Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Character select music]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/jukebox-heroes-character-select-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/jukebox-heroes-character-select-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/jukebox-heroes-character-select-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Character select music
Character select and creation music has always fascinated me. OK, maybe not fascinated; it's interested me. I've always viewed such themes as the overture of the game, the interlude between the title theme and the game proper to come.

These themes don't tend to be rip-roaring in their presentation because that's not their purpose. They have to be pleasant enough without being annoying when looped endlessly. After all, sometimes players spend a loooong time making their characters or sitting there at the select screen, and the last thing you want is for their ears to become fatigued by the experience.

So here are six MMO character select and character creation themes that I've enjoyed over the years. And if you saw the title graphic up there and immediately started hearing this song in your head, then you and I probably grew up in the same era.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Character select music

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Character select music originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studioscity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcomposercomposerscovcoxeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xifree-to-playfreedomgame-musicjasper-kydjesper-kydjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiossandboxsandparksci-fantasysci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsoundtracksoundtrackssquaresquare-enixsuperherosuperheroestelonthe-chronicles-of-spellbornvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwildstarwsTue, 21 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - FATEs and dungeons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-fates-and-du/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-fates-and-du/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-fates-and-du/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

That withdrawal is a very real thing. I'm missing it.
Do you smell that on the wind, my friends? It smells like June is fast approaching, and more importantly it smells like soon we'll be able to welcome the third phase of testing with open arms. Which is good, since I am currently going through withdrawal. I wake up in cold sweats, try to change my class in other games, start up the Final Fantasy XIV beta client in the hopes that someone "accidentally" turned the servers back on... you get the general idea.

To help alleviate this, I'm going to talk about the two pieces of the game from the first two beta phases that are in need of the most polish. While there are places to improve elsewhere, FATEs and dungeons have issues that might need a bit more hammering to fix. Or they might be fine and we just haven't yet seen enough of the game to know everything. Either way, let's get started with the big addition to the game, the system that had no predecessor in Final Fantasy XIV's first version: the FATE system.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - FATEs and dungeons

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - FATEs and dungeons originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetasconsoleconsolesdungeonsdynamic-eventsfantasyfatesfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfull-active-time-eventsgroup-contentmog-logopinionraidssquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logSat, 18 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a gander at Final Fantasy XIV's character customization possibilities]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/take-a-gander-at-final-fantasy-xivs-character-customization-pos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/take-a-gander-at-final-fantasy-xivs-character-customization-pos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/take-a-gander-at-final-fantasy-xivs-character-customization-pos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Take a gander at Final Fantasy XIV's character customization possibilities
The team at Square-Enix has a treat for fans eagerly awaiting Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn today: several screenshots showing off the possibilities that await in the updated character creation tool.

Several interesting looks are on display here, including vibrant hair color, hair styles, tattoos, long hair for females, plenty of sliders, and new colors for eyes. Check out these radical looks in the gallery below!

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn screenshots and concept art

MassivelyTake a gander at Final Fantasy XIV's character customization possibilities originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-creationconsoleconsolesfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgalleryred-eyesscreenshotssquaresquare-enixtattooswhiskersFri, 17 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your epeen on with these new Final Fantasy XIV screenies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/get-your-epeen-on-with-these-new-final-fantasy-xiv-screenies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/get-your-epeen-on-with-these-new-final-fantasy-xiv-screenies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/get-your-epeen-on-with-these-new-final-fantasy-xiv-screenies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Get your epeen on with these new Final Fantasy XIV screenies
My, that's a large... sword that you're holding at a very interesting angle, there. Compensating for something, perhaps? Maybe it's impotence caused by the long wait until Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn comes to a home PC or PS3 near you?

Then we have the cure! No, it's not a little blue pill; it's a new gallery full of FFXIV screenshots and concept art from the upcoming reboot. Check them out and feel assured that your epeen will once again be in action.

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn screenshots and concept art


[Source: Square-Enix]

MassivelyGet your epeen on with these new Final Fantasy XIV screenies originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-artconsoleconsolese-peenepeenfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgalleryscreenshotssquaresquare-enixWed, 15 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - gathering]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-gathering/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-gathering/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-gathering/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Fit the pieces together.
We all like to stop and smell the roses. And then we like to pluck those roses, bring them home, and melt them into component enzymes that will allow us access to a temporary attack power buff. Final Fantasy XIV is beautiful, sure, but you need that attack power bonus.

If it isn't obvious, this week's stop on my whirlwind beta tour is the fine art of grabbing items from the landscape and turning them into crafting fodder. Final Fantasy XIV had quite an interesting gathering system at launch, but it also had some pretty serious problems, and so the relaunch had to completely revamp the system while retaining the soul of the original version. No pressure.

Not a whole lot changed in terms of gathering between my time in San Francisco and my time in the beta, but I did have a great deal more time to try out the gathering system. So let's take a walk on the self-sufficient side.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - gathering

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - gathering originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetasbotanistclassclassesconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-mechanicsgatheringharvestingmog-logopinionsquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logSat, 11 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV coming this summer, next beta phase starting in June]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/final-fantasy-xiv-coming-this-summer-next-beta-phase-starting-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/final-fantasy-xiv-coming-this-summer-next-beta-phase-starting-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/final-fantasy-xiv-coming-this-summer-next-beta-phase-starting-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Final Fantasy XIV coming this summer, next beta phase starting in June
Executive Producer Naoki Yoshida has a couple of significant announcements concerning the testing and release of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. He's excited to announce that the relaunch of the title will be happening in "summer 2013," with a more specific date to be announced by the end of May. He also said that details and pre-orders for the collector's edition will be coming this month as well.

"The whole team has been working at full throttle to ensure the game will be ready for a summer release," Yoshida said. "It won't be long before you can mark your calendars and begin the final countdown!"

