A Realm Reborn

[KoFF]

We don't have this topic here, and a new long CG trailer has been released.



Be warned it contains what I'd define as full intro spoilers. It's probably not all of the intro movie shown, but a very long part of it. They do this with most games these days though... FF, KH... Most of the intro content is shown in the final trailers.
That said...

Holy shit WOW! (And no, not World of Warcraft). I felt the kind of awesome hype that comes from watching FF openings. Nothing has been spared to make it a spectacular and epic scene. So we finally had revealed which monstrosity was behind the attacking globe of fire in the sky. Not only is the revelation awesome as fuck, but it also reminds us why Bahamut has the reputation he has. I marveled at the destruction and visual effects that went into this masterpiece. So beautiful, devastating and epic.
This is all amplified by Answers, the theme song of FFXIV sung by Susan Calloway (Just assuming a lot of people don't know).
I still find it slightly weird that she got to sing this song. Not because she isn't talented or she doesn't fit the song, because she's beyond incredible. It's more because Uematsu used to bring in vocalists for FF songs that never had any experience with FF music prior. Susan Calloway has done multiple concert performances with Distant Worlds and more, all before XVI came into the picture.
Another good thing about Susan: She sings enchantingly live too.

[01habbo]

so what makes this different to the original release? Has anything changed? Game mechanics wise or other?

[KoFF]

Since the original release? HUUUGE changes over a long time. XIV did extremely poorly when it was released and Wada himself said that the title not only was dissatisfying, but also damaged the FF brand itself. Now, I never actually tried the original PC release, despite owning it (since I have been waiting for the PS3 edition) but I find it hard to imagine it could really be that awful. Especially if you're a hardcore fan, lol... But I can't say yes or no without having had the full experience, so...

ANYWAY, about the changes, since they have been so numerous, it's easier to just post an excerpt from wiki explaining most (or all?) changes since the initial release.

Initial changes
Due to the game's predominantly negative reception, the president of Square Enix, Yoichi Wada, announced a major shift in the development team in December 2010, with Tanaka announcing his resignation from his role as producer. Naoki Yoshida then became the director and producer, with most other positions also changing. The PlayStation 3 version, originally due for release in March 2011, was also delayed in order to accommodate the new changes that are anticipated. The initial 30-day free trial was extended, first for two months and later indefinitely, in order to allow players to experience the new development team's updates before committing to the game.
As of patch 1.18, improvements have been made to the graphics, battling, synthesis, and experience reward systems. Magic has been upgraded to now regenerate automatically, and several new items have been added. Patch 1.19 introduced significant new content including the materia system, airships, beast tribe settlements, new items, a battle with Ifrit, and chocobo mounts. Revisions were also made to monster difficulty, magic casting, and the influence of character statistics.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

On October 14, 2011, Square Enix announced its intention to relaunch the game as Final Fantasy XIV 2.0, which was later renamed Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. The original game version is scheduled to end November 11, 2012, with the Alpha of A Realm Reborn starting shortly after. Many changes are to be included at and shortly after the reboot, including:

- The implementation of a completely new server system.
- A new graphics engine.
- A redesigning of all field maps.
- Fully renewed user interface.
- The release of additional gender options.
- A worldless content finder.
- Reworking current jobs and adding new ones (Arcanist and Summoner)
- 1v1 and large scale Player versus player content.

In the months leading up to A Realm Reborn, a storyline known as the "Seventh Umbral Era" was added to provide an in-lore explanation of the coming changes. The radical alterations of in game areas will be explained away by the impact of Dalamud, a massive meteor being summoned to crash into the planet. Extra quests, equipment, activities and achievements were also added that will not be able accessible or obtainable again once A Realm Reborn is released.

The long-delayed PlayStation 3 version of the game will finally be released shortly after the PC launch of A Realm Reborn.

[01habbo]

actually was more interested in the system they use for events in game and how spoils are handled. Is it shared or is it the competitive things of i have to kill it first.

[R.Kyra]

Thanks for that post KoFF. It's nice to see new FF developments around here.

I loved that!!! OMG! I am so excited for this game! AAAAAAgggggrrrrrh.

I did get a FFXII/FFIX vibe from that. Not sure who else did, but I am excited to see more of it. I will be waiting for the console version. My laptop is past death and is running on........something? I need a new one, but I currently don't have the money to upgrade.

[KoFF]

I did get a FFXII/FFIX vibe from that. Not sure who else did, but I am excited to see more of it. I will be waiting for the console version. My laptop is past death and is running on........something? I need a new one, but I currently don't have the money to upgrade.

Yeah, we haven't seen Bahamut destroy a city in CG since IX, so there's definitely a vibe there xD. I always get so happy when I see Square hasn't lost their touch with FF spectacular goodness.

[TomFoolery]

So, they are going to port this to PS3?

[KoFF]

That's still the idea. Of course it was back with the original XIV release as well, but it was decided that it was best to wait till the optimal version could be released, seeing how bad the PC sales were.
Personally, I'm really happy with this. They made a good choice. I do think the PS3 version will be released shortly after the PC version this time.

I wish that the PS3 version would exclude monthly fees, but you can't expect those kinds of things with Square Enix. I'm ready to pay for it though... And if nothing else, I'm gonna enjoy my free trial to the fullest I can. I'm very excited about the PS3 version finally coming out. Been waiting ever since the original XIV release, lol.