Final Fantasy 35th Anniversary Interview Part 1 Featuring Sakaguchi, Kitase & More Now Available in English

Square Enix has uploaded a fully English-subtitled version of the Final Fantasy 35th Anniversary Special Interview featuring host Matsuzawa Chikai, Final Fantasy creator Sakaguchi Hironobu, Square Enix Art Director Shibuya Kazuko, and Final Fantasy Brand Manager Yoshinori Kitase.

The group converses about the franchise’s origins, various facets regarding its development, and other such tangentially related subject matter. A mix of generalities and niche topics are brought up, so it’s all pretty captivating.

You can view the first part of the Final Fantasy 35th Anniversary Special interview below:

• You can download the official Final Fantasy XVI demo now.
• Check out the game’s official launch art and message from the developers.
• In case you missed it, check out our review.
• Monster Hunt Guide
• Sidequest Guide
• Chronolith Trials Guide
• Wall of Memories Guide

Final Fantasy XVI is a more action-heavy entry than its predecessors, with a Devil May Cry V designer even taking the helm. Throughout the title, players will control the protagonist, Clive, as he confronts various Dominants, humans who have been cursed with the power to become Eikons.

Clive is the “First Shield of Rosaria,” sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, who’s the Dominant of Phoenix. However, following a certain tragedy, Clive swears revenge on the Dark Eikon Ifrit.

The producer, Naoki Yoshida, describes this game as akin to his experience with the first Final Fantasy, as “playing the lead in an epic motion picture.” The reasoning for this title’s action-oriented approach and more classical fantasy setting was to “appeal to as wide a range of gamers as possible.” Moreover, “there will be a “comprehensive support system in place for players who aren’t too confident with action games.”