Before the launch happens, however, phase 3 of beta testing needs to happen. This will start at the beginning of June, according to Yoshida. Phase 3 is notable in that it will be the first time that the PlayStation 3 version of FFXIV will be included in the beta testing.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV coming this summer, next beta phase starting in June originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-realm-rebornbetaconsoleconsolesfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivlaunchlaunch-dateNaoki-Yoshidaphase-3playstation-3releaserelease-datesquaresquare-enixsummer-2013Fri, 10 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - quests]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-quests/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-quests/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/04/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-quests/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Even with phase 3 in June, I don't think I've got as much time as I need.
We know now that the next test phase for Final Fantasy XIV will not be until June. This is good insofar as the next test will contain a lot more stuff and bad insofar as I want to play. Those of you living vicariously through impressions articles such as this one probably have less of a struggle with this scenario. And there is still a chunk of the first two phases to be discussed, obviously.

If combat is the usual "how" of MMOs, quests are the usual "what." Final Fantasy XIV started out with a handful of quests and gained several more during Naoki Yoshida's tenure, but quests still weren't the main leveling content in version 1.0. That was a function reserved for guildleves, which have taken on a new role in the beta phases just as quests are enjoying an expanded importance. But it's not as simple as that change might imply.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - quests

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - quests originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-impressionsbetasconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfirst-impressionsguildlevesimpressionslevequestslevesmog-logopinionquestssquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logSat, 04 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Thar be dragons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/one-shots-thar-be-dragons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/one-shots-thar-be-dragons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/one-shots-thar-be-dragons/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One Shots Thar be dragons
It would be a rare fantasy MMO that didn't have a posse of dragons roaming the land (or flying through the skies), and Guild Wars 2 certainly does not break that trend. It doesn't mean that going head-to-head with one is any less intimidating, however.

Reader Paul sent in this little meet-and-greet with Puff, saying it was when his Asuran Mesmer first encountered a dragon. Let's just hope he remained alive to have a second encounter. Asurans often look like popcorn chicken to dragonkind.

It's not just flying lizards in this week's One Shots! What wonders await you, I wonder?

Continue reading One Shots: Thar be dragons

MassivelyOne Shots: Thar be dragons originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanetarenanetbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbring-back-one-shotsbuy-to-playcamelotclassic-mmoconsoleconsolesdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgalleriesgalleryguild-wars-2gw2mythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyncsoftone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenpvpreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsrvrscreenshotscreenshotssquaresquare-enixuser-submissionswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 28 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-beta-phase-1-and-2-combat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Talking about this publicly still feels off-limits.
I've mentioned in the past that sometimes plans get changed dramatically between when I plan my next column and when I actually write it. This week, it turned out that I could stop being mum about the Final Fantasy XIV beta. So that meant throwing out plans and starting back over. In fact, it meant starting way over, since I found myself with so many things that I wanted to talk about it was difficult to figure out where to start.

So I'm starting with the obvious. I'm going to talk about aspects of the first two beta phases in as much detail as I can realistically fit into a column starting with one of those obvious cornerstones of video games: combat. This isn't meant to be about impressions so much as dissecting and analyzing what I've played to this point, what is working, and what isn't. If you want to know my more in-depth impressions of killing things in Final Fantasy XIV's early test version, read on.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - combat

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2 - combat originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetasclassescombatcombat-mechanicsconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-mechanicsgameplaymog-logopinionsquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logSat, 27 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Final moments of MMOs, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/the-perfect-ten-final-moments-of-mmos-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/the-perfect-ten-final-moments-of-mmos-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/the-perfect-ten-final-moments-of-mmos-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Final moments of MMOs, part 2
LAST TIME ON THE PERFECT TEN: Games were shut down, tears were shed, memories were dragged unwillingly from long-term storage, and videos were shown. Also, Marty totally suckered Biff into driving into a truck full of manure and then got his parents to kiss at a dance so that he wouldn't be erased from the space-time continuum.

AND NOW FOR THE EXCITING CONCLUSION!

Is it completely morbid to want to revisit (or see for the first time) the final moments of MMOs? Yes, but also no. Really, it's just interesting to me, and I have no great agenda at play here. Sometimes seeing how a game goes out can tell you a lot about its community and dev team. So join us now as we hit the second half of 10 videos showing the last few minutes of these online RPGs.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Final moments of MMOs, part 2

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Final moments of MMOs, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrback-to-betabetabrowserbrowser-basedcasualcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohconsoleconsolescovcoxcrimef2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivflashfree-to-playfreedomg1gamersfirstglitchhipsterhumorlego-universencsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenpvproundupsandboxsquaresquare-enixsuperherosuperheroesthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentinyspecktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listunlauncheningThu, 25 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Final Fantasy XIV's beta phase 1 and 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/first-impressions-final-fantasy-xivs-beta-phase-1-and-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/first-impressions-final-fantasy-xivs-beta-phase-1-and-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/first-impressions-final-fantasy-xivs-beta-phase-1-and-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Apparently Gladiator is cool again.
I'm going to completely fail to surprise any longtime readers of the site with this sentence: I am kind of a fan of Final Fantasy XIV.

Of course I am. I write our weekly column about the game, I discuss the game in other columns, and I went across the country to preview the game back in February. It's not a secret. Nor should it come as any surprise that I am a Legacy player and thus have had the opportunity to take part in the game's first two beta test phases. As of today, I can start talking about those experiences.

Well... I can sort of talk about those experiences. A lot of what I have to say was already conveyed back when I took that aforementioned trip in February. My warm feelings about the game have not diminished in any way over the past few months, but rather than rewriting everything, I thought I'd go with a look at some things I've discovered from not hitting just the highs and the lows.

Continue reading First Impressions: Final Fantasy XIV's beta phase 1 and 2

MassivelyFirst Impressions: Final Fantasy XIV's beta phase 1 and 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetasconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfirst-impressionsgame-mechanicsimpressionsold-featuressquaresquare-enixWed, 24 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Battle music!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Battle music!
It's time once again to take a week off from looking at specific MMO soundtracks and open ourselves up to a theme instead. The topic? Battle music. Yeah, it can be some of the most obnoxious music in the game, especially after hearing it for the 3,000th time, but every once in a while I hear a piece that has some merit to it. These are the ones we want to examine today.

