Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn shows great promise

After this past weekend’s open beta phase, I feel Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will be a great game. This game has nearly all the things I mentioned in my previous article, Top 5 Aspects Every MMO should have, but only by progressing further in the game will I be able to tell if everything on the list is hit.

Player housing will be in the game, and it seems they put a great deal of time into it. Marriage is also stated to be implemented at some point. Character Creation is fairly detailed as well, even with being limited to certain options. What I want to talk about the most however, is the brilliant class system in this game.

Jack of all Trades

After hearing and seeing the system firsthand, I love the way classes work in this game. You start off by choosing whatever class you want, then at level ten you can choose other classes. This is done simply by going to the classes guild and getting permission. After that is done, just changing your weapon will change your class.

The best part of this is that all your attribute points (Strength, Agility, Intelligence, etc.) are earned and applied separately for each class. This means I can play and level any class I want without needing to make a new character. That alone most likely seals the deal for altoholics like myself who love playing multiple classes.

Some races have higher stats in certain categories, but besides that, you won’t be any less effective than someone only playing one class. All it takes is time to level and gather gear for each class. That’s no different than making a new character and in fact should be easier.

Exploration Incentives 

I had limited time with the open beta so I only know of the hunting log, but what a great idea it is. Players receive a log for their particular class with a list of enemies to defeat. Each class will have their own log and different monsters for each one. Killing the given number of enemies for each entries nets player with experience.

The log is also broken up into levels, so by killing everything of a particular level, you will receive a lot of experience and unlock the next level. By doing this, it allows players to explore more areas to complete their hunting log, while also making the game feel less like a grind.

Relax with a non-combat class

In addition to the traditional combat classes in the game, you are also given the opportunity to play as trade skill class. This is different than most games, as they are actually classes you have to change to and level just like a combat class. Mix this with the fact that you can change your class by equipping different gear, and its a perfect system.

Players aren’t stuck just doing carpentry, for example, the whole game. Players can get their fulfillment with combat by playing one of their classes, or they can just chill and gather or craft things. The choice is yours and you can do this without the need for commitment. This gives players more things to do an incentive to try new things without fear of it interfering with anything else.

The crafting jobs look more involved than most games. Plus, more fun.

A nice change of pace

Overall, the game isn’t perfect or completely unique, but it does take some of the best aspects of good MMO’s and combines them into one game. Anyone who is a fan of Final Fantasy MMO’s, or just want to try out one for the first time, should really at least give this one a try. It will launch on August 27th for PC and Playstation 3 with early access on the 24th for those who pre-order.