Final Fantasy XIV can sometimes feel a little too conservative when it comes to embracing silliness, but the recent launch of the Tour Tural site flips that reputation on its head. Introduced by the Interim Deputy Director of Turalism who’s played by comedian Rhys Darby, the satirical tourism site is a fun, refreshing way to introduce the world of Tural and establish tonal differences between Dawntrail and its predecessors.
The tongue-in-cheek nature of the site becomes obvious the moment you see the special video message from the Board of Turalism that also serves as an advertisement for Dawntrail preorders. The video is over the top in the best of ways, from the Interim Deputy Director of Turalism’s bad wig to the blatantly fake tropical backdrops. But in this case, humor is just the vessel in which Dawntrail’s very real selling points are carried.
Sure, the “Loose Alpacas!” travel advisory is no more serious than the site’s outrageous advice from locals. But recipe cards for the tacos eaten by a hungry G’raha Tia in the Dawntrail launch trailer is a tasty way to immerse fans in Turali culture. Just like how the fake and sold-out merch for tourists might be a comedic falsehood, but the showcase of Turali regions is true to Dawntrail’s new and exotic locales waiting to be explored by players.
You’ll also find vintage postcards, local job listings that offer full White Mage insurance, and even a customer support feature that doesn’t seem to be too sure about what happened to the previous Deputy Director of Turalism. Either way, this is a side of Final Fantasy XIV usually reserved for the next chunk of Hildibrand quests, so seeing this level of goofiness right out of the gate makes the launch of Dawntrail all the more exciting.
Early access for players who have preordered Dawntrail is happening now and ends on July 5. Dawntrail launches for all players in only three days on July 2.
