shoulder bag and smaller pouch options are based on both characters’ outfits and signature features. So both of the Vivi ones reference his costume by featuring the royal blue top with brown laces and blue and white stripes. They also each have a charm that resembles his hat. The Zidane ones both have charms designed to look like his tail, as well as his blue and brown outfit. The larger one is 10 inches (26cm) long, 5 inches tall (13cm), and about an inch wide (3cm), so it’s relatively thin. The pouch has just over an inch and a half opening (4cm) and is over 6 inches (17cm) deep.

Here’s how those designs look:

None of these items are appearing in the worldwide Square Enix storefronts yet. It’s more likely we’ll see them eventually in the European one, however. That’s because the company confirmed it paused pre-orders on the US one due to tariffs inflicted by President Donald Trump. 

The Final Fantasy IX Vivi hat and Vivi and Zidane purses will launch in Japan on August 16, 2025. 

The post Square Enix Making a Final Fantasy IX Vivi Black Mage Hat appeared first on Siliconera.

Square Enix published a new webpage to mark the 25th anniversary of Final Fantasy IX. The company also simultaneously revealed several FFIX merchandise and collaboration projects that will appear to mark the major anniversary milestone, like Zoff glasses, a picture book that acts as a prequel for Vivi, and figures.

One of the highlights in the lineup will be the Timeless Tale vinyl record, which also comes with a serial code to the MP3 files of the tracks included in the vinyl. Square Enix will release the vinyl in Japan on July 9, 2025, and it will cost ¥4,950 (~$30.15). However, the company will also make the product available on its North American and European web stores, as well as the rest of the world, via CDJapan.

Square Enix also put up multiple listings for Final Fantasy IX goods on its Japanese e-Store. The lineup will consist of FFIX Form-Ism figures of Zidane and Garnet. There will be ten chibi character plushies. These will consist of playable characters and other notable figures from the game. The company will also sell a picture book starring Vivi at ¥1,320 (~$8.80), which will be a prequel looking at what his life was like before FFIX. There will be replicas of Garnet's silver necklace at ¥38,500 (~$256.55) too.

In addition, Square Enix teased a couple more projects for the Final Fantasy IX 25th anniversary, with details to be revealed at a later time. The company will hold a kuji lottery in July 2025. It will also work with Zoff to produce three sets of glasses based on the FFIX characters. The latter brand had previously made crossover glasses themed after franchises like Honkai: Star Rail, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Gintama.

Here's a closer look at all of the FFIX merchandise that is on the way:

Final Fantasy IX originally came out for the PlayStation in Japan on July 7, 2000. That date will also serve as the game's 25th anniversary day in 2025. Square has since ported the RPG to PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, Android, and iOS. The PC version also has a fan-made Moguri Mod that can upscale the game's graphics.

The post FFIX Anniversary Merchandise, Glasses, Vivi Prequel Book Revealed appeared first on Siliconera.

The PS5 has been out for a while now, but that doesn’t mean that developers have stopped making games for the PS4. It’s still going strong, and we’ve had a look into the console’s library to find our favorite 3D turn-based JRPGs. If you’re looking for a game to play on your PlayStation 4 then we have 10 must-play JRPGs listed below.

Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age 551z6n

Dragon Quest is one of the most iconic series of all time, and when it comes to turn-based JRPGs it’s one of the first series that will likely come to mind. However, the most famous games in the series are the original pixel art games. While 3D designs were introduced in Dragon Quest IX, it only reached its full modern form in one of the series’ greatest entries, Dragon Quest XI.

If you love the combat in other Dragon Quest games, then you’re getting more of that here, alongside the other Dragon Quest hallmarks. You’ll explore a wide-open world full of secrets, speak with NPCs, and feel the world change seemingly separate from your actions. It wraps everything fans have loved about the series for decades in a gripping and fresh new story.

Persona 3 Reload 4xf3j

Persona is one of the most popular series of turn-based JRPGs, and Persona 3 is a personal favorite – despite the original not allowing you to control your teammates. Persona 5 Royal is perhaps the more obvious choice for this slot – and it is incredible – I was surprised to find that the excellent remake Persona 3 Reload was simultaneously released on PS4 as well as PS5.

