The Final Fantasy XIV team has revealed today the first look into the upcoming Alliance Raid based on the world of Ivalice, as part of the new Patch 4.1 scheduled for October. The images show the outside of the Royal City of Rabanastre, which is taken from Final Fantasy XII, but in the world of Eorzea it’s located near Othard, a region that is starting to rise up in rebellion against the Garlean Empire. The synopsis also presents another surprise, as it suggest that the iconic Prima Vista airsphip from Final Fantasy IX will play a key role in the story.
Here is the introduction to the plot of the raid: “This morning, residents of Kugane woke to find above their city an airship unlike any ever seen. Yet while of Garlean design, the vessel distinctly lacked the bleak outfitting common in the Empire’s warmachina. No, this was the Prima Vista, private stage for the Majestic Imperial Theater Company─a troupe having won acclaim across Garlemald for their timeless work, “The Zodiac Brave Story.” Which begets the question…why are they here? The answer to that question and more lies in the selfsame legend of which they sing. The legend of Ivalice.”
Fans have began speculating that the introduction of the Prima Vista might indicate that players will be able to recreate the story of Final Fantasy Tactics as part of a theater representation. The artwork, unveiled during the raid’s presentation, seems to suggest the characters of Ramza and Delita will play a key role in the story.
Describing this raid as a ‘Return to Ivalice’ seems very appropriate considering that not only it is the first brand new playable content based on that world since Final Fantasy XII, it also marks the first collaboration of its creator Yasumi Matsuno with Square Enix in more than a decade.
The Patch 4.1 of Final Fantasy XIV launches in early October. For more information visit the official website. Check out the rest of Return to Ivalice images below.
