Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn - Playstation 3

by Square Enix

• All the hallmarks of the FINAL FANTASY franchise, including genre-leading graphics and HD real-time cut scenes; Robust gameplay features such as Free Companies, story-driven player?vs.-player content, and primal summoning to bring players together
• Incredible new graphics engine that delivers a high level of detail and quality on both the PlayStation 3 and Windows PC platforms
• A flexible class system that allows players to change to any of the eighteen different classes on the fly simply by changing their equipped weapon or tool  
• Breathtaking musical score by renowned FINAL FANTASY series composer Nobuo Uematsu  
• Cross platform play on PlayStation 3 and Windows PC  

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002BRZ79E
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches ; 3.2 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: August 27, 2013
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (231 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,526 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Platform: PlayStation 3 | Edition: Standard

Product Description

Square Enix FINAL FANTASY XIV 91005 PC Games

Amazon.com

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that invites you to explore the realm of Eorzea with friends online. This highly anticipated PlayStation 3 release expands on the 2010 PC release, Final Fantasy XIV, allowing console-based Final Fantasy fans players to enjoy a true MMO experience. Game features include: a persistent and evolving world with immersive storylines, a flexible 18 choice class system, guild-based activities, PS3 quality graphics, the choice of solo or group play, and a breathtaking musical score.

The Final Fantasy MMO arrives on PS3.
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18 powerful classes that can be changed on the fly.
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Now Comes the Decline of the Seventh Umbral Era

The realm of Eorzea is ancient, with a conflicted history marked by cycles of prosperous "Astral," and disastrous "Umbral" eras. Past interpretations of this led many to predict that the current Astral Era would last into eternity, but now the land stands poised to enter another age of decline, a period known as the Seventh Umbral Era. On the eastern border, the Garlean Empire masses its troops for invasion, while the native beast tribes summon their deities, the otherworldly primals. The threats facing Eorzea will not easily be overcome, but overcome they must be.

Gameplay

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that invites players to explore the realm of Eorzea with friends from around the world. The PlayStation 3 release is an updated version of the PC game, Final Fantasy XIV, which was originally released in 2010. In it, classic Final Fantasy type themes and environments are merged with MMORPG play mechanics as you form a party and adventure with a multitude of players from across the globe. Forge friendships, mount chocobos, and board airships as you and your companions create your own unique stories in Eorzea. Set out alone or enlist the aid of friends as you undertake epic quests, battle familiar Final Fantasy monsters, and acquire unique abilities and equipment. All the classic elements from the series that you have come to know and love are waiting. Embark on the adventure of a lifetime to help reforge the fate of Eorzea.

Key Game Features

• All the hallmarks of the Final Fantasy franchise, including genre-leading graphics and high-definition real-time cutscenes that advance the game's rich storyline. Incredible new graphics engine that delivers a high level of detail and quality.
• A flexible class system that allows players to change to any of the eighteen different classes on the fly simply by changing their equipped weapon or tool.
• Guild-based activities focused on catering to players with different gaming styles
• Breathtaking musical score by renowned Final Fantasy series composer Nobuo Uematsu.
• Cross platform play on Playstation 3 and Windows PC and Robust gameplay features -- such as Free Companies, story-driven player–vs-player content, and primal summoning -- to bring players together.

Additional Screenshots

PS3 to PC cross-platform play. View larger

More responsive battle system. View larger

Easily customized characters. View larger

Final Fantasy style monsters. View larger

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

65 of 74 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars PS3 Version is not as good as PC but still great! September 8, 2013

By Calintz

Platform for Display:PlayStation 3|Edition:Standard

Fun: 4.0 out of 5 stars   

The PS3 version of the game -- the version I am reviewing -- is almost as good as the PC version but has some significant differences. First the PS3 version of the game graphically speaking is very much inferior to the PC version. I would compare the PS3 graphics to that of a low end PC. Secondly, in order to keep the frame rate somewhat stable the developers decided to cut frames of animation from NPCS, and other player characters while playing on PS3. This means that when you are running around in the world or in town and you run into other players or NPC's you will see them running looking quite strange. To put it bluntly it looks like everyone running around is Mr. Game & Watch. You get about 1/2 the frames of animation that you would normally get on the PC version and it makes the PS3 version feel a lot less smooth. Don't get me wrong however, your character still very fluid and fully animated. The developers made sure that YOUR character was fully animated and had the most graphical detail out of the entire displayable game world. The Frame rate is decent most of the time but when you get into large events with more than 5 people trying to kill monsters at the same time it does drop down below 30. If you are around more than about 8 people fighting at the same time it will only display the 4-5 closest to you at any given moment in order to keep your frame rate at least roughly above 20. The game is perfectly playable in any situation and these few differences between the two versions should only detour those players who feel they have to have the most graphically impressive and buttery smooth version of the game. If you have a PC that could only run this game on low and maybe even medium-low mix settings then the PS3 version is likely not going to be a bad alternative. If however your computer can handle the game at medium or medium high / high settings then you are better off getting it for PC.

The rest of the game is identical to every other review out there so go and read those for a description of the product itself. I just wanted to make note of these few differences between the PS3 and PC versions. Read more ›

71 of 94 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Great game, awful people September 23, 2013

By DN

Platform for Display:PlayStation 3| Edition:Standard|Verified Purchase

I love FInal Fantasy 14: ARR. It's a traditional-feeling MMORPG with enough twists to make it unique, addicting, and just plain fun. But one thing holds it back -- the elitist community members.

After I hit level 50 and started learning the new dungeons/Primal fights, I found myself being paired with more and more people who were ruthless with their criticism. Not only would they say nasty things about a person struggling with their toon (i.e. character), they would then blacklist (i.e. ban) these people who didn't do well so that these folks would no longer have others to team with. I've been told this attitude is pervasive in all MMORPGs, but seriously, it's got to stop. It's a game. FF14: ARR's Duty Finder tool is supposed to be the answer to this problem but being paired with random people has yet to work for me and others I've come across, especially with the Hard Mode Primal Fights or Coil. I'd rather pay to play a single player game and have fun, than be subjected to text abuse while trying to learn a new fight/dungeon.

At this point I've cancelled my subscription and account to FF14: ARR, and don't plan on going back. I enjoyed my time in Eorzea and while I found a few people who were genuinely nice, my negative encounters coupled with an over reliance on other people to do end-game events, really ruined what had otherwise been a phenomenal experience.

Last thought: Try it out for the 30 Day Trial, but be sure to find a friendly Free Company (i.e. Guild) to do end game events with.

Toon: Justice Marshall, Lvl 50 DRG
Server: Malboro

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Almost Perfect September 19, 2013

By Andrew Mulligan

Platform for Display:PlayStation 3|Edition:Standard

Fun: 4.0 out of 5 stars   

Can one of the crappiest MMORPG's turn it around and become one of the greatest?

---Story---

The story of FFXIV is initially told in the opening cutscene and is continued to be told as the player advances in missions, here's a breakdown of the story with the assistance of Wikipedia:

"Seeking control over the peaceful realm of Eorzea and its abundant crystal resources, the more advanced civilization of the Garlean Empire invades the realm from the north. In retaliation, despite their differences and anatgonisms, the city-states of Eorzea reinstate the Grand Companies--comprehensive centers of command which combine the cities' military and economic assets.

8th Imperial Legion Legatus Nael van Darnus, has his own agenda, insanely bent on purging all he sees as impurities, Nael orchestrated Project Meteor to summon the lesser moon Dalamud and wipe out all life. This forces the Grand Companies to put aside deep-rooted differences and consolidate their forces under the banner of the Eorzean Alliance. At the behest of this new confederation, adventurers from across the realm take up arms and march to the floating islands of Rivenroad to defeat Nael after he absorbed Dalamud's power.However, despite the mad imperial's death, Dalamud continues its descent to Eorzea.

In a final bid to save Eorzea, the Grand Companies turn to the Archon Louisoix, an enigmatic scholar hailing from the forgotten city-state of Sharlayan. Louisoix devises a plan to summon the power of the Twelve, Eorzea's pantheon of guardian deities, to banish Dalamud back to the heavens. But for this to succeed, the rite needs to be performed directly beneath the point of Dalamud's impact: A vast swathe of barren lowlands in central Eorzea known as the Carteneau Flats.

The battle ceases when Dalamud enters the atmosphere while revealed to be a prison created to contain the elder primal, Bahamut. Freed after aeons of imprisonment, Bahamut jump starts the Seventh Umbral Era while unleashing his wrath upon the realm.

Louisoix attempts the ritual to seal Bahamut in vain. Seeing his death certain in the Primal unleashing his ultimate attack, Louisoix summons the last of his strength to call upon the Twelves' power to send the survivors (including the player) into an ethereal rift, where they will be untouched by the passage of time, until it is once again safe for them to emerge and rebuild their ruined land."

---Gameplay---

The gameplay is like most, if not all, MMORPG titles, the player can form parties, join guilds, run dungeons and participate in PvP. Of course, there are various trades the player can perform such as weaving, alchemy, blacksmithing and more, these offer items that might be harder to obtain otherwise and can earn you a nice sum of Gil for rarer items (if sold to players, NPCs offer little to nothing).

The player can freely* switch what class they are, you are not tied to one type. The exception being when you first start, you'll have to reach level 10 and complete your class quests in order to switch, from there you can join a new guild and start working on that class (some skills earned from the previous classes carry over to your new class, but more on that later).

Once you've reached level 10, you can join Guildhests, which are essentially mini dungeons. If you are level 10 in a trade, you can take Guildhests to earn exp and Gil that will help you level faster in said class. Upon completing the required quests, dungeons can also be entered (the first is available at level 15).

---Graphics---

The graphics look pretty good considering how much of a hiccup the first version went trhough. Although since the game is also on the PC, and therefore made FOR the PC, the PS3 version does tend to suffer a few graphical errors, such as the rare bug of enemies not appearing properly on screen, or party members seemingly disappearing despite them being right in-front of you.

When using the chat feature, characters mouths will move with your text, so this is a minute detail, but one that I find pretty cool non-the-less. Facial expressions are well-done as well, so be sure to try them out when you get the chance to do so.

The game has had a nice over-haul since it originally released some years ago, the new graphics engine shows quite well on many characters and skill effects.

---Controls, Voice and Audio---

The controls on the console are a tad tough to learn at first, so I'll try to run them down as thoroughly as possible.

The Cross button is your selector, although since you likely won't have a cursor to use (although you can opt for that), you'll need to be looking at the person you want to talk with, although the game is pretty good at figuring out what you're trying to do.

The Triangle button is simply used for jumping, so there's no need to go into depth on that, it is what it is.

The Circle button allows you to deselect your current target and cancel out of various menus. Simple.

The Square button allows for quick access of the map, which will be very handy when doing quests as the location of various monsters, items, etc will be shown on there.

The d-pad is used to cycle through enemies and friendlies, it takes some getting used to in order to 'master' using it.

All of these buttons take on a different role when either of the R2 or L2 bumpers are held, this brings up your hotbar for skills, items, etc that you may have registered to those slots (they also your the d-pad, so in total you'll have 16 available slots, but you can also have more than one hotbar, so cycling through them gives even more options). Confusing? Undoubtedly, however the games tutorial runs you through the basics quite well.

As any Final Fantasy fan can hope to expect, the music is well performed, during standard battles, you may recognize the music (it's more reminiscent of the older games on the NES, SNES and such). When riding a Chocobo, as well as other mounts I would assume, you are treated the Chocobo music. Music in town and on the field are quite elegant and, to some degree, soothing and rhythmic.

Voice acting is scarce, the intro and small cutscenes are the only place they really occur at, but they are done well when they are done. The only other time you get to hear voices is from the various grunts that characters make, so don't expect much when it comes to voices.

---Other---

As I mentioned earlier, you are not restricted to one class and can switch once you've completed your current classes level 10 class quest (you usually get a quest at level 1, level 5, level 10 and so on). The classes you can choose from are many, from fighting classes (such as Gladiator, Pugilist, Arcanist and many more) to trades (such as Weaver, Alchemist, Blacksmith, etc). The latter are, as you may have guessed by the term 'trade' non-combat classes and are used to make armor, potions and other nick-naks that can be used by combat classes. When you start a new class, you revert to level 1 within your new class but retain the level in the previous class, so returning to your previous class will allow you to continue where you left off at.

The game has what are called 'Fates', if you've played Rift, they are like rifts, randomly generated missions where you and other players work to meet a goal, generally killing a certain number of enemies. The more you contribute, the larger your exp and Gil reward will be.

There are also unique chats called 'Linkshells', which can consist of up to 128 players that are not necessarily a guild or friends, but can use the chat feature to chat solely with each other and no one outside of the Shell can read your chat, it's basically a giant party chat.

Most of the negativity that has been generated was during the beta, people would complain that servers were constantly down or laggy, this has since been rectified and almost all of the game works as intended. If you see a review that says otherwise, look at the date, anything prior to Sept 13th is unreliable.

And yes, this is a subscription based game, but you get 30 days free.

---Overall---

This is a great MMORPG that has a lot to offer and much to do. With free expansions coming, this is a must have for fans of Final Fantasy or MMO's. I know I'll be cancelling my WoW sub so I can enjoy this great game.

9.0/10.0

Pros

+ An all-around great MMO
+ Great music score
+ Interesting class system
+ Guildhests are a fun way to level up quickly
+ Linkshells offer a great way to stay in touch with people you like, but not enough so that you want to add them as friends or join their guild

Cons

- Picking an enemy out of the crowd is sometimes unbearable
- Gold spammers are plentiful
- If you don't have a keyboard, typing is a hassle

***More reviews at lvgrb.blogspot*** Read more ›