Aside from shiny new graphics, and a UI so beautiful it will make you weep, Persona 3 Reload adds new battle elements including the much needed alterations to the game’s difficulty. There are more Personas, items, and fusions than ever before, and you don’t have to worry about upsetting people and reversing their social links. Persona 3 is a must play, and if you’re used to the comforts of Persona 5 then Reload is the version you’ll want.

Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth 4z6b1m

Another extremely recent release that is also available on PS4, Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth is one of the best games in the Yakuza series. While games in the series are usually action RPGs, this changed with the also brilliant Yakuza: Like A Dragon, where our new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga perceives every street brawl as a turn-based battle. Despite being ed by the original protagonist, Kazuma Kiryu, both of our guys take turns when they fight.

In Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth Ichiban travels to Hawaii to find his biological mother after being told where she lives. He finds that she has gone missing, and after a chance encounter, he teams up with Kiryu to solve the mystery. It’s not only a heart-warming story, but it has all of the goofy side quests, must-play mini games, and karaoke that the series is known for.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 5u3a37

When it comes to turn-based JRPGs, Valkyria Chronicles 4 is instantly intriguing with its dreamy yet comic book-style aesthetic. Unlike other JRPGs, which are set in high school, and / or epic open world exploration, Valkyria Chronicles is based on war. The series as a whole is about your army’s strategic plays, and the bonds between your units.

Valkyria Chronicles' strength as a series has long been its robust post game. There is almost more to do after you roll credits than before, and Valkyria Chronicles 4 really pushes the boat out on this. Alongside more battles, there are six more recruitable characters, and even characters you can bring back from the dead. If you’re looking to try out the series, the fourth entry puts its best foot forward.

Metaphor: ReFantazio 1f5p5b

One of the best games of 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio, released on PS4 as well as PS5 making it the perfect game for this list. The team that created Metaphor contains many of the developers from the modern Persona series, and it shows through the structure of the gameplay. Metaphor is more high-fantasy than high school, but you will still split your days between crawling dungeons and bonding with your party .

When the king is assassinated it is decided that the next king will be decided democratically. In an effort to prevent the king’s assassin Louis from taking the throne, you decide to run for the position. You and the few followers that you recruit travel the world, helping citizens in different towns around the country. Metaphor keeps the spirit of Persona, but includes a lot of learnings from the series’ weaknesses.

Disgaea 5 3o6m57

Disgaea 5 is one of the darker entries in what has historically been a goofy JRPG series. You still have the Prinnys – human souls trapped in a penguinesque bodies that are obsessed with the word dude – but there is the overarching sense of foreboding. You get the feeling that the game is taking itself a bit more seriously even if you don’t.

Disgaea 5 is a mix of visual novel, and 3D isometric strategic battles that can be quite challenging if you don’t get to grips with how the combat system works. All of the Disgaea games tie together, but you can enjoy each as their own standalone game, up to and including the most recent Disgaea 7, on PS4. A fantastic series to lose your life to.

Final Fantasy IX 492m12

Almost every Final Fantasy game is available on PS4, though most are excluded from this list as the early games are in 2D, and the later games are action RPGs. In our list of the best 3D turn-based JRPGs on Switch we included Final Fantasy VII, and Final Fantasy VIII – both of which are excellent games – but we thought that Final Fantasy IX also deserved the love, particularly given the long-standing rumors that a remake is on the way.

Final Fantasy IX takes everything learned from the previous games of the series, and works as a nostalgic trip down memory lane for long-time fans of the series. The developers took players’ favorite parts of the other games in the series, and mixed them with a new and heartfelt story making it one of the best Final Fantasy games.

Digimon Cyber Sleuth: Hacker’s Memory 9122s

You’ve likely heard something along the lines of Digimon being a more mature version of Pokémon, and while it definitely has darker themes, the combat systems are not at all similar. They are both creature collectors, but how those creatures grow stronger, and your team works together is completely different. Digimon not only grow stronger, but they grow weaker and stronger again to reach their final forms, and you battle with three at a time.

The actual ‘mons aside, Digimon Cyber Sleuth: Hacker’s Memory is far darker than even Drampa burning down the houses of bullies with them inside. It’s deep and emotional and the polar opposite to Pokémon’s surface level stories, and it’s all the stronger for it. It’s very narratively deep and feels almost like a visual novel with how extensive the story-telling is. If you want a deep JRPG adventure, then Hacker’s Memory is definitely worth playing.