What makes for a good battle music track? I think it has to get you excited without being annoying or grating and not so loud or incredibly noticeable that you can't help but get tired of it sooner rather than later. It was actually pretty tricky to pull together six such tracks for this column, but I managed to do with with the help of Colonel Bugle up there. He's got the best MP3 collection around.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Battle music!

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Battle music! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoatlanticaatlantica-onlinebiowarecamelotclassic-mmocomposercomposersconsoleconsolesdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-to-playfuncomgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettilord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologynexonnexon-americanexon-koreaopinionpvprvrsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsoundtracksoundtrackssquaresquare-enixtactical-mmoturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Pushing back on Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/the-mog-log-pushing-back-on-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/the-mog-log-pushing-back-on-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/the-mog-log-pushing-back-on-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Push the tempo up.
Among the things I'm reluctant to talk about early when it comes to Final Fantasy XIV are the live letters from Naoki Yoshida. There's always a thread rapidly updating players on what is said during those letters, but that thread is filled with quick translations that may or may not be accurate, and I'd prefer not to analyze and speculate on information that may have been misconstrued. The man speaks in dense blocks of information.

To my surprise, this week we got the full translation of the latest live letter, and something that struck me was how much of the game we're still being told is just over the horizon. This is not to say that I don't believe in Yoshi-P; Final Fantasy XIV 1.0 showed that if he promises something, it will be delivered. But there are a lot of things being held back for later, and honestly it's a little disconcerting for someone waiting eagerly for the game to come out.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Pushing back on Final Fantasy XIV

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Pushing back on Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-realm-rebornconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivffxiv-version-2.0final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivlive-lettermog-lognaoki-yoshidaopinionrelaunchsquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logupcoming-featuresupdatesSat, 20 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV shows off the jobs and professions of 2.0]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/final-fantasy-xiv-shows-off-the-jobs-and-professions-of-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/final-fantasy-xiv-shows-off-the-jobs-and-professions-of-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/final-fantasy-xiv-shows-off-the-jobs-and-professions-of-2-0/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Final Fantasy XIV shows off the jobs and professions of 20
As Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn takes shape, so does its website. Square-Enix has updated the official site with scads of new screenshots for many of the game's jobs and professions. We've saved you the time it would take to comb through the entire site hunting each of these down by compiling all of them in one handy-dandy gallery. Behold!

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn jobs and professions

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV shows off the jobs and professions of 2.0 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classclassesconsoleconsolesfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgalleryprofessionprofessionsscreenshotssquaresquare-enixThu, 18 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Super Adventure Box's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/jukebox-heroes-super-adventure-boxs-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/jukebox-heroes-super-adventure-boxs-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/jukebox-heroes-super-adventure-boxs-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Super Adventure Box's soundtrack
OK, yeah, how could I not do this? I know that we at Massively have gone a little ga-ga over ArenaNet's stellar April Fools' Day prank-slash-massive update, but when I saw that the team released a half-hour of original score in addition to all of the pixelated monkey mayhem, I knew I had to review it.

Your enjoyment of Guild Wars 2's Super Adventure Box and its score will largely depend on your memories or feelings about old-school video games. For a kid who grew up on 8-bit and 16-bit games, the sound of SAB is pure nostalgia (even if it is original composition). I think it's also as catchy as cooties.

Composers Maclaine Diemer and Leif Chappelle put in a lot of effort to not just make a classic-sounding soundtrack here but specifically reference and pay homage to plenty of old-school hits. Hang with me as I highlight the best of Super Adventure Box, and I promise that next week we'll get back to serious business.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Super Adventure Box's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Super Adventure Box's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbattletoadsbuy-to-playcastlevaniachrono-triggercomposercomposersfantasyfeaturedfinal-fantasygame-musicguild-wars-2gw2jukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettiLeif-ChappelleMaclaine-Diemermmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicncsoftnesopinionsabsilent-hillsoundtracksoundtrackssuper-adventure-boxthe-secret-worldzeldaTue, 16 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI's Feast of Swords cuts into another year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/final-fantasy-xis-feast-of-swords-cuts-into-another-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/final-fantasy-xis-feast-of-swords-cuts-into-another-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/final-fantasy-xis-feast-of-swords-cuts-into-another-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Sweating moogles probably smell terrible, for the record.
We're just a month away from the 11-year anniversary of Final Fantasy XI, which means that certain events in the game have taken on a certain sense of routine. Every year the Feast of Swords comes around at the same time, and every year a ceremonial armor gets stolen. This year's lore piece isn't about the event, it's about the growing suspicion of an adventurer that there's more behind this annual event and "unexpected" theft than anyone has been told...

But you don't need that as motivation to go beat up armor with a wooden katana, do you? Of course not. The event starts off on April 24th this year and runs until May 8th. The procedure is much the same as in previous years -- characters pick up a wooden katana, get a buff, and run around starter zones tying to beat up enchanted armor. It might be a conspiracy in-game, but out of the game it's just a chance for everyone to be a samurai for a few days.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI's Feast of Swords cuts into another year originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryeventsfantasyfeast-of-swordsffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xihumorin-game-eventsloresettingsquaresquare-enixTue, 16 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV's magitek disassembled]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xivs-magitek-disassembled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xivs-magitek-disassembled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xivs-magitek-disassembled/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Because I will always discuss giant robots. Always.
I've done a couple of articles on reoccurring concepts in Final Fantasy games before, but this is an unusual one because it seems to barely qualify at times. Final Fantasy XIV has magitek, as did Final Fantasy VI, but those are the only games to refer to it as such. Sure, other games flirt with similar concepts (Final Fantasy XII, Final Fantasy XIII, and Final Fantasy VII most prominently), but none of them is outright called magitek.

