I was recently in the Phase 3 test of the re-release of Final Fantasy XIV, dubbed 'A Realm Reborn'. I went in with lower than normal expectations considering how I didn't enjoy the combat in Final Fantasy XI, which was the previous Final Fantasy MMO entry. [Even though I wanted to like it SO hard!] Needless to say I was blown away, and had a very good time. Below is some information about some of the features and mechanics, and my thoughts of how they benefit or weigh the game down, as well as an overall rating on how I felt the game should be praised.
Character Customization -
Alright. I usually have a problem with this section mainly because I like to have tons of options when creating my character. Sure i'm not going to be able to tell that I raised my eyebrows 3 millimeters, or the difference between nose A or B, but I just love THE OPTIONS of doing so. That being said, the customization so far is very good. There are plenty of options to choose from, without having too many options, and that makes me happy.
Story -
After you create your character you receive a cutscene that throws you into the story immediately. In similar Final Fantasy fashion you are considered some great chosen one, and there is something dark going on. Then you see a flashback of a great war that took place 5 years in the past, that shaped the entire world that it is today.
Basically a group called the Garleans had something they called Project Meteor, where they could control a lesser moon to crash down and destroy Eorzea. After defeating the leader of this plan, the heroes tried to stop the meteor, but it was actually a prison for Bahamut! The Sharlayan scholar Louisoix attempted to re-contain Bahamut using the Twelve's power but, failing that, sent a group of adventurers "beyond the reach of time" to reawaken when they were needed again. So you can say it's pretty Epic already, and that's just the beginning.
Controls/Interface -
The controls are what i'm calling: "The WoW Standard". WASD to move, space to jump, numbered hotkeys, using the mouse for camera and menu, etc. BUT WAIT, there is more.
There is also integrated controller support included in the game with it's own custom interface! With it releasing on the Ps3 and Ps4, this was a must [if not an obvious] needed thing to add. I messed around with it with my wired 360 controller and it was fantastic. It has a setting pre-mapped from the start that works very well, or you can change it to suit your needs. There's even a button to select important NPCs in front of you like quest targets and shopkeepers. It really helps when there are those pesky other players in the way!
Graphics -
Beautiful. One thing I really enjoy from the Final Fantasy series is the character design, and overall general style of everything. That was a big reason why I tried so hard to enjoy Final Fantasy XI, but the combat really drug it down for me. [Not for FFXIV though!] I'm not able to run the game on max settings, which is a shame, but even at my setting the game looks very good, and is a treat for the eyes.
Classes -
Man, the classes. "Classes" are put into a few different categories. The first ones listed here are starting classes.
Disciples of War - Basically your rough and tough fighters that prefer physical means to attack with.
DoW include Gladiator, Lancer, Pugilist, Archer, and Marauder.
Disciples of Magic - Casters and stuff.
DoM includes Conjurer, Thaumaturge, and Arcanist.
Disciple of the Land - Gathering classes similar to professions in WoW and other games.
DoL include Miner, Botanist, and Fisher
Disciple of the Hand - Crafting classes that make weapons, armor, potions, etc.
DoH include - Carpenter, Blacksmith, Armorer, Goldsmith, Leatherworker, Weaver, Alchemist, and Culinarian.
Jobs - These are a sort of 'Advanced class' that I will get into in a sec.
Jobs include Paladin, Monk, Warrior, Dragoon, Bard, White Mage, Black Mage, Summoner, and Scholar.
Alright, now that is out of the way I can talk about how these classes and jobs come into play. In FFXIV: ARR you have the ability to switch classes by simply changing your weapon/tool that's in your main hand. Simple as that! Which is a really cool idea. All of the classes have their own separate level, and must all be leveled up separately as such. There is no 'base level' or anything, just all different. In the beginning you have to choose a class from either DoW or DoM. After you reach level 10 and complete your class quest, you can become any other class you want and retain all levels on any other class!
The Jobs work a bit differently. Basically you have to have two classes reach a certain level, then you can equip a gem to turn you into an advanced class with new moves and abilities. For all Jobs there is a "base class" that has to be a higher level. For example to become a dragoon you have to be a level 30 lancer, and level 15 pugilist. After that you can be a 30/30, it really doesn't matter.
One thing that I wanted to add that was neat was the fact that if you have multiple classes on one character, you can eventually mix the skills from other classes on to another class. For example, my character was a 10 Lancer, and I just started a Pugilist. I was able to use a lancer learned skill that slowed and did damage, from the beginning on my pugilist! Very cool idea and good mixing of the classes.
Combat -
The combat system has vastly improved from FFXI Online. At lower levels the combat did feel a bit slow and repetitive, but as I got more and more skills, I could really see a difference. One thing I liked was the combo system, and it's a simple as using one skill after another to do more damage with the second/third skill, but it adds a lot more to the game than simply pressing one button over and over. [Two buttons! :D ] There are a lot of cool mechanics that go with each class that would take me a long time to write about but trust me, it's a very nice combat system. When you are in a group with a lot of people, trying to take down a world boss, it's a hell of a time.
So, that was my [quick?] review and my thoughts about the beta of FFXIV: ARR that I've played so far. If you have never played it then I hope I've at least convinced you to at LEAST try it, or watch some videos online, or something! There were a few features that I didn't get to go into, like player housing, CHOCOBO BREEDING, and a few more action-y elements of crafting and gathering, but I felt I didn't get to experience those enough to give a valid opinion on it.
Either way, see you in Eorzea!
Gonna play the hell out of this game. Get hype
ReplyDelete