Ardyn Izunia

Last updated

Ardyn Izunia
Final Fantasy character
ArdynIzunia.png
Official render of Ardyn Izunia
First appearance Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV (2016)
First game Final Fantasy XV (2016)
Designed byRoberto Ferrari
Voiced by EN: Darin De Paul
JA: Keiji Fujiwara
Motion capture Teruaki Ogawa (Final Fantasy XV)
Jon Campling (Kingsglaive)

Ardyn Izunia (Japanese: アーデン・イズニア, Hepburn: Āden Izunia), also known as Ardyn Lucis Caelum (アーデン・ルシス・チェラム, Āden Rushisu Cheramu), is a character from the Final Fantasy video game series made by Square Enix. He is the main antagonist in Final Fantasy XV and a prominent character in the game's associated media, and makes appearances in other Final Fantasy products. Initially presented as chancellor of Nilfheim, the nation opposing Lucis for control of its magical Crystal, he is later revealed to be the source of a corruptive plague dubbed the Starscourge and pursuing a vendetta against the family of protagonist Noctis Lucis Caelum.

Contents

Ardyn was designed by Italian artist Roberto Ferrari, surviving though the game's prolonged development generally unchanged. He was presented as an unusual villain within the series, initially helpful to Noctis but ultimately driven by revenge and a wish for cruelty. He is voiced in Japanese by Keiji Fujiwara and in English by Darin De Paul. While several critics have commented on his lack of effectiveness as a villain in the game, he became a popular character among series fans. Exploration of his character in both DLC and expanded media met with mixed reactions.

Creation and development

Final Fantasy XV (2016) began production in 2006 as the spin-off game Final Fantasy Versus XIII for PlayStation 3; following a troubled production history, the game was rebranded, resulting in it changing platforms and staff, and seeing multiple story rewrites. [1] [2] Some cut content and backstory elements were made into the prequel film Kingsglaive , and the original net animation (ONA) Brotherhood , part of the multimedia "Final Fantasy XV Universe". [3] [4] Ardyn was designed by Italian artist Roberto Ferrari, who worked on the project from 2010 to 2013. [5] After the initial design work in December 2010, Ferrari "brushed it up" the following month, with it otherwise remaining unchanged. [6] He commented that the in-game version of Izunia was closer to his original design compared to the one shown in Kingsglaive. [5] Ardyn's red hair was chosen as a reference to his Japanese voice actor, who had voiced other red-haired characters in Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts . [7]

Ardyn's position as an imperial chancellor was decided due to his antagonistic role, with designer Takatsugu Nakazawa saying Ardyn's villainy suited the "chancellor image". [8] The project's later director Hajime Tabata called Ardyn an unusual antagonist within the Final Fantasy series as he actively helps Noctis through his quest, even though it ultimately serves his desire for revenge. Both Tabata and scenario writer Saori Itamuro called Ardyn a character driven by hatred of the Lucian royal line, with everything in his life serving his quest for revenge and his wish to torment Noctis. [9] Tabata described Ardyn's unique design as tying into his personality, comparing it to the design of Final Fantasy VI antagonist Kefka Palazzo. [3]

Following the game's release, Ardyn was chosen for dedicated downloadable content (DLC) due to positive fan feedback. [10] The DLC entered production during development of Episode Ardyn Prologue, a short ONA detailing Ardyn's backstory. [11] [12] According to its lead staff, the DLC's aim was to show more emotion in Ardyn, while his gameplay featured greater freedom of movement than the main game and a focus on his dark powers. [10] His attacks and takedown animations during gameplay were designed to demonstrate his cruel personality. Some planned takedowns were dropped to preserve the game's CERO rating. [13] The team wanted to create a Final Fantasy with a villain in the lead, a rarity in the series. [10] Ardyn's relationships with his brother Somnus and fiancee Aera were meant to be the focal point of the ONA narrative, but its short length limited this element. The events of the ONA were also intended to lend context to some of Ardyn's in-game actions. [14]

