The renowned composer of the Final Fantasy saga, Nobuo Uematsu, has expressed his strong opinion on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in music creation during a recent interview with JASRAC Magazine. Despite the technology allowing the emerging appearance of “musicians” generated by AI, such as The Velvet Sundown, Uematsu claims he has never used this tool and probably never will. A complete disinterest in it, Uematsu argues that music produced by human beings has instabilities and peculiarities that make it unique. “What makes it sound so satisfying are precisely those […]
The renowned composer of the Final Fantasy saga, Nobuo Uematsu, has expressed his strong opinion on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in music creation during a recent interview with JASRAC Magazine. Although technology has allowed for the emerging appearance of “musicians” generated by AI, such as The Velvet Sundown, Uematsu claims that he has never used this tool and probably never will.
A complete disinterest in it
Uematsu argues that music produced by humans has instabilities and peculiarities that make it unique. “What makes it sound so satisfying are precisely those fluctuations and imperfections,” commented the composer. This perspective is part of a broader critique of the evolution of music in video games, where he points out a concerning trend towards more “Hollywood” styles and the lack of originality in current compositions. According to him, the use of AI tools can inhibit composers by preventing them from delving into their personal experiences and expressing unique aspects of their creativity.
Although Uematsu acknowledges that AI could be useful in certain technical aspects of music creation, such as the smooth transition between sounds, he emphasizes that the creative process remains more rewarding when musicians are allowed to face their own challenges. “When you listen to music, you also enjoy discovering the background of the person who created it. AI doesn’t have that kind of story,” he stated.
Regarding technological innovations in audio production, Uematsu mentioned achievements such as studio recording and binaural audio, which has already been implemented in Final Fantasy X. However, there are questions about how players will react to these innovations in the future, raising a debate about the future of music in video games.
Square Enix has confirmed the return of the popular Dissidia subseries with the announcement of Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy, a new free-to-play mobile game set to launch in 2026. This installment will be available for Android and iOS platforms and will offer cooperative battles with teams of three iconic characters from the Final Fantasy series. The game will be set in a futuristic Tokyo, facing a crisis caused by negative energy that releases monsters, creating a narrative context that promises to engage players. It is a completely new game in the franchise The closed beta of the game will have […]
Square Enix has confirmed the return of the popular Dissidia subseries with the announcement of Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy, a new free-to-play mobile game set to launch in 2026. This installment will be available for Android and iOS platforms and will offer cooperative battles with teams of three iconic characters from the Final Fantasy series. The game will be set in a futuristic Tokyo, facing a crisis caused by negative energy that releases monsters, creating a narrative context that promises to engage players.
It is a completely new game from the franchise
The closed beta of the game will take place from November 6 to 14, allowing players to test the game dynamics and provide crucial feedback to improve the experience. This use of early testing indicates a clear approach by Square Enix towards the gaming community, seeking to balance the pace of the game and other mechanics.
Despite the enthusiasm for the return of the Dissidia brand, the decision to launch a mobile game has left some fans disappointed. Many were hoping for a remaster of Dissidia Duodecim, which generated criticism about the direction the franchise has taken. However, the developers have promised that the controls will be optimized for one-handed play, designed to enhance the experience on mobile devices.
Among the characters that can be selected are iconic figures such as Cloud, Rinoa, and Lightning, which will surely attract both new players and veterans of the saga. At the end of the battles, the heroes will have the opportunity to integrate into the daily life of Tokyo, highlighting a more narrative and personal approach to the game’s story.
Naoki ‘Yoshi-P’ Yoshida, producer and director of Final Fantasy XIV, has announced a major update aimed at highlighting the uniqueness of each job in the battle content of the popular MMORPG. However, his statements have generated confusion and concern among the community. Yoshi-P indicated that for those players satisfied with the current state of the game, nothing will change, which has left many wondering about the depth of the changes that will be implemented. Fans don’t know what to think In an interview with PCGamesN, Yoshi-P assured that although in the main narrative not always […]
Naoki ‘Yoshi-P’ Yoshida, producer and director of Final Fantasy XIV, has announced a significant update aimed at highlighting the uniqueness of each job in the battle content of the popular MMORPG. However, his statements have generated confusion and concern among the community. Yoshi-P indicated that for those players satisfied with the current state of the game, nothing will change, which has left many in doubt regarding the depth of the changes that will be implemented.
