{"id":1950191,"date":"2026-05-22T21:21:14","date_gmt":"2026-05-22T18:21:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1950191"},"modified":"2026-05-22T21:21:14","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T18:21:14","slug":"final-fantasy-11-team-explores-adding-new-areas-as-player-count-explodes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1950191","title":{"rendered":"Final Fantasy 11 Team Explores Adding New Areas as Player Count Explodes"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-cy=\"article-content\" class=\"jsx-2870106660 article-content page-0\">\n<section data-cy=\"article-subtitle\" class=\"article jsx-3932497636 article-section jsx-28683165 news\" data-autopogo=\"true\">\n<section class=\"article-page\">\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Although <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/games\/final-fantasy-xi\">Final Fantasy 11<\/a> turns 24 this year, the MMORPG enjoyed a big boost in concurrent player count thanks to the successful Final Fantasy 14 crossover event. In light of this unexpected rise in popularity, FF11\u2019s current director Yoji Fujito talked about what\u2019s next for the online game, suggesting that a brand new area and story could be in the pipeline.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">In a recent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.famitsu.com\/article\/202605\/75074\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>Famitsu interview<\/u><\/a>, Fujito hinted that the team might be able to add new areas and storylines to FF11. However, he explained that technical issues and a shortage of staff means that they can\u2019t just simply add a new area onto the 24 year old online game ASAP.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Although FF11 has been moving its aging physical servers to virtual servers, this initiative is to ensure the game remains playable in its current state, and no changes were made with a view to supporting a large-scale expansion. \u201cEven if we decide to add a new area, we cannot do this using conventional methods at present because we have run out of IDs for management. However, we know that we can free up a few ID slots, so we are currently investigating how we can make use of this,\u201d Fujito explained, adding that these efforts may make it possible to add a new area to the game. \u201cDepending on the results, I feel that some sort of project might get underway.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"jsx-2228525885\"><\/button><span data-cy=\"slideshow-view-trigger\"><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-preview\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 slideshow-preview\">\n<h3 class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-1085005187\" data-cy=\"slideshow-preview-title\">Every IGN Final Fantasy Game Review<\/h3>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-container\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 images-container\"><button type=\"button\" data-cy=\"hero-image\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 hero-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"IGN has published more than 90 different Final Fantasy reviews over the last two and a half decades since 1997's Final Fantasy VII, and we've rounded each one up into this handy slideshow.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><span class=\"button-text jsx-729543028 button button--primary jsx-3381835873 jsx-4266531355 row-pagination-button next contained centered round large\" data-cy=\"paginate next\" title=\"Open Slideshow\"><span class=\"ign-icon right-chevron jsx-2750866048 jsx-2919720488\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-cy=\"right-chevron\" style=\"background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-list\" class=\"scrollbar jsx-2072772685 jsx-4243969252 images-list\"><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/theatrhythm-final-bar-line-review&quot;&gt;Reviewed by Jada Griffin&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;February 14, 2023&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is full of charm and nostalgia alike, with cutesy versions of my favorite Final Fantasy characters and excellent remixes of the iconic songs that accompanied them. The light RPG mechanics, coupled with traditional rhythm mechanics, is easy enough to get into and deep enough to entertain fans of both. It's a little bit of a letdown that there isn't any storyline for your party of heroes to follow or another hook to keep me playing beyond beating my own scores in Endless mode, but its impressive tracklist makes Theatrhythm Final Bar Line an enjoyable way to listen to and play along with the most memorable songs from the Final Fantasy series. &lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&nbsp;&lt;\/p&gt;\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"rounded jsx-412047461 overlay progressive-image jsx-2338608387 expand\" data-cy=\"slideshow-image-overlay\">\n<div data-cy=\"element-caption\" class=\"caption jsx-1762799490\">View 94 Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt='&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/crisis-core-final-fantasy-7-reunion-review\"&gt;Reviewed by Colin Stevens&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;December 7, 2022&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Crisis Core \u2013Final Fantasy 7\u2013 Reunion pushes the definition of a remaster to the edge, completely renovating the 15-year-old PSP game\u2019s graphics, combat, and more. That said, many of the design choices made for the handheld original \u2013 like bite-sized side missions and an abundance of loading screens \u2013 are left intact, keeping this experience from feeling completely modern. But even with a few aging quirks, Crisis Core remains a fun, compelling, and integral chapter in the ongoing Compilation of Final Fantasy 7, and Reunion is the absolute best way to experience it.