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Final Fantasy 14: Endwalker will mark the end of the Hydaelyn and Zodiark storyline, with The Scions of the Seventh Dawn going up against unparalleled odds as they work together to save the world from ruin. We’re also going to the moon - which will be fabulous.
Fans have been following these characters for almost a decade now, becoming invested in their stories, motivations, and personalities in a way that few games in existence have ever managed to achieve. Knowing that their journey is coming to an end with this expansion, regardless of whether or not all of them stick around for the coming years, will be very bittersweet.
But we can’t wait to see it unfold, with Naoki Yoshida and company prepared to break our hearts before piecing them all back together again. To celebrate the release of Endwalker, I recently caught up with Bethan Walker (Alisaie), Colin Ryan (Alphinaud), Robyn Addison (Y’shtola), and Robert Vernon (Estinien) to talk about the experience of voicing these characters for so many years, and how such a role have helped them grow and develop as professional actors.
Bethan Walker on Alisaie Leveilleur
The Leveilleur twins have spent quite a bit of the story apart, but their reunions always seem special. Have there been any moments between the two that stand out as a favorite?
I just love when they get at each other. It feels so real and so many people have written to me saying it's just like their brothers and sisters. There are so so many moments that have had us really giggling in the studio. Their relationship is so brilliantly written… 'Another self important little brat, just what we need', 'Somehow the boy just isn't very buoyant' and perhaps my favourite 'I am NOT ALPHINAUD!!' Great fun.
How do you feel about the journey both your character and yourself have been on throughout your time as a voice actor for Final Fantasy 14?
Just very grateful if I am honest. So few actors get the chance to play a role like this for so long so I am acutely aware of how blessed I am. I have really learned my craft while on this job. I've learned to work harder and faster and with more detail than I ever have had to before. I've learned more about the game industry and just how many people it takes to get a game this big off the ground. I've learned to dig deeper in my performance and take risks and to really trust the team around me to get the best possible performance out of me for the game.
A lot of the fans love to make jokes about Alisaie remaining a Red Mage while other characters like her brother gain new classes with each expansion. Despite her class remaining the same, I feel like she’s grown so much, and could even stand out more than ever in Endwalker, do you agree?
Well I couldn't possibly say anything now could I :) but yes I think we may well see a really exciting time ahead for Miss Leveilleur. Her plot is thickening for sure.
Colin Ryan on Alphinaud Leveilleur
Compared to Alisaie, Alphinaud can often be seen as reckless and carefree, but over the years he has matured and grown into an adult that cares about everything around him. How has it been watching the character advance over the years, and changing your performance to adapt to each major expansion?
I’ve loved watching Alphinaud grow over the years, he’s matured to become an intuitive leader with such a strong sense of morality and compassion at his core. What I love most about him is his ability to recognise his flaws and to learn from his mistakes, it’s what has allowed him to grow in the way that he has. He’s gone from having such pride and vanity to being unafraid to express deep vulnerability and truthfulness. I feel that’s helped him become the leader that he is today.
How do you feel about the journey both your character and yourself have been on throughout your time as a voice actor for Final Fantasy 14?
I feel like I’ve grown with Alphinaud over the years. I’ve got to improve my craft as a voice actor as Alphinaud has navigated his way through his own missions. I’ve also learned a lot from Alphinaud, about how it’s possible to be a leader from having compassion and humanity as your starting point.
Robyn Addison on Y’shtola
Beyond her role in the story, Y’shtola seems to have become the face of Final Fantasy 14 in crossover titles. What about her stands out to you that you think really resonates with fans and makes her such a good envoy for the game?
I think her passion and determination along with her sense of what is good and right make her an appealing character. She is honest and true, a great person to have on your team. I suppose her strength and slight superiority make her appealing!
Since you’ve also played Sera in Dragon Age Inquisition, were there any characteristics or moments that remind you of her while playing Y’shtola?
They’re pretty different in many respects. I suppose they are both incredibly passionate about doing the right thing, that just happens to be expressed in completely different ways. Sera loves to have fun and her heart is firmly on her sleeve, whereas Y’shtola is harder to read but can still find moments of humour. I love them both because I think they both have a fierce sense of loyalty. I have no idea what Y’shtola would make of Sera though - that would be an interaction I’d like to see!
How do you feel about the journey both your character and yourself have been on throughout your time as a voice actor for Final Fantasy 14?
I think that Y’shtola and myself have both gained in confidence. I have certainly enjoyed each adventure more and more and I think Y’shtola has too.
Robert Vernon on Estinien Wyrmblood
Estinien has been working in the background for a while since his major role in Heavensward, and Shadowbringers onwards have seen him make a triumphant return. How has it felt to see Estinien go from his Heavensward role to a Scion ahead of Endwalker?
Estinien was such a natural individualist, his instinct being to set out alone. Obviously that didn't work out too well for him as he can be rash, headstrong and ultimately stray down the wrong path. It's great seeing him gain companions who he can assist, but also can keep him on the straight and narrow. Wonderful to see him becoming part of the gang - though he is unlikely to let you know how much it means to him!
The relationship between Estinien and Alphinaud is incredibly sweet, it’s almost as if he looks up to your character as a big brother yet Estinien treats him with an equal level of distance and admiration. What are your thoughts on this relationship in the game?
The nuance in their relationship is fabulous. You could almost call it banterous at times. Well, for Estinien anyway, which is a different bar. There is respect, admiration and a bond indeed. It does feel like an older brother role. Estinien would rather his deeds did the talking much of the time, but Alphinaud is certainly one of the people who has most affected a change in Estinien, and unshackled him from the ghosts of the past.
How do you feel about the journey both your character and yourself have been on throughout your time as a voice actor for Final Fantasy 14?
It's an incredible arc for Estinien between being a tentative ally, anti-hero, villain through possession, transformation, saviour from the shadows, to becoming a team player. There has been everything one could wish for on his journey. Being a part of Final Fantasy in any capacity is something mind blowing still for me, as a fan.