Fans don’t know what to think
In an interview with PCGamesN, Yoshi-P assured that although a unique expression for jobs in each patch cannot always be offered in the main narrative, significant work is being done on an update to enhance that individuality in combat roles. However, the mixed reception of the latest expansion, Dawntrail, has been noticeable, currently holding mostly Negative reviews on Steam and not meeting player expectations regarding job individuality.
Yoshi-P also mentioned the possibility of Final Fantasy XIV incorporating a housing system, similar to that of World of Warcraft, with special techniques for decoration. This could be an interesting step to increase customization and community engagement.
Despite Square Enix’s ambitions, many fans have expressed their disappointment on forums and social media, questioning the apparent contradiction between the promise of significant changes and the assurance that nothing will change for current players. Some believe it is crucial to address the homogenization in the works, and they hope the company truly listens to the concerns of its user base. As development of new updates progresses, it remains to be seen how Square Enix will balance these two dimensions: innovation and player satisfaction.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has swept this year for knowing how to channel the spirit of classic JRPGs and give them a contemporary twist and a high-budget project finish. Exactly what a whole nostalgic generation of the Final Fantasy from the first two PlayStations wants. But many others, who grew up with JRPGs beyond the Final Fantasy of those two generations and who have not stopped playing the genre, feel that something is missing in the game. We lack the feeling that it truly is a JRPG. Because JRPGs are more than turn-based battles, […]
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has taken the year by storm for knowing how to channel the spirit of classic JRPGs and give them a contemporary twist and a high-budget project finish. Exactly what a nostalgic generation of the Final Fantasy from the first two PlayStations wants. But many others, who grew up with JRPGs beyond the Final Fantasy of those two generations and who have not stopped playing the genre, feel that something is missing in the game. We miss it truly feeling like a JRPG.
Because JRPGs are more than turn-based battles, anime aesthetics, and stories about saving the world. In fact, they don’t have to be any of these things. Something that was masterfully demonstrated by a Belgian game in 2008 that couldn’t have a more peculiar name: Off.
One of the most interesting JRPGs of the 00s
Developed by Unproductive Fun Time, a team made up of two people, Mortis Ghost and Alias Conrad Coldwood, the game makes us control El Bateador, a man dressed like a baseball player with a single purpose: to purify the world. To do this, he will have to exterminate all the spirits he encounters along the way, but also those who command, produce, and control them. All with the aim of making the world pure again.
The game, since its release, became an obsession for certain online communities, especially those who love JRPGs that were on platforms like Tumblr. Although originally published in French, its translation into English allowed it to reach a wider audience, becoming one of the most popular games of its year.
Off was created in RPG Maker 2003 and was inspired by games like Final Fantasy, Silent Hill 2, or Killer 7, as well as the novel Ten Little Indians by Agatha Christie, which already suggests the particular strangeness of the game. But it can also make something evident: it is a game made without many resources and that, in not a few ways, can be difficult to play today. This is something that Fangamer has thought would be perfect for a remaster.
With Mortis Ghost at the helm, although without Alias Conrad Coldwood, this remaster of Off is the same game, but more polished. The combat now feels better and is more technical, the graphics are in high definition, and there is more optional content for those who played the original. The only substantial change is the soundtrack, which replaces the original with a new one composed for the occasion by Toby Fox, the creator of Undertale and Deltarune. Both games are heavily influenced by Off.
An example of what a remaster and a JRPG should be
This remaster respects the essence of the original, being the optimal way to play Off today. Perhaps the only Western JRPG that deserves to be called this way for anyone who is a lover of JRPGs due to the depth and interest of its battles and narrative.