Ardyn is voiced by Keiji Fujiwara in Japanese and Darin De Paul in English. [15] [16] Fujiwara often told the staff he liked Ardyn's character, with the staff noting his enthusiasm and enjoying his performance. Fujiwara was often surprised by the tension he put into his performance, particularly with Ardyn's laughter. For Episode Ardyn, Fujiwara was requested to do "the opposite" of his performance up to that point, starting by portraying a heroic Ardyn before shifting to the established villainous version later in the story. [13] De Paul almost did not audition as he typically played deeper-voiced characters. He changed his mind as he "got [the] character", landing the role with a single take. [17] In Episode Ardyn, De Paul enjoyed portraying Ardyn's contrasting personalities through the narrative. [18] Ardyn's motion capture for XV was performed by Teruaki Ogawa. [19] In Kingsglaive, his motion actor was Jon Campling. [20]

Appearances

Final Fantasy XV

Ardyn is introduced as the Imperial Chancellor of Eos's Niflheim empire, regarded as both its main political force and benefactor due to introducing Magitek technology into the war with the nation of Lucis over its magical Crystal. [21] In ancient times he was Ardyn Lucis Caelum, a healer who was granted the ability to absorb the Starscourge, a magical plague which threatens Eos with eternal night and turns people into monstrous Daemons. His growing infection grants him immortality and turns his brother Somnus and Eos's magical Crystal against him, an event compounded by the accidental murder of his lover Aera Mirus Fleuret. These events are revealed as part of a plan by the divine Astrals to purge Eos of the Starscourge, using Ardyn as the Scarscourge's vessel to be destroyed by the prophesied True King. [22] [23] [24]

In the present day, he orchestrates the events that lead to Niflheim's invasion of Insomnia, and guides Somnus's descendent Noctis Lucis Caelum in forming Covenants with the Astrals so he can kill him once he becomes the True King. [25] [26] [27] Ardyn reveals his nature by fatally wounding Noctis's fiancee Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, then harassing Noctis first by tricking him into attacking his friend Prompto Argentum, and revealing the truth of their kinship when Noctis reaches the Crystal. [22] [28] After ten years sleeping in the Crystal, Noctis defeats Ardyn in single-combat, then sacrifices himself to destroy Ardyn's immortal spirit and purge Eos of the Starscourge. [29] [30]

In "Episode Ardyn", set thirty years before the game's events, Ardyn is freed from a two millennia imprisonment by Niflheim. Initially reluctant, upon subduing the Astral Ifrit he learns of his apparent destiny to become the True King, and allies with Niflheim to pursue revenge. He embraces his powers, gradually losing his sanity and adopting the name "Izunia" after absorbing the memories of those killed by the Starscourge. Ardyn launches an assault on Insomnia on the coronation day of Noctis's father Regis, nearly killing him to force Somnus to manifest in his spirit form. Ardyn overpowers Somnus before the Astral's leader Bahamut intervenes and reveals Ardyn's destined role. [31] Depending on the player's choice, Ardyn either submits to his fate in exchange for his revenge against Noctis's family, or is tortured into submission by Bahamut; the former is confirmed to be the canon route. [31] [10] Upon his return to reality, Ardyn vows to kill the True King in defiance of the Astrals. [31]

Other appearances

Ardyn briefly appears in Kingsglaive as a representative of Niflheim, proposing a truce between the two nations with the marriage of Noctis and Lunafreya. He remains present during most of the film's events accompanying Niflheim's emperor Iedolas Aldercapt up to the invasion of Insomnia and theft of the Crystal. [32] In the novel The Dawn of the Future , a defiant Ardyn rejects his fate, prompting Bahamut to plan the destruction of Eos. Eventually Noctis and a resurrected Lunafreya convince him to perform the ritual of the True King in Noctis's place, allowing him to kill Bahamut, erase the Starscourge, and make peace with Somnus and Aera. [33]

Ardyn was added as a playable character in the Dissidia subseries. [34] [35] He was a DLC character for both the home console and arcade versions of Dissidia Final Fantasy NT . [36] Ardyn was the last original character added before Square Enix ended support for the game in 2020. [34] He was added as a permanent addition to the mobile title Dissidia Opera Omnia in December 2019 in Japan, and September 2020 in English regions. [35] [37]

