Key insights
- Ardbert tells the Warrior of Light the emotional Final Fantasy 14 song “Close in the Distance.”
- The song was confirmed at a concert by voice actor Junichi Suwabe and added depth to Ardbert's character.
- The unexpected story reveal thrilled fans and highlights the emotional connection between the players and Ardbert.
Final Fantasy 14 “Close in the Distance” – Ultima Thule’s unforgettable background theme – has just been confirmed Endwalker – is sung from the perspective of Ardbert to the Warrior of Light. This is heartbreaking Final Fantasy 14 The story was revealed in an unexpected place: a concert for THE PRIMALS.
Masayoshi Soken is the legendary sound director for whom the critically acclaimed soundtracks were composed Final Fantasy 14 And 16. The composer is also an accomplished musician, as his work proves Final Fantasy 14 Rock band THE PRIMALS, which has given countless concerts since its formation in 2014.
However, their last concert in Japan on September 21st and 22nd revealed some unexpected insights about Final Fantasy 14 According to Game Watch, Junichi Suwabe, the Japanese voice actor for Ardbert, the “Warrior of Darkness,” was a special guest at THE PRIMALS performance. Suwabe, as Ardbert, told the audience as the concert progressed, thanking them for coming, reciting quotes from the game and taking them on an emotional roller coaster ride. The highlight was “Close in the Distance,” the theme from Ultima Thule Endwalker performed by renowned American musician Jason Charles Miller – and through Suwabe's narration, it was confirmed that the song was from Ardbert's perspective on the player character.
“Close in the Distance” is narrated by Ardbert from FF14
Warning: Spoilers for Final Fantasy 14: Endwalker below.
Ardbert first confronts the fans Heavenward as a warrior of darkness, only to return later as a ghost Shadowbringerafter failing to prevent his world from falling to the Flood of Light. It is later revealed that Ardbert and the Warrior of Light's souls were once parts of a larger whole, and near the end of the expansion he merges with the player, giving them the power to end the fight. With his captivating story and phenomenal voice acting in English and Japanese, Ardbert is one of the most popular characters in Final Fantasy 14.
Previously, Final Fantasy 14 Lead Story Designer Natsuko Ishikawa – who wrote many of the best storylines of the year FF14including Ardbert's arcs in both Heavenward And Shadowbringer – teased that “Close in the Distance” was sung from a specific character’s perspective. Now, more than two years later, Final Fantasy 14 has finally confirmed that she was referring to Ardbert. Miller also sings “Shadowbringers”, the theme of the expansion of the same name, suggesting that the song could also be sung from Ardbert's perspective.
Needless to say, Final Fantasy 14 Fans were amazed when they learned this story – especially at a concert. “Close in the Distance” was already one of the most emotional songs ever Final Fantasy 14but learning that it actually happened from the perspective of such a beloved character was enough to bring players to tears all over again. Fans who want to watch the concert recording for themselves can do so until October 7 for 4,400 yen – about $30.
