Final Fantasy XIV is getting a little love soon, and based on reader reception of the title, it needed it. Somehow I missed this at TGS, and you might have as well. At that show they launched a trailer entitled “End of an Era” to announce production of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn – the continuation (and reboot) of Final Fantasy Online for the PlayStation 3 and PC. They’ve also launched an official website – here is what we know so far about the relaunch:
Comprised of Aldenard, the westernmost of the Three Great Continents, and its surrounding islands, the realm of Eorzea has been the cradle of several unique civilizations throughout history. Towering mountains dominate the north, their peaks forever lashed with icy winds; to the south, a bleak expanse of unforgiving desert holds sway. Yet these inhospitable lands hold irresistible lure for man and monster alike, for wide and deep flow the currents of aether, and rich are the veins of power-infused crystal. In this harsh though vibrant region, the people of Eorzea have carved out their histories—a cycle of prosperous Astral and disastrous Umbral eras.
The First Umbral Era brought an end to the age of the gods, and there have been six such eras of calamity since the First Astral Era ushered in the age of man. Each of the umbral catastrophes has, in turn, borne the characteristics of one of the six elements. With all the elements now represented, it was believed the current Astral Era would last into eternity. But in the seventh verse of the Divine Chronicles, Mezaya Thousand Eyes prophesized a less fortunate fate. The “senary sun,” or Sixth Astral Era, would indeed end, and the “septenary moon,” or Seventh Umbral Era, would cast its shadow upon the land.
Now the land stands poised to enter another age of decline, a period known as the Seventh Umbral Era. On the eastern border, the Garlean Empire masses its troops for invasion, while the native beastmen tribes summon their deities, the otherworldly primals. The threats facing Eorzea will not easily be overcome.
We’ve got some screenshots of the rebooted game (complete with new UI) in action to go along with the shiny trailer. Do yourself a favor – if you are a fan of videogames in general, check out this trailer. You’ve gotta admit…SquareEnix puts out some of the best artwork in the biz.
Today marks the end of the original launch of FFXIV, and the alpha for this new and improved “FFXIV 2.0” product. Look for more details on it very soon!
Ron Burke is the Editor in Chief for Gaming Trend. Currently living in Fort Worth, Texas, Ron is an old-school gamer who enjoys CRPGs, action/adventure, platformers, music games, and has recently gotten into tabletop gaming.
Ron is also a fourth degree black belt, with a Master's rank in Matsumura Seito Shōrin-ryū, Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do, Universal Tang Soo Do Alliance, and International Tang Soo Do Federation. He also holds ranks in several other styles in his search to be a well-rounded fighter.
Ron has been married to Gaming Trend Editor, Laura Burke, for 28 years. They have three dogs - Pazuzu (Irish Terrier), Atë, and Calliope (both Australian Kelpie/Pit Bull mixes), and an Axolotl named Dagon!
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