The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III 6x5mz

The Legend of Heroes is a long-running and iconic JRPG series, and Trails of Cold Steel is one of its most iconic subseries. If you’re new to the Trails of Cold Steel, you should probably start at the beginning as the story carries over between entries, but we’ve picked the third game here as it’s probably the strongest. Trails of Cold Steel III’s introduction will catch you up, but you owe it to yourself to play the whole subseries.

The games in the Trails of Cold Steel series tell an epic adventure. In the third game our characters are a little older, and the war is over, but there is still political tensions hiding just beneath the surface. It’s heavy on the story, and how the characters live and interact with each other, but also has a deep combat system. If you’re a fan of turn-based party combat, and how the characters synergize in battle, then this is the choice for you.

Blue Reflection: Second Light 676y45

The least well-known series on the list, Blue Reflection didn’t receive much hype when it launched back in 2017. It was seen as a mediocre JRPG with your standard themes of high school girls and the power of friendship. However, the sequel Blue Reflection: Second Light allows the series to step into its own, with powerful storytelling, and touching characterization.

It’s clear that lessons have been learned from the mediocre reception to the first game. Combat system has changed from the original to make it more complex and engaging. The same goes for the characters, which are not only more fleshed out, but the juxtaposition between the intense battles and the girls’ touching relationships make for a stark contrast. One to try.

Let us know what your favorite JRPGs for the PlayStation 4 are in the comments below!

The post Best 3D Turn-based JRPGs on PS4 appeared first on Siliconera.

Square Enix revealed a new die-cast metal figure modeled after the Moogle from Final Fantasy IX. The figure will be part of the Bright Arts Gallery line, and the company will release it on June 7, 2025, at 3,960 yen (~$25.85).

This figure will have a total height of around 78 mm (~3.07 in), which is measured from the bottom of the base to the top of the Moogle's pom-pom. It will also have an overall width of 46 mm (~1.81 in) and a depth of 28 mm (~1.10 in). Square Enix added that the zinc alloy it uses to produce the die-case metal figure will give it a profound weight and size for the owner to place it as a decoration item on a desk.

Here are the sample images for the metal figure, as taken from multiple angles:

The figure will be based on the ninth mainline Final Fantasy RPG that originally came out for the PlayStation in 2000. Square Enix has since released ports of the same PS1 game on PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox One, as well as Android and iOS mobile devices. Those who have the game's PC port can also apply the graphic-upscaling Moguri Mod that was most recently updated to Version 9 in August 2024.

The Bright Arts Gallery metal figure of the Final Fantasy IX Moogle will be available on June 7, 2025.

The post Final Fantasy IX Moogle Will Appear as a Metal Figure appeared first on Siliconera.

The Moguri graphical upscaling mod for Final Fantasy IX has received a massive update after almost 3 years. Texture updates including FMV fixes, updated enemy animations, and new controller are just a few of the many changes in the 9.0 release of the Moguri Mod.

The 9.0 update was the first burst of news the mod had received since May, 2021. In that gap, the team behind the mod had been working on implementing everything from additional controller for the Dualshock 4 and 5 and the Switch controllers, to a complete rework of every battle background. In addition, several new features were added in the update. The ability to reduce the randomness of Tetra Master, custom fonts, and completely redrawing many layer edges.

Here is a small comparison between old and new screenshots:

In development since 2019, the Moguri Mod set out to, with the help of modern Stable Diffusion technology, enhance the visual experience of Final Fantasy IX. It also included entirely fan-created orchestral versions of many of the songs and the newest version includes filters to go for more realistic textures, the FFIX standard at the new upscaled resolution, or with new cartoon outlines on all the models that enhance the storybook feel.

Final Fantasy IX has had a sizable presence in recent Square Enix developments, with both a collaboration banner in Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis and the Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail Collector's Edition coming with a mount of the Ark summon and Princess Garnet as a minion.

This updated mod is available for all players who use the Steam launcher, in concert with the Memoria mod launcher app. Players on systems other than PC will not be able to see the updates, however, apart from watching footage second-hand.

Final Fantasy IX is available digitally on Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, iOS, Android and PC. The Moguri Mod and the Memoria system are compatible with the PC version through Steam.

The post Final Fantasy IX Graphical Upscale Mod Updated After 3 Years appeared first on Siliconera.

