Beta Signups Underway!

That's right folks! It's the moment you've all been waiting for, finally Square Enix has announced on The Official FFXIV site that Beta Applications are now being accepted. You can enter your application on The Official Beta Application site.

One of the things I want everyone to note about the Beta Application is the NDA agreement put in place by Square Enix for beta testers. You can find out all the information on it in the fine print of the disclosure on the beta application. Read it carefully and do not break it! It basically says that you are not to publish or disclose any information on the FFXIV beta period. That means no posting screen shots, no telling people about the game itself, not even giving your opinion! Please keep true and adhere to this disclosure should you enter into FFXIV beta.

The Application itself asks you a number of different questions, starting with the basics (your name and address) and a bit more about your life (when you are free to play beta, how much you could play beta, what kind of work you do) etc. It also asks you other MMORPG related questions, like if you played FFXI and if so what some of your info is, how long you played it, etc. Fear not though! This beta isn't just for previous FFXI players (although I do admit I hope they get priority) anyone can sign up and have a chance to enter in the beta! So what are you waiting for?! Get over there and fill out your application!

"The Campaign Code"

Recently rumors have spread about a code being issued in copies of the Japanese Final Fantasy XIII game (The new offline installment in the Final Fantasy RPG Universe). For awhile it was speculated upon what this code might be used for or what it might mean. The final conclusion that most had imagined ended up coming true in the end after all. The code will be used for two things, a special in game item for those who purchased the Japanese version of Final Fantasy XIII and a code to enter for a chance to play in the Playstation 3 Beta Test.

This got me wondering where our beta chances were, and where our special in game items would be. I fear not though, as I have believed for awhile now, if you trasfer over to FFXIV from FFXI, you will most likely be given some kind of in game item to show your diligence to Square Enix MMORPG's. Perhaps even a way to show how long you played FFXI? Because let's be real, I don't want some one who played for 3 months to have the same doo-dad on their character showing that they played FFXI, as my 6 year old character would sport around. This doesn't mean they shouldn't get something to though. My idea was perhaps a cape, one with different colors or perhaps a different emblem showing you played FFXI for 6+ months, 1+ years, 2+ years, 3+ years, etc.

I think this would be something very nice for the people who have shown Square Enix their dedication for many years. It doesn't have to give any big bonuses or what not, just a fluff item to show you've been around and know your stuff. Hell, I think it would even be neat to add one for folks who participate in the Beta. I really do hope these things come to pass, and if I had to bet I'd bet that they will! But what about the folks purchasing the English or other copies of Final Fantasy XIII? Well, only time will tell! I can say one thing though. Playstation 3 beta has been confirmed from Square Enix themselves to be implemented after the PC Beta Test versions. I imagine this code or any other like it will be for some of the final stages of beta, so don't fret my friends! Your chances will soon come.

For more information, check out Elmers article on Zam!

FFXIV Site Updated!

The Official FFXIV Site has been updated with all new information about Gladiator and Pugilist as well as some new pictures!!!



Wow! Some exciting new armor, as well as some great new information on some of the weapons that will be used. This is some great new information, I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do. Be sure to check it all out on the official site!

Follow-Up Answers from the interview with FFXIV Producer Hiromichi Tanaka

This interview done by FFXIVcore, credit goes to them, and you can check the original source right here. As the title implies, these are some follow up questions & answers done by FFXIVcore e-mailed to Square Enix and E-Mailed back to FFXIVcore. I particularly enjoyed the little bit about the female Roegadyn and Male Miqo'Te.


Q1: Will we be able to fly somehow either by ourselves free roaming or scheduled transport airships like in FFXI?

A: At present, we have no plans for free-form aerial movement for players. We are, however, looking into a number of different types of flying transportation.


Q2: How will player run guild/linkshells work? What features can we expect and what benefits can a guild/linkshell get through progression if any?

A: For the time being, we are still keeping this information secret. But, we are very adamant about creating an entirely novel system.


Q3: Will the races hold the same benefits as they did previously in FFXI, or will the stat bonuses be different and play a larger role? In addition, will faction choice play a bigger role? In FFXI we had separate mission lines and friendly competitions such as ballista. Will we see something similar or something dramatically different than FFXI system for different factions?

A: The bonuses among races will be of a different variety than those seen in FFXI. But players need not be concerned with this when choosing a race based on aesthetics.

There is also an element of freedom in that players will not pledge their allegiance to a single city-state. This means that the guildleves or skills available will differ region to region, which all being accessible. Of course, this applies quests as well.


Q4: Will the artifact story line quests return for each class from FFXI? If not, will similar quest lines carry on a system of “right of passage� such as limit break quests?

A: Character development along the lines of the Armoury system and skill levels will incorporate familiar concepts from FFXI as well as entirely new elements.


Q5: What do you expect the cap level to be in FFXIV at the start and/or at the end?

A: This has yet to be decided. We will be setting the level cap after looking at the Beta phase results and other considerations.


Q6: Will there be a cooldown timer or anything that limits how often we can change class?

A: There is no real concept of static "classes" in the traditional sense. Rather, there may be somewhat of a restriction placed on the changing of weapons or tools mid-combat.


Q7: Will there be something like a Mog House? Maybe this time around we will have an actual HOUSE, and not a little tiny room!

A: Nothing is set in stone yet. There are a number of possibilities that we are still looking into.


Q8: Limit Breaks were powerful combat moves featured in several Final Fantasy titles. In FFXI we saw Weapon Skills and Magic Burst. Do you have any plans to include a similar system in FFXIV?

A: This has not been decided at this time. But it's safe to say that players can expect to see a completely new and revolutionary system.


Q9: Are there any plans to add female Roegadyn and male Miqo'te?

A: Well, the character model designs are finished... But further details regarding their implementation have yet to be decided.


Q10: Will this FFXIV be more "new person friendly" than FFXI was? (Once everyone had been playing for years, it was hard for new people who started to be able to play, even with the "level sync" system that was added in later. Not to mention, finding armors/weapons in the Auction House was nearly impossible for new players. Barely anyone used the "mentor" system in FFXI either, or rather, there were barely any hosts.)

A: We are developing in-depth introductory tutorials for new players. We are also designing the game while keeping in mind those users who enjoy playing solo, as well as those who can only log in for short periods of time. There will also be plenty of content for newcomers.

But, on the other hand, there will also be complex battles requiring large numbers of people for players more interested in content of that nature.

Our main goal is really to create a variety of ways in which to enjoy the game.


Q11: Will mobs actually drop armors/weapons like most MMOs or is FFXIV going to be like FFXI where you can only obtain these in Auction House or Crafting, or Raids?

A: The complete details of this are still undecided.

As in FFXI and other MMORPGS, some monsters will drop armor and weapons. However, items that drop in this manner are always a target for RMT exploitation. So to avoid any kind of player exclusion, most instances of these drops will yield items which cannot be passed between players.

To put it broadly, there will be a number of ways available to obtain a number of different items.


Q12: Is crafting still going to be an integral and value added portion of the game and somewhat prohibitive so that a selected dedicated few will feel like they are part of the economy and adventuring aspects? (Crafting and not adventuring usually keeps me hooked)

A: Players who wish to do so will be able to fully enjoy the game using only their crafting skills.

The same can be said not only for those wishing to specialize solely in synthesis of items, but those who prefer combat or the gathering of materials as well. All of these types of players will be important to the game world.