Anyone who enjoys RPGs, experimental games, or works of art that play with the boundaries of what is real and what is fiction should play Off. A game full of subtleties, that constantly puts the player in uncomfortable and interesting situations, and that should not go unnoticed. Not in the year of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Because everything that is said about that one applies to Off as well, and even in a more genuine way. Because Off may be the best JRPG of its generation. And it’s not even Japanese.
Vivi is probably the most beloved character in the history of Final Fantasy. This is very evident with the prominence he is currently having in Magic: The Gathering with its new Final Fantasy collection, with Vivi Ornitier being the most played card from the new collection. But that’s not all. Because Square Enix knows that the character is very popular and Final Fantasy IX is one of the most acclaimed installments. Vivi Ornitier, the protagonist of Final Fantasy in 2025. That is why Square Enix has announced a new prequel book based on the beloved character Vivi and his grandfather […]
Vivi is probably the most beloved character in the history of Final Fantasy. This is very evident with the prominence he is currently having in Magic: The Gathering with its new Final Fantasy collection, with Vivi Ornitier being the most played card from the new collection. But that’s not all. Because Square Enix knows that the character is very popular and Final Fantasy IX is one of the most acclaimed installments.
Vivi Ornitier, the protagonist of Final Fantasy in 2025
That’s why Square Enix has announced a new prequel book based on the beloved character Vivi and his grandfather Quan, which explores their story along with beautiful illustrations and a recently revealed teaser trailer. The book promises to provide answers to some of the most intriguing questions about the characters from Final Fantasy IX.
The story reveals the origin of the name Vivi, explaining that it comes from the measurement corresponding to her height, which is six feet and six inches. In a funny twist, Quan measures Vivi from her feet to the tip of her characteristic pointed hat, resulting in the figure VI, VI, an unexpected connection that has led many fans to reconsider their interpretation of the character’s name. For more than two decades, followers of the story had assumed that the name Vivi had a more significant meaning, possibly related to the Latin word “viviente”.
All of this coincides with the recent release of the Final Fantasy collection of Magic: The Gathering, which recently had its Protour, won very appropriately by a Japanese player: Ken Yukuhiro. Although his favorite Final Fantasy is V, he had to face many Vivi Ornitier to rise to the prize. Winning, indeed, with a card that could not be more fitting for Final Fantasy V: Self-Destruct.
It also coincides with the fact that speculation about a possible remake of Final Fantasy IX remains alive. Fans are optimistic, especially in the context of the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the original game, an event that has fueled rumors about various projects in development. Although the remake of Final Fantasy IX has not yet been confirmed, the importance given to Vivi Ornitier by releasing a book telling his life or creating a particularly powerful card in Magic: The Gathering has sparked hope in the gaming community.
Additionally, the special website created to commemorate the anniversary has hinted that “several projects” might be in the works, adding to the renewed interest in the saga brought by the Magic: The Gathering collection, which has led many to speculate about the future of that hypothetical remake. Meanwhile, the prequel book and the various Vivi cards from the Final Fantasy collection are an excellent complement while fans eagerly await official news about it. Especially now, as Vivi Ornitier is one of the most played cards in Magic.
Magic: The Gathering Arena is a free online card game for Windows developed by Wizards of the Coast. Magic is undoubtedly one of the most important and iconic collectible card games, with millions of players worldwide and official competitions with great prizes. Now, thanks to Magic: The Gathering Arena, you can enjoy this card game on your computer for free.
The entertainment and video game platform Steam has excited retro fans with the release of 3dSen, an innovative emulator that allows playing NES titles in 3D. This emulator, which has been in early access for five years, is characterized by its ability to create custom profiles for each game, allowing it to transform 2D graphics into 3D for a unique visual experience. Currently, 3dSen supports 100 NES games, including classics like Contra, Super Mario Bros, Castlevania, and Gradius. A new way to play the classics In addition to its 3D conversion, 3dSen includes […]
The entertainment and video game platform Steam has excited retro fans with the release of 3dSen, an innovative emulator that allows playing NES titles in 3D. This emulator, which has been in early access for five years, is characterized by its ability to create custom profiles for each game, allowing it to transform 2D graphics into 3D for a unique visual experience. Currently, 3dSen supports 100 NES games, including classics like Contra, Super Mario Bros, Castlevania, and Gradius.
