Final Fantasy XIV: A Real Reborn - immediate thoughts on 2. beta

I've always had a troubled relationship with MMO-RPGs. Mainly because I have a hard time "learning" and accepting the genre. These games are mainly for the computer console, but lately a few have popped up on the next generation consoles such as "DC Universe Online" and now, in beta form, "Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn".

I have played a few free-to-play MMORPGs on the pc, but never quite fallen in love with them. I remember solely getting some games due to the awesome character creation-system; "APB" and "EVE: Online", but my computer couldn't really handle those games. The real uncomfortable bit lies within the rpg-gameplay, I think. Games like WOW, Star Wars: Online, and most other typical MMORPG scare me with their micro management (hotbars, set lists, real-time combat and queing up actions). I downloaded this beta, just for the hell of it ; I thought to myself, I need a new "big" game to focus on...why not try this [Final Fantasy XIV: ARR] game?.

I can't say that I've always been a "fan" of the FF-series, but I will say this; I have played the earliest iterations and truly loved 'em. Most of the time the combat remains uncomplicated and yet still with a sense of urgency. The last game I played was FF7 on a crappy pc without a 3D-card (as we called it "back in the days"). This meant the game barely worked and a lot of the screen was mainly black. I still played the demo over and over and over again. Following the later iterations of the series the worlds and lore have always impressed me (watching reviews, playthroughs and previews) - they seem so rich! Square Enix's games have also most of the time had an impressive production value with great graphics, lovely soundtracks, and a rich lore. This is why I figured, hey, let's give it a try!

I had some trouble getting the beta started, but eventually found out that the beta was available Friday to Monday. On Friday, I got up early and started the game. I always spend a lot of time with the character customization. This because I feel it is important to be "unique" in these games. Besides, it is pretty fun to play with the different character archtypes. It's a good character creation, but not the best. Though there were different hairstyles and "face" types, there could easily have been more options. After spending a lot of time creating a fun character, I started the game. The game IS very lore rich, and I, being very interested in lore and backstory, got a bit confused at some points. Don't get me wrong - it was a "good" kind of confused. I have to say that because of the time limit of the beta, I couldn't absorb every bit of detail that was given to me by the incredible cast of NPC's. The game offers many classes and I was amazed by the share oppertunities - you can be a miner, fisher and leatherworker (all while saving the world). I even found it cool that you could dye your armor and clothes - this works great if you are like me and pay very much attention to how your character looks. I'll admit that I didn't get to dye my armor as I never got that far in the game (level 15 Main Quest).

I could spend more "pages" writing about my experience, but I feel I have to conclude with this message:

I tried this game without an intention of buying it, but today, when I woke up and tried to start the game, I was honestly sad that the beta was over. This prompted me to actually buy the game when it arrives on 15. of April. The game, as far as I followed, has plenty of lore and a rich world, no stunning next gen. graphics (it looks decent- monsters and character faces look great), a great soundtrack, a great amount of eager players ("the Octant was constantly riddled with people mending armor, creating weapons, making food, casting spells etc.), and, what I felt as a great way of implementing the DualShock 4s touch-pad by making it work like a pc-mouse. Maybe I'll comment more in the future, but as for now I am truely sad the beta period is over.

It's going to be a long week till realease day. The game is epic!

@twizded: My friend, you are so right! I find myself yerning for the game... gonna be a long week. I also believe the graphics are pretty decent, and I've read some comparisons between the pc-version and the PS4-version - the latter was the one I played - looks really good.

i wont give any game that requires me to pay monthly the time of day

Yeah, I was impressed by the skin textures on some enemies. The powers look nice and detailed.

Sounds like you enjoyed Final Fantasy14. ARB So get it and play the hell out of it for 30 days. Then decide if you like it enough to pay $15 per month to keep going.

@Megavideogamer: that sounds about right. Don't like these subscription games though I am aware that some of the money paid is being used to better the game, and that the game price is cheaper than other games. Still, this game seems pretty good and fun. I'll have at it for 30 days, than see. I managed to play a lot on 3 days ;)

yeah, i used to be in the camp of downright refusing to play monthly for a game. but when you break it down, its really not that bad at all assuming you will be playing a good amount. btw, if you're on Balmung and interested in a guild/fc, shoot me a /tell in-game. we have a good-sized one(but not TOO big) that is generally very helpful.

Thanks, Starwarsjunky, but I play on the Eu server "odin".

I just heard rumours that there is some kind of "early access" going on with FF14:ARR, and I would very much like to appear in it. Trouble is I can't seem to find (and buy) a Digital copy of FF14: ARR on PSN. Any suggestions?

I was gonna make a topic but since this is here.....

Did anyone get like one or two extra early access beta codes from amazon? they gave me two extra ones, i gave one to a friend, i have a extra one if anyone wants it.

@vincent380:

I'll take the other. Please send me a private message.