Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn (0)

Overview

Final Fantasy XIV is the second MMORPG to be released as a part of series, following in the footsteps of . The game in its current iteration is a fully redesigned relaunch of the original version, which was released in 2010. The relaunch, subtitled "A Realm Reborn" was released on August 27, 2013 on and . A version was released on April 14, 2014. An OS X version will be available alongside the release of the game's first expansion on June 23, 2015.

The games first expansion pack, , is scheduled for release on June 23rd, 2015, and will bring many new regions and area, 3 new jobs, flying mounts and more.

Original Release and Reaction

Final Fantasy XIV "Version 1.0" began its first stage of alpha testing on March 10th, 2010, and entered the second stage on June 10th, 2010. Closed beta testing began on July 13th, 2010, and the game's open beta started on September 2nd, 2010. The game launched with a Limited Collector's Edition on September 22nd, 2010, and the standard edition launched on September 30, 2010 worldwide on PC platforms. The game was not released as a part of Square Enix's service that Final Fantasy XI operates under, but under a new "Square Enix Account" system planned for use with all future Square Enix online titles.

Upon its release, Final Fantasy XIV was savaged by critics and players alike for dull, tedious, and outdated gameplay. The response was so severe that Square Enix president publicly apologized for the game's quality. The game's development team was reorganized and the free trial period was extended while the company made efforts to improve the title.

The PlayStation 3 version of the game was put on indefinite hold, while the title's many faults were addressed.

A New Producer/Director and A Realm Reborn

On December 10, 2010, a massive shakeup occurred amongst the development and planning teams of Final Fantasy XIV, in wake of the game's extremely negative launch.

, a relative unknown amongst fans of Square Enix titles, stepped in to the role of both Producer and Director, replacing the positions held by and respectively. With this and other staff changes made at key positions, an air of change began in the development of the title. Yoshida opened lines of communication with the players through players polls, and new official forums. This kind of communication with players was unheard of in the series' previous MMO, Final Fantasy XI. Player feedback has became a top priority, and since his arrival, many game mechanics that players found arduous and non-friendly were removed (Fatigue system, Physical levels, etc.) or given totally new roles (Guildleves changing from the main crux of the game's content, to being a method of easier solo-play).

While many of the changes to the original game were welcomed by the game's player base, there were many other changes that the team could not implement due to limitations in the original game engine and servers. So, it was announced in late November 2011 that the game would be completely rebuilt from the ground up, and become an entirely new client. This project was originally named Final Fantasy XIV: Version 2.0.

The introduction of Version 2.0 brought numerous elements into play that were not possible in the original game. These include, but are not limited to:

• A completely new game engine based off of Square Enix's Luminous engine, allowing for better scaling of graphics, and therefore lowering the games' high PC requirements.
• Completely new geography to the maps, eliminating the original maps' repetitive nature.
• New party search feature to allow for cross-server play.
• New player estates, including linkshell/guild housing.
• New main scenario.
• New UI for PC and a controller friendly UI for PlayStation 3, including the support of add-ons for both versions.
• Player vs. Player content.
• Delivery Services via moogles.
• Players being able to jump while traveling on foot, or on chocobos.

On November 11th, 2012, the original version of the game was shut down, and a CG trailer showed the conclusion of the "Seventh Umbral Era" storyline which is being used to explain the massive changes in the world which came with the game's relaunch. Now labeled "Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn", the new game client went through extensive alpha/beta testing through the first half of 2013.

Unlike the original release's beta test, where nearly no feedback was taken into account, the game underwent a great many changes while in beta testing due to player feedback.

The relaunched Final Fantasy XIV on sale August 27, 2013 for Windows and PlayStation 3 in Japan, North America and Europe simultaneously to nearly universal acclaim and praise for the complete turnaround the title made from the original release.