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&nbsp;&lt;\/p&gt;' class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt='&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/stranger-of-paradise-final-fantasy-origin-review\"&gt;Reviewed by Jada Griffin&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;March 14, 2022&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;It began as a collection of the loosest of story ideas that seemed to go nowhere, but slowly but surely Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin pulled it all together and managed to stick the landing \u2013 though you\u2019ll want to be sure to scour it for collectibles if you want the full effect of its revelations. A solid and engaging action combat system can be tuned to be as challenging as it is rewarding. Coupled with versatile character customization that lets you mix and match from dozens of interchangeable jobs, your character fights how you see fit and gives the ability to experiment and find a winning combination in single-player or three-player co-op. There\u2019s significant room for improvement in the tools it gives you to manage the avalanche of gear that drops in every mission, but the nods to Final Fantasy history littered throughout its levels are enough to divert attention from that sort of thing. Add in all the extra challenges awaiting after finishing the story, and you will find plenty of content to sink your teeth into that is made even better when you join up with others.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&nbsp;&lt;\/p&gt;' class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/final-fantasy-xiv-endwalker-review-ffxiv&quot;&gt;Reviewed by Leif Johnson&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;December 21, 2021&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Packed with hours of meaningful cutscenes and unforgettable new zones, Endwalker marks a satisfying conclusion to Final Fantasy XIV's story as it has existed to date. While it doesn't introduce many new gameplay elements, it does deliver two new excellent DPS and healing jobs that should appeal to both new and experienced players and includes some of the best boss battles we\u2019ve seen in this decade-old game. If this is how Final Fantasy XIV's showrunners end a story, then I'm more than ready to walk with them from the beginning to the end of the next one. \n&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&nbsp;&lt;\/p&gt;\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt='&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/final-fantasy-7-remake-intergrade-episode-intermission-dlc-review\"&gt;Reviewed by Mitchell Saltzman&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;June 15, 2021&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Intergrade\u2019s Intermission DLC is a short but substantial chunk of content with an extraordinarily fleshed out new style of combat, fun and worthwhile side activities, and \u2013 most importantly \u2013 Yuffie. The Wutai ninja is witty, funny, adorable, and brings a lighthearted energy to the dreary setting of Midgar that feels like a breath of fresh air. It is still ultimately just a DLC, and it\u2019ll likely only keep you busy for a day or two, but if you\u2019re a fan of Final Fantasy 7 Remake and looking for more, this is an Intermission well worth taking. \n&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&nbsp;&lt;\/p&gt;' class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Fujito emphasized that the team is currently laying the groundwork for potential new FF11 story content. FF11 hasn&#8217;t had a new episodic story since The Voracious Resurgence, and part of the reason for this is that storywriting staff are currently tied up with other projects at Square Enix. But, once they have finished, \u201cwe are planning to have them return to the FF11 team to see if they can produce something new,\u201d Fujito said. At the same time, engineers are working on graphics resource management middleware. \u201cOnce we resolve this, it will be possible to make new cutscenes again,\u201d Fujito added.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Last year, Final Fantasy 14 kicked off the Echoes of Vana\u2019diel crossover event with FF11, which brought renewed attention to the FF series\u2019 first MMORPG outing. Old adventurers and new players alike were drawn to FF11 thanks to EoV, a welcome back initiative, the revamped Limbus and the Mog Bonanza weapons giveaway, pushing up the player count. Much to the developers\u2019 surprise, rather than taking a temporary vacation to Vana\u2019diel, players seem to be sticking with veteran MMO.