Square Enix announced that the Final Fantasy IX crossover event for Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis, which originally appeared in the game in November 2023, is back alongside a banner with FFVII character equipment.

Square Enix noted the FFVII Ever Crisis Final Fantasy IX Crossover Reawakened: A Resonant Waltz event quests are now live. This is also how someone gets the Lucia Lin Vivi’s Magical Gun weapon and gear. This version of the event will also eventually get a more difficult Black Waltz - Ruin EX III fight. That will debut on August 21, 2024. The requirements to take part remain the same, so make sure you get through Final Fantasy VII Chapter 1, Main Section 3, Episode 1 to access the FFIX content in Ever Crisis. 

Square Enix also announced a campaign with 4,500 Blue Crystals and other rewards. Here’s how those will be divided up and the other bonuses available alongside the crossover.

There is also one revealed banner so far. It brings back the Amarant Tifa and Zidane Cloud gear and weapons. It also adds a new weapon for Zack, which is the Beatrix Sword. However, he doesn’t also get gear inspired by her. That banner ends on September 6, 2024.

The original event also featured a Garnet Aerith weapon and costume and Kuja Sephiroth weapon and outfit.

Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis is available on PCs and mobile devices. The Final Fantasy IX Crossover Reawakened: A Resonant Waltz will end on September 6, 2024. 

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Square Enix announced that 15 FFXI Summertime Adventurer Campaign events will begin on August 14, 2024. Similar sorts of activities have run in the past, with one of the most comparable ones being the Summer of Adventure Campaign that ran in June 2023. 

Basically, the different events going on during the Summertime Adventurer Campaign all provide bonuses for activities people would already engage in while playing FFXI. Some of the bonuses include extra experience, extra capacity points, increased drop rates, increased aura light values, Alter Ego buffs, and other bonuses. 

Here is a list of events taking effect in-game on August 14, 2024, with explanations taken from the announcement Square Enix shared.

• Abyssea Campaign: The default light values of pearlescent, azure, golden, and silver auras will be drastically increased for the duration of the campaign.
• Alter Ego Expo: Alter egos will receive the following improvements for the duration of the campaign: alter egos' Maximum HP and MP will be increased by 50% and alter egos will have stronger resistance to status ailments.
• Bonus Bayld Campaign: For the duration of the campaign, lair, colonization, and wildskeeper reives will offer evaluation bonuses throughout their duration, approximately doubling bayld and experience gains.
• Chain Capacity Point Bonus Campaign: Experience chains will yield double to triple the normal amount of capacity points for the duration of the campaign.
• Chain Experience Bonus Campaign: Experience chains will yield double to triple the normal amount of experience for the duration of the campaign.
• Chain Monstrosity Bonus Campaign: Experience chains will yield double to triple the normal amount of experience for the duration of the campaign.
• Dark Matter Arcane Glyptics Campaign: For the duration of the campaign, Geas Fete equipment from Reisenjima can be engraved with arcane glyptics up to six times at no additional charge, with the equipment receiving the same benefits as if they were engraved with dark matter.
• Double Simulacra Segment Campaign: The drop rate for simulacra segments in colonization and lair reives will be doubled for the duration of the campaign.
• Double Unity Accolade Campaign: Unity accolade gains from completing Records of Eminence objectives and vanquishing monsters will be doubled for the duration of the campaign.
• Macrocosmic Orb Campaign: For the duration of the campaign, vanquishing certain monsters in the specific battlefields will occasionally reward players with job cards and a variety of other items. Additionally, Shemo in Port Jeuno (H-8) will exchange seals and crests at a reduced rate of 2:1. 
• Monster Rearing Campaign: Reared creatures will be twice as likely to transform for the duration of the campaign.
• Skirmish Frenzy Campaign - PLUS: Skirmishes will undergo the following changes for the duration of the campaign: personal treasure coffer ranks will increase much faster, the spawn rate of yecuexes will be increased in Alluvion Skirmishes, the spawn rate of Balamor's Adumbration will be increased in Skirmish - Yorcia Weald (U), vials of translurry will always be obtainable in Skirmish - Yorcia Weald (U), vials of transmelange are more likely to be obtained in Skirmish – Outer Ra'Kaznar (U), and the spawn rate of heartwings will be increased in Skirmishes in Yorcia Weald (U) and Outer Ra'Kaznar (U).
• Unity Wanted Campaign: For the duration of the campaign, completing Wanted I, Wanted II, and Wanted III Records of Eminence objectives will yield 2 treasure chests of each type.
• Wildskeeper Reive Campaign: Wildskeeper reives will undergo the following changes for the duration of the campaign, which are the required fame and bayld cost of the key item required to participate will be reduced, enemies will drop two pinches of high-purity bayld, enemies will drop Mog Kupons AW-WK, and the respawn times for the notorious monsters ??Colkhab, Achuka, Hurkan, Kumhau, Tchakka, and Yumcax will be reduced.