Ardyn, along with other characters from XV, was featured as ability card in the mobile game Mobius Final Fantasy . [38] He was released as a recruitable character for Final Fantasy Brave Exvius , featuring abilities based on his actions in the main game and a special attack with a CGI sequence. [39] Different depictions of the character also feature in the Final Fantasy Trading Card Game. [40] He was later featured as an enemy character in the rhythm game spin-off Theatrhythm Final Bar Line , with artist Monster Octopus simplifying trademark elements of his design for the game's art style. [41] Outside the Final Fantasy series, Ardyn made a cameo appearance in a crossover with Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed: Origins (2017), [42] and featured as a character skin in a collaboration with Minecraft in 2018. [43]

Reception

Ardyn has received a generally positive reception from players. Ardyn ranked No. 63 in the Top 75 of NHK's "All-Final Fantasy Grand Poll of Japanese players" in 2020, which tallied over 468,000 votes. [44] De Paul's performance was also singled out for praise by journalists. [45] [46] Philip Kollar from Wired in his review of Kingsglaive described Ardyn as a "particularly dandy-looking envoy from Niflheim who bears more than a passing resemblance to Tom Baker's Doctor Who". [47] Joe Anderstron from Digital Spy had mixed feelings with regards to his role in Final Fantasy XV based on what Kingslave foreshadowed, but found him interesting. [48]

Eurogamer 's Aolfe Wilson described Ardyn as an "utterly unremarkable" antagonist compared to either Kefka Palazzo or Final Fantasy VII antagonist Sephiroth. [49] Michael Cunningham of RPGamer commented that Ardyn stood out from the rest of the supporting cast due to his mysterious characterization, developing into a "creepy" villain as the story progressed. [50] Salvatore Pane, writing for Paste Magazine , said Ardyn killing Lunafreya had a major impact in the narrative due the amount of grief the characters−specifically Noctis−suffer as a result for the first time in the entire game. [51]

Mike Fahey from Kotaku praised Ardyn's portrayal as the setting's overarching antagonist, citing Episode Ardyn and its anime tie-in as highlights for his character development and making his vendetta against Noctis's family "fully justified". [52] RPG Site's George Foster was very positive, saying the DLC "manages to turn a previously interesting, but oftentimes one-note villain, into a sympathetic figure". [53] Destructoid stated that while Ardyn was kept as a mysterious and interesting villain in Final Fantasy XV, the DLC managed to properly explore his past through both narrative and gameplay. [54] USGamer 's Hirun Cryer was less positive, faulting Ardyn's overarching characterisation and saying the episode's narrative undermined the work done during the anime tie-in. [55] Eurogamer Italy felt Episode Ardyn prioritised fan service at the expense of narrative coherence surrounding Ardyn's character and motivations. [56]

Ardyn's role in The Dawn of the Future was poorly received overall. Despite praising his character writing, Anime UK faulted Ardyn as "easily the low point of the novel", feeling that Jun Eishima's writing style undermined the retelling of Ardyn's past and motivations. [57] Anime News Network 's James Beckett called Ardyn's dedicated chapter the worst part of the book, with its events failing to make the character a compelling antagonist. [58] RPGFan's Peter Triezenberg, who had disliked Ardyn's portrayal in his DLC episode, found the novel did little to redeem his character due to wanting to make him sympathetic after the game's highly antagonistic portrayal. [59]

Related Research Articles

Final Fantasy is a fantasy anthology media franchise created by Hironobu Sakaguchi which is owned, developed, and published by Square Enix. The franchise centers on a series of fantasy role-playing video games. The first game in the series was released in 1987, with 16 numbered main entries having been released to date.

<i>Final Fantasy XV</i> 2016 video game

Final Fantasy XV is an action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix. The fifteenth main installment of the Final Fantasy series, it was released for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2016, Windows in 2018, and as a launch title for Stadia in 2019. The game features an open world environment and action-based battle system, incorporating quick-switching weapons, elemental magic, and other features such as vehicle travel and camping. The base campaign was later expanded with downloadable content (DLC), adding further gameplay options such as additional playable characters and multiplayer.

<i>Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy</i> Video game series

Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy is a series of games within the Final Fantasy video game franchise. It was primarily developed by series creator and developer Square Enix, which also acted as publisher for all titles. While featuring various worlds and different characters, each Fabula Nova Crystallis game is ultimately based on and expands upon a common mythos focusing on important crystals tied to deities. The level of connection to the mythos varies between each title, with each development team given the freedom to adapt the mythos to fit the context of a game's story.

