After delays to content and cancellations of events due to COVID-19, Square Enix finally revealed the next expansion to Final Fantasy XIV and the world of Eorzea at a digital announcement showcase event last night.
Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker will release this fall on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and Mac, and concludes the Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga—the story that began nearly almost eight years ago with the start of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.
“In addition to bringing the long-running story arc that began with A Realm Reborn to its conclusion, Endwalker will mark a new beginning for the beloved MMO, setting the stage for new adventures that longtime fans and new players can enjoy together,” Square Enix said in a press release following the announcement event.
But that doesn’t mean the MMORPG is coming to a conclusion, Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida promised fans tuning into the event that the game would continue for years to come, even joking that he might continue developing the game after he dies.
But what this means is that for the first time since version 2.0, Final Fantasy XIV will take users on a brand new journey—making it the best time for fans of the series or newcomers to pick it up and play together.
This departure is even good for longtime fans of the game who haven’t necessarily paid attention to the story. I, for one, have more than 2,500 hours logged in Final Fantasy XIV, but I have yet to actually dive into the story—something that’s a bit of a testament to how deep the gameplay is in Final Fantasy XIV.
A brand new story
Final Fantasy XIV is different from the single-player additions to the long-running Japanese RPG franchise because it is an ongoing story told over multiple releases spanning nearly a full decade.
As an MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV releases smaller chapters every three to four months, with larger expansion packs releasing every two years.
This release pattern—which has been delayed a bit due to development restraints caused by COVID-19—makes it daunting to new players entering the game, because there’s so much content to catch up on.
It’s also difficult for players who started five or six years ago to jump back into the game after a hiatus. But thankfully, the team behind Final Fantasy XIV is aiming to change that by concluding the story arc midway through Endwalker and starting fresh with something new.
This is great news for fans that might be looking for a conclusion to the game that they’ve dedicated hundreds of hours to. They finally get to see the story’s triumphant conclusion.
But for those of us interested in the gameplay, Square Enix promises there’s a lot more of that to come, as well.
New jobs, dungeons and relaxing things to do
The most exciting part of Square Enix’s Endwalker announcement for me is the new gameplay content that will be released alongside the story content. In Final Fantasy XIV, players can play the game in a variety of roles, from healers to damage dealers to damage-absorbing tanks.
Yoshida confirmed the game is set to introduce a new healing job and a melee DPS job when Endwalker releases. While the latter job hasn’t been confirmed, the healing job was revealed to be the barrier-focused Sage—a job that will help balance the healer role as it did not receive any new additions in Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers.
And of course, like any good content release, Endwalker will also include new battles in the form of primals, dungeons and raids.
One of the most interesting content tidbits revealed was the announcement of an Island Sanctuary.
The Island Sanctuary was promised to be a way to relax and wind down in the world of Eorzea. During the announcement it was discussed that the area is intended to be a place where players can farm, raise livestock and harvest goods to sell and trade with their friends.
It sounds like this Island Sanctuary is more of a move toward the peaceful gameplay found in Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley—a welcome change in 2021, where games are increasingly trying to bring people together in a safe environment.
PlayStation 5 Open Beta coming soon
Square Enix didn’t stop at Endwalker with their announcements, as they also revealed fans of Final Fantasy XIV don’t have to wait until Fall 2021to get a new way to play.
The company also revealed the highly anticipated PlayStation 5 version of Final Fantasy XIV will be coming to PlayStation 4 users—who also own a PlayStation 5—through an open beta on April 13.
“The PlayStation 5 version will feature numerous upgrades from the PlayStation 4 version, including significantly improved frame rates, faster load times, 4K resolution support and more,” Square Enix said.
But what’s more is when the beta concludes, players with a PS4 license of the game will be able to upgrade to the PS5 version of Final Fantasy XIV for no extra cost.
Regardless of how and where players interact with Endwalker, there will be a lot more details to come. But for now, check out the game’s official reveal in the trailer below.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