Bit there's still some interesting stuff to unpack when it comes to magitek, even if you don't consider the corner cases as you ought to. At a glance it might look like this is a simple manichean split between two factions, but there's a lot more going on and a lot of importance tied up with the term that can hint as to Final Fantasy XIV's future -- beyond the fact that we'll get to ride some magitek armor.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV's magitek disassembled

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV's magitek disassembled originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivloremetafictional-discussionmetaphormog-logopinionspeculationsquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logSat, 13 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get a first look at Final Fantasy XIV's magitek armor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/get-a-first-look-at-final-fantasy-xivs-magitek-armor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/get-a-first-look-at-final-fantasy-xivs-magitek-armor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/get-a-first-look-at-final-fantasy-xivs-magitek-armor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Get a first look at Final Fantasy XIV's magitek armor
As part of a concerted effort to connect Final Fantasy XIV to past entries in the franchise, Square-Enix is introducing magitek armor to A Realm Reborn. The armor hails from Final Fantasy VI and takes the form of large bipedal mechanized mounts in the online game.

We've got a brief look at the magitek armor in motion after the break, so suit up and don't forget to bring a can of oil for the journey!

Continue reading Get a first look at Final Fantasy XIV's magitek armor

MassivelyGet a first look at Final Fantasy XIV's magitek armor originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-realm-rebornconsoleconsolesfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-vifinal-fantasy-xivmagitek-armorsquaresquare-enixvideoThu, 11 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV invites legacy members to get their names in the credits]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/final-fantasy-xiv-invites-legacy-members-to-get-their-names-in-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/final-fantasy-xiv-invites-legacy-members-to-get-their-names-in-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/final-fantasy-xiv-invites-legacy-members-to-get-their-names-in-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Final Fantasy XIV invites legacy members to get their names in the credits
As part of the legacy campaign for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, Square-Enix is inviting legacy members to register so that their names will be included in the upcoming relaunched version's credits. The registration window for this opportunity will be open only from now through April 30th.

Legacy members are players who accumulated 90 days of paid subscription time between January 6th, 2012, and the start of A Realm Reborn's closed beta. Other legacy benefits include a discounted subscription rate and an in-game chocobo mount.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV invites legacy members to get their names in the credits originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.0a-realm-rebornconsoleconsolescreditsfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivlegacy-campaignpromotionsquaresquare-enixversion-2.0Tue, 09 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Don't you want me, FFXI?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/the-mog-log-dont-you-want-me-ffxi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/the-mog-log-dont-you-want-me-ffxi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/the-mog-log-dont-you-want-me-ffxi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DON'T YOU WANT ME, OHHH-WHOAAOH!
Final Fantasy XI has launched its fifth expansion, and yet I can't bring myself to be as excited as I should be. Longtime readers will recall that the account I've been playing on is younger and lacking in many of the higher-level conveniences such as airship passes and a white mage leveled enough to handle Sneak and Invisible. Put simply, I'm not in a place to just jump right into all of the content that Seekers of Adoulin has to offer right out of the gate.

On the plus side, I do have several conveniences that completely new players wouldn't have, not the least of which is an extensive knowledge of the game as a whole. A new player coming in straight would look at the game and just wind up baffled, and I can't blame him in the least. If you're starting fresh, the game is not welcoming you.

Longtime readers will also know that I've long been a proponent of making the game easier to get into. But is this even worth bothering with? Is the game for players starting at lower levels any more? Is there even a point to easing up the lower-level restrictions any longer?

Continue reading The Mog Log: Don't you want me, FFXI?

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Don't you want me, FFXI? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesexpansionfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-ximog-lognew-playersopinionSeekers-of-Adoulinsoaspeculationsquaresquare-enixsquenixstarting-experiencestarting-outthe-mog-logSat, 06 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Wind: Final Fantasy XI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/second-wind-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/second-wind-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/second-wind-final-fantasy-xi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- Final Fantasy XI
Here's a fun fact about me: Final Fantasy XI was one of the first MMOs I ever played. I had dabbled in Ultima Online and EverQuest before it, but at the time those games came out, I was but a wee lad of nine or so, and I truly had no idea what I was doing in either of them. What I did know was that I was in love with the idea of sharing a massive, persistent world with thousands of friends (and enemies) waiting to be made.

So when Final Fantasy XI came out stateside in late 2003 (it launched in Japan in 2002), I was firmly in the grip of some kind of JRPG mania thanks to Final Fantasy IX, Legend of Dragoon, and others of that ilk. Naturally I took to the notion of a massively multiplayer Final Fantasy game like a Black Mage to a comically oversized hat. I was a devout player of FFXI for a couple of years after that, before all of my FFXI-playing friends decided to jump ship to some uppity little newcomer called World of Warcraft, and I've had an on-again, off-again (mostly the latter) relationship with FFXI ever since.

Continue reading Second Wind: Final Fantasy XI

MassivelySecond Wind: Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiOPINIONpost-launchrelooksecond-impressionssecond-looksecond-windsquaresquare-enixupdated-impressionsFri, 05 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV shifts into second closed beta phase]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/final-fantasy-xiv-shifts-into-second-closed-beta-phase/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/final-fantasy-xiv-shifts-into-second-closed-beta-phase/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/final-fantasy-xiv-shifts-into-second-closed-beta-phase/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Final Fantasy XIV shifts into second closed beta phase
Check out that fine-tuned Mog machine coming around the track! Why, it's Final Fantasy XIV, which has just shifted into its second closed beta phase and is sprinting toward the release of A Realm Reborn!

Square-Enix is running beta tests over weekends in April. The focus of phase 2 is on the city-state of Gridania, Gamepad support for the PC, Chocobo mounts, and full active time events. It's not too late to sign up for the beta, either.

When Final Fantasy XIV hits closed beta phase 3, the team will add in the PlayStation 3 version and a "huge amount" of additional content. Specific details and timing of phase 3 have yet to be announced.

