Long before the official launch date of Final Fantasy XIV, game communities, fan sites, forums and blogs make information, news and articles leading up to the release available. FFXIVJobs.com makes Final Fantasy XIV guides and information available as well. This article discusses the Final Fantasy XIV expected game play.
The Final Fantasy series has come a long way since the initial Nintendo role-playing game set the bar for all console RPGs to follow. The long road from these humble beginnings has built up a huge fan base over the last twenty years as the graphics, sound and game play have improved and redefined the genre. With the success of Final Fantasy XI, all eyes are turned to see what Square will do with Final Fantasy XIV – their second massively multiplayer role-playing game which is now in the closed alpha testing phase of development. But how will Final Fantasy XIV gameplay measure up to its predecessors?
Final Fantasy XIV gameplay details are slim at this point, but Square has revealed that it will be a departure from Final Fantasy XI which featured a much more level-based, traditional role-playing game experience building system. The new system is based around the use of weapons. Depending on the weapon you use, you will be developing different skills. The idea is not to pigeon-hole players into one type of gameplay by having them only use a sword while their magic ability is minimal. The early Final Fantasy games required hours of “leveling-up” – spending time battling monsters and healing to gain more power – in order to proceed in the game. This sometimes monotonous experience does not appeal to many online gamers. Final Fantasy XIV gameplay dynamics will shift the action away from this type of repetitive activity.


Additionally, Final Fantasy XIV is intended to be less dependent on team gameplay. There will be more emphasis on exploring the environment and a balanced dynamic for team battles. The overall focus is to allow players to play in different ways without negatively impacting their characters’ development. While this is a departure from previous Final Fantasy games, it seems like it will still appeal to long time fans of the series – who should be used to innovations and new approaches to familiar gaming concepts. Taking into account all these innovations plus the lush and detailed graphics seen in previews released thus far, Final Fantasy XIV is shaping up to be an excellent addition to the long running tradition of innovative games from Square. Stay tuned for more FFXIV guide to the game play, mechanics and armoury system.