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">This unforeseen rise in concurrent players forced Square Enix to close <a href=\"https:\/\/www.playonline.com\/pcd2\/topics\/ff11eu\/detail\/40149\/detail.html\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>some servers<\/u><\/a> to newcomers to prevent overpopulation. \u201cWe predicted that many people would try out FF11 and soon stop playing, so we expected the player surge to go back down, however many players have chosen to stay in Vana\u2019diel,\u201d said Fujito. \u201cOverall, the high player count has been stable with no sudden drop.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-2021719738 video jsx-2008855984 aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9\">\n<div class=\"badge jsx-1349606671 jsx-3647116352\"><span class=\"ign-icon icon-play jsx-2750866048 jsx-1044454891\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-cy=\"icon-play\" aria-label=\"Play\" style=\"background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Echoes of Vana\u2019diel also attracted streamers to FF11, with Fujito noting: \u201cI feel that we reached an audience we hadn\u2019t reached before.\u201d The EoV crossover triggered a virtuous cycle of FF14 players becoming interested in FF11 and checking out streams. \u201cThey then think, \u2018I want to give it a go myself,\u2019 and start playing (FF11) and sharing info about it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Over the past year, the Final Fantasy 11 development team has gradually revamped the game\u2019s Limbus content for high level players so the difficulty and rewards better match today\u2019s playerbase. Fujito noted that their goal is to \u201cprioritize ease of play for solo players and small groups.\u201d To this end, the team has also been enhancing the Faces system, which allows solo players to create a virtual party for team quests, bringing virtual character levels in-line with the player\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Fujito revealed that Limbus\u2019s revamp is slated to wrap up this June, when they will add the final boss and two new accompanying battle themes by veteran FF11 composer Naoshi Mizuta.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">He also acknowledged the sharp differences in difficulty level between FF11\u2019s worlds. \u201cWe realize that this is an issue,\u201d Fujito said, adding that the team plans to look into adjusting Grace buffs after the Limbus revamp is completed. \u201cIf we were to adjust it, we would make uniform adjustments to Grace buff speeds across all worlds instead of dealing with each world individually.\u201d <\/p>\n<p><span data-cy=\"tierlist-view-trigger\"><\/p>\n<section class=\"box-wrapper jsx-2673806401\" id=\"best-mainline-final-fantasy-games\" data-cy=\"best-mainline-final-fantasy-games\">\n<div class=\"card jsx-1339469126 jsx-1355461925 box jsx-2627838217\">\n<div><dialog class=\"dialog tier-list-modal jsx-55470089\" aria-labelledby=\"contentLabel\"><\/dialog><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"stack jsx-3547261442 jsx-2986308351\"><span class=\"stack jsx-2959124702 jsx-4269505506 TierListHeader_header__xyy5a\"><span class=\"stack jsx-3647836811 jsx-4269505506 TierListHeader_title__UxzQx\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ign-icon icon-tier-list jsx-2750866048 jsx-1879929830\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-cy=\"icon-tier-list\" alt=\"Tier List\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kraken.ignimgs.com\/_next\/static\/media\/TierList.c19f1c86.svg?cors=0\"><\/p>\n<h3 data-cy=\"title3\" class=\"title3 jsx-12333944 jsx-2321054750 TierListHeader_full__J6p2u\">Best Mainline Final Fantasy Games<\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-957202555 TierListHeader_compact__7JWp1 balanced\">Best Mainline Final Fantasy Games<\/h3>\n<p><\/span><\/span><span class=\"stack jsx-3547261442\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-740175521 fade-in-out\"><span class=\"stack jsx-3547261442 jsx-2986308351\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-12151557 tier-list-skeleton\"><span class=\"stack jsx-659253495 tiers\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"tier Tier_tier___6egS\">\n<div class=\"TierTitle_title__Q4E_6 TierTitle_s-tier__uaHwM\">\n<div class=\"interface jsx-326752785 jsx-3004210145 TierTitle_text__xca95 bold break-word\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier-items-row s-tier TierItems_tier-items-row__q2OSM TierItems_s-tier__Jrv1z\" style=\"max-height:66px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier Tier_tier___6egS\">\n<div class=\"TierTitle_title__Q4E_6 TierTitle_a-tier__z0Xky\">\n<div class=\"interface jsx-326752785 jsx-3004210145 TierTitle_text__xca95 bold break-word\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier-items-row a-tier TierItems_tier-items-row__q2OSM TierItems_a-tier__EGxbh\" style=\"max-height:66px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier Tier_tier___6egS\">\n<div class=\"TierTitle_title__Q4E_6 TierTitle_b-tier__nsZIP\">\n<div class=\"interface jsx-326752785 jsx-3004210145 TierTitle_text__xca95 bold break-word\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier-items-row b-tier TierItems_tier-items-row__q2OSM TierItems_b-tier__aI1S1\" style=\"max-height:66px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier Tier_tier___6egS\">\n<div class=\"TierTitle_title__Q4E_6 