Game Review

Final Fantasy XIV Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game designed and published by Square Enix. The game originally got released in september of 2010, but it was redesigned after having faced a lot of criticism. Square Enix did not shy away from doing what needed to be done: they went back to the drawing board and launched a second version of the game. In 2013 A Realm Reborn was released and it was very well received by all players. Since then, the game has become one of the largest and most critically acclaimed MMO to date.

 

A STORY DRIVEN MMO

A Realm Reborn takes you to the world of Eorzea, years after the destructive war known as the Calamity. You play the role of an adventurer (the Warrior of Light) whose goal is to prevent the land from falling into an eternity of darkness. It is important to note that Final Fantasy XIV Online is a story driven MMO and that you won’t simply be jumping from one quest to the other. Players who enjoy intricate narratives will appreciate how you have to talk to NPCs in order to progress through the storyline. This chapter of the series stays true to its other titles, all of which were also very deeply rooted in cinematics and storytelling.

 

Players who are familiar with the Final Fantasy series will rejoice at the fact that the game includes a lot of references to earlier Final Fantasy titles. You do not need to be familiar with the other games to play this one, but the many references are sure to bring a few smiles to the faces of the most hardcore fans.

 

 

CLASSES ARE UNIQUE AND IMMERSIVE

With 8 races and 29 jobs to choose from to create your character, you know you are getting into a game that offers some serious diversity. Classes (jobs) are unique and immersive, each with their own skills and abilities. And if you are into playing more than one role, you can switch to another job simply by swapping your weapon (a thing that is really unique and cool). To make things even sweeter, the game gives you a 100% xp boost when you are leveling a combat class that is below your highest level job. In other words, you will be able to play all the jobs you want, without having to roll another character.

 

 

A GAME THAT REWARDS PATIENCE

 

Players that are looking to get into the game should be aware that Final Fantasy XIV Online is neither an instant gratification MMO nor a game that cares about making things overly streamlined for the players. In other words, you will need to arm yourself with patience when you start playing as it will take you some time to get used to the flow of the game and its different mechanics. Same goes for combat, which might feel slow at first if compared to other MMOs, but it definitely gets better as you progress through the storyline and as you gain levels. Some jobs have some pretty advanced gameplay mechanics when you reach the endgame and players that are looking to test their skills are sure to be satisfied. All in all, players should expect their patience to be eventually rewarded if they decide to go with the flow. 

 

A GAME THAT CARES ABOUT AESTHETIC

One thing that is certain is that Final Fantasy XIV Online is a game that cares about aesthetics. The many different environments are so detailed, it’s obvious they all were crafted with love and care. The music is phenomenal and is definitely worth mentioning. Visual effects for spells and combat are all spectacular and unique. All in all, these positive layers add up to making Final Fantasy XIV Online one of the most immersive games that I’ve ever played.

 

 

SO MANY THINGS TO DO, SO MANY WAYS TO PLAY

 

There would be a lot more ground to cover were I to try and talk about every single aspect of the game, but as they say: all good things must come to an end. Allow me then to simply close this review by stating that there are a lot of things to do besides questing and that every Final Fantasy XIV Online player should be able to find something that suits their wants and needs. Be it playing the Triple Triad card game or going to try your luck in the Chocobo races ; be it reaping the bounties of the land and the sea by leveling as a Miner, a Botanist or a Fisher ; be it collecting materials found from monsters to create new objects by playing one of the many jobs of the Disciples of the Hand ; be it looking for the most glamorous cosmetics out there so you can save the realm in style ; be it making new friends by joining or creating a Free company (the equivalent of a guild) - you’ll never run out of things to do.

 

I think it's pretty fair to say that I am a fan of the game and that I recommend it to any MMORPG player out there. If you are looking for a game to invest time in and are wondering which game to start playing, well this might very well be the one game you’ll play in the years to come.