The Armoury System

The Armoury is a system vaguely reminiscent the used in previous Final Fantasy games. Rather than gaining experience and levels, however, this system is tied to weapons. Each weapon type represents a different character class (for example, if your character picks up a one-handed sword, he becomes a ). Selecting a weapon will grant you basic abilities for the class tied to it. As you fight with that weapon and use the class abilities it grants, your skill with the weapon will increase, granting you new abilities. At any time, you can change your weapon, switching classes in the process. For example, you've been carrying a staff since the start of your adventuring career and you've earned powerful skill as a Conjurer. Deciding to learn the way of the sword, you put your staff away and pull out a longsword. Now you can use your sword for basic attacks, and as you increase in skill, learn more powerful sword-based attacks. And, while using your sword, you can still cast most spells you learned as a Conjurer. Put the sword away and take out your staff, and you're once again a Conjurer.

Disciplines

Disciplines are the different paths of activity and skill that an adventurer may devote himself to. Using the Armoury system, one may switch between classes under all disciplines.

Disciples of War

Archer (Job Advancement: Bard)

The is a ranged combat specialist, highly skilled with the and able to fall back on slings and rocks if they run out of arrows. Traditionally, the and are considered to be the most skillful Archers. Effectiveness with this class will depend on a player's expertise in positioning and arrow-type selection.

Lancer (Job Advancement: Dragoon)

The Lancer is a melee fighter skilled at using weapons such as lances and pikes. Able to attack from a relatively safe distance due to the length of their weapon, lancers are also skilled at throwing javelins at long range. These abilities make them an ideal combat support class.

Gladiator (Job Advancement: Paladin)

Gladiators are skilled in the use of all one-handed blades, including both melee weapons and . They can either use shields in their off hand or focus all their energy on their sword arm. A Gladiator is a great front-line fighter and defender, with the ability to hold an enemy's attention.

Marauder (Job Advancement: Warrior)

A combat specialist focusing on the two-handed , the marauder is a fearsome fighter who is able to supplement their arsenal with throwing axes. Brute force is their greatest attribute, and timing and distance will be essential to their effectiveness in combat.

Pugilist (Job Advancement: Monk)

This master of close-combat is formidable even when unarmed, but they are known to use different types of weapons to augment their arsenal. The Pugilist can alter their stance to focus on either attack or defense, and counter their lack of range with excellent maneuverability.

Rogue (Job Advancement: Ninja)

Available in the upcoming 2.4 patch, Rogues specialize in dual-welding weapons. Armed with daggers and knives, the Rogue is able to dish out the fastest damage possible. Rogues will be able to applies a wide variety of poisons to their weapons and use Ninjutsu abilites.

Disciples of Magic

Conjurer (Job Advancement: White Mage)

Conjurers use a combination of healing and elemental magic attacks. They use wands or canes to focus energy from the world around them and weave it into spells. Their intimacy with all types of elemental energy enables them to easily switch between offensive and defensive magic.

Thaumaturge (Job Advancement: Black Mage)

A Thaumaturge uses the power of darkness to buff allies and enfeeble enemies along with doing great darkness magic damage. They draw on the energy within themselves and channel magic through scepters and . Their powers of destruction can rival even the Disciples of War.

Arcanist (Job Advancement: Summoner and Scholar)

Armed with grimoire books, and faithful sidekick Carbuncle by their side, Arcanists use gemstones to set their elemental alignment, and can cast powerful damage-over-time spells.

Disciples of the Land

Botanist

The Botanist is a master of procuring resources from all forms of . They use a to harvest from trees, grasses, and other plants, and many other disciplines rely on them for supplies.

Miner

Along with being able to harvest valuable , a Miner can also throw rocks and debilitate their enemies with mineral compositions. Their main tool is the , and they are able to take on a broad spectrum of jobs, from small- to large-scale.

Fisher

Fishers use a to harvest the realm's aquatic creatures, and sell them to those in other disciplines. Many factors influence how successful they will be in different areas, and the dangerous spots they may need to travel to fish necessitates protection from more combat-oriented classes.