TierTitle_c-tier__UohGG\">\n<div class=\"interface jsx-326752785 jsx-3004210145 TierTitle_text__xca95 bold break-word\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier-items-row c-tier TierItems_tier-items-row__q2OSM TierItems_c-tier__ivXOD\" style=\"max-height:66px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier Tier_tier___6egS\">\n<div class=\"TierTitle_title__Q4E_6 TierTitle_d-tier__5Z_iU\">\n<div class=\"interface jsx-326752785 jsx-3004210145 TierTitle_text__xca95 bold break-word\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier-items-row d-tier TierItems_tier-items-row__q2OSM TierItems_d-tier__fycMA\" style=\"max-height:66px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"stack jsx-1061896584 content\"><\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">FF11 was initially released on PC and PS2 way back in 2002. Nowadays, with automatic updates, online stores and achievements, connecting your PC or current-gen game console to the internet is a no-brainer, so it\u2019s easy to forget that FF11 comes from a generation in which hooking up your console to the internet was still a novelty. It required attaching a chunky proprietary Sony HDD to the back of the original fat model PS2, plugging in the ethernet cable and praying your internet was stable enough for you to enjoy the game.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Although PS2 connections to FF11 servers ended support in 2016, FF11 is still alive on PC. What\u2019s more it seems to be thriving beyond Square Enix\u2019s expectations, 24 years and three console generations on.<\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"accent-divider\" class=\"jsx-3449795453 divider jsx-2786329600\"><\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><em>Verity Townsend is a Japan-based freelance writer who previously served as editor, contributor and translator for the game news site Automaton West. She has also written about Japanese culture and movies for various publications.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<p><span class=\"stack jsx-1475529924\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-2155806329 adunit-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"jsx-2155806329 bobble bobble-1 pogocnt pg-article\">\n<div data-mix-name=\"secondaryMedrec\" data-pos=\"1\" data-pogo-hide=\"1\" class=\"jsx-343126785 pogo-slot\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<section class=\"article-page\">\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Although <a class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/games\/final-fantasy-xi\">Final Fantasy 11<\/a> turns 24 this year, the MMORPG enjoyed a big boost in concurrent player count thanks to the successful Final Fantasy 14 crossover event. In light of this unexpected rise in popularity, FF11\u2019s current director Yoji Fujito talked about what\u2019s next for the online game, suggesting that a brand new area and story could be in the pipeline.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">In a recent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.famitsu.com\/article\/202605\/75074\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>Famitsu interview<\/u><\/a>, Fujito hinted that the team might be able to add new areas and storylines to FF11. However, he explained that technical issues and a shortage of staff means that they can\u2019t just simply add a new area onto the 24 year old online game ASAP.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Although FF11 has been moving its aging physical servers to virtual servers, this initiative is to ensure the game remains playable in its current state, and no changes were made with a view to supporting a large-scale expansion. \u201cEven if we decide to add a new area, we cannot do this using conventional methods at present because we have run out of IDs for management. However, we know that we can free up a few ID slots, so we are currently investigating how we can make use of this,\u201d Fujito explained, adding that these efforts may make it possible to add a new area to the game. \u201cDepending on the results, I feel that some sort of project might get underway.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><button type=\"button\" class=\"jsx-2228525885\"><\/button><span data-cy=\"slideshow-view-trigger\"><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-preview\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 slideshow-preview\">\n<h3 class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-1085005187\" data-cy=\"slideshow-preview-title\">Every IGN Final Fantasy Game Review<\/h3>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-container\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 images-container\"><button type=\"button\" data-cy=\"hero-image\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 hero-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"IGN has published more than 90 different Final Fantasy reviews over the last two and a half decades since 1997's Final Fantasy VII, and we've rounded each one up into this handy slideshow.