During the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival in Tokyo, Square Enix announced the upcoming release of the second expansion pack for the MMORPG.
Stormblood is the second major expansion pack that will include brand new job class. Producer and Director of the game Naoki Yoshida revealed a number of new features coming to the Final Fantasy XIV:
- New Job – Red Mage (DPS Role): The highly anticipated red mage job will make its debut in Stormblood as a ranged magic DPS, wielding a rapier and magicked crystal medium. A very mobile attacker, the red mage dives in and out of melee combat, assaulting enemies with red magic and short-ranged attacks. The red mage also has the ability to link multiple spells with chainspell, dealing massive damage and following them up with melee attacks.
- Swimming and Diving: This new gameplay mechanic will allow players to seamlessly enter and traverse specific rivers, lakes, and seas in both new and existing areas throughout Eorzea®. Players will also be able to dive underwater in select locations, even while riding flying mounts. Underwater areas will not only include new gathering locations, but also will provide an opportunity for NPC interaction.
- New Beast Tribe and Primal: The Ananta, an all-female beast tribe, is the newest of the beast tribes to be introduced to the world of FFXIV. This ancient tribe resides in the mountains near Ala Mhigo and worships the primal Lakshmi. Known for their skill in spell and gemcraft, the Lamia will play a very important role in the Stormblood main scenario as their persecution by the Garlean Empire is revealed.
- New High-Level Raid: The Bend of Time – Omega was announced as the high-level raid series for Stormblood. Omega has surfaced within the main scenario in the past, but this menace will soon appear in full force. The mystery behind the appearance of Omega and the significance of “The Bend of Time” will be unveiled through the story surrounding this raid.
There's even a new Alliance Raid titled 'Return of Ivalice' that's being made by guest creators Yasumi Matsuno (Final Fantasy Tactics, Final Fantasy XII; he's doing the writing) and Kieta Amemiya (Shin Megami Tensei IV; he'll be taking care of the monster and boss design).
Lastly, they announced details of the Stormblood Collector's Edition which includes the following:
- FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood
- Stormblood Special Art Box
- Expertly Crafted Zenos yae Galvus Figure
- FINAL FANTASY XIV: Stormblood Art Book
- Cloth Map of Eorzea
- Stormblood Logo Sticker
- Exclusive In-game Items
- Syldra Mount
- Wind-up Bartz Minion
- Chicken Knife
The Stormblood expansion pack will come to Final Fantasy XIV in North America, Japan, and Europe on June 20.
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