Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Review: Matured and grown

A test of the PS4 version of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is not only a check on how the game performs on the new platform, but also shows how important a maturation process is for any MMO.

As a tester, you usually get the first version of a game and are forced to overlook some of its early issues. With Final Fantasy XIV: ARR, these issues have disappeared and you are dealing with a mature game that has been polished over the years.

That wasn’t always the case. In 2010, when the pay-to-play game first launched, it received disastrous reviews. The game drew the ire of fans. Square Enix, much like a football team facing relegation, pulled the emergency brake and hired Naoki Yoshida as a firefighter. He made a clean sweep, cleared the table, removed the game from circulation, and later re-released it as A Realm Reborn. Now some time has passed and the reborn Final Fantasy has a highly regarded port on the Playstation 4 behind it. This allows us to take another look at a game that is now polished and technically up to date.

The Playstation 4 liberates FF 14 from a narrow frame

The design aspirations of Yoshida could not find enough space on the Playstation 3, which was a drawback. While on the PS3 you still had to deal with FPS drops and jagged edges, the next-gen version looks better. In 1080p, the PS4 version approaches what high-end PC owners have been enjoying for some time: An unusually designed world with flashy Asian touches and beautiful ideas. Especially with FATES, dynamic in-game events, the PS3 version reached its limits due to the clutter factor. On the PS4, FF XIV runs smoothly, even with over 200 players participating in the events at the same time.

For an MMO on consoles that also supports cross-platforming, the controller is always a sensitive topic. Although FF XIV can be played with all sorts of PS4 controllers, it still feels a bit better when armed with keyboard and mouse. I particularly had some issues with target selection, which isn’t quite as precise with the PS4 controller.

But hardcore console gamers may see it differently. Some people consider mouse and keyboard to be the tools of office workers and disinfect their console when it comes into contact with these bourgeois control devices. Admittedly: Playing FF 14 with the controller makes the 2.5-second global cooldown feel less tedious than with mouse/keyboard controls. Additionally, the controls are intuitive and, through quick access via the back buttons, you can trigger abilities well once you get used to it. The touchpad, in this sense the “wrong mouse,” helps to navigate through the menus more easily.

An underrated advantage of the PS4 version: The user interface appears less obtrusive thanks to the higher resolution and allows enough space for the action. This makes the screen less cluttered and gives the game more room to breathe. Perhaps a change that many only notice subconsciously, but some will feel it. The increased visibility has a clear impact on the gameplay experience. It never feels like mobs suddenly appear like cardboard monsters in a ghost train. Thus, the creatures can no longer sneak up on you and start the fight with an advantage that is only due to the weak PS3.

FF XIV has matured enormously in gameplay

The advantage of an MMO starting fresh on a console but having years of experience: It launches with much more content than a newcomer – and the content is polished and proven.

Final Fantasy XIV under the artistic direction of Naoki Yoshida has matured into a beautiful game with a lot of soul; one cannot say otherwise. The patch notes were lengthy in the past, and if one were to compile them into a book, one could certainly knock someone out with it: All the work has paid off.

With new boss fights, a classically-oriented, mature gameplay, and features like housing, Final Fantasy XIV presents itself in this incarnation as an alternative to more Western MMOs. Despite its Asian influences, FF XIV is designed with Western tastes in mind and often reminds you of a mix of Guild Wars 2 and Star Wars: The Old Republic (okay, with a hefty dash of Tera in the mix).

The presentation of the story occurs in cut scenes, making it clear who is who, even when you normally wouldn’t care. The epic heights to which the story soars even at the beginning constantly remind the player that they are playing a Final Fantasy game.

Also in the game’s concept, the design elements that one can consider good or bad on paper, the game brings new impulses into the genre with a special class and job system. There are 8 classes available at the start, and starting at level 10, one can switch to another class, level it anew, and unlock abilities. Starting at level 30, new career opportunities open up: the jobs.  By combining two base classes, you become a specialist in the new job. In groups with other specialists in destruction, you will now perform at your best. The complex system allows you to avoid the need for twinking.

The strengths and weaknesses of Final Fantasy XIV at a glance (PC/PS4)

This is primarily about the test of the PS4 version, especially in terms of gameplay and features. However, I would still like to touch on the game content here – at least briefly. These ratings equally apply to the PC version, which I primarily play.

Beautifully designed world. If only it were more open…(9/10)

Both the idyllic landscapes and the magnificent cities are a feast for the eyes and enhance immersion in the virtual world of Eorzea. Final Fantasy deserves a bonus star for its unique art style and symphonic soundtrack.

There is hardly anything to criticize about the photorealistic graphics. There may be one or two MMOs on the market that can keep pace here. Technically, the PS4 version meets the demands the game makes. It looks next-gen, if you know what I mean. The only criticism is that the game world isn’t always as open as it might seem at first glance. The frequent instancing is probably still due to the PS3.

