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Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Hands-On

In what has to be one of the strangest turn of events in recent video game history, Square Enix opted to remake their recently released Final Fantasy XIV. We've been playing a game reborn...

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The game started its life as Rapture on Xbox 360 - meant to be an exclusive MMORPG for the console, but time passed and the game fell off the radar until it was announced as Final Fantasy XIV in 2009 - a game for PC and PlayStation 3.

That could very well have been the end of the game's confusing development, but Square were having problems, and the beta period was plagued by heavy criticism and as the game saw release in 2010 it was critically panned and the launch was generally seen as a disaster. Square Enix were forced to apologise to fans and refrained from charging a monthly fee.

They had to make up for it, but when evaluated they realised that Final Fantasy XIV was in such a horrible state that it really wasn't worthwhile. The solution was that while one team worked on making the game run as smooth as possible for the few remaining players - another team was tasked with remaking the game with a new engine and a new approach to development that involved listening to their community. That's how A Realm Reborn came about.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
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It likely adds up to one of the most expensive game productions ever (if you count the whole process as one). Basically it's the cost of three MMORPGs that A Realm Reborn needs to carry. Why didn't Square Enix just give up on Final Fantasy XIV? Well, contrary to what most believe, the predecessor - Final Fantasy XI - is the biggest revenue earner in the history of the franchise and Square Enix are hoping for a similar success.

With all of this in mind I take my first stumbling steps in the second beta phase in the world of Hydaelin, more specifically in Eorzea. And I like what I see. The character creation impressed me with detailed customisation options. The design is great, as is the selection of races and jobs, and I finally settle on playing as a Roegadyn, a giant Northern race described as capable seafarers, pirates and fishermen. My second choice would have been to create a charming little Lalafell, and rolling a classic mage.

The use of the word classic is no accident. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn has a very classic feel to it. It's the kind of Final Fantasy I've missed since Final Fantasy IX. It's a return to the roots of the series in several ways. Even the quirky dialogue feels lifted from Japanese 16-bit RPGs. And that's a good thing.

Personally I never really enjoyed Final Fantasy XI, even if I could appreciate the challenge and depth in the game system. I want to be able to play with a controller, and Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn delivers. Square Enix have managed the tough balancing act of creating an advanced MMORPG with more options and features than most competitors, and they've still made it enjoyable with the 360 controller.

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This elevates that sense of Final Fantasy that I long for. Since the beta phase only lasts for a few days, I'm not able to go on any truly epic adventures, but I'm given a taste of what the game has to offer. And this teaser leaves me wanting more. Simple quests such as doing the shopping for some old ladies, taking out some slugs, and finally daring to venture a little further out for grander battles.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

It is very well paced and has a modern feel to it, without falling into the "casual trap". I'm fully in charge of what is going on, but the great design still makes for a smooth experience. It's reminiscent of how Blizzard once revolutionised the genre. Some puritans may not be happy about things like fast travel and group finders, but it makes for a more enjoyable experience for the majority of players.

Another element that makes the game enjoyable are the visuals. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is without a doubt the most gorgeous MMORPG I have ever seen. Design is a always going to be a matter of taste, but I truly enjoyed the look of both the world and the characters that populate it.

That said, what impressed me most was the technical side of things. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is easy on the eye, with modern effects and stunning detail. Old limitations such as the 40 character on-screen cap have been removed, and already in this beta phase it seems way more advanced than was previously the case. Walking through Black Shroud forest and seeing how the light travels down through the canopy, gently caressing the ground, is breathtaking and the towns are simply mindblowing.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

One alarming piece of news is that Square Enix have confirmed that much of the music Nobuo Uematsu created for Final Fantasy XIV has been replaced. But from what I've heard of Masayoshi Soken's replacement tunes they appear to be of the highest calibre. Still, Uematsu is a legend for a reason, and I'm not sure removing his tracks was a wise decision.

As you no doubt can tell, my first taste of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn was a very positive experience. While nothing can be said of its lasting appeal, variation of quests and so on, it would seem Square Enix has taken the criticism to heart and have done a great job in redeeming themselves. It appears to be a game that is capable of captivating both old fans who have been longing for a proper Final Fantasy since number nine, and those who may not even have played a single game in the series until now. It's been a long and winding road, but Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn just might make it.

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Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm RebornScore

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

REVIEW. Written by Jonas Mäki

"The ambitious goal of appealing to fans of Final Fantasy and fans of the genre has been attained. This has been a successful adventure for the company - a MMORPG worth living in."



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