Final Fantasy 14 fans have a lot to celebrate, and some things to ponder, this Holiday season. Earlier this week, the official trailer for the game’s upcoming Endwalker Patch 6.3 hit the Internet. The “Gods Revel, Lands Tremble” update is finally bringing a lot of fun to the MMO, including the Earth Goddess Nophica as a Raid boss. However, Nophica’s new look is leaving many scratching their heads.
The trailer for Patch 6.3 kicks off with a look at the new divine realm, Euphrosyne. It is here that players will encounter Nophica. In the quick look at Nophica and all she brings to the game, the character is seen wielding a reaper’s scythe. This is a big departure from the bow and arrow the character has in previous artworks and posters. In fact, it has left many wondering why the game would adopt such a drastic change.
Several players took to Twitter to voice their concerns about the change out loud. One such player noticed that the character looks very similar to the design depicted in the Twin Adders poster, green dress and all. However, the poster shows the Goddess wielding a bow and arrow and regal-looking lance. So why the sudden change to a scythe?
The game’s producer and director, Naoki Yoshida, addressed the concern rather vaguely, in an interview with 4Gamer (thanks DoteSports). Here he says that the team is actively aware of the expectations of fans for Nophica to “come out exactly like the picture”. However, there is also a drive to “live up to expectations so that we don’t get too obsessed”.
What could it all mean? Well, I guess we will find out in a few weeks when the update goes live…or until Yoshida gets a bit more chatty.