Here is the Macrocosmic Orb Campaign grid going over applicable battlefields:

• Balga's Dais: Divine Punishers
• Chamber of Oracles: Legion XI Comitatensis
• Horlais Peak: Dismemberment Brigade
• Qu'Bia Arena: Brothers D’Aurphe
• Qu'Bia Arena: Demolition Squad
• Sacrificial Chamber: Amphibian Assault
• Sacrificial Chamber: Jungle Boogymen
• Throne Room: Kindred Spirits
• Waughroon Shrine: Grimshell Shocktroopers

There is also an Abyssea Campaign element that gives people a Lunar Abyssite, 100,000 Cruor, and 11 types of Atma. It’s found at Port Jeuno (H-8) in a blue chest. However, if you already claimed it during a past run of this event, you can’t get it a second time.

There is also a High-Tier Mission Battlefield Campaign in effect. That has two bonuses tied to it. One involves getting one more drop than usual. The other means a guarantee of a certain type of reward. People could get a beitetsu box, beitetsu case, beitetsu chunk, a boulder box, a boulder case, a pluton, a pluton box, a pluton case, or a riftborn boulder. However, only these battlefields are where that can hapen. 

• Ark Angels 1
• Ark Angels 2
• Ark Angels 3
• Ark Angels 4
• Ark Angels 5
• The Celestial Nexus
• Dawn
• Head Wind 
• Legacy of the Lost
• The Moonlit Path
• One to be Feared
• Pentacide Perpetrator
• Puppet in Peril
• Rank 5 Mission
• Return to Delkfutt's Tower
• The Savage
• Trial by Earth
• Trial by Fire
• Trial by Ice
• Trial by Lightning
• Trial by Water
• Trial by Wind
• Waking the Beast
• Waking Dreams
• The Warrior's Path

The latest campaign active in FFXI is Return to Absolute Virtue. It’s available until August 8, 2024.

Final Fantasy XI is available on PCs, and the FFXI Summertime Adventurer Campaign events will run August 14, 2024 through September 3, 2024.

The post FFXI Summertime Adventurer Campaign Events Return appeared first on Siliconera.

Square Enix will hold an exhibition event in Nagoya that combines the city's traditional crafts with the former's game franchises. The SQEX Creators Exhibition will feature items modeled with illustrations from the following Square Enix titles: Final Fantasy IX, Final Fantasy XII, Star Ocean The Second Story R, Paranormasight, and the SaGa series. [Thanks, 4Gamer!]

Square Enix has also provided a map of the event area. Visitors will enter the venue from the southwestern gate. In a counter-clockwise direction, they will see the following booths in order before exiting the venue via the Theater Area:

1. Star Ocean The Second Story R - Sensu folding fan with illustration by Yukihiro Kajimoto
2. Paranormasight - Arimatsu-Narumi tie-dyed yukata with illustration by Gen Kobayashi
3. SaGa - Black-crested clothes with illustration by Satoshi Kuramochi
4. Final Fantasy XII - Tokoname pottery with illustration by Ryoma Ito
5. Final Fantasy IX - Sobajima cans with illustration by Toshiyuki Itahana

On each weekend day and holiday, Square Enix will also set up a special corner where people can pay extra to take part in the production process behind one of the traditional crafts. There will be exactly five holidays during the event, as Japan will observe the National Foundation Day on Monday, February 12, 2024. Other than the highlighted crafts, the exhibition will also showcase concept art and character artworks from each game.

Square Enix will hold the SQEX Creators Exhibition at the Chukyo TV building in Nagoya, Japan, on February 9-18, 2024.

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People will get to earn a Vivi Ornitier costume and weapon for Lucia Lin during the FFVII Ever Crisis FFIX event. Her equipment s the already announced Amarant Coral outfit for Tifa and Zidane Tribal attire for Cloud.