Disciples of the Hand

Alchemist

Alchemists are masters of both science and nature, capable of distilling ordinary materials into wondrous concoctions. They use an alembic to distill and combine materials into various powerful and trans-formative substances.

Blacksmith

Blacksmiths smelt metal ingots and use them to armor, weapons, and even guns. This work is always in high demand all over Eorzea due to the need for all fighters to keep their weapons in good repair. They have many tools related to crafting and repairing weapons.

Culinarian

Culinarians use a vast array of ingredients to delicious meals that help adventurers maintain their strength on the battlefield. Their main tool is the skillet, which they use to fulfill many different recipes.

Leatherworker

Tanners are able to boil and dye , and use them to craft leather armor and clothing. There is a large demand for these products, and the Leatherworker uses a headknife for many of these processes.

Weaver

Weavers make threads and use them to make various types of clothing. Their main tool is the , and they must keep up with current trends in clothing to stay successful.

Armorer

An Armorer's main skill is crafting many pieces of metal armor, whether plate or chain, and their main tool is the raising . There is enough specialization in requisite techniques to separate this profession from Blacksmithing.

Carpenter

The Carpenter's main tool is the , which they use to create various wares. They are attuned to the fine differences between types of wood, and bring these traits out in any craft they produce.

Goldsmith

Goldsmiths use precious metals and to craft accessories and decorate weapons, armor, and tools. Their main tool is the chaser hammer, and they must constantly watch to make sure they get a in expensive materials.

Jobs

An evolution of the Armoury system, the Job System is where any of the Disciples of War or Magic classes, when meeting certain requirements, can complete quests to become classic jobs in the Final Fantasy series.

The jobs currently available are:

• Warrior - Unlocked through Marauder
• Monk - Unlocked through Pugilist
• White Mage - Unlocked through Conjurer
• Black Mage - Unlocked through Thaumaturge
• Bard - Unlocked through Archer
• Dragoon - Unlocked through Lancer
• Paladin - Unlocked through Gladiator
• Summoner - Unlocked through Arcanist
• Scholar - Unlocked through Arcanist
• Ninja - Unlocked through Rogue (Added in patch 2.4)

Jobs are all linked to the class that they are obtained through. Meaning that when you are a level 50 Gladiator, you are also a level 50 Paladin. Changing roles is as simple as equipping the "Soul Crystal" for the job.

When playing as a job, you will have access to both the actions of base class as well as those of the job in question. You will also be able to equip certain actions belonging to other classes, though these are limited. Job-specific actions are acquired by completing job quests.

Arcanist is the only class that branches off into multiple jobs, although ultimately other classes will follow this trend.

Other classic Final Fantasy jobs being considered for implementation are more healing and magic based classes.

Races

Final Fantasy XIV has five playable races to choose from in character creation. The races will have very minor attribute differences, and these differences will not be as exaggerated as in Final Fantasy XI. In regards to gender, there are no attribute differences between male and female characters of the same race.

Elezen

The Elezen are nomadic people whose race used to lay total claim over the land of Eorzea and predated all the other races on

the lands of Eorzea. Beleiving this prominence to be ordained by the gods, they came to develop an esteemed sense of honor and pride. The Elezen are a characteristically tall, sporting slim physiques and large ears, which are so sensitive they can discern the squeak of a field mouse from several malms out.

Elezen players will be able to choose between the "Wildwood" and "Duskwight" factions.

Elezen are essentially .

Lalafell

The diminutive Lalafell were originally a group of agriculturalists that used to live in the south seas. Thanks to transmarine commerce they found their way through the trade routes of Eorzea." Their race now is one of the most populated races in the region of Eorzea. Lalafells are extremely agile and are able to travel long distances due to their legs. Many of the Lalafells are also very intelligent and highly developed individuals. This race continues to be one of the friendliest races welcoming any outsider.

Lalafell players will be able to choose between the "Plainsfolk" and "Dunesfolk" factions.

