The Road to Beta

This past week has been a great reward for all of us waiting on new XIV info! With the releases in both Famitsu and Dengeki magazines from Japan, loads of info explaining basic game mechanics, races, jobs, and more! Even the FFXIV main site was updated which provided a brief history of the land that we'll be exploring in the next half year or so. On top of all the information released, we also have high resolution pictures on the races (Still no male Mithras, sorry!) and a few regions. We were also released a brief history of the port city Limsa Lominsa as well as a few drawn pictures of three city-states -- Limsa Lominsa, Ul'dah, and Gridania -- which we believe to be starting towns, but no word on that yet. The armory system was unveiled to us which we have seen an increased amount of speculation on SE's (Square Enix) example story of Leeroy. What is for sure is that one can solo or party while still having the ability to switch "jobs" by simply switching his or her weapon. I'm sure you don't want to hear me repeat the things you have been seeing on FFXIV's main site, so moving on.

My view on all of this is that SE is prepping us for an equal, if not larger, release of information at the European Gamescom this August 19th. Hopefully they can clear up some of the speculation that we've been seeing over gameplay and maybe if we're lucky, possibly get a first look into some gameplay videos/screenshots. I'm looking forward to hearing more information later this week and I'll update the next time I get some major information passed on to me. Until then readers, this is your friendly neighborhood writer signing off, see you on the 19th!

My Introductionary Post

In the past I have played many video games, let alone many MMOs, but none of them has held my attention long enough as XI. I still remember my first steps into the arid desert climate that was South Gustaburg and how I was mesmerized by the sense of freedom I had. While leveling my Hume Warrior, I realized that I would be quickly attached to the game, and sure enough I was. Memories upon memories piled up through my experiences as an adventurer in Vana'diel whether it be with my linkshell, parties, or alone; but no matter with whom I was with, each experience was unique.

Years past and I kept on adventuring and as the game grew, so did I -- as a character, a citizen, and a person. With each barrier I overcame while playing the game, each one propelled me forward, and with each passing day I changed. But as quickly as it began, it ended. I grew tired of the environment I grew so used to and the experiences that had worked into a routine. It was a sad day in Vana'diel, but I knew that I would be back again.

When I first heard word of a sequel to XI, I knew it was my calling and I was ready to devote my soul for three more years of magical and lasting experiences. I have high expectations for the game to separate me from society hold me to my room while cartons of Chinese food and pizza boxes pile up, and I'm ready to do so. As a gamer I know the importance of beating that last level, getting that highest score, or just reaching that checkpoint. However in an MMO, I know that the thing it's not so much as reaching that certain point, but building a character in your image along the way, and that's exactly what I plan to do. The day XIV releases is the day I become a new person, nay a citizen, in the world of Hydaelyn. Until then, we wait anxiously together.

The Beginning

After being inspired by the old Milkman tales in Vana'diel in GMR magazine, I have chosen to start a blog myself. Since I love writing and video games, here's a great opportunity to throw them together. (And photoshop as you can see from the title picture.) I will talk about popular speculation around the game and beta up until release letting you know exactly what's going on. When the game launches I will just mention everyday events that each of you might encounter in your travels. The rest is a mystery.

Here's to all of our long adventures together ahead of us,
Arcano