\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><span class=\"button-text jsx-729543028 button button--primary jsx-3381835873 jsx-4266531355 row-pagination-button next contained centered round large\" data-cy=\"paginate next\" title=\"Open Slideshow\"><span class=\"ign-icon right-chevron jsx-2750866048 jsx-2919720488\" role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" data-cy=\"right-chevron\" style=\"background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"slideshow-images-list\" class=\"scrollbar jsx-2072772685 jsx-4243969252 images-list\"><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/theatrhythm-final-bar-line-review&quot;&gt;Reviewed by Jada Griffin&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;February 14, 2023&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Theatrhythm Final Bar Line is full of charm and nostalgia alike, with cutesy versions of my favorite Final Fantasy characters and excellent remixes of the iconic songs that accompanied them. The light RPG mechanics, coupled with traditional rhythm mechanics, is easy enough to get into and deep enough to entertain fans of both. It's a little bit of a letdown that there isn't any storyline for your party of heroes to follow or another hook to keep me playing beyond beating my own scores in Endless mode, but its impressive tracklist makes Theatrhythm Final Bar Line an enjoyable way to listen to and play along with the most memorable songs from the Final Fantasy series. &lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&nbsp;&lt;\/p&gt;\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"rounded jsx-412047461 overlay progressive-image jsx-2338608387 expand\" data-cy=\"slideshow-image-overlay\">\n<div data-cy=\"element-caption\" class=\"caption jsx-1762799490\">View 94 Images<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt='&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/crisis-core-final-fantasy-7-reunion-review\"&gt;Reviewed by Colin Stevens&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;December 7, 2022&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Crisis Core \u2013Final Fantasy 7\u2013 Reunion pushes the definition of a remaster to the edge, completely renovating the 15-year-old PSP game\u2019s graphics, combat, and more. That said, many of the design choices made for the handheld original \u2013 like bite-sized side missions and an abundance of loading screens \u2013 are left intact, keeping this experience from feeling completely modern. But even with a few aging quirks, Crisis Core remains a fun, compelling, and integral chapter in the ongoing Compilation of Final Fantasy 7, and Reunion is the absolute best way to experience it.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&nbsp;&lt;\/p&gt;' class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt='&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/stranger-of-paradise-final-fantasy-origin-review\"&gt;Reviewed by Jada Griffin&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;March 14, 2022&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;It began as a collection of the loosest of story ideas that seemed to go nowhere, but slowly but surely Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin pulled it all together and managed to stick the landing \u2013 though you\u2019ll want to be sure to scour it for collectibles if you want the full effect of its revelations. A solid and engaging action combat system can be tuned to be as challenging as it is rewarding. Coupled with versatile character customization that lets you mix and match from dozens of interchangeable jobs, your character fights how you see fit and gives the ability to experiment and find a winning combination in single-player or three-player co-op. There\u2019s significant room for improvement in the tools it gives you to manage the avalanche of gear that drops in every mission, but the nods to Final Fantasy history littered throughout its levels are enough to divert attention from that sort of thing. Add in all the extra challenges awaiting after finishing the story, and you will find plenty of content to sink your teeth into that is made even better when you join up with others.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&nbsp;&lt;\/p&gt;' class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/final-fantasy-xiv-endwalker-review-ffxiv&quot;&gt;Reviewed by Leif Johnson&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;December 21, 2021&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Packed with hours of meaningful cutscenes and unforgettable new zones, Endwalker marks a satisfying conclusion to Final Fantasy XIV's story as it has existed to date. While it doesn't introduce many new gameplay elements, it does deliver two new excellent DPS and healing jobs that should appeal to both new and experienced players and includes some of the best boss battles we\u2019ve seen in this decade-old game. If this is how Final Fantasy XIV's showrunners end a story, then I'm more than ready to walk with them from the beginning to the end of the next one. \n&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&nbsp;&lt;\/p&gt;\" class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><button data-cy=\"gallery-image\" type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Open Slideshow\" class=\"jsx-1711207865 gallery-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt='&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=\"https:\/\/www.ign.com\/articles\/final-fantasy-7-remake-intergrade-episode-intermission-dlc-review\"&gt;Reviewed by Mitchell