<i>Dissidia Final Fantasy</i> 2008 video game

Dissidia Final Fantasy is a fighting game with action role-playing elements developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation Portable as part of the campaign for the Final Fantasy series' 20th anniversary. It was released in Japan on December 18, 2008, in North America on August 25, 2009, and in Australia and Europe in September. It was then re-released in Japan, based on the North American version, as Dissidia Final Fantasy: Universal Tuning, on November 1, 2009.

Lightning (<i>Final Fantasy</i>) Fictional character of the Final Fantasy series

Lightning is a character from the Final Fantasy video game series made by Square Enix. She first appeared as a playable character and the main protagonist in the role-playing video game Final Fantasy XIII, in which she is a resident of the artificial world of Cocoon. After her sister Serah is declared an enemy of Cocoon, Lightning attempts to save her and is chosen by divine powers to destroy Cocoon. Lightning reappears as a supporting character in Final Fantasy XIII-2, acting as protector of the Goddess Etro. She is the sole playable character in Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, wherein she sets out to save the people of her dying world. Outside the XIII series, Lightning has been featured in multiple Final Fantasy games and had cameo appearances in other video games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hajime Tabata</span> Japanese video game director (born 1971)

Hajime Tabata is a Japanese game director, the previous Luminous Productions COO and Head of Studio who formerly worked for Square Enix and currently the CEO of JP Games.

The development of Final Fantasy XV, a Japanese action role-playing video game, began in 2006 shortly before its announcement at that year's Electronic Entertainment Expo. Square Enix handled primary development on XV, and the game was released worldwide in November 2016; the total development time covered approximately ten years. The game was originally announced as Final Fantasy Versus XIII, a PlayStation 3-exclusive spin-off title. It was part of Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy, a subseries of games linked by a common mythos: while retaining thematic links, specific references were removed to aid with marketing. Additional media was created to portray the world of XV without using sequels; dubbed the "Final Fantasy XV Universe", it included a feature film, an original net animation, a virtual reality simulation game, multiple mobile projects including an abridged version of the game, ports to Windows and Stadia, and a novel The Dawn of the Future depicting an alternate finale.

<i>Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV</i> 2016 Japanese anime series

Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV is an original net animation series directed by Soichi Masui, produced by Akio Ofuji, written by Yuniko Ayana, and composed for by Yasuhisa Inoue and Susumi Akizuki. Co-produced by Square Enix and A-1 Pictures, it is based on the setting and story of the 2016 video game Final Fantasy XV, which is thematically connected to the Fabula Nova Crystallis subseries. Brotherhood is set within the events of Final Fantasy XV, and details the backstories of main protagonist Noctis Lucis Caelum and those closest to him.

<i>Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV</i> 2016 Japanese film

Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV is a 2016 computer-animated Japanese animated fantasy film directed by Takeshi Nozue and scripted by Takashi Hasegawa from a story by Kazushige Nojima and Saori Itamuro. Developed primarily by Square Enix's exclusive CGI studio Visual Works, Kingsglaive is based on the setting and story of the video game Final Fantasy XV, which is thematically connected to the Fabula Nova Crystallis subseries. Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV was released theatrically in July 2016 in Japan by Aniplex, and received a limited theatrical run in August in North America by Stage 6 Films. Digital and physical home video versions were released three months later in October, and the film was bundled with different editions of Final Fantasy XV alongside Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV.

Characters of <i>Final Fantasy XV</i>

Final Fantasy XV, an action role-playing video game released in November 2016, is the fifteenth main installment in the Final Fantasy series, and is thematically connected to Fabula Nova Crystallis Final Fantasy, a subseries of games linked by a common mythos which includes Final Fantasy XIII and Final Fantasy Type-0. The world and main characters were created by Tetsuya Nomura, the game's original director. Nomura also designed the main characters, with later revisions and additional characters being designed by Yusuke Naora: other character designers involved with the game included Roberto Ferrari and Yusaku Nakaaki.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Noctis Lucis Caelum</span> Final Fantasy XV character

Noctis Lucis Caelum, "Noct" for short, is a character from Square Enix's Final Fantasy video game series. Noctis is a playable character and the main protagonist of Final Fantasy XV, which was originally a spin-off titled Final Fantasy Versus XIII. The crown prince and protector of Lucis, Noctis must reclaim his country's Crystal from the empire of Niflheim, going on a journey to become the True King of legend and save his world from darkness. Noctis has also appeared in the game's expanded media, Final Fantasy crossover titles and other games, including Puzzle & Dragons and the fighting game Tekken 7.

Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, "Luna" for short, is a character from the Final Fantasy video game series made by Square Enix. She is a central character in Final Fantasy XV (2016), originally a spin-off title called Final Fantasy Versus XIII, a prominent character in the game's associated media, and has made appearances in mobile projects within the Final Fantasy franchise. Lunafreya is the Oracle, a powerful figure in the game's world of Eos who communes with its deities, the Astrals. Originally engaged to main protagonist Noctis Lucis Caelum as part of a political marriage, she remotely helps Noctis's quest to become the True King of legend and save their world from darkness.

Square Enix Image Studio Division, is a Japan-based CGI animation studio dedicated towards creating video game cut scenes and full-length feature films for Square Enix. Square Enix Image Studio Division was founded as Visual Works as the CGI department for Square and was responsible for creating the pre-rendered CG sequences for the company, starting with Final Fantasy VII in 1997.

<i>Monster of the Deep: Final Fantasy XV</i> 2017 video game

Monster of the Deep: Final Fantasy XV is a downloadable virtual reality (VR) simulation video game developed and published by Square Enix for the PlayStation 4's PlayStation VR peripheral. The game was released on November 21, 2017. It forms part of the multimedia project surrounding the 2016 video game Final Fantasy XV. Players interact with the four main characters of Final Fantasy XV while taking part in fishing around a variety of locations.

The music for the video game Final Fantasy XV, developed and published by Square Enix as the fifteenth mainline entry in the Final Fantasy series, was composed primarily by Yoko Shimomura. Having previously worked on the Kingdom Hearts series, among various other titles, Final Fantasy XV was her first project for the series. Shimomura was brought on board the project in 2006, when it was a spin-off title called Final Fantasy Versus XIII, and stayed in her role during the game's ten-year development cycle. Her music, based around themes of "friendship" and "filial bonds", incorporates multiple musical genres, such as orchestral, bossa nova, and American blues. Several tracks, including the main theme "Somnus", feature Latin lyrics written by the game's original director Tetsuya Nomura.

Luminous Productions Co., Ltd. was a Japanese video game development studio and a subsidiary of Square Enix. Originally known as Business Division 2, Luminous Productions was the development team responsible for Final Fantasy XV and was one of 12 Business Divisions that Square Enix had at the time before the company consolidated its development divisions in 2020. The current name and development structure of the studio was formed on 27 March 2018 as an external company.

<i>Final Fantasy XV: The Dawn of the Future</i> 2019 novel by Emi Nagashima

Final Fantasy XV: The Dawn of the Future is a fantasy novel, written by Emi Nagashima and published by Square Enix. It is based on the universe and characters of Final Fantasy XV, an entry in the company's long-running Final Fantasy franchise. It was first released in Japan in April 2019, before being released worldwide in June 2020 as one of the debut titles in the company's newly formed Western publishing house.

<i>Final Fantasy XV</i> downloadable content Series of additional content expanding the 2016 Square Enix video game Final Fantasy XV

Downloadable content for Final Fantasy XV, an action role-playing game developed and published by Square Enix, was revealed prior to the game's release for the eighth generation of video game consoles in November 2016. It was mostly developed by a smaller team from the core Final Fantasy XV staff, supervised by director Hajime Tabata and headed by producer Haruyoshi Sawatari. Both free and paid downloadable content (DLC) were announced: among the DLC released were various promotional content utilised as tie-ins to the base game, such as A King's Tale: Final Fantasy XV as well as additional story elements intended to address player criticisms of the game's narrative structure and missing details.

Ignis Scientia is a character from Square Enix's Final Fantasy series. He first appears in the anime web series Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV as an advisor for the royal family of the Kingdom of Lucis and a personal attendant of its heir apparent prince Noctis Lucis Caelum. In the 2016 mainline title Final Fantasy XV, Ignis and his companions oppose the rival empire of Niflheim and its efforts to dominate the world of Eos. The character's story arc in the main narrative of XV culminates in him being permanently blinded, although he eventually acclimatizes to his condition and continues to be an active member of the player's party. He is the title character of the post-launch downloadable content (DLC) pack Episode Ignis, which explores the circumstances that led to his blinding.

Prompto Argentum is a character from Square Enix's Final Fantasy series. He first appears in the anime web series Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV as a schoolmate of the crown prince of the Kingdom of Lucis, Noctis Lucis Caelum. In the 2016 mainline title Final Fantasy XV, Prompto accompanies Noctis on his journey by road to meet and marry a noblewoman from another nation, and fights alongside him as they oppose the Niflheim empire. He is the title character of the post-launch downloadable content (DLC) pack Episode Prompto, which delves into the character's backstory and origin as a pawn of Niflheim.

References

  1. ↑ Parkin, Simon (November 2, 2016). "Finishing Final Fantasy". Eurogamer . Archived from the original on November 2, 2016. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
  2. ↑ Ashcraft, Brian (November 13, 2020). "Voice Actor Remembers How Final Fantasy Versus XIII Was Resurrected As Final Fantasy XV". Kotaku . Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2020.
  3. 1 2 Corriae, Alexa Ray (March 31, 2016). "15 New Things We Learned from Final Fantasy 15's Director". GameSpot . Archived from the original on March 31, 2016. Retrieved March 31, 2016.
  4. ↑ 『FFXV』の期待値を最大限に高めるプロジェクト"Final Fantasy XV Universe"――"Uncovered Final Fantasy XV"詳細リポ [The project "Final Fantasy XV Universe" that maximizes the expected value of "FFXV"――"Uncovered Final Fantasy XV" detailed repo]. Famitsu (in Japanese). April 1, 2016. Archived from the original on April 1, 2016. Retrieved April 1, 2016.
  5. 1 2 Stine, James (December 24, 2016). "Artist Roberto Ferrari speaks about his designs in Final Fantasy XV". Nova Crystallis. Archived from the original on December 24, 2016. Retrieved December 24, 2016.
  6. ↑ Duine, Erren Van (August 29, 2016). "Character artist Roberto Ferrari speaks on Final Fantasy XV story changes, cut characters". Nova Crystallis. Archived from the original on February 20, 2022.
  7. ↑ Romano, Sal (June 27, 2013). "Final Fantasy XV: the big interview summary". Gematsu. Archived from the original on December 29, 2014. Retrieved June 27, 2013.
  8. ↑ ファイナルファンタジーXV アルティマニア -バトル＋マップSIDE-[Final Fantasy XV Ultimania: Battle+Map Side] (in Japanese). Square Enix. December 28, 2016. p. 737. ISBN   978-4-7575-5215-9.
  9. ↑ Final Fantasy XV: The Complete Official Guide Collector's Edition. Piggyback Interactive. November 29, 2016. p. 330. ISBN   978-1-9110-1500-0.
  10. 1 2 3 4 『FFXV エピソード アーデン』開発スタッフに訊く見どころとこれから――物語は"ファンのために書かれた"小説へとつながる ["FFXV Episode Arden" Development Staff Highlights and Future - The Story Leads to a Novel "Written for Fans"]. Famitsu (in Japanese). March 27, 2019. Archived from the original on March 27, 2019. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
  11. ↑ Romano, Sal (February 17, 2019). "Final Fantasy XV DLC 'Episode Ardyn' launches March 26, 'Prologue' anime short now available". Gematsu. Archived from the original on February 17, 2019. Retrieved February 17, 2019.
  12. ↑ "FFXV Episode Ardyn Prologue disponible, les DLC annulés en roman" [FFXV Episode Ardyn Prologue available, DLCs canceled in novel]. Final Fantasy World (in French). February 17, 2019. Archived from the original on February 17, 2019. Retrieved February 18, 2019.
  13. 1 2 アーデンの視点で見る『FFXV』の答え合わせ！新DLC『エピソード アーデン』開発秘話【電撃PS】 [Matching the answers of "FFXV" seen from Ardyn's point of view! New DLC "Episode Arden" development secret story [Dengeki PS]]. Dengeki Online (in Japanese). April 2, 2019. Archived from the original on October 24, 2022. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  14. ↑ Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ardyn Prologue Q&A (Video). Square Enix. February 17, 2019. Archived from the original on February 19, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022– via YouTube.
  15. ↑ "Behind the Voice Actors - Final Fantasy XV". Behind the Voice Actors. Archived from the original on January 26, 2015. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  16. ↑ "Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV Cast – Ardyn Izunia". Behind the Voice Actors. Archived from the original on December 2, 2016. Retrieved June 6, 2017.
