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Are Final Fantasy XV & Assassin’s Creed: Origins Connected? – They Are Now!

When you think of Final Fantasy and Assassins Creed, various things come to mind: stunning graphics, intriguing stories, an epic cosplay community. Thought despite these similarities, you would never think these games were connected…. right? Well that’s about to change in more ways than one!

Let’s flashback to last year when Final Fantasy XV released their ‘Omen’ trailer. Like the game, the trailer followed Noctis, but it was one scene in particular that got everyone talking. While on the train, Noctis passes someone reading a newspaper with the Assassins Creed logo on it. It was truly a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, and fans loved it!

Ubisoft and Square Enix have had a subtle partnership for years now. In fact, Square Enix originally served as Ubisoft’s Japanese distributor; and since then the two have always supported each other – even selling each other’s items occasionally in their own online stores!

Are Final Fantasy XV & Assassin’s Creed: Origins Connected? - They Are Now!

Now back to the present, because you see Ubisoft didn’t release any Assassins Creed titles in 2016. So if there was ever going to be a chance for Ubisoft to return the favor with Trailer Easter Eggs, now is the time. And Assassins Creed: Origins did not disappoint as their latest trailer gives a special cameo to one of Final Fantasy XV’s cutest character, Umbra – sorry, I was hoping for Gladdy Daddy too!

This was a lot more than a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment as Umbra is almost impossible to identify without the bluish-green messenger straps. Though upon closer inspection, the color pattern of his fur as well as those yellow eyes match perfectly!

Are Final Fantasy XV & Assassin’s Creed: Origins Connected? - They Are Now!

Now originally, I suspected this crossover was due to both trailers being developed by Digic Picture. If you’ve ever seen a particularly amazing video game cinematic trailer, chances are Digic Pictures made it. In fact, this entire article was originally written with Digic Pictures being the “How They’re Connected” part; but then the Assassins Creed and Final Fantasy XV development teams announced an ACTUAL collaboration a few hours ago!

Starting August 31st, Final Fantasy XV will kick off it’s free Assassin’s Festival DLC. The official release reveals:

The town of Lestallum will transform itself for the event with signs and banners signaling the arrival of the festival, and new activities will be available for players to participate in. It doesn’t end there. The Assassin’s Festival will have some additional themed items and features, including another outfit from Assassin’s Creed, along with abilities that enable Noctis to explore more like an Assassin and even use some of the Assassins’ more well-known abilities.

Now to be fair, this isn’t the first time Assassins Creed and Final Fantasy have crossed over. Way back when Final Fantasy XIII-2 (20111) came out, there was a costume DLC that allowed players to dress the male protagonist, Noel, in Ezio’s AC: Revelations (2011) outfit. That being said, this event is much more than just a costume change and will add new moves and gameplay features. Looks like it’s time for me to get back into Final Fantasy XV!

Are Final Fantasy XV & Assassin’s Creed: Origins Connected? - They Are Now!

Though above all else, I particularly enjoy it when there’s collaboration between multiple teams because it reaffirms that we’re all gamers! Square Enix employees don’t just play Square Enix games; and the same is true of Ubisoft. The Game Director at Ubisoft Montreal, Ashraf Ismail, commented:

“This collaboration is the result of being huge fans… There’s a lot of respect between the two teams and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the opportunity to pay homage to each other’s work.”

If you obtained a Dream Egg from the last Final Fantasy XV Event – Moogle Chocobo Carnival – then you’ll receive a familiar Assassin outfit for Noctis on August 30th. The rest of the event kicks off the next day! As for Assassins Creed: Origins, that is scheduled for release on October 27th. So many games, so little time!

Are Final Fantasy XV & Assassin’s Creed: Origins Connected? - They Are Now!

Image Credits: AccessTheAnimus, Ubiblog, Ubisoft & Square Enix