A new way to play the classics
In addition to its 3D conversion, 3dSen includes modern features that enhance gameplay, such as quick saving, rewind, and fast forward. These tools are especially useful for players who want to complete time-consuming sections of games, such as some levels of Final Fantasy. The combination of nostalgia and technology makes this emulator stand out among its competitors.
3dSen was the first emulator to be sold on Steam, with prices of $9 USD for the standard version and $15 USD for the VR version, which also includes the standard version. VR compatibility allows players to enjoy titles like Duck Hunt and Punch-Out!! using motion controls; however, this option is more expensive and may not be accessible to all users.
It is important to highlight that the use of emulators like 3dSen is not illegal, as long as players provide their own ROMs. This offers relief to users concerned about potential legal implications, especially as the rise of emulators on official platforms like Steam is observed. With the modernization of classics in this format, players can rediscover their favorite childhood games in a completely new and exciting way.
The remastering of one of the most beloved titles in the Final Fantasy saga, titled Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, will be released on September 30 for PC and consoles, offering a new opportunity for fans and new players to enjoy this classic. However, the development process has been a true challenge, as there were no original data or source code for the game, which forced the developers to rebuild it from scratch. It is difficult to remake a game when you have to do it from scratch Kazutoyo Maehiro, the project director, explained in a recent interview […]
The remastering of one of the most beloved titles in the Final Fantasy saga, titled Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, will be released on September 30 for PC and consoles, offering a new opportunity for fans and new players to enjoy this classic. However, the development process has been a true challenge, as there were no original data or source code of the game, which forced the developers to rebuild it from scratch.
It’s hard to remake a game when you have to do it from scratch
Kazutoyo Maehiro, project director, explained in a recent interview that, due to common practices at the time, the data of the original game was overwritten every time it was localized for a new language. This fact meant that the team had to analyze different existing versions of the title and, at times, play the original game to intuitively capture its essence. Maehiro emphasized that “each challenge stemmed from this lack of master data, which contrasts with current standards of video game preservation.”
The remastered version will include a modern user interface, full voice acting, dialogues added by the original writer and director Yasumi Matsuno, autosaves, and adjustable battle speed. For those who prefer the classic aesthetic, there will be a mode that maintains the original graphics but revokes several of the new features implemented.
The balance between attracting new players and satisfying fans of the original game has been a priority. Maehiro commented that, while some believe that remasters should not go overboard, the team considers it essential to offer both an accessible enhanced version and an option that resembles more closely the game that millions of fans adored at its original launch.
With its expected arrival in September, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles promises to be a renewed experience that pays homage to its legacy.
The remastering of the classic turn-based strategy game, Final Fantasy Tactics, titled Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles, will be released on September 30, 2025, for multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PlayStation. This announcement was made during the recent PlayStation event, generating notable excitement among fans of the series. Wasn’t it the Final Fantasy title you were expecting a remaster of? The new release features two game modes: the classic mode, which maintains the original experience, using the translated script from the The War of the Lions version, […]
The remastering of the classic turn-based strategy game, Final Fantasy Tactics, titled Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles, will be released on September 30, 2025, for multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PlayStation. This announcement was made during the recent PlayStation event, generating notable excitement among fans of the series.
Wasn’t it the Final Fantasy title you were expecting a remaster of?
The new release features two game modes: the classic mode, which maintains the original experience, using the translated script from the version The War of the Lions, and the enhanced mode, which incorporates a revised script, full voice acting, and improvements in the interface and graphics. However, the new artistic direction has received mixed reviews, as some players continue to prefer the original pixel art, while others appreciate the smoothed textures.
One aspect that has excited fans is the return of many members of the original team, such as director Kazutoyo Maehiro, art director Hiroshi Minagawa, and writer Yasumi Matsuno. The latter shared reflections on the social themes present in Final Fantasy Tactics, which were influenced by the Japanese economy in the 1990s. Matsuno hopes that the game’s story continues to resonate in a current world marked by inequality and social resistance.