  17. ↑ Final Fantasy XV: The English Voice Cast Pt. 2 (Video). Square Enix. September 14, 2016. Archived from the original on March 2, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022– via YouTube.
  18. ↑ Final Fantasy XV Episode Ardyn | Darin DePaul Interview (Video). Square Enix. April 25, 2019. Archived from the original on February 23, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2022– via YouTube.
  19. ↑ Square Enix (November 29, 2016). Final Fantasy XV (PlayStation 4, Xbox One). Square Enix. Level/area: Credits.
  20. ↑ "Cast List". Weekly Famitsu (in Japanese). No. 1440. Enterbrain. July 7, 2016. pp. 116–123.
  21. ↑ Lada, Jenni (January 30, 2016). "Who's In Charge: Final Fantasy XV's Niflheim Empire". Siliconera. Archived from the original on October 7, 2015. Retrieved January 31, 2016.
  22. 1 2 Square Enix (November 29, 2016). Final Fantasy XV (PlayStation 4, Xbox One). Square Enix. Level/area: Chapter 13: Redemption.
  23. ↑ Satelight (February 17, 2019). Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ardyn - Prologue (Video) (in Japanese). Square Enix. Archived from the original on May 14, 2019. Retrieved February 19, 2022– via YouTube.
  24. ↑ Square Enix (April 18, 2018). Final Fantasy XV (PlayStation 4, Xbox One). Square Enix. Level/area: Dossiers.
  25. ↑ Square Enix (November 29, 2016). Final Fantasy XV (PlayStation 4, Xbox One). Square Enix. Level/area: Chapter 5: Dark Clouds.
  26. ↑ Square Enix (November 29, 2016). Final Fantasy XV (PlayStation 4, Xbox One). Square Enix. Level/area: Chapter 1: Departure.
  27. ↑ Square Enix (November 29, 2016). Final Fantasy XV (PlayStation 4, Xbox One). Square Enix. Level/area: Chapter 3: The Open World.
  28. ↑ Square Enix (November 29, 2016). Final Fantasy XV (PlayStation 4, Xbox One). Square Enix. Level/area: Chapter 11: In the Dark.
  29. ↑ Square Enix (November 29, 2016). Final Fantasy XV (PlayStation 4, Xbox One). Square Enix. Level/area: Chapter 14: Homecoming.
  30. ↑ Square Enix (March 6, 2018). Final Fantasy XV: Royal Edition (Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One). Square Enix.
  31. 1 2 3 Square Enix (March 26, 2019). Final Fantasy XV (PlayStation 4, Xbox One). Square Enix. Level/area: Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ardyn.
  32. ↑ Visual Works, Digic Pictures, Image Engine (October 4, 2016). Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV (DVD, Blu-ray). Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  33. ↑ Nagashima, Emi (June 23, 2020). Final Fantasy XV: The Dawn of the Future. Square Enix. ISBN   978-4-7575-6108-3.
  34. 1 2 Stenbuck, Kite (February 18, 2020). "Dissidia Final Fantasy NT is dead - no more updates for Arcade or PS4, no plans for a sequel". RPG Site. Archived from the original on February 18, 2020.
  35. 1 2 Lada, Jenni (September 23, 2020). "Ardyn Dissidia Final Fantasy: Opera Omnia Update Arrives September 24, 2020". Siliconera. Archived from the original on September 24, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  36. ↑ Romano, Sal (December 22, 2019). "Dissidia Final Fantasy NT DLC character Ardyn Izunia from Final Fantasy XV announced". Gematsu. Archived from the original on December 22, 2019. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  37. ↑ 【新キャラ参戦】アーデン性能解説【2019.12.27アプデ情報】 [[New Character Participation] Arden Performance Explanation [2019.12.27 update information]]. Famitsu (in Japanese). December 27, 2019. Archived from the original on December 27, 2019. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  38. ↑ "Battle As Sephiroth Through The New Final Fantasy VII Event In Mobius Final Fantasy". Square Enix. February 1, 2018. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  39. ↑ 『FFBE』に『FFXV』より “蒼穹の剣ノクティス”“真紅の剣アーデン”が参戦！ ["Azure Sword Noctis" and "Crimson Sword Arden" from "FFXV" join "FFBE"!]. Dengeki Online (in Japanese). December 31, 2020. Archived from the original on December 31, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  40. ↑ "Final Fantasy Trading Card Game - Final Fantasy XV". Square Enix. Archived from the original on February 2, 2023. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  41. ↑ Lada, Jenni (March 11, 2023). "Theatrhythm Final Bar Line Character Designer Explained Final Fantasy XV's Ardyn Design". Siliconera. Archived from the original on March 11, 2023. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  42. ↑ Bailey, Dustin (December 19, 2017). "Assassin's Creed Origins' new free update adds a Final Fantasy quest and chocobo mount". PC Games . Archived from the original on April 8, 2018. Retrieved August 11, 2021.
  43. ↑ Landin, Per (April 24, 2019). "Final Fantasy XV Skin Pack Out Now". Minecraft. Archived from the original on March 28, 2019. Retrieved February 2, 2023.
  44. ↑ Wong, Alistair (February 29, 2020). "Japan's Favorite Final Fantasy Game According to NHK's Grand Poll Is... Final Fantasy X". Siliconera. Archived from the original on March 11, 2020. Retrieved March 27, 2020.
  45. ↑ "Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ardyn". RPGFan. April 7, 2019. Archived from the original on February 23, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
  46. ↑ "You may recognise the English voices of Final Fantasy XV". Digital Spy. August 22, 2016. Archived from the original on February 23, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
  47. ↑ Kollar, Philip (November 28, 2016). "Kingsglaive Final Fantasy XV review: Fantastic visuals mask a poor story and 1950s stereotypes". Wired . Archived from the original on February 16, 2017. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  48. ↑ Anderston, Joe (August 25, 2016). "Everything we learned about Final Fantasy XV from watching Kingsglaive". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on February 19, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  49. ↑ Wilson, Aolfe (January 10, 2017). "Final Fantasy 15 review". Eurogamer . Archived from the original on April 4, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
  50. ↑ Cunningham, Michael (December 29, 2016). "Final Fantasy XV Review". RPGamer. Archived from the original on May 27, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
  51. ↑ Pane, Salvatore (January 20, 2017). "You Guys Are the Best: Friendship and Grieving in Final Fantasy XV". Paste Magazine. Archived from the original on February 28, 2021. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  52. ↑ Fahey, Mike (March 26, 2016). "Final Fantasy XV's Episode Ardyn DLC Made Me A Fan Of The Villain". Kotaku . Archived from the original on December 4, 2021. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  53. ↑ Foster, George (April 7, 2019). "Final Fantasy XV - Episode Ardyn Review". RPG Site. Archived from the original on December 4, 2021. Retrieved July 3, 2020.
  54. ↑ Carter, Chris (March 26, 2019). "Final Fantasy XV's short Episode Ardyn DLC is a fitting end for the undying game". Destructoid. Archived from the original on February 19, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
  55. ↑ Cryer, Hirun (March 29, 2019). "Final Fantasy 15's Episode Ardyn DLC is a Fitting End to a Game Fraught With Troubles". USGamer. Archived from the original on August 3, 2020. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  56. ↑ Arlotta, Lara (May 10, 2010). "Final Fantasy XV: Episodio Ardyn - recensione Chronicles". Eurogamer Italy (in Italian). Archived from the original on May 11, 2021. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  57. ↑ "Book Review - Final Fantasy XV: The Dawn of the Future Review". Anime UK . September 11, 2020. Archived from the original on September 20, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2021.
  58. ↑ Beckett, James (August 17, 2020). "Final Fantasy XV: The Dawn of the Future". Anime News Network . Archived from the original on August 19, 2020. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
  59. ↑ Triezenberg, Peter (December 2, 2020). "RPGFan Chapters Novel Coverage: Final Fantasy XV: The Dawn of the Future". RPGFan. Archived from the original on January 21, 2021. Retrieved January 21, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.