Square Enix revealed the items for Lucia are Vivi’s Magical Gun and Vivi’s Garb. The weapon features the Fira Surge A C. Ability to deal AOE fire damage, and the R. Ability of it boosts her attack. To earn it, people can go through event battles or the Event Exchange. Getting through Event Missions also unlocks additional rewards like an A Resonant Waltz Wallpaper for the game’s home screen. 

Here’s the trailer showing the Lucia Lin Vivi FFIX costume in FFVII Ever Crisis, as well as the Cloud and Tifa ones.

During the video, Cloud uses his Zidane’s Sword Free Energy C. Ability, while Tifa uses the Amaarant’s Claws No Mercy C. Ability. Both characters are also wearing the gear costumes for their respective characters for the video, to offer a better look at them in action.

Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis is available on mobile devices. Its Final Fantasy IX crossover begins November 9, 2023 and ends on November 24, 2023. The game will also release on the PC.

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Square Enix and Applibot announced that FFVII Ever Crisis will be host a Final Fantasy IX crossover event starting on November 9, 2023. It will feature costumes and enemies inspired by the other entry.

The Final Fantasy IX crossover event in FFVII Ever Crisis will feature Black Waltz as the boss. It will also include a new costume for Cloud based off of Zidane Tribal's outfit and a costume for Tifa based off of Amarant Coral's outfit. The crossover event will also feature new weapons, an original story, and battles with crossover-exclusive bosses based on Final Fantasy IX. There are also other unannounced campaigns that will come during the crossover event period.

Square Enix shared a video of the Final Fantasy IX event featuring the Black Waltz battle, as well as Cloud and Tifa's outfits. The video from social media can can be viewed below:

Currently, Square Enix and Applibot are running a FFVII Ever Crisis Halloween costume and weapon draw event for Cloud, Sephiroth, Zack, Glenn up until November 9, 2023.

Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis is available on mobile devices, and the Final Fantasy IX crossover begins November 9, 2023. The game is set to release on PC, but currently no release date has been set.

The post FFVII Ever Crisis x Final Fantasy IX Crossover Event Announced appeared first on Siliconera.

Square Enix released the Piano Collections Final Fantasy soundtracks for 13 titles in the series. The arrangement albums are now available to listen online, as well as sold digitally and physically. [Thanks, Game Watch!]

Here is the full lineup of Final Fantasy games whose piano arrangement soundtracks are now available to listen online:

• Final Fantasy IV
• Final Fantasy V
• Final Fantasy VI
• Final Fantasy VII
• Final Fantasy VIII
• Final Fantasy IX
• Final Fantasy X
• Final Fantasy XI
• Final Fantasy XII
• Final Fantasy XIII
• Final Fantasy XIV
• Final Fantasy XV
• Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles

To celebrate the release of the collections online, Square Enix released a 91-minute-long music video including 24 highlight songs selected from each album on the YouTube Square Enix Music Channel.

The video features an animated background displaying a piano sitting in the shore of a night beach alongside the emblematic crystals of the series. At certain points on the video a moogle will appear alongside an airship, accompanied by sound effects.

You can enjoy the highlight video for the FF Piano Collections here:

The Piano Collections Final Fantasy soundtracks for 13 titles in the series are now available to listen on various streaming platforms, including Spotify and YouTube.

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Square Enix’s official site recently shared an article suggesting Final Fantasy XVI is the perfect “first” Final Fantasy game for someone. Well, as somebody who’s played every mainline entry, not to mention spin-offs like Final Fantasy Type-0 and Agito, I would like to refute that. As I pointed out in my review, Final Fantasy XVI is a more-than-fine game. However, it’s not a great example of a Final Fantasy game, and there are better places to start.
[caption id="attachment_973815" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Siliconera[/caption]

Why isn’t Final Fantasy XVI the best first Final Fantasy game for newcomers to start their journeys? 2375l

I mean, since part of this is a rebuttal to what Square Enix directly said, it’s best I match it point for point. The first argument is that Final Fantasy XVI is a standalone adventure. However, that holds true for every mainline entry. (As long as you don’t pick up something like Final Fantasy IV: The After Years or Final Fantasy X-2.) Each one is an entirely new story, so there’s no sense of going with that, and they’re all designed to be approachable with many tutorials and introductions to all entries’ worlds.

The other argument noting that it is a mature story is a bit flawed, as the only real “mature” parts are that it throws around the word “fuck” a lot and is incredibly gory compared to other installments. Given the depth of some other entries’ statements, I’d say their storylines could be considered more mature, if that’s what you’re looking for.

There’s also the battle system. While Final Fantasy XVI is a fine action game, that isn’t what the series as a whole is known for. It’s a line of RPGs, and this is the only installment that shoves that element basically into the gutter on the side of the road. You can still see some of it! Clive levels up and occasionally gets some rare new equipment! There are side quests, but they’re all fetch quests! It’s completely different than other entries in the series. As such, that makes it a poor place to start, because none of the other mainline games are anything like it.

The only point where the assertion makes a good argument is that there’s a free trial. However, you can also take part in a free trial for Final Fantasy XIV, and the MMORPG is probably just as good as an example as Final Fantasy XVI.

So what should be your first Final Fantasy game to start diving into the series? 173l3b

This is a complicated answer, because the ideal first Final Fantasy game to start someone off varies based on what you might want most from the experience. I’d say there are four pretty good possible responses.
[caption id="attachment_973817" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Square Enix[/caption]

Final Fantasy IX 492m12

This is the all-purpose one! Final Fantasy XI perfectly captures that “magical” feeling about the series. The crystals are there. We have characters representing traditional classes present throughout most installments. The story is fantastic. The battle system follows the traditional ATB format, but is just handled very well. It’s just a great entry.
[caption id="attachment_973818" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Square Enix[/caption]

Final Fantasy VI 5g6pb

I’d say start with Final Fantasy VI if you want one of the most ambitious and surprising installments in the series and care about seeing a large cast of characters. While Final Fantasy XVI touts a “mature” storyline, I’d say this is better act actually telling a deep and dark tale. Many characters feature incredibly detailed and in some cases horrifying backstories, and Square Enix perfectly showed growth for all of them throughout the course of this incredibly serious adventure about a group of rebels facing off against a corrupt empire and the man it fostered. Considering there are 14 of them, that’s a pretty big deal!

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Final Fantasy VII 171d2g

I mean, I have to say Final Fantasy VII is one of the best entries to start with as your first foray, because it’s the “big” one. It’s arguably the most famous in general and is the one best known to mainstream players. It also takes place in a more modern setting, which some might favor compared to the more fantasy-world ones. (It and Final Fantasy VIII are the main two that offer that. Also, while Cloud is the "star," the game doesn't solely focus on him the way Final Fantasy XVI does and allows all of its characters to have their moments.

Also, you could stick Final Fantasy VII Remake under this umbrella, as it fits as a good introduction to what “modern” entries in the series are like. This is due to it abandoning turn-based combat for action and being more streamlined.

[caption id="attachment_973820" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image via Square Enix[/caption]

Final Fantasy XII 363h57

Speaking of “modern” entries, most of them abandon turn-based battles and controlling party while focusing on political storylines with all sorts of intrigue. Final Fantasy XII is the entry in which Square Enix first started to do that! And it did it really well. The character building elements are great. The story is solid. Also, out of all the modern battle systems for Final Fantasy games, I like this one the best as it still offers control over allies.

Final Fantasy XVI is available for the PlayStation 5 alongside a free demo. There is a six-month exclusivity period.

The post Final Fantasy XVI Shouldn’t Be Your First Final Fantasy appeared first on Siliconera.

People interested in the Android version of Final Fantasy IX won't find it in the Amazon App Store for the moment. Square Enix noted that the game is suffering from a cloud save issue. As a result, it is temporarily unavailable to buy from there. It remains on Google Play for $20.99 as usual.

This temporary removal only applies to new purchases of the Android version of Final Fantasy IX from Amazon. If someone already picked it up on the Amazon App Store, they can still play and re the game as usual. However, newcomers will find it impossible to purchase via that storefront until Square Enix fixes it. They also will be able to play and enjoy the game as usual, but can't use cloud saves properly.

Square Enix also confirmed that the company is working on a fix. However, on the official site it also noted, "We are currently looking into the issue and working on a fix, but we expect that it will take some time until it is resolved."

Final Fantasy IX is available on the PlayStation, PS4, Switch, Xbox One, PC, and Android and Apple iOS devices. An animated TV show based on the game is also in development.

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