From the Source: Square-Enix - Heavensward FFXIV... New Developer Diary Entry!

Another diary entry for the Final Fantasy XIV fans!

VISUAL DESIGN TEAM TAKES FINAL FANTASY XIV TO NEW HEIGHTS IN NEW DEVELOPER DIARY

LOS ANGELES (Mar. 15, 2016) – In the final entry of the FINAL FANTASY® XIV developer diary series, the visual design team details their approach in the creation and implementation of new landscapes and environments, as well as the introduction of flying mounts for the acclaimed expansion pack. Key members of the visual design team include lead designer Takeo Suzuki, lead background artist Junichi Murata, character artist Yuji Mitsuishi, and lead animator Shinya Ichida. In this video, they explain their goals in creating an amazing player experience, the creative process from conception to implementation, and the challenges they faced in order to expand the world of FINAL FANTASY XIV. FINAL FANTASY XIV Dev Diary Chapter Three: Visual Design can be viewed here:

Awesome Nintendo Titles hit... $19.99 + NEW HEAVENSWARD: Final Fantasy XIV Online... Video!

Feb. 29, 2016 13:00 UTC

Mario, Zelda and Donkey Kong Games Join Line of $19.99 Nintendo Selects

Wii U and Nintendo 3DS Games Debut at a New Lower Price on March 11

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Starting on March 11, some of the most popular and critically acclaimed Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games become a part of the Nintendo Selects program and will be available at a suggested retail price of only $19.99 each. Wii U games like Super Mario 3D World, an imaginative four-player adventure with Mario and friends that received numerous Game of the Year awards and nominations when it first launched in 2013, join Nintendo 3DS standouts such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, one of the most critically acclaimed Nintendo 3DS games of all time.

Starting on March 11, some of the most popular and critically acclaimed Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games become a part of the Nintendo Selects program and will be available at a suggested retail price of only $19.99 each. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Whether you just picked up a new Wii U or Nintendo 3DS system over the holiday season or want to expand your ever-growing game collection, Nintendo Selects are a great, affordable option,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Not only are these games easier than ever to enjoy, but they also represent some of our highest-quality offerings in recent memory.”

Other Wii U games joining the Nintendo Selects family are Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Pikmin 3 and NES Remix Pack. Fun Nintendo 3DS games Yoshi’s New Island, Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D and Mario Party: Island Tour can also be purchased at the new low suggested retail price of $19.99 each on March 11. Additionally, a group of classics from the Wii console that can be played on Wii U will be available at the reduced Nintendo Selects price. This includes Super Mario Galaxy 2, Animal Crossing: City Folk, Donkey Kong Country Returns and Super Mario All-Stars.

FINAL FANTASY XIV CREATIVE TEAM OFFER INSIGHTS INTO THE GAME’S ALLURE New Video Series Kicks Off with Artistry of Music and Sound

LOS ANGELES (Mar. 1, 2016) – Heralding another successful season of FINAL FANTASY XIV’s unprecedented success, a new video series introduced today offers an inside look at the creative team and their inspirations in cultivating a rich and vibrant online world. The first in the series highlights the creative mastery that goes into the highly-acclaimed music and sound design of FINAL FANTASY® XIV: Heavensward™.   This video spotlights how the music and in-game sound effects play an integral role in bringing the world of Eorzea to life. Masayoshi Soken, Lead Composer and Sound Director, explains that the score for Heavensward was inspired by “Dragonsong,” the main theme song for the expansion pack composed by legendary composer Nobuo Uematsu. Sound designers, Yousuke Nakashima and Go Kinuya, also discuss the making of key sound effects to create an immersive experience, ranging from realistic monster grunts to unique battle sounds. FINAL FANTASY XIV: Heavensward Chapter One: Sound Design can be viewed on YouTube at: FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, the all-in-one bundle, which includes both A Realm Reborn and Heavensward, is available on the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, Windows PC, and Mac. The FINAL FANTASY XIV: Heavensward expansion pack is available as a standalone purchase on the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, and Windows PC for $39.99. A free 30-day trial is included for new FINAL FANTASY XIV accounts, with monthly subscriptions starting at $12.99.