Initially, it was frustrating but I could see potential. The more hours I invested, the more disappointed I became.
I awaited FF XIV with great expectations, studying every screen shot and reading every preview I could get my hands on. In some ways, I was pleasantly surprised when I started playing. For example, the character creation and first steps of the main storyline were easy to use and interesting. The NPC's all had interesting stories to tell, and the starting capitals were beautiful. But many other components of the game left me confused or disappointed. From finding my way around, to figuring out how to fight, to finding what I needed to buy: I was often overwhelmed (and still am). To make things worse, even after I figured some things out bugs sometimes prevented me from enjoying them. The page would take forever to load, I couldn't target what I needed to target, etc. Square Enix has done a lot of work to fix such bugs, and few remain, in comparison to two weeks ago. But some of those few are new (now we must equip gear using a flickering screen, for example). Sometimes I became so angry I had to walk away from the computer or scream at it. But in time I found ways to get to all my objectives. I remember finding other MMO's frustrating, too, when I first began, so I had faith it would get easier. Honestly, though, the more I play the more my faith dissipates.
In its current state, getting around in FF XIV is more like learning physics and linear algebra or completing 1000 piece puzzles than getting engrossed in a fun game. It takes patience, tenacity, attention to detail, innovation and a little bit of teamwork to do almost everything, from getting the game installed to completing a quest. But this hard work is a reward in itself. I feel more elite than I did in other MMO's. However, there is little reward to compliment hard work. Yesterday, I spent hours completing 5 carpentry quests. My objective: to make a shield and fishing pole for friends, and maybe a new weapon for myself. These quests involved running through tons of cut-and-paste scenery to high level areas that looked exactly like the low level ones, and doing mini games there to make a variety of carpentry gear I couldn't keep. Hours later, I was level 10 in carpentry, the right level for the gear I wanted to create. However, the recipes included high level items from other professions like blacksmithing, tanning and alchemy. My friends and I searched and searched for the items in others' retainers. No soap. Now we must grind our way through other professions if we sincerely want new gear. What carpentry items can I make with the mats I possess? A plank of wood. Like, four hours work for a plank of wood.
My friend who encouraged me to get the game was desperate to find a reason for us to continue. He went exploring, in hopes to find new eye candy for us to dream about. The maps include castles and towns only accessible to high levels. These exist, but to get there one must run through cookie-cutter scenery for hours. However, these are restricted and unfinished. Somehow my friend managed to run through the sky and the ground to get closer looks at one huge castle, but the view only showed grey areas growing out of it where the designers haven't finished, I assume. Only the cookie-cutter stuff is finished, full of rats and squirrels to kill for players level 1-30. It's humiliating to be level 20 and to be killed by a rat. The Lord of the RIngs Online, Perfect World and Mabinogi is more polished than this, and free. Could Square Enix fix this mess?
I hope so. When I see others higher level than me or actually wearing gear I dream of crafting, I feel a sense of awe. They worked hard. I pray Square Enix will, too. Until then, I will not invest another dime in this project.
Just because they can doesn't mean they did.