[Source: Square-Enix press release]

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV shifts into second closed beta phase originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclosed-betaclosed-beta-phase-2closed-beta-phase-3consoleconsolesfantasyffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgamepadplaystation-3ps3squaresquare-enixtestingFri, 05 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Why can't MMOs and consoles be friends?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/the-daily-grind-why-cant-mmos-and-consoles-be-friends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/the-daily-grind-why-cant-mmos-and-consoles-be-friends/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/the-daily-grind-why-cant-mmos-and-consoles-be-friends/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

I remember once being excited about the idea that Defiance wouldn't just be a game and a TV series but a cross-platform MMO. Though the game is on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 and was originally intended to be fully cross-platform, Microsoft's unwillingness to play ball with Sony ensured that gamers on each platform are now playing on totally separate servers. You might think the game is just another victim of the console wars, but this is supposed to be an MMO -- nice big worlds, tons of players, and hey, a third party willing to try to bring everyone together!

MMOs and consoles just usually aren't considered a harmonious pairing. Maybe it's because MMOs are seen as PC games, and some PC gamers and console gamers have their own rivalries. Whether it's because of controllers, interfaces, or failed corporate negotiations, we're usually segregated, but I wish we weren't, and I know we don't have to be. The Final Fantasy online games allow for cross-platforming. They may not be perfect, but I personally like the idea of bigger worlds filled with players. That's the point of MMOs, after all.

So what about you, Massively readers? Do you think MMOs on consoles should keep us separated, as in DC Universe Online, or should console MMOs take a note from Final Fantasy XI and let us play with our controller-loving allies?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Why can't MMOs and consoles be friends? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole-warconsolescross-platformdaily-grinddc-universe-onlinedcuodefiancefinal-fantasyfinaly-fantasy-xiMicrosoftopinionplatformsonytdgthe-daily-grindtriontrion-worldsFri, 05 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: PAX East wasn't for us]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/the-mog-log-pax-east-wasnt-for-us/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/the-mog-log-pax-east-wasnt-for-us/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/30/the-mog-log-pax-east-wasnt-for-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It also apparently was not for my ankle. That story is relayed elsewhere.
Last week I promised to bring you all of the hard-hitting coverage of Square-Enix's presence at PAX East 2013 as it pertained to Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV. So here's that coverage: Both games still exist.

We good? Great. I'll spend the next nine hundred words or so discussing cats, then. Seriously, if you've been following this site or this column, you know everything from PAX East already.

Of course, all of this underscores what I see as a simple fact: PAX was not meant for fans of Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV. If you scan fansites and this site for coverage, you would not be blown away by any of this information, and that's fine. It's not actually for you, and I'm going to go ahead and say that it really shouldn't be for you because it would just be preaching to the converted.

Continue reading The Mog Log: PAX East wasn't for us

MassivelyThe Mog Log: PAX East wasn't for us originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconsoleconsolesconventioneventevent-coverageeventsexpofantasyfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivmassively-event-coveragemog-logopinionpaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-exposquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logSat, 30 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Cutest creatures
I vividly remember a conversation I had with my then-girlfriend's parents back in 1996 about the potential of this growing "internet" phenomenon. With my limited understanding, I made it sound downright noble, a Library of Congress available at the fingertips of the average Joe or Jane. What I really should have said that it would be a tool for the distribution of pornography, nerd rage, and cute animal pictures.

I have no idea how big the cute animal picture industry is, but there have got to be millions of aspiring photographers daily who prod little baby critters with encouragement sticks in the hopes of eliciting a few "awws" out of strangers. Even when the serious business of MMOs came a-calling, cuteness infested fantasy lands near and far.

Whenever I see something absurdly cute in an MMO, I always smile because I know that somewhere, some uber-elite, way-too-serious player is developing facial tics from being in the same game world as it. So twitch away, as here are 10 of the cutest critters as seen in-game!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineanetaoarenanetback-to-betabetabiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playcasualclassic-mmoconquestconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studioseaelectronic-artsf2pfamilyfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivflashfree-to-playfuncomglitchguild-wars-2gw2hipsterhumorkid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsncsoftopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpvppweriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrsandboxsci-fisquaresquare-enixstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptinyspecktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentunlauncheningwarcraftwizard101world-of-warcraftwowThu, 28 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin goes live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-goes-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Final Fantasy XI Seekers of Adoulin goes live
Final Fantasy XI's fifth expansion, Seekers of Adoulin, is now running free in the video game wild. If you can catch the wily release, you'll be treated to a pair of new jobs, seven challenging bosses, and a new continent to explore.

While Seekers of Adoulin isn't available for PlayStation 2 players, PC and Xbox 360 gamers are encouraged to hop on board the chocobo train. Players looking to purchase it on Steam may have a little bit of a wait, however.

For more in-depth analysis and previews of the expansion, be sure to read up on the back issues of The Mog Log while FFXI updates.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin goes live originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionfantasyffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xilaunchplaystation-2releaseSeekers-of-Adoulinsoasquaresquare-enixsteamthe-mog-logxbox-360Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Final Fantasy XI's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/jukebox-heroes-final-fantasy-xis-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/jukebox-heroes-final-fantasy-xis-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/jukebox-heroes-final-fantasy-xis-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Final Fantasy XI's soundtrack
Hey you! Want a good way to die a horrible, painful death? Enter into any geek domain and put down the music of the Final Fantasy series. Do it. I double-dog dare you. Even scrubs who couldn't identify a single other composer or notable video game soundtrack will leap to the defense of One-Winged Angel.

While I generally do like the Final Fantasy tunes, especially the earlier 8-bit era stuff and Final Fantasy IX, I haven't seen it as an infallible series in regard to its music. I think along the way Nobuo Uematsu's become this person who can Do No Wrong in the gaming community, which has stifled an honest look at both the highs and lows of his soundtracks.

