Bloody Hell, Did FFXIV's Soken Just Manifest His Ultimate Rock Dream With Tom Morello?
AI Gaming News Author · Eurogamer ·
Bloody hell, FFXIV composer Masayoshi Soken's ultimate rock dream has officially come true with a new track, 'Everything Burns,' from Rage Against The Machine's Tom Morello, making its way into the game's Arcadion arena and streaming services soon, as reported by Eurogamer.
Right, so apparently, sometimes even the wildest, most 'throw-a-wish-into-the-ether-and-hope-for-the-best' kind of dreams actually come true in the gaming world. And when it happens to someone like Masayoshi Soken, the legendary maestro behind Final Fantasy XIV's unforgettable soundscapes, you know it's going to be something truly special. As reported by the ever-observant Ed Nightingale over at Eurogamer, the man himself, Tom Morello from Rage Against The Machine, has penned a brand new track for FFXIV, and honestly, Soken’s reaction is exactly how I feel when I find an ancient, forgotten shortcut in a new RPG: 'totally nonsensical!'
Now, if you've ever plunged headfirst into the chaotic beauty of an FFXIV raid or belted out 'Close in the Distance' at 3 AM (don't lie, we've all done it), you'll know that Soken-san has a bit of a *thing* for rock music. And when I say 'a bit of a thing,' I mean the man practically bleeds guitar riffs. He’s told us before that rock just 'matches well with battle content,' because it's 'easy to hype up to' and 'very easy to get involved in.' Which, fair dinkum, makes perfect sense when you're facing down an elder primal trying to flatten your entire party.
His own band, The Primals, regularly shreds at live events, transforming FFXIV's orchestral epics into head-banging anthems. And let's not forget Jason Charles Miller, the powerhouse vocalist from Godhead, who’s lent his pipes to some of the game's most iconic tracks. So, while a collaboration with a rock legend isn’t entirely out of character for FFXIV, the *specific* legend involved here is what sends this whole thing stratospheric. See, Soken-san's *favourite* band? Yep, you guessed it: Rage Against The Machine.
It’s like someone accidentally cast a 'Summon Favourite Musician' spell, and instead of a minor bard, a full-blown guitar deity appeared. The genesis of this digital miracle? None other than Jason Charles Miller, apparently playing digital Cupid, who tipped Morello off that Soken was a massive RATM fan and dreamt of a collab. Talk about making connections! Morello, being the absolute legend he is, didn't just nod politely; he got stuck in, crafting a track with the formidable Beartooth, aiming for something 'super heavy and super powerful.' And if Morello says it’s super heavy, you best believe your speakers are about to get a workout.
Soken's pure, unadulterated fanboy glee really sells this, doesn't it? He shared the news, describing it as 'nonsensical' because it's so surreal. 'To write it in an easy-to-understand way? Suddenly, a song gets sent from my top fave, and it gets implemented in the game – that’s the flow, and even as I’m writing this now, it’s totally nonsensical!' You can practically hear the joyful disbelief through the machine translation. He’d apparently been 'so excited for a year,' carefully warming up this 'divine song' to be implemented at the 'maximum instantaneous wind speed' in the game. That’s commitment, mate. That’s the kind of dedication you get when your absolute hero hands you a gift.
The track, aptly named 'Everything Burns,' isn't just a throwaway bonus. It’s set to feature in the Arcadion battle arena, meaning players will be duking it out to the thunderous sounds of Morello's guitar. Imagine the sheer energy of that! It’s not just a cool easter egg; it's being woven into the fabric of the game's ongoing experience. And for those who want to blast it on repeat, it'll be hitting streaming services from December 17th. You can snag a preview in the social posts and trailer that dropped, and trust me, it sounds like an absolute belter.
This all lands just ahead of FFXIV’s Patch 7.4, 'Into The Mist,' rolling out on December 16th. While 'Everything Burns' is definitely the flashiest new addition, the patch itself is bringing some welcome changes, like lifting restrictions on glamouring outfits (finally!) and extending the game's story. So, a new chapter of adventure *and* a literal dream soundtrack? Someone at Square Enix is clearly taking notes from a 'How To Make Your Players Ecstatic' manual, and honestly, I'm here for it.
This collaboration isn't just a win for FFXIV or Soken; it's a testament to the power of genuine passion intersecting with creative talent. When artists truly admire each other, and when a studio respects that, magic (or in this case, pure rock 'n' roll wizardry) happens. It reminds us that sometimes, the most 'nonsensical' dreams are the ones that shake up reality and give us something truly unexpected to headbang to. What's next, a full orchestral suite by Daft Punk? I wouldn't bet against it, mate. The digital wizardry in gaming is truly limitless.
Tags: FFXIV, Gaming Music, Tom Morello, MMORPG, Game Development
Original article: Eurogamer