Exclusive Interview: Final Fantasy XVI's Team Discusses Game and More

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

TAKUMI, director and producer at FuRyu, shares his role in conceptualizing and overseeing Reynatis from inception to completion. He expresses delight at the game's positive reception, particularly noting the strong international interest exceeding expectations within Japan. He acknowledges the influence of Tetsuya Nomura's works, particularly Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, as inspiration, clarifying that Reynatis is a wholly original creation, not a derivative work. While acknowledging the Final Fantasy Versus XIII comparisons, he emphasizes that Reynatis is his own unique vision.

TAKUMI discusses the Japanese player response, highlighting the enthusiasm from fans of Nomura's style, who seem to appreciate the game's narrative direction and unique FuRyu gameplay elements. He also addresses planned updates to refine balance and address technical aspects, assuring Western players will receive a polished version.

The interview details TAKUMI's direct approach to collaborating with Yoko Shimomura and Kazushige Nojima, utilizing informal communication methods like Twitter and LINE. He reveals his personal admiration for their work, citing Kingdom Hearts and various Final Fantasy titles as key inspirations for his choice of collaborators. He discusses his approach to game development, balancing budget constraints with the desire to create a compelling overall experience.

TAKUMI reflects on the three-year development process, including navigating the challenges of the pandemic. He explains the collaboration with Square Enix for the NEO: The World Ends with You crossover, stemming from his personal fandom and a direct approach to the company. He clarifies the platform choices, explaining the Switch as the lead platform while acknowledging its limitations. He also discusses FuRyu's internal exploration of PC development and the reasons behind the limited Xbox presence.

The interview shifts to email correspondence with Yoko Shimomura and Kazushige Nojima. Shimomura shares her creative process and reflects on her favorite aspects of composing for Reynatis. Nojima discusses his approach to storytelling, comparing his current methods with his work in the 90s, and offers insights into his contributions to Reynatis.

The interview concludes with personal preferences for coffee, a discussion of future plans (or lack thereof) for art books and soundtracks, and TAKUMI's reflections on his favorite projects and a message to potential players.

This interview provides a comprehensive look into the development and vision behind Reynatis, offering insights into the creative process and the collaborative spirit behind this highly anticipated title.