The new voice cast, composed of actors who have worked on other Square Enix titles, includes Timothy Watson and Ben Starr, among others. Additionally, the characters of Cloud and Aerith from Final Fantasy VII will once again be voiced by their actors from the remake series, Cody Christian and Briana White. As the release date approaches, anticipation for The Ivalice Chronicles continues to grow, leading fans to debate the impact and relevance of its narrative in the current context.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has surprised the gaming community and critics since its release in late April 2025. With over 3.3 million copies sold, the game is quickly establishing itself as one of the year’s emerging big hits. Sandfall Interactive, the developing studio, has managed to attract a wide audience, resulting in numerous requests from players for new features, including a photo mode. The photo mode is something that a game like Clair Obscur needs. The art director, Nicholas Maxon, addressed the growing demand for this functionality during a […]
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has surprised the gaming community and critics since its release in late April 2025. With over 3.3 million copies sold, the game is quickly establishing itself as one of the year’s emerging big hits. Sandfall Interactive, the developing studio, has managed to attract a wide audience, resulting in numerous requests from players for new features, including a photo mode.
The photo mode is something that a game like Clair Obscur needs
The art director, Nicholas Maxon, addressed the growing demand for this functionality during a recent appearance on the Final Fantasy Union program. He confirmed that, in addition to requests from players, the internal team has also expressed interest in implementing a photo mode, saying: “It’s very high on our list of things we want to do, because it’s clearly a recurring request.” However, Maxon warned that implementing this feature will require a significant amount of work.
For the moment, the main focus of the development team is on fixing bugs and making quality of life improvements to the game. Maxon mentioned that “our biggest focus right now is to fix all those little bugs that we see popping up on the internet.” Despite the multiple requests from players, including the improvement of Lumina settings, the team’s priority remains stabilizing the user experience.
In addition to continuing work on Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Sandfall Interactive is already preparing to start its next project. According to Matthew Handrahan from Kepler Interactive, the success of Expedition 33 can be attributed to several factors, and the studio is ready to capitalize on this momentum by preparing its next adventure in the world of video games.
The year 2023 has been widely recognized as one of the best years in the history of video games, highlighting titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. However, another game that has captured the attention of players is Sea of Stars, a pixel art J-RPG developed by Sabotage Studio, which pays homage to classics like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger. This title has not only been acclaimed for its quality but has also proven to be a benchmark in the genre, standing out for its dialogues, puzzles, and clever combat. […]
The year 2023 has been widely recognized as one of the best years in the history of video games, highlighting titles such as Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. However, another game that has captured the attention of players is Sea of Stars, a pixel art J-RPG developed by Sabotage Studio, which pays homage to classics like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger. This title has not only been acclaimed for its quality but has also proven to be a benchmark in the genre, standing out for its dialogues, puzzles, and clever combat.
Sea of Stars receives a DLC that you can’t miss
Recently, the Canadian team released a free DLC titled Throes of the Watchmaker. This expansion promises an additional experience that connects with the main story and offers up to eight hours of gameplay, including new classes for the protagonists and numerous enemies. After completing the DLC, it is noted that the quality of the additional content is exceptional, although smaller in scale compared to the main adventure of Valere and Zale.
Throes of the Watchmaker focuses on secondary characters like Keenathan and the Watchmaker, taking them to a circus world where they will have to adapt to new combat methodologies. However, some players may find that the new skills, while creative, sacrifice a bit of the fantasy of combat for a more comedic approach, which may not match the impact of the intense ending of the main story.
Despite this, the battles in the DLC present a significant level of difficulty, requiring players to remember previous concepts and face challenges that are not suitable for beginners. The puzzle and exploration skills remain the strong point of Sea of Stars, organizing gameplay into challenges that provide a stimulating experience. With Throes of the Watchmaker, Sabotage Studio’s commitment to reconstituting the elements that made the base game a success is highlighted, ensuring that the expansion is meaningful content for fans.
