This week’s issue of Famitsu revealed the singer of the opening theme, one Suzan Calloway. The piece is, naturally, composed by Uematsu.
It stated that this song can be heard in the opening scene, so they are presumably referring to the vocals heard while on the boat. It also provided details regarding the openings for Ul’dah and Gridania. In other news, Dengeki featured an interview with director Komoto, concepter Iwao and planner Sato regarding the design and scenery of the two new areas.
-Based around the themes of wealth, power and excess, Ul’dah has had a coliseum, casino, etc. planned for it since the start of development.
-It won’t be ready in time for official release, but they want to make such facilities usable by players.
-Ul’dah is known for its glass handiwork, and you’ll see stained glass around the city akin to that adorning guildleves.
-Among the three nations, Gridania has the strongest influence over magic.
-Moogles this time around will make their appearance as mysterious denizens of the woods.
-Battle music differs depending on the area and nation.
-Climate affects monsters’ ecosystems.
-Moon phase has an impact on various things.
-Guild Tokens can be attained via Class Quests in addition to Guildleves.
*Famitsu’s article doesn’t seem any different from the other things we’ve seen about the new areas. Maybe a couple new things:
-Ul’dah opens with a parade sequence in which a wild goobbue runs rampant. It occasionally uses an ability called Beatdown.
-The Gladiator guild is fittingly located in the Coliseum. Ul’dah is also home to the Mining guild.
-Moles use an ability called Breakout, during which they dig underground and burst up underneath you.
-If you head north out of Ul’dah, you’ll find yourself in an expansive desert region known as Central Thanalan.
-Gridania’s collection of guilds includes Lancers, Archers as well as Conjurers, etc.
-Funguars and Morbols will make an appearance.
-A new guildleve pits players against a swarm of beastmen of varying classes. Overcoming this challenge rewards players with a chest undoubtedly full of enticing spoils and bounty.
-Gridania is surrounded by a dense forest that can prove to be rather labyrinthine.