With the announcement of a model new Closing Fantasy 14 growth that is giving everybody large Closing Fantasy X vibes, followers are clamoring for the addition of Closing Fantasy’s favourite sport: Blitzball. Sadly, sport director Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P) has a message to everybody begging for the bizarre, underwater soccer sport: “No Blitzball!”
That is what Yoshi-P informed followers throughout as we speak’s Closing Fantasy Fan Fest 2023, when whereas discussing updates to the Golden Saucer in upcoming patches, followers started to eagerly shout “Blitzball” from the viewers. Nope, sorry! No Blitzball!
The viewers in Las Vegas wasn’t alone in wanting Blitzball, both. On-line, the Closing Fantasy 14 group has reacted dramatically to Yoshi-P’s dismissal of their sport of selection:
THE STATE OF BLITZBALL WANTERS pic.twitter.com/jsAAF1pEmN
— Ray @ Deryk fanclub (@ONTHEBIGBRIDGE) July 28, 2023
One fan referred to Blitzball’s considerably checkered status, which has cut up followers because it’s introduction in Closing Fantasy X.
Hoping my days of utilizing this are restricted however as a result of no blitzball, I gotta hold spreading it pic.twitter.com/rz8gTLVcQq
— Native Man Too Offended To Die ? (@SwervoT3k) July 28, 2023
And different followers are simply unhappy.
Yoshi P. “No blitzball”
Me: pic.twitter.com/2hK2wEtAC6
— Dravion #FFXVI spoilers (@Umbral_Ice) July 28, 2023
Yoshida: We can be updating The Gold Saucer.
Viewers: Its Blitzball! pic.twitter.com/dGlMEqzxCz
— Zimeization (@Zimeization) July 28, 2023
Blitzball was first launched in Closing Fantasy X, dividing followers with its deep however generally complicated tackle water sports activities. It supporters cheered its roster recruitment, league play, and various methods, however its detractors derided it as clunky and troublesome to study. Nonetheless, it is an indelible a part of Closing Fantasy X’s legacy — the last word expression of Closing Fantasy’s many PS2-era minigames.
Whereas this appears like a bunch of followers being goofy, it is not totally with out precedent for followers to anticipate Blitzball could be on the horizon. Closing Fantasy XIV has a wealthy historical past of grabbing content material, concepts, and references from different Closing Fantasy titles, so together with Blitzball would hardly be unprecedented. However throughout as we speak’s reveal of the brand new Dawntrail growth, we additionally bought a have a look at a brand new allied race, the Pelupelu, which appeared in Closing Fantasy X and X-2. The Pelupelu reveal, mixed with the brand new area Tural being very beach-forward, led many to anticipate that Blitzball may make an look. Sadly, no.
It has been an enormous day for Closing Fantasy 14 followers. The sturdy new growth reveal as we speak offers them loads to chew on for some time, however we additionally realized that the MMO is lastly coming to Xbox consoles subsequent spring after years of fan requests. Sadly, Blitzball will not be there to welcome it, however there’s at all times subsequent growth, Warriors.
Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Obtained a narrative tip? Ship it to rvalentine@ign.com.