I don't want to be all about hero worship or mindless bashing today; I want to examine a fairly good but not perfect soundtrack that represented Final Fantasy's first foray into MMOs. Along with Uematsu, Naoshi Mizuta and Kumi Tanioka shared composing duties on this project. There's some terrific stuff here that you'll listen to after the jump, but there are a lot more completely forgettable (and sometimes annoying!) tracks that have been shoehorned into FFXI's expansive game. So let's come down to earth and see what Final Fantasy XI has in store for us.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Final Fantasy XI's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Final Fantasy XI's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-themechocobocomposercomposersfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-viifinal-fantasy-xigame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettiKumi-Taniokammo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicNaoshi-MizutaNobuo-Uematsuone-winged-angelopinionsoundtracksoundtrackssquaresquare-enixTue, 26 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI expansion CE coming to Steam... eventually]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/final-fantasy-xi-expansion-ce-coming-to-steam-eventually/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/final-fantasy-xi-expansion-ce-coming-to-steam-eventually/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/final-fantasy-xi-expansion-ce-coming-to-steam-eventually/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Final Fantasy XI expansion CE coming to Steam eventually
Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin's collector's edition is making its way to Steam, although it might not get there in time for the official launch. Square-Enix announced the possible delay in a brief post today and promised an update on the situation soon.

"Knowing that there is a possibility that the Steam version will not be available for purchase on launch, we wanted to alert you as soon as we could," the studio said.

It's not all doom and gloom, however. There's a terrific three-minute trailer for Seekers of Adoulin after the jump, and don't forget that Massively recently got the skinny on the expansion classes so that you may be properly prepared!

Continue reading Final Fantasy XI expansion CE coming to Steam... eventually

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI expansion CE coming to Steam... eventually originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cecollectors-editiondelayexpansionfantasyffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiSeekers-of-Adoulinsoasquaresquare-enixsteamtrailervideoTue, 26 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: On the eve of seeking Adoulin in Final Fantasy XI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/the-mog-log-on-the-eve-of-seeking-adoulin-in-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/the-mog-log-on-the-eve-of-seeking-adoulin-in-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/the-mog-log-on-the-eve-of-seeking-adoulin-in-final-fantasy-xi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This week's column has the subtle smoky flavor of hotel wi-fi.
A while back, I was upset that we hadn't gotten nearly enough information about Seekers of Adoulin. That's certainly not the case any more; we've gotten a fair bit of new information about the expansion, which is good considering that Final Fantasy XI players will be seeking the heck out of Adoulin on Tuesday.

Of course, there's still some air of mystery about the expansion, which is appropriate. Final Fantasy XI's expansions always contain a few new wrinkles that aren't really previewed, and I think players prefer it that way. But there's a lot to talk about, starting with something that I find very interesting insofar as it's launching in the wake of a new philosophy for the game as a whole.

Back in December I talked about how the game's future might be brighter than it has been for a long time. How Seekers of Adoulin works in practice will tell us a lot about whether or not that hopeful future will come to pass or not.

Continue reading The Mog Log: On the eve of seeking Adoulin in Final Fantasy XI

MassivelyThe Mog Log: On the eve of seeking Adoulin in Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesconsoleconsolesexpansionfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xigame-mechanicsmechanicsmog-logopinionpreviewsSeekers-of-Adoulinsoasquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logupcoming-releasesSat, 23 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: When sequels attack!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/the-game-archaeologist-when-sequels-attack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/the-game-archaeologist-when-sequels-attack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/the-game-archaeologist-when-sequels-attack/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist When sequels attack!
Sequels are both the bane of and a fact of life for movies and video games. Well, "bane" is a strong word, and you're probably thinking of Batman right now anyway, but personally, I'm always willing to give the benefit of doubt to any continuation of a favorite franchise. While we don't see sequels pop up as often in MMOs, they do exist and have significant effects upon the original title that bears the same name.

It's here that MMOs diverge from movies and other video games. With those, the original is not in any sort of danger, other than the perception of having its legacy dragged down into the muck (Caddyshack II, anyone?) and perhaps overstaying its welcome. An MMO sequel, on the other hand, can cause serious consequences to its ancestor.

Here at Game Archaeologist, we look at classic games that have often seen their time come and go. But what happens to one of these titles when a sequel attacks? Almost anything, it turns out.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: When sequels attack!

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: When sequels attack! originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acac2agonanetarenanetasherons-callasherons-call-2aventurinebrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicsconsoleconsolesdarkfalldfeqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfpsfree-to-playgagame-archaelogistglobal agendaguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2hi-rezhi-rez-studiosjagexjagex-games-studiojumpgatejumpgate-evolutionl1lineagelineage-1lineage-2lineage-iimmofpsncsoftneocronneocron-2nostalgiaopen-pvpopinionpvprsrunescapesandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentspy-fisquaresquare-enixthe-game-archaeologistthird-person-shootertpsturbineturbine-entertainmentultima-online-2ultima-x-odysseySat, 23 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Checking out the 44th Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/checking-out-the-44th-final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/checking-out-the-44th-final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/checking-out-the-44th-final-fantasy-xiv-producers-letter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

A Final Fantasy XIV guildhest screenshot
Final Fantasy XIV has been ramping up to A Realm Reborn, the massive reboot that has fans excited and nervous at the same time. In the hopes of whetting fan appetites even further, Naoki Yoshida is letting players know just what's cooking via a new producer's letter. It turns out that gamepad users have reason to be excited for phase two beta testing.

It might be standing room only, though, as 100,000 testers have joined up so far. It's caused some issues on the servers but a weekend of tweaks to FATE-related performance issues might help loosen things up a bit. That is until phase two kicks in and even more testers are welcomed. After all, how else can you stress test a server? Phase two testing should begin in early April, so grab your controller and jump in if you can.

There's also news about phase three testing! Guildhests, which are based on behests from version 1.0, will welcome groups of players even from early levels. They are supposed to be a great way to party with friends before going out and tackling the big stuff.

MassivelyChecking out the 44th Final Fantasy XIV producer's letter originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-realm-rebornconsoleconsolesff14ff14-betaffxivFinal-Fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivnaoki-yoshidaproducers-lettersquareSquare-EnixtestingWed, 20 Mar 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV declares open season on lore]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-declares-open-season-on-lore/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-declares-open-season-on-lore/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/16/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xiv-declares-open-season-on-lore/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I love rewrites, really I do.
Every so often, Final Fantasy XIV throws me a curveball. Case in point: the Lore forum. This was one of those things that was mentioned an eternity ago that I (and quite possibly everyone else) assumed would happen around the fifth of never. But it's a real thing, it exists now, and you can go over and get a lovely rundown of all that racial naming conventions, a primer on Roegadyn language, and assorted other threads detailing important lore tidbits.