Lalafell are similar to the race from Final Fantasy XI.

Hyur

The Hyur traveled across the sea to Eorzea from neighboring continents. Three massive migratory waves gave this race the highest population in the land of Eorzea. The Hyur brought massive amounts of technology to Eorzea and drove the cultural and technological progress for all those that reside in Eorzea. They also brought a very complex ethos. The Hyur are extremely focused on the individual and this initially caused a large conflict with the Elezen. Hyur can be found mainly among the Highlanders in the mountainous areas and the Midlanders who live in the lower elevations.

Hyur players will be able to choose between the "Midlanders" and "Highlanders".

Hyur are in all but name.

Roegadyn

The Roegadyn are found in the northern areas of Eorzea. This is where they came from when they landed on the shores of

Eorzea and remain a maritime people. Members of the race have a large muscular build and highly value competitiveness and unflinching courage. Most Roegadyn remain seaman located in the Limsa Lominsa area. Many have adventured out into the world to become bodyguards, mercenaries and even pirates by trade. Some Roegadyns have moved high up into the mountains of Ul'dah and become known as the Hellsguard, Roegadyn that have mastered magical arts.

Roegadyn players will be able to choose between the "Seawolf Tribe" and the "Hellsgaurd Tribe" factions.

Roegadyn are similar to the race from Final Fantasy XI.

Beginning in A Realm Reborn, female Roegadyn characters were introduced, and are a playable variation of the race.

Miqo'te

The Miqo'te originated from hunting tribes that found Eorzea's seas turning the "Age of Endless Frost". At that time the land was covered by ice and passage between the islands was possible, which lead to an influx of foreign fauna which were hunted by the descendants of the Miqo'te. The Miqo'te belong to two different groups, the Seekers of the Sun and the nocturnal Keepers of the Moon. Both groups share an olfactory sense and powerful leg musculature which evolved from their past hunting and

predation. This race chooses to be very isolated and avoids contact with the other races even when they reside in the large populated cities.

Miqo'te players will be able to choose between the "Seekers of the Sun" and "Keepers of the Moon" factions. Players who play as Miqo'te will only be able to play as a female character, however, Square Enix has stated that male Miqo'te do exist in the lore of Final Fantasy XIV.

Miqo'te are basically nekomata, popularly known outside of Japan as "catgirls".

Beginning in A Realm Reborn, Male Miqo'te were introduced, and are a playable variation of the Miqo'te race.

City-States

The game takes place in the fantasy world of . Players begin their adventures in the region of , which is comprised of the continent of Aldenard and its surrounding islands. The region contains several city-states, including , , , and . Limsa Lominsa is a bustling port with a strong naval tradition, Ul'dah is a city located in the desert, Gridania is found deep in an ancient , and Ishgard is in the high .

Far to the South, in the deserts of , lies the bustling commercial hub of Ul'dah. Many walls and fortifications have been built up around

the characteristic dome-shaped at its center. The city is a well-known center of wealth, and as such, and recreational activities form a large part of daily life. The sultan serves as a sort of figurehead for the city's leadership, but it is the Syndicate, a group of six powerful merchants, who wield the real political power.

Limsa Lominsa is located off the southern coast of the island of Vylbrand, under the shadow of ancient cliffs carved by the relentless Rhotano Sea. The city is actually placed on many different islands or man-made formations known as sea stacks. Bridges span across each island in a kind of latticework pattern; a sight so beautiful, bards have named it "The Navigator's Veil." The goddess Llymlaen is said to have blessed Limsa Lominsa because she took pity on the sailors of a great armada that had to flee from battle. The rocks destroyed their ships and with no means to travel and no home to return to they settled in the islands using the remaining vessels that they had to begin construction. The people of Limsa Lominsa did not forget their old ways, but merely gathered strength to rebuild and adventure out again. Their influence soon

spread throughout the five seas of Eorzea. These legends formed the backbone of their society and their country's leader is referred to as "Admiral."

