Ryan Bamsey

At the end of last week, the Final Fantasy 14 community received quite the upset, though some would say we’re more than used to it at this point. This time, the conflict lies with the sudden, and seemingly final, shutdown of one of its most beloved and popular mods: Mare Synchronos. While modding is against the terms of service, it’s an open secret that plenty of very popular mods exist to make the game more accessible, enjoyable, and rewarding.

From the silent, suspenseful hum of a predator in the shadows to the piercing shriek of an impending apocalypse, a video game's sound design can be its most powerful weapon. We've all been there: a simple sound effect sends a jolt of panic through our body, forcing us to abandon all rational thought and simply run. These are the audio cues that don’t just alert you to danger; they trigger a primal, fight-or-flight response deep within your core.

A truly exceptional Final Fantasy game is defined not just by its journey but by its destination. After countless hours of battling monsters, unravelling political conspiracies, and getting to know a cast of beloved characters, the final act must deliver a powerful and satisfying sense of closure. Some Final Fantasies manage this excellently.