Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn does take some time to install on PlayStation 4 and update to get the newest version of the game available on other platforms, but once the game is up and running, it's easy to see it's one of the best looking versions of the game available. While Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn on PlayStation 3 was definitely a fun game to be sure, the game did suffer from long loading times, frame rate drops and some other graphical glitches. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn on PlayStation 4 runs fantastic with no slow down even in the most populated areas of the in-game world however. Players will find the game easy to pick up and play on the console thanks to multiple input support including using the PlayStation Vita and its touchscreens to easily manage inventory and other important aspects of the game, using a Dualshock 4 controller to easily control the game or even hooking up a keyboard and mouse through USB to control the game. No matter what type of gamer is playing Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn on PlayStation 4, there is a perfect setup for this MMORPG.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn features the same fun storyline as last year's remake and features all of the same content currently available in that game. The game is constantly growing and evolving to make the monthly fee to play the game seem totally justifiable. Players can currently enjoy the limited time only Hatching-tide event for the Spring and Easter season, where players can earn some cool unlockables through finding and hatching eggs during the game. Other content available in the new release that gamers may not have experienced with earlier versions of the game include new jobs, Primals or summons and plenty of additional weapons and missions.
The game includes plenty of tutorials for players that don't know much about Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn yet. The game is complex and very lengthy, as with any good MMORPG, but Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn does a fantastic job of introducing players to the world of Eorzea and catching players up to speed with what happened in the game's original storyline. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn doesn't feature the best storyline from the popular Final Fantasy series, but it does offer a fun narrative that often features tongue-in-cheek moments and plenty of humor based around the entire series to create a really enjoyable experience for gamers. Players will spend countless hours exploring the world featured in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, and the game is always adding more content to give players even more to experience as time goes on.
Players begin Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn by creating a character and choosing a Race, Class and Job for their character. Race affects starting statistics, level growth and helps to determine what the player's character will look like and includes the Hyur or human race, the cat-like Miqo-te, a warrior group known as the Elezen, the massive Roegadyn and the tiny Lalafell. Each race has its own strengths and weaknesses and many are better suited for certain classes and jobs as well. Classes can add additional fighting prowess in melee combat or spellcasting, give a character abilities to craft new items or give characters abilities to find additional items in the world. Jobs are possibly the most important decision for players to make on their characters however, and there are nine different choices that will change how players approach combat. For example, White Mages and Bards will want to stay in a back of battles to heal teammates or cast buffs accordingly, while Paladins, Warriors and similar classes will want to get right up in monster's faces to deal melee damage. There aren't a whole lot of surprises for creating characters in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, but the classic MMORPG formula works well here to create a fun experience for fans of the genre.
Some of the most interesting battles in the game come from the Primal boss encounters. Players will know these characters as Summons from previous Final Fantasy games, and they include the likes of Ifrit, Ramuh, Titan, Leviathan, and of course, Bahamut. The Primals will have some teammates for players to tangle with as well, and each boss battle requires different tactics to take down these formidable foes for the first time. Later in the game, the bosses can be encountered again for an even greater challenge and more rewards. Fans will enjoy the implementation of these classic game characters, and they help provide the most exciting battles in the entire game to be sure.
When tackling enemies for loot and completing yet another mission becomes stale, players can head to the arena to battle against friends or random players online. The player vs. player included in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn isn't the best seen in an MMORPG, but it's a fun distraction that allows players to gain a few small rewards before heading back to the game's main campaign. It does take a while to get into PvP matches, but it's not necessary, and instead, most players will likely only access this part of the game to settle indifferences with other players to receive a little boost to their ego.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is definitely worth picking up on PlayStation 4 for players that have yet to enjoy the game on any other platform. It's possibly the best version of the game available, and players that don't own a top of the line PC gaming rig will likely find it to be the definitive version of the game. Square Enix did fans a really great service by recreating the world of Eorzea in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, and it's currently one of the most addictive MMORPG games around. If you're looking for a game that will occupy the maximum amount of time for money spent, check out Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn on PlayStation 4 and maybe even make an online friend or two!
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is now available from all major retailers and can be purchased for $39.99 on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 and $29.99 on PC. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is rated T by the ESRB for Language, Mild Blood, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol & Violence. For more information on the game, check out the official Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn website.
Game Features:
- Massively Multiplayer Online
- 5 Unique Races
- 4 Different Classes
- Choose from 9 Jobs
- Cross-Platform Multiplayer
- Trophy Support
Game Information:
Developer & Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PlayStation 4 (reviewed), PlayStation 3 & PC
Release Date: April 11, 2014
