Final Fantasy XIV – Game Review

Embarking on a virtual adventure within the realms of Final Fantasy XIV has been an unforgettable experience. As a passionate gamer, I have delved into various MMORPGs over the years, but nothing has captured my interest quite like the world of Eorzea. With its immersive storytelling, incredible visuals, robust gameplay, and vibrant community, Final Fantasy XIV has truly set a new benchmark in the genre. Albeit a fully online experience, Final Fantasy XIV is among the best of Square Enix’s Final Fantasy games. And need I remind you, it was a massive failure at first.

Here is our article review of Final Fantasy XIV, the FF game that rose from the grave to become a worldwide success.

What is Final Fantasy XIV?

Final Fantasy XIV is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Square Enix. It is the fourteenth main installment in the Final Fantasy series and the second MMORPG in the series, following Final Fantasy XI. 

Final Fantasy XIV is a traditional MMORPG experience. Players create a character and choose from a variety of classes, each with its own unique playstyle. Players then explore the game world, completing quests, fighting enemies, and taking on dungeons and raids.

The game was released in 2010, but it was met with poor reception and was largely considered a failure. However, Square Enix took the game offline in 2013 to rebuild it from the ground up. The relaunched version of the game, titled Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, was released in 2013 and was a critical and commercial success.

Today, Final Fantasy XIV is one of the best MMORPGs, right alongside World of Warcraft. So, what makes the game so special? Is it really a worthy entrant in the epic Final Fantasy franchise? Does it really warrant the great words it’s getting from millions of gamers worldwide? Read on as we break down everything it has going for it.

Storytelling and Lore

One of the greatest aspects of Final Fantasy XIV is its rich and immersive storytelling. From the epic tale of the Warrior of Light to the complex political struggles within the various city-states, the game weaves a captivating narrative that draws players in from the very beginning. Also, the lore is vast and detailed, offering a deep understanding of the world and its people. 

Furthermore, the main story quests are filled with engaging cutscenes and memorable characters. All these make each step of the journey feel significant and rewarding despite not having a central story or main character to follow, as with most Final Fantasy games.

Visuals and Art Design

Final Fantasy XIV is a visual masterpiece. The world of Eorzea is beautifully rendered with stunning landscapes, gorgeous architecture, and carefully crafted character designs. From great cities to serene forests, every location feels alive and oozes with detail. On top of that, the game’s ability to blend diverse environments is just masterful. How the developers connect towering mountains to beautiful underwater realms and so much more, is a testament to their artistry and technical prowess. 

Yes, MMORPGs always get the short stick when it comes to visuals. However, Final Fantasy XIV genuinely breaks that particular mold. It is a beautiful online game that plays well and constantly evolving. Believe me when I say this: such is rare in today’s gaming space.

Gameplay and Mechanics

The gameplay mechanics in Final Fantasy XIV strike an ideal balance between accessibility and complexity. Whether you’re a pro-MMO player or a newbie to the genre, the game offers a variety of playstyles to suit your preferences. The combat system is fluid and exciting, with each job or class offering a unique playstyle and abilities. 

Moreover, the dungeons and raids are meticulously designed. This provides tough but fair encounters that require teamwork and strategy. Additionally, the crafting and gathering professions offer a rewarding and immersive experience for those who prefer a more relaxed playstyle.

Community and Social Interaction:

One of the game’s greatest strengths lies in its dedicated and passionate community. Final Fantasy XIV fosters a sense of unity and friendship among players through various means. This includes Free Companies (guilds), Linkshells (chat groups), and the bustling player-driven economy. 

The community is welcoming, helpful, and always willing to lend a hand. All of these combined makes the game even more enjoyable. Better yet, the game’s emphasis on collaboration and cooperative play is further reinforced by the innovative Duty Finder system. This specific system allows players to easily find groups for dungeons, trials, and raids. Truly, no one is alone in playing this game.

Regular Content Updates and Expansions

Final Fantasy XIV’s commitment to delivering consistent and high-quality content updates is commendable. The development team consistently releases major patches and expansions, introducing new storylines, areas, dungeons, and raids, ensuring that players always have something exciting to look forward to. These updates often bring significant gameplay improvements and refinements, showing the developers’ dedication to listening to player feedback and continuously enhancing the game.

Pros and Cons of Final Fantasy XIV

Here are some of the pros and cons of Final Fantasy XIV:

Pros

• Rich and immersive storytelling
• A visual masterpiece; looks a lot prettier than most MMORPGs available today
• Has a bustling and truly friendly community
• Wide variety of classes and jobs; ensuring that there is something that caters to your specific playstyle
• Tons of content to explore; receives updates regularly to ensure that the player experience always stays fresh

Cons

• Can be a bit slow at times
• Can be overwhelming for new players
• Some of the endgame content can be difficult
• Requires a paid subscription to play

Final Fantasy XIV Conclusion

Final Fantasy XIV is an extraordinary MMORPG that has set new standards for the genre. Its epic storytelling, beautiful visuals, diverse gameplay mechanics, and thriving community make it a truly special experience. Although it can be quite expensive to play, considering its current subscription model, we truly believe that it is worth your every buck. 

Whether you’re a fan of the Final Fantasy series or an MMO enthusiast, Final Fantasy XIV offers a world waiting to be explored and adventures waiting to be undertaken. Step into the realm of Eorzea, and prepare to embark on an epic journey that will leave a lasting impression on your gaming soul.