The shipping industry is key to Limsa Lominsa's financial success. The Knights of the Barracuda secure the safety of mariners and ensure the safety and reliability of shipping route's. However, , reaving and pillaging still runs rampant and other nations believe that the Knights of the Barracuda are actually working with local bandit pirates and are trying to make a profit off unwary travelers.

Gridania is located in the Eastern reaches of the continent, and is nestled among the great of the area. The architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural beauty, and the inherent natural harmony of the setting has lead to Gridania's prominence in trades such as forestry, carpentry, and agriculture. Gridania is also home to many skilled leather-workers, and the fate of the city is governed by the will of the forest's .

Ishgard

Bastion atop the mountains. A forest city-state located in Eorzea. A story in Eorzean history, "Tales of Bridges," describes Ishgard.

Travel

The is the name placed upon the large crystal shards found in the crystallized aetheric mist. They were precisely cut and fused to arcane machinery. These crystals are at the backbone of all everyday teleportation and are found throughout the realm, mainly in the individual city-states in which they are managed and operated. The origins and functions of these crystals is still very much a mystery. It is not known who constructed these crystals or what they were originally used for. Even though they are commonly used for teleportation, the actual process remains unknown. However, some have theorized that when a sentient presence approaches the crystal, it triggers the aether of the crystal and the body resonates with the crystal, breaking down into simple mass which then flows through the invisible aetheric streams of the planet. The person's soul is what actually guides the particles to the pre-determined destination and the crystal reconfigures the mist back into its original form. This is all instantaneous and this make easy travel to the far reaches of the world.

In the original release, teleportation through Aetheryte's was regulated through a concept called Anima. Your character would consume some of this for each teleport taken, and the greater the distance, the greater the Anima consumed. This was replenished at a very slow rate and limited its continuous use. This was abolished in the transition to A Realm Reborn, and now Gil is used for teleportation.

Aethernet

The Athernet is made up of smaller scale Aetheryte crystals inside a city. They are used for quick travel between locations inside the city. As with the larger Aetheryte crystals, you have attune yourself to an Aethernet crystal in order to be able to teleport to that crystal's location.

One of the character mascots of the Final Fantasy series, Chocobos are available as player mounts within the word of Eorzea. You can either rent a chocobo within the three city-states for Gil, or you can get your own personal Chocobo. You must attain an enlisted rank within one of the three Grand Companies of Eorzea, and have 1,000 Grand Company seals in order to purchase a Chocobo Whistle, which can be used thereafter to call upon your own personal "horsebird". This is usually around character level 25ish.

There are several sets of Barding for your Chocobo available in the game. This changes the look of your Chocobo. There are 3 slots for Barding. (head, body, legs) They are available through reputation grinds (Grand Company), Veteran Rewards or maxing out the spec which is explained below.

When you have your Grand Company Chocobo, you can consume a "Gyshal Greens" item and your chocobo will fight alongside you as a companion. It is considered a party member. Therefore if you and a friend are in a party and each have your Chocobo out, you're unable to invite anyone else.

Once you get your Chocobo. You have 3 options you can "spec" it into. Tank, Healer or DPS. There are 20 Ranks (Levels). The EXP you earn from killing monsters is split with the Chocobo if you have it summoned. The Chocobo earns points at each rank which you can put into each "spec tree". If you put all points into a speicifc rank you earn a Barding set based on the spec. (Paladin barding for Tank, Dragoon Barding for Damage and White Mage barding for Healer)

Other Mounts

Along with chocobos, the game has a plethora of options available to players for mounts ranging from Magitek Armor, Goobbues, Fat Chocobos, Behemoths and more.

Character Creation

Making a character involves selecting one's race, physical appearance, and world server. Among the options for customizing are various face and hair styles, eye color adjustments, and characteristics such as battle scars, tattoos, bust size for females, muscle tone for males, voice type, etc. Each character must be equipped with a first and last name, the latter of which is mandatory.