The start feels a bit slow and is solo-heavy (6/10).

The many tutorials at the beginning have a tiring effect on MMO veterans. Additionally, navigating the map is cumbersome and requires some adjustment time.

Only from level 15 does group play and thus the MMO become interesting. For me, FF XIV only really becomes appealing from that point on, as the varied gameplay slowly opens up from level 15.

The quest system is unfortunately monotonous. But the main story shines (7/10).

Creative tasks are in short supply. Kill and collect quests are, of course, part of an MMO, just like Chocobos are part of Final Fantasy. However, they have been a bit overused here. I would have liked to see quest mechanics that deviate from the formula more often. There are a few welcome exceptions: At level 50, for instance, the Hildibrand quest line appears, resembling an exciting detective story. It awakens the detective sleeping in each of us and gives him food for thought. Sherlock Holmes sends his regards.

The dynamic events or FATES sound good on paper but are rather dryly designed and don’t quite reach the level of the frontrunner in this area: Guild Wars 2. Sometimes, while slaughtering, one forgets why they are destroying mob species X. Nevertheless, the Full Action Time Events offer some variety.

The epic storyline, which comes in grand dimensions, can make up for this. Anyone who associates positive memories with Final Fantasy will immediately recognize familiar creatures and races and can revel in the nostalgically shaped quest presentation. I found the wacky story in Eorzea entertaining. However, there is still a tiny complaint: it seems strange that the cutscenes are not consistently voiced.

Diverse and innovative class system (10/10)

Instead of twinking, the main character becomes ever more diverse and interesting. It is essentially possible to play all classes and job specializations on one character, provided one unlocks them at their respective guild. Practical: With just one click, you can easily switch weapons and thus classes.

The numerous class combinations ensure variety and a large selection of different play styles. The class system is rightly considered the heart of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. The only drawback is that the leveling methods eventually become similar because, with the increasing number of unlocked classes, the last alternative quest path has already been exhausted. Then, only FATES, group content, and the letters, which are repeatable quests, remain if one wants to avoid boredom.

Another highlight is the crafting system. The twist: Professions are effectively also classes, with their own skills, which increase as the crafting level progresses and are activated via the hotbar. The parallels go even further: It’s also necessary to continuously upgrade your tools, which are equivalent to weapons. The same applies to equipment suited to the profession.

The outdated combat system (6.5/10).

The long global cooldown of 2.5 seconds, which applies to almost all skills, takes some getting used to. Although the gameplay experience improves later on, and with my level 50 monk, I could even reduce the cooldown. However, the tab-based combat system is still somewhat half-baked and could already have existed 10 years ago, despite the synergy effects in group play. Players who have recently been accustomed to an active combat system and have learned to appreciate it might feel dissatisfied.

Solid endgame with impressive bosses, but without surprises – little PvP (8/10)

The endgame primarily consists of dungeons and raids at various difficulty levels. One works their way up through several instances in a specific sequence, improving their gear along the way.

The boss monsters look spectacular, impress with interesting mechanics, and furthermore provide a gripping background story. When reaching the peak of challenges, players are required to have movement and tactical understanding. The 8-man raid “The Twisted Shadows of Bahamut” is currently the height of the experience—a challenge even hardcore players may struggle with. It is commendable that Square Enix manages to satisfy different player groups with raid design. The Crystal Tower accommodates 24 players and is also accessible to casual players without appearing too trivial. Final Fantasy, by the way, relies on the Holy Trinity, consisting of tank, damage dealer, and healer, in line with its classic gameplay approach.

Outside of the instances, players can pass the time by leveling other professions and classes, going treasure hunting with treasure maps, and completing daily quests to increase their reputation. It’s noteworthy that you can now also find variety in a comprehensive housing system for guilds. This is another indication that Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is a complete MMORPG.

Unfortunately, PvP is painfully underrepresented with only one arena, the Wolf’s Den. However, a July update is expected to address this and introduce a new PvP zone for up to 72 players.

Constant evolution (10/10)

There is constantly new content that exhibits a clear artistic signature and points in the right direction. As a player, you feel well taken care of.

Conclusion

On the PS4, Final Fantasy XIV can finally shine as it deserves. The strength of the game, alongside the technical aspects, is its unique soul. The team under Yoshida follows an artistic concept that clearly distinguishes FF XIV from many “industrial” MMOs.

FF XIV is also not an MMO messiah and does not stand out through innovations. Nevertheless, it is much better than merely solid average. Yes, it is already scraping the Olympus. Especially for those who own a PS4 and enjoy MMORPGs, this version of FF XIV deserves a deep and yearning look – ideally even a test drive.

Buy the PS3, PS4, or PC version of Final Fantasy: A Realm Reborn on Amazon