Saltzman&lt;\/a&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;June 15, 2021&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Intergrade\u2019s Intermission DLC is a short but substantial chunk of content with an extraordinarily fleshed out new style of combat, fun and worthwhile side activities, and \u2013 most importantly \u2013 Yuffie. The Wutai ninja is witty, funny, adorable, and brings a lighthearted energy to the dreary setting of Midgar that feels like a breath of fresh air. It is still ultimately just a DLC, and it\u2019ll likely only keep you busy for a day or two, but if you\u2019re a fan of Final Fantasy 7 Remake and looking for more, this is an Intermission well worth taking. \n&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;&nbsp;&lt;\/p&gt;' class=\"progressive-image jsx-2021719738 image aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9 jsx-2605834259 jsx-2338608387 hover-opacity\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-cy=\"progressive-image\"><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Fujito emphasized that the team is currently laying the groundwork for potential new FF11 story content. FF11 hasn&#8217;t had a new episodic story since The Voracious Resurgence, and part of the reason for this is that storywriting staff are currently tied up with other projects at Square Enix. But, once they have finished, \u201cwe are planning to have them return to the FF11 team to see if they can produce something new,\u201d Fujito said. At the same time, engineers are working on graphics resource management middleware. \u201cOnce we resolve this, it will be possible to make new cutscenes again,\u201d Fujito added.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Last year, Final Fantasy 14 kicked off the Echoes of Vana\u2019diel crossover event with FF11, which brought renewed attention to the FF series\u2019 first MMORPG outing. Old adventurers and new players alike were drawn to FF11 thanks to EoV, a welcome back initiative, the revamped Limbus and the Mog Bonanza weapons giveaway, pushing up the player count. Much to the developers\u2019 surprise, rather than taking a temporary vacation to Vana\u2019diel, players seem to be sticking with veteran MMO.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">This unforeseen rise in concurrent players forced Square Enix to close <a href=\"https:\/\/www.playonline.com\/pcd2\/topics\/ff11eu\/detail\/40149\/detail.html\" class=\"link jsx-1337145738 jsx-3925284146 underlined\" data-cy=\"styled-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>some servers<\/u><\/a> to newcomers to prevent overpopulation. \u201cWe predicted that many people would try out FF11 and soon stop playing, so we expected the player surge to go back down, however many players have chosen to stay in Vana\u2019diel,\u201d said Fujito. \u201cOverall, the high player count has been stable with no sudden drop.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-2021719738 video jsx-2008855984 aspect-ratio aspect-ratio-16-9\">\n<div class=\"badge jsx-1349606671 jsx-3647116352\"><span class=\"ign-icon icon-play jsx-2750866048 jsx-1044454891\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-cy=\"icon-play\" aria-label=\"Play\" style=\"background:currentColor\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Echoes of Vana\u2019diel also attracted streamers to FF11, with Fujito noting: \u201cI feel that we reached an audience we hadn\u2019t reached before.\u201d The EoV crossover triggered a virtuous cycle of FF14 players becoming interested in FF11 and checking out streams. \u201cThey then think, \u2018I want to give it a go myself,\u2019 and start playing (FF11) and sharing info about it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Over the past year, the Final Fantasy 11 development team has gradually revamped the game\u2019s Limbus content for high level players so the difficulty and rewards better match today\u2019s playerbase. Fujito noted that their goal is to \u201cprioritize ease of play for solo players and small groups.\u201d To this end, the team has also been enhancing the Faces system, which allows solo players to create a virtual party for team quests, bringing virtual character levels in-line with the player\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Fujito revealed that Limbus\u2019s revamp is slated to wrap up this June, when they will add the final boss and two new accompanying battle themes by veteran FF11 composer Naoshi Mizuta.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">He also acknowledged the sharp differences in difficulty level between FF11\u2019s worlds. \u201cWe realize that this is an issue,\u201d Fujito said, adding that the team plans to look into adjusting Grace buffs after the Limbus revamp is completed. \u201cIf we were to adjust it, we would make uniform adjustments to Grace buff speeds across all worlds instead of dealing with each world individually.