PC System Requirements

The following are the PC specs required for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.

* NVIDIA® SLI™ and AMD CrossFire™ support will be available at release.

Subscription Information and Pricing

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is a pay-to-play MMORPG, in much the same way as Final Fantasy XI and World of Warcraft. With the purchase of A Realm Reborn, players receive a thirty-day free trial.

The following pricing structure will go into effect at launch:

* All subscription fees are subject to change in accordance with the terms of the FINAL FANTASY XIV User Agreement.

Legacy Membership

A legacy membership program was instituted with the launch of A Realm Reborn as a bonus which provides several benefits for those who subscribed to the original version for at least ninety cumulative days during the time the game required a subscription fee to play. These benefits and bonuses include:

1. A specially discounted subscription price.
2. An exclusive in-game Chocobo mount.
3. The option to have their name be displayed in the credits.
4. Early access to A Realm Reborn.

Veteran Rewards

Veteran Rewards are special in game item bonuses that are awarded to players based on how long they've had an active subscription.

Rewards are granted based on the number of days subscribed, not time played. For example, if you pay for 90 days of service at once, you will receive the 30, 60, and 90 day rewards all at once on the first day, and not on day 30, 60, and 90 respectively.

Payment Methods

The following methods can be used to pay A Realm Reborn's subscription fees.

Credit Cards or Debit Cards

Accepted are VISA, MasterCard, American Express, DISCOVER, and JCB from directly within the SQUARE ENIX Account system.

Square Enix Crysta

Crysta can be added to a Square Enix account using a payment method such as a credit card, PayPal, or Ultimate Game Card (PayPal and UGC available through the "UltimatePay/PlaySpan option) and then used for various services such as subscription fees.

Prepaid Time Card

Prepaid time cards will also be available upon game launch at retailers. They will offer 30 or 60 days of play time for the appropriate price in each region the game is available.

* Additional payment options may be introduced in the future.

Preorder/Collector's Edition Bonuses

A Realm Reborn

Preorder Bonuses

By preordering either the Collector's or Regular package of A Ream Reborn, you will receive:

• Early Game Access
• Two In-Game Items: Cait Sith Doll Minion and a Mog Cap

Collector's Edition

Those who purchase the Collector's Edition of A Realm Reborn on either PC or PS3 receive 7 additional bonuses:

• Exclusive box art by Yoshitaka Amano
• "The Art of Eorzea - A Realm Re-imagined" - 80 page art book by
• "The Waning of the Sixth Sun" - DVD showcasing the stories leading up to the destruction of the original game world.
• Four In-Game Items -Players will receive the Helm of Light, a Coeurl Mount, Behemoth Barding for their Chocobo, and a Baby Behemoth Minion pet.
• "Sounds of Eorzea" - A Special soundtrack CD with music from the cities and fields of Limsa Lominsa, Ul'dah and Gridania.
• Art Card Set - Five art cards featuring art by Square Enix Visual Works.
• Themed Security Token - An "A Realm Reborn" themed Security Token which can been used to make your account more secure.

The PlayStation 4 Collector's Edition includes all the above bonuses as well as two more items.

• Wind Up Moogle minion
• Fat Chocobo mount
  *These bonuses will also be applied to accounts of those who purchased previous Collector Editions

* Players will be able to upgrade their standard accounts to Collector's Edition status after game launch for $19.99/¥2,300 (EU Pricing not yet available). This purchase will give players the CE In-Game items only.

Version 1.0

The Collector's Edition, released a full eight days prior to the release of the standard edition, contained the following in addition to those items included with the standard edition:

• Early Access
• Behind-the-Scenes DVD
• Security Token
• Travel Journal
• Right of Passage - A personalized certificate with a unique serial number
• Buddy Pass - Lets a friend play free for a limited time

Links

• Official Players Website:
• Official Promotional Website: