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Some people never truly understand how important a video game can be for a person. A few of them transport us into worlds where we can forget what’s happening around us. FFXIV was that for me. In 2021, when the world experienced one of its worst crises, Etheirys was there for me. It held my hand and took me from the deserts of Ul’dah to the erudite haven of Sharlayan. I’ve loved every step my Warrior of Light has taken in this journey. So, imagine my surprise when I, another member of the Latin American community of this MMO, saw that FFXIV: Dawntrail is taking us to a new area heavily inspired by my culture. I was beyond excited.
Final Fantasy as a series has never been a stranger to using real-life cultures in its titles. However, it’s been more prominent in this decade-old game. You have your Japanese-like markets in Kugane and the city of Radz-at-Han, which is clearly inspired by Indian culture. In a way, the studio opens the door to new cultures for players who know little about them. And that is terrific. But now, it is the turn of all Latin American people to feel proud of Tuliyollal, the first real place that represents our community, our culture, our traditions, and much more.
Tuliyollal Is Not Just a Vacation Spot
I remember vividly how I reacted to the first trailer for FFXIV: Dawntrail. I looked at our favorite poster boy, the Warrior of Light, whom many call Meteor, on a boat, sailing to new shores. That already got me excited. But what really brought tears of joy was looking at everything in Tuliyollal. The market stalls, the limestone-like features of the buildings, even G’raha Tia’s taco. Even the tiniest detail was perfect. But the cherry on top of this reveal wasn’t just the homage to our culture. It was how it broke away from the stereotypes Latin America has in other media. I didn’t see the sepia filter or the dilapidated streets many Hollywood movies think are staples of our culture. Instead, I saw something colorful, full of joy, brimming with life, which is what my culture is truly about.
Also, what excites me is the fact that Creative Studio III has opened the door for other people to learn about our culture in a deeper way. I can’t tell you how many times people have asked me about Cancun as if that were the only place we have in Mexico. Sadly, my friends from South America have it a bit more difficult. Sometimes, people don’t even ask about them. Well, not anymore. Look at Urqopacha, one of the new zones in FFXIV: Dawntrail. That’s one of the most beautiful homages of Peru I’ve seen in my life, with its gorgeous rainbow mountains. And to this day, I haven’t seen a studio take such care to bring Latin America to life in a game. For that, I’m eternally grateful to Yoshi-P and his team.
Everything In Tural Is Brimming With Life
Beyond the fantastic design, FFXIV: Dawntrail also makes each new zone feel alive. Regardless of how perfectly designed an area is, if the NPCs around it stand still, that kills the immersion. But not here. After watching some Media Tour videos, I saw that Creative Studio III did its homework. For a Latino, entering a market and dodging people is more difficult than avoiding a tank-buster in FFXIV. And Dawntrail is capturing that essence already. Tuliyollal already looks like the biggest trade-hub we’ve had in the MMO and I’m all for it. I can see my Warrior of Light strolling around the markets, buying any ingredients I need for my Culinarian job, just as I did with my mom when I was a kid. Minus the Mamool Ja, of course.
Frankly, I can’t wait. While the setting already looks amazing, I’m also intrigued about where the story will go. Will it use some of our deities in its dungeons or raids? Will we see Quetzalcoatl again? I don’t know, but my imagination keeps running wild. And even if our time is brief in these areas before we move to the cyberpunk-like place of Solution Nine, I’ll enjoy every moment in it. And I hope many other Warriors of Light will, too. Tural already looks like one of the most colorful places we’ve had in the MMO and with the new graphical update, I’m sure everything will look amazing.
Ultimately, I want to thank Creative Studio III again. Out of all the games in my library, FFXIV is my favorite. My two thousand hours can back that up, even if those are rookie numbers for many. And now, seeing my absolute favorite MMO of all time bring my culture into the fray is a dream come true. So, to all Warriors of Light out there, I hope you enjoy these new zones and take it all in. We’re in for a brand-new adventure and a new story arc. So, having Tural opening the door to what I hope is another decade-old journey is fantastic.