\u201d <\/p>\n<p><span data-cy=\"tierlist-view-trigger\"><\/p>\n<section class=\"box-wrapper jsx-2673806401\" id=\"best-mainline-final-fantasy-games\" data-cy=\"best-mainline-final-fantasy-games\">\n<div class=\"card jsx-1339469126 jsx-1355461925 box jsx-2627838217\">\n<div><dialog class=\"dialog tier-list-modal jsx-55470089\" aria-labelledby=\"contentLabel\"><\/dialog><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"stack jsx-3547261442 jsx-2986308351\"><span class=\"stack jsx-2959124702 jsx-4269505506 TierListHeader_header__xyy5a\"><span class=\"stack jsx-3647836811 jsx-4269505506 TierListHeader_title__UxzQx\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"ign-icon icon-tier-list jsx-2750866048 jsx-1879929830\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"false\" data-cy=\"icon-tier-list\" alt=\"Tier List\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/kraken.ignimgs.com\/_next\/static\/media\/TierList.c19f1c86.svg?cors=0\"><\/p>\n<h3 data-cy=\"title3\" class=\"title3 jsx-12333944 jsx-2321054750 TierListHeader_full__J6p2u\">Best Mainline Final Fantasy Games<\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"title5 jsx-62124236 jsx-957202555 TierListHeader_compact__7JWp1 balanced\">Best Mainline Final Fantasy Games<\/h3>\n<p><\/span><\/span><span class=\"stack jsx-3547261442\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-740175521 fade-in-out\"><span class=\"stack jsx-3547261442 jsx-2986308351\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"jsx-12151557 tier-list-skeleton\"><span class=\"stack jsx-659253495 tiers\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"tier Tier_tier___6egS\">\n<div class=\"TierTitle_title__Q4E_6 TierTitle_s-tier__uaHwM\">\n<div class=\"interface jsx-326752785 jsx-3004210145 TierTitle_text__xca95 bold break-word\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier-items-row s-tier TierItems_tier-items-row__q2OSM TierItems_s-tier__Jrv1z\" style=\"max-height:66px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier Tier_tier___6egS\">\n<div class=\"TierTitle_title__Q4E_6 TierTitle_a-tier__z0Xky\">\n<div class=\"interface jsx-326752785 jsx-3004210145 TierTitle_text__xca95 bold break-word\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier-items-row a-tier TierItems_tier-items-row__q2OSM TierItems_a-tier__EGxbh\" style=\"max-height:66px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier Tier_tier___6egS\">\n<div class=\"TierTitle_title__Q4E_6 TierTitle_b-tier__nsZIP\">\n<div class=\"interface jsx-326752785 jsx-3004210145 TierTitle_text__xca95 bold break-word\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier-items-row b-tier TierItems_tier-items-row__q2OSM TierItems_b-tier__aI1S1\" style=\"max-height:66px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier Tier_tier___6egS\">\n<div class=\"TierTitle_title__Q4E_6 TierTitle_c-tier__UohGG\">\n<div class=\"interface jsx-326752785 jsx-3004210145 TierTitle_text__xca95 bold break-word\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier-items-row c-tier TierItems_tier-items-row__q2OSM TierItems_c-tier__ivXOD\" style=\"max-height:66px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier Tier_tier___6egS\">\n<div class=\"TierTitle_title__Q4E_6 TierTitle_d-tier__5Z_iU\">\n<div class=\"interface jsx-326752785 jsx-3004210145 TierTitle_text__xca95 bold break-word\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tier-items-row d-tier TierItems_tier-items-row__q2OSM TierItems_d-tier__fycMA\" style=\"max-height:66px\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"stack jsx-1061896584 content\"><\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">FF11 was initially released on PC and PS2 way back in 2002. Nowadays, with automatic updates, online stores and achievements, connecting your PC or current-gen game console to the internet is a no-brainer, so it\u2019s easy to forget that FF11 comes from a generation in which hooking up your console to the internet was still a novelty. It required attaching a chunky proprietary Sony HDD to the back of the original fat model PS2, plugging in the ethernet cable and praying your internet was stable enough for you to enjoy the game.<\/p>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\">Although PS2 connections to FF11 servers ended support in 2016, FF11 is still alive on PC. What\u2019s more it seems to be thriving beyond Square Enix\u2019s expectations, 24 years and three console generations on.<\/p>\n<div data-cy=\"accent-divider\" class=\"jsx-3449795453 divider jsx-2786329600\"><\/div>\n<p data-cy=\"paragraph\" class=\"paragraph jsx-2269604527\"><em>Verity Townsend is a Japan-based freelance writer who previously served as editor, contributor and translator for the game news site Automaton West. She has also written about Japanese culture and movies for various publications.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although Final Fantasy 11 turns 24 this year, the MMORPG enjoyed a big boost in concurrent player count thanks to the successful Final Fantasy 14 crossover event. In light of this unexpected rise in popularity, FF11\u2019s current director Yoji Fujito talked about what\u2019s next for the online game, suggesting that a brand new area and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[226,243],"class_list":["post-1950191","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-crawlmanager","tag-ign-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1950191","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1950191"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1950191\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1950191"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1950191"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1950191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}