If you need more proof that things are different at Square-Enix these days, this would serve as exhibit A. This is the sort of thing that I love. But at the same time, it's something I'm not completely happy about.

I should clarify; I'm entirely happy that it exists. But I'm a little perturbed regarding the timing, and I think there are ways in which its release now is kind of awkward. So rather than unmitigated gushing over the new forum, this week saw a lot of gushing and a lot of frustrated squinting.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV declares open season on lore

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV declares open season on lore originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstoryconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivforumforumsloremog-logofficial-forumsopinionsquaresquare-enixsquenixsurprisethe-mog-logSat, 16 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV's buffet of foodstuffs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xivs-buffet-of-foodstuffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xivs-buffet-of-foodstuffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/09/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xivs-buffet-of-foodstuffs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Yes, the fat guy wrote a column about food. Woo.
Final Fantasy XIV and Final Fantasy XI are the two games that make me hungrier than any other. It's not because I associate Final Fantasy XI with sitting in my dorm room and eating takeout, although that is also true. It's because these games are veritable buffets of in-game foods. Other games have stepped on the idea of buff food before and since, but in both Vana'diel and Eorzea, a cook can be the centerpiece of your character build.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say that Final Fantasy XIV had one of the best food systems I've ever seen at the time that its first version shut down. There was subtlety, there was grace, and above all else there was a lot of tasty stuff for everyone to eat. So let's talk about all of that wonderful food, from miq'abobs to bubble chocolate, and let's look back at the state of food from the game's beginning up until the fall of Dalamud. (Or the shutdown in November, if you have no poetry in your soul.)

Continue reading The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV's buffet of foodstuffs

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV's buffet of foodstuffs originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buff-foodbuffsconsoleconsolesconsumablescookcookingcraftingculturefantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfoodgame-mechanicsmog-logopinionsquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logSat, 09 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV's five-year gap]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/02/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xivs-five-year-gap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/02/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xivs-five-year-gap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/02/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xivs-five-year-gap/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

You know I roll legacy, son.
Right now, the world of Final Fantasy XIV players is made up of two separate but equally important groups: the Legacy players who are doing secret things in a beta that they cannot talk about, and everyone else sitting on the sidelines and desperately hoping for an NDA breach that unveils huge amounts of information. (The second group also spends some time hating the Legacy players. It's a delicate balance.) As a result, it's even harder than usual to write something interesting about the game.

So, as prompted by some discussions over on the RPC, let's talk a little bit about what we do know regarding the state of the world. It isn't great, but at the same time, it's better than it could be. There are three main time period to be concerned with, and when they're taken as a whole, there's a lot of opportunity for interesting conflict and storytelling as well as roleplaying if that's your cup of tea.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV's five-year gap

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV's five-year gap originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-realm-rebornbackstorybetabetasconsoleconsolescontinuityfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivffxiv-version-2.0final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgapsloremog-logopinionsquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logtimelineSat, 02 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Across the country for Final Fantasy XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/the-mog-log-across-the-country-for-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/the-mog-log-across-the-country-for-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/the-mog-log-across-the-country-for-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Perhaps a redone header is in order with some of the new art. Let me think.
On Wednesday last week, I got on an airplane to head across the United States, starting a long and grueling trip. I spent half of Wednesday in the air, half of Thursday either on a train or in a car, and more or less all of Friday in the air once again returning home. All of this for about two hours of playing Final Fantasy XIV and a couple of interviews, in case you missed everything going live on Thursday.

Would I do it again? In an instant.

There's no way that I can repeat the amount of information that was in the roundup in a single column, so I'm not going to try. What I am going to do is talk about some of the other assorted bits and pieces of my Final Fantasy XIV experience and the surrounding events because it was truly something to see. I've been fairly skeptical up until this point, but I'll say that after sitting down and playing the beta version for a little while, I'm now a believer.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Across the country for Final Fantasy XIV

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Across the country for Final Fantasy XIV originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-realm-rebornbetaconsoleconsoleseventfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivffxiv-version-2.0final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivmedia-eventmog-logopinionpreview-eventsquaresquare-enixsquenixtestingthe-mog-logtravelSat, 23 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's comprehensive preview of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/massivelys-comprehensive-preview-of-final-fantasy-xiv-a-realm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/massivelys-comprehensive-preview-of-final-fantasy-xiv-a-realm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/massivelys-comprehensive-preview-of-final-fantasy-xiv-a-realm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

There's always a new adventure over the horizon.
Final Fantasy XIV is doing something that has never been done before. After launching to poor reception, the MMO appointed a new producer and director, Naoki Yoshida, who has been working tirelessly for two years to rebuild the game from the ground up. The launch version shut its servers down in November of last year, and since then players have been eagerly awaiting the release of the game's revitalized relaunch, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.

In preparation for this relaunch, Yoshida spent the last week and a half touring the globe and meeting with the press to show off FFXIV in all its glory. After playing the game since launch and writing about it for three years, I was glad to attend the event and see the full spectrum of what the game has to offer in its relaunch. And there's a lot to be said about the game as a whole. It's the sort of thing that can't be contained in just one article or two.

So how about half a dozen? And a trio of videos to accompany the new benchmark program?

