Written by TheChoujinVirus
Note: The following review is based on my experience with the first main game of the MMO: A Realm Reborn; there is some merged-based content from other expansions (e.g., Races, etc.). Also some spoilers to the game itself.
With the World of Warcraft mess happening, some folks move to other MMOs until things are fixed or stay there forever. From the old Star Wars: The Old Republic to the newly released New World. However, one game I got into, thanks to the WoW Guild I was in, got my interest in the series (and it’s a series I’ve known since I was a kid.)
Originally released September 10th, 2010, then unceremoniously shut down to be remade and restarted on August 13th, 2013 as A Realm Reborn. Final Fantasy XIV is an MMO that has a following through each platform. Though can Eorzea stand while under the shadow of Azeroth? Let’s explain a bit of the game and see if it A Realm Reborn does stand the time a second time around.
Story+Gameplay
The brief story of FFXIV’s A Realm Reborn can be summarized into this. Five years ago (the first FFXIV), the Calamity resulted in the world nearly being devastated as the Alliance and the high-tech Garlean Empire waged war at Carteneau. The moon reawakens as the primal Bahamut, thus ravaging the world and both sides. You, a survivor of that incident (If you had a character made in the first 1.0 game), or waking up on a cart after a dream on your way to your chosen city in order. You start out helping your town with several problems and learn more about the land, the threats, and the enemies to Eorzea. Throughout your journey, you help out Alliance, A group composed of three nation-states: Gridania, Limsa Lominsa, and Ul’Dah. The groups must deal with the warlike beastmen and their Primal Gods and the resurgence of the Garlean Empire and their new weapon. All while solving the mystery of your character’s role in this ordeal as well as exposing a shadowy enemy pulling strings….
Gameplay-wise, FFXIV behaves like a typical MMO with your class triad system of DPS, Tank, and Healer classes. Though Each of them is categorized into four categories.
The first group is your offensive jobs: Disciples of War and Disciples of Magic. War is composed of physical groups like the Pugilist, Archer, and Rogue. At the same time, Magic is your spellcasters like Conjurers, Arcanists, and Black Mages. The other two Disciples are crafting and gathering called Disciples of Hand and Land. The exciting thing about the crafting professions is that they behave less like typical MMO variants of preparing gear or weapons. You have abilities like recover “durability,” increase completion, and even increases chances of producing high-quality items (Which can be better than some quest equipment.)
The combat classes, on the other hand, have nothing much change save for more cooldowns. However, they are more action and combo-based than WoW’s rotations. Each class also behaves uniquely, meaning some types may have a specific role but have ways of doing it differently than others. For example, though the Bard and Dancer are ranged DPS, one is more offensive buffs like the Bard. At the same time, the Dancer provides a more offensive healing ability. Another is how both the Paladin and Dark Knight are tank classes. Still, while the Paladin uses powers to protect and heal themselves, the Dark Knight uses debuffs to weaken the targets they’re attacking. Besides combat on the field and in dungeons, you also have Player Vs. Player combat, and if you’re bored with that, you got the cute minigame of the Mandeville Gold Saucer. It is a large casino with various minigames like Triple Triad, Chocobo Racing, Mahjong, and other games for you to enjoy. Perfect for when you’re not attacking bosses or waiting for your Extreme Trial.
Bearers of Light: What the game shines in
One of the core aspects of the game’s shining moments is the story and quests. A Realm Reborn’s Main Story Quests have you doing missions that aren’t the usual “Kill and bring me back four bear asses” routine seen in MMOs like WoW. They also provide worldbuilding of the location, Eorzea’s worldbuilding, and various events that can unlock features. Most will have you visiting a destination or talking to people. You have missions that have you killing or collecting, but you have more guaranteed chances than just having to kill 10 animals for one part.
Another benefit is that in FFXIV, your character can be any class. That’s right, your character isn’t locked to the class they start in the game. You can choose to change styles freely. Bored as a Monk? Maybe become a Blue Mage! Maxed out your carpentry skills? Maybe try out fishing or even leatherworking. You don’t need to roll a new character to try out jobs. Also, no race is locked out of jobs or professions, so you can be a lalafel dragoon as well as a lalafel white mage. Also, professions are in the same thing as you’re not limited to just one job.
Lastly, the music. The game has some fantastic music that is enjoyable. Mounts have their own theme, some bosses have their own tunes, towns and regions have their own songs, and you can see some remixed themes like the Triple Triad theme or Chocobo Racing theme. The music is oh so enjoyable. My favorite themes happen to be Titan’s theme (which has an awesome rock theme, no pun intended.) And the theme for Good King Moogle Mog, as it’s very Tim Burton-esque.
Blundered Moogle Crap: What the game flops in
Though the game has plenty of fun, some problems in the game itself can be a detriment. One such example is the story. Though the story is good, it’s very, very, very long! In a Realm Reborn, you have the main story and the post-patch stories that fill in between ARR and the first expansion Heavensword. For new players, A Realm Reborn can be a make-or-break experience in the game itself.
Another problem is that though your character can be whatever they want to be, it cheapens any investment into your character. You can just change gear or jobs like that without needing anything required. A significant problem is that player customization is not as accessible as some expect, though simple. Also, some races cant wear helmets like the Viera races. Also, until the new expansion of Endwalker arrives, you cannot play Male Viera or female Hrothgar.
Lastly, the game is pretty casual. If you’re the kind who rushes to endgame as fast as you can, you’re going to find that there’s no reward for speeding to the end. It’s kinda like a fine wine you savor and not a soda you guzzle. It can be a turn-off for some people, but I enjoy it.
Should you Bear the light of the Crystal? My conclusion.
If you want an MMO in an era of WoW’s decline due to whatever reason you believe. FFXIV’s got some good deals and items for the time being out there. If you’re a fan of Final Fantasy and want to enjoy content without the rush of raid preparation or other things that you might find in other MMOs.
I would say go for it and explore Eorzea. Oh, and if anyone’s interested, I could lend a refer a friend if you want. Just put into the comments and I’ll lend a refer-a-friend if you are interested. Not shilling for the game or anything, I just find the game interesting and such.
References
All youtube video sources are credited to their uploaders, all screenshots and usage belong to Square Enix
Absolution's Archive 