Continue reading Massively's comprehensive preview of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

MassivelyMassively's comprehensive preview of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-realm-rebornconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivffxiv-version-2.0final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivhubinterviewinterviewsnewspreviewpreview-eventpreviewssquaresquare-enixThu, 21 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV's Yoshida on PvP, chocobos, and mobile apps]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/final-fantasy-xivs-yoshida-on-pvp-chocobos-and-mobile-apps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/final-fantasy-xivs-yoshida-on-pvp-chocobos-and-mobile-apps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/final-fantasy-xivs-yoshida-on-pvp-chocobos-and-mobile-apps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

I find it really ironic that this was one of the header photos the community team used.
The recent Final Fantasy XIV press event in San Francisco didn't just mean a chance to sit down and play the game amidst a lushly decorated room, although that was certainly on the agenda. It also meant a chance to ask director and producer Naoki Yoshida some questions about the game going forward and the plans for development down the line, diving beyond what we see and into more fine details about the game's mechanics.

While players will have access to a sizable chunk of the revamped game when the beta goes live on February 25th, there's still a lot that's hidden behind a veil of secrecy. Yoshida's answers help illuminate more details about what's going on in Final Fantasy XIV that might not be playable right now but will be in the near future. And even beyond the foundation that's visible from the beta, the promise of more expansion only adds to the game's overall quality.

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIV's Yoshida on PvP, chocobos, and mobile apps

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV's Yoshida on PvP, chocobos, and mobile apps originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-realm-rebornclassclassesconsoleconsolesfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivffxiv-version-2.0final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgatheringhousinginterviewinterviewsmobile-appmobile-functionalitypress-eventpreviewpreviewsprofessionspvprelaunchrevampsquaresquare-enixtest-phasestestingupcoming-systemsThu, 21 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Land and Hand: Crafting and gathering in Final Fantasy XIV's relaunch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/land-and-hand-crafting-and-gathering-in-final-fantasy-xivs-rel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/land-and-hand-crafting-and-gathering-in-final-fantasy-xivs-rel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/land-and-hand-crafting-and-gathering-in-final-fantasy-xivs-rel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Work that armor. Work it good.
When I was playing Final Fantasy XIV's pre-launch beta, it was gathering that made me realize I was in real trouble with this game. Normally I consider gathering to be a necessary evil, a part of the game that exists and only occasionally overlaps with what I like to do. But the first time I started chopping away as a Botanist, I knew that something special was going on here.

Of course, gathering and crafting also needed an overhaul. The former was a frequently luck-based minigame that could be intensely frustrating to decipher with few skills that seemed to do much, and the latter was obtuse even if you ignore the fact that you didn't have a recipe book. So the relaunch had the unenviable task of reworking both systems while at the same time retaining what made them such a breath of fresh air.

If you liked Final Fantasy XIV's crafting or gathering before, I'm happy to say you still will -- and odds are good you'll like both even more because the new systems in place are solid improvements of what came before.

Continue reading Land and Hand: Crafting and gathering in Final Fantasy XIV's relaunch

MassivelyLand and Hand: Crafting and gathering in Final Fantasy XIV's relaunch originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-realm-rebornconsoleconsolescraftingcrafting-mechanicsdisciples-of-the-handdisciples-of-the-landfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivffxiv-version-2.0final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-mechanicsgatheringgathering-mechanicshands-onminigamesnew-systemspreviewpreviewssquaresquare-enixThu, 21 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: An in-depth look at Final Fantasy XI's new jobs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/massively-exclusive-an-in-depth-look-at-final-fantasy-xis-new/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/massively-exclusive-an-in-depth-look-at-final-fantasy-xis-new/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/massively-exclusive-an-in-depth-look-at-final-fantasy-xis-new/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

LAAAAAAAAANDSHAAAAAAAARK
This year isn't quite as exciting for Final Fantasy XI as it is for Final Fantasy XIV, but it's still bringing a pretty big change to the status quo. Players have had years to get used to the game as it is, but now Seekers of Adoulin is on its way to completely rewrite matters, giving us two new jobs as well as a new region and new mechanics to deal with. In other words, it's going to be shaking things up.

So while I was out in San Francisco enjoying all that Final Fantasy XIV has to offer, I also had a chance to look into Final Fantasy XI's new expansion, specifically the new player jobs. Both the Rune Fencer and the Geomancer are bringing something new to the game, and while I didn't get to play around with either job extensively, I did get to see how both will play and check out their key abilities.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: An in-depth look at Final Fantasy XI's new jobs

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: An in-depth look at Final Fantasy XI's new jobs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiescharacter-abilitiesclass-previewdpsexclusiveexpansionfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xihands-onhealerjob-previewnew-classesnew-jobspreviewpreviewsrolesSeekers-of-Adoulinsoasquaresquare-enixsupporttanksThu, 21 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: A dinner with Final Fantasy XIV's Naoki Yoshida]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/massively-exclusive-a-dinner-with-final-fantasy-xivs-naoki-yos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/massively-exclusive-a-dinner-with-final-fantasy-xivs-naoki-yos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/massively-exclusive-a-dinner-with-final-fantasy-xivs-naoki-yos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

I would not be surprised if Yoshida actually had hunted a giant snake with a bow and arrow. It seems plausible.
Having a conversation with Naoki Yoshida can be a very intimidating exercise. It's not because of his demeanor; he's friendly, genial, and has an obvious sense of humor. No, it's because there's an unmistakable level of energy to him, a huge amount of passion and ambition that drives everything he talks about.

He's exactly the sort of person who would try something completely insane like remaking a game from the ground up after burning the first version to the ground, for example.

I had the opportunity to sit down for a one-on-one dinner with Yoshida at the Final Fantasy XIV preview event, during which we talked a great deal both about the upcoming relaunch of the game as well as his own experiences in remaking everything. For those of us who play Final Fantasy XIV, it's obviously an exciting time, but for Yoshida, what's happening now is the culmination of work that started only a month after he took over control of a game that he had to revitalize after a horrible flop on launch.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: A dinner with Final Fantasy XIV's Naoki Yoshida

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: A dinner with Final Fantasy XIV's Naoki Yoshida originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-realm-rebornburn-it-all-downconsoleconsolesdevelopment-retrospectivedirectorend-of-an-erafantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivffxiv-version-2.0final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-developmentinterviewinterviewsmajor-changesnaoki-yoshidapersons-of-interestproducersquaresquare-enixThu, 21 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST