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• Heaven on High Preview

  Long-time readers of this column will know that if there’s one piece of content I’m keen to talk about, it’s FFXIV’s Deep Dungeon. Palace of the Dead was the subject of my first post, nearly two years ago, and it’s something that’s remained really close to my heart. I maintain that hitting Floor 200 is one of the most satisfying activities you can do in XIV, and my willingness to do so again now is only dulled by the fact it caps out at level 60.

  Posted on 07/02/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Returning to Eureka

  A few months ago, I wrote about The Forbidden Land of Eureka, a new endgame area in Final Fantasy XIV. The colourfully named zone hosts an untamed wilderness, full of enemies far stronger than anything you might find on mainland Eorzea that’s modelled after an older generation of MMORPGS — there’s ridiculously strong mobs, rare spawns, and even EXP loss on death, and high-level gear for those who’re able to overcome its challenges.

  Posted on 06/25/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• The Weapon’s Refrain

  While the world has been watching and waiting for the news that’s coming out of E3, there’s been another event that’s been grabbing attention. FFXIV’s newest Ultimate-series raid, The Weapon’s Refrain, is here, and the game’s top raid groups have been vying to be the first to clear. It’s been an absolutely crazy week on XIV Twitch watching this unfold, with people discovering what worked — and, indeed, what didn’t work — with each passing hour.

  Posted on 06/11/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Greed Isn't Good

  New in FFXIV patch 4.3 is The Ridorana Lighthouse, the latest 24-man raid in the Return to Ivalice series. It picks up from where the Rabanastre story left off, and is one of the most artistically impressive dungeons released to date. The instance is also chock-full of old FF throwbacks, with XII music thrown in to boot.

  Posted on 06/04/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Keeping Content Alive

  Final Fantasy XIV is a big game. Maps are separated by loading zones, so Eorzea doesn’t feel quite as open as, say, Azeroth, but there’s a lot to do. There are 60 dungeons and nearly 50 trials, and, thanks to the roulette system, these all get run almost every day.

  Posted on 05/07/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Do Damage Buffs Need a Rework?

  Stormblood, FFXIV’s latest expansion, built upon much of the game’s core systems — in particular, many jobs and their roles were significantly changed. This feels particularly impactful in terms of utility buffs; Bard now applies passive crit damage, while Dragoon is even more essential than ever thanks to Dragon Sight. Even Monk gained something, with Brotherhood, a physical buff that feeds power back to the caster based on their critical hits.

  Posted on 04/30/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Is Mentorship Meaningless?

  In February 2016, the developers of FFXIV implemented something that’s a very good idea on paper: a mentorship system. XIV’s always been great at accommodating newer players, such as by offering a bonus when taking someone through content for the first time, and allowing players to mark themselves as mentors seems like a natural extension of that.

  Posted on 04/25/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Patch 4.3 Live Letter Wrap Report

  This month’s Letter from the Producer was broadcast this weekend, and it’s a biggie. Producer Naoki Yoshida (Yoshi-P) sat down and delivered the biggest infodump yet on FFXIV’s next chapter.

  Posted on 04/16/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• The Case for Horizontal Progression

  A couple of weeks ago, I vowed to return to Eureka after I’d spent more time with it (You can read my initial impressions here). I’ve been back in a few of times since then, and, unfortunately, I’ve had a lot of trouble getting much further. The content isn’t for me, but I still love what it represents, and I’m happy it’s scratched an itch for a bygone era of MMOs that a lot of people miss.

  Posted on 04/09/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• FFXIV’s Pokemon Go Prank (Plus: Yoshida on Future Content)

  Yesterday was the first of April, so you know what that means: Hoaxes abound, with Google pitching a run of fake products and Burger King touting a chocolate Whopper. Sadly, this column was due out the day after April Fool’s Day, so I wasn’t able to join in.

  Posted on 04/02/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Killing God Kefka

  Well, this is unexpected. Just a couple of weeks after making a start, my static has cleared God Kefka, bringing the curtain down on the most difficult content in FFXIV’s latest patch. I recently wrote about the raids leading up to the final encounter and said I’d revisit the topic when we cleared the fight, but I didn’t anticipate it’d happen quite so soon. Still, it did — and I couldn’t be happier.

  Posted on 03/26/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Eureka First Impressions

  At long last, it’s finally here. Eureka — easily one of the most eagerly anticipated features of Stormblood — launched last Tuesday, and it’s fair to say it’s unlike anything else in FFXIV. In many ways, that’s arguably its greatest strength — as well as its greatest weakness. Eureka is many things depending on who you ask, but I think one thing everyone can agree on is that it’s divisive.

  Posted on 03/19/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• 4.2 Savage Review

  When patch 4.2 was released, one of the first things I did was review the new PvE content. However, I’m not a part of a particularly hardcore group, so I wasn’t able to see much of Savage beyond the first couple of fights. A month later, we’ve cleared Kefka — and started working on taking down his bigger, badder final form. Now I’ve fought through the majority of the encounters, it’s the perfect time to put down my thoughts about the FFXIV’s current round of hardcore content.

  Posted on 03/12/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Patch 4.2 - The Best of the Rest

  We recently looked at the PVE content in FFXIV patch 4.2 — in particular, the raid, and Byakko, the new trial. But what about everything else that was added? The Stormblood story rages on, new housing wards have been opened up, and the Glamour overhaul that was long promised is finally here — so let’s take a closer look now we’ve had some time to play around with everything. (Warning: Minor spoilers ahead.)

  Posted on 02/19/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Eureka Live Letter

  This month’s FFXIV live letter was broadcast on Saturday, with producer Naoki Yoshida hosting a Q&A elaborating on — among other things — what life will be like in Eureka, a new zone and activity coming in patch 4.25.

  Posted on 02/12/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Patch 4.2 - PvE First Impressions

  I’m going to hold off on discussing story content for at least a week to give people a chance to avoid spoilers and enjoy it themselves. Instead, I’m going to talk PvE, after spending a lot of time this week grappling with the new high-level content. Let’s start with the second part of the Omega raid series, Sigmascape, which pits you against enemies from FFVI.

  Posted on 02/05/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• The Rise of a New Sun

  It’s time to bury the Deltascape, leave Skalla at home and say goodbye to Shinryu — because at long last, Final Fantasy XIV Patch 4.2 comes out tomorrow! Draft patch notes for Rise of a New Sun have been released, along with a trailer showing some of the Warrior of Light’s coming travails.

  Posted on 01/29/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• 4.2 Preview - PvP Updates, Glamour Changes & Beast Tribe Quests

  Square Enix has released more information about FFXIV patch 4.2, Rise of a New Sun, which is due out later in the month. They’re showing off the new glamour system, a new PVP arena and the Ananta beast tribe quests that’ll debut when it arrives. No word on a release date yet, but if you want a peek at what’s coming up, here’s what’s on the horizon.

  Posted on 01/15/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Looking Forward to 2018

  Happy new year, everybody! 2017 was an incredible year for FFXIV, and 2018 is already looking great. There’s a lot to look forward to in the short term: a new patch is dropping at the end of the month, along with a new raid tier, a new primal, as well as a continuation of Stormblood’s story, and shortly after that we’ll get Eureka and the next relic weapon grind. If you’re lucky, maybe someone you know in game will have sent you a gift to commemorate the year gone by.

  Posted on 01/02/2018 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• The 10 Best MMOs of 2017

  We recently awarded our MMO of the year to Final Fantasy XIV, and for good reason. It’s been another banner year for Final Fantasy fans and their MMORPG, but it’s not the only MMO that had a solid 2017. Sure enough, there weren’t many great new games to play in 2017. But we’re taking a look at the games we played, in beta and fully launched, and picking our favorites.

  Posted on 12/27/2017 by William Murphy

• Festive Events & Patch 4.2 News

  Merry Christmas! The Starlight Celebration, FFXIV’s festive event, returns for another year. Decorations have been stolen from a town in the black shroud, and one of the witnesses says that they were taken by the trees themselves.

  Posted on 12/18/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• The Ceremony of Eternal Bonding is Scarier Than Actual Marriage

  Final Fantasy XIV means a lot to me and my partner. When I was about to study for my postgraduate degree in another city a few hours away, it occurred to us that this would be the first time that she and I would be forced to spend a long time apart from each other after years of living together while I got my diploma.

  Posted on 12/08/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• The Feast Season 6 Starts Now

  Tis’ the season to... Well, I guess it’s the season to hurt each other as much as possible. Season 6 of The Feast, FFXIV’s ranked PVP mode, started last week. This one will run until 4.2; interestingly, it’s not running until 4.25, which suggests this will either be a fairly short season, or the gap between now and 4.2 will be pretty long.

  Posted on 12/01/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Hands on with Rival Wings

  FFXIV patch 4.15 took off on Tuesday, bringing the game’s first all-new PVP mode since The Feast. Rival Wings pits two teams of 24 players against each other, along with a host of highly stylised ‘machina’ — vehicles that look like the mechs from the Alexander raid series. I’ve had time to play a few games, and I have to say, in terms of XIV, there’s really nothing like it.

  Posted on 11/24/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Were Jump Potions a Game-Changer?

  Jump Potions are a relatively new addition to FFXIV, though they aren’t something I’ve covered before. Introduced alongside Stormblood, they’re cash-shop purchases that let you skip much of the game’s levelling process and start straight on one of the expansions.

  Posted on 11/03/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• The Unending Coil of Bahamut is the Coolest Thing in FFXIV

  It’s safe to say that Square Enix knows a thing or two about hard MMO boss fights. Final Fantasy XI, which is still alive and kicking, made news nearly a decade ago for the introduction of an eighteen-hour fight, Absolute Virtue. In more recent times, those who fought Living Liquid’s Savage variant on XIV seem to have formed a loose survivors’ association.

  Posted on 10/27/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• A Werewolf in Eorzea

  Halloween is here! At least, FFXIV’s stand-in festival, All Saints’ Wake, is. As with previous years, it’s more trick-or-treat than genuine Friday the 13th. But that’s OK! You’ll be paired up with Soga, an Othardian wolfman who’s travelled to Gridania following the liberation of Doma.

  Posted on 10/20/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Patch 4.1 First Thoughts

  Last Tuesday saw the release of The Legend Returns, Stormblood’s first major content update. Patch 4.1 brings a wealth of features including a new 24-man raid, an extreme primal and a continuation of the storyline after the liberation of Ala Mhigo.

  Posted on 10/14/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• The 10 Greatest MMORPG Heroes of All Time

  For our next two lists, we’ll be diving into the NPCs of our favorite MMORPGs to find the best heroes and villains across the genre. This week, we’re starting with the good guys, picking our 10 favorite MMORPG heroes of all time.

  Posted on 10/13/2017 by William Murphy

• The 10 Best Story-Driven MMOs of All Time

  This week we’re ranking the 10 best story-driven MMOs of all time. That means we’re going to try and put numbers on feelings we all have for the narratives we play through when we’re living in these virtual worlds. It’s a tall order, and one we’re sure you’ll have some mixed emotions over. Without further ado, here are our 10 Best Story Driven MMOs of All Time.

  Posted on 10/03/2017 by William Murphy

• Patch 4.1 Trailer + Job Changes!

  It’s here! There’s finally a trailer for FFXIV Patch 4.1, Stormblood’s first major content update. It was released as part of Naoki Yoshida’s monthly Letter from the Producer Live, and shows — among other things — the footage from the 24-man raid, super-savage, and Rival Wings, a brand new PVP mode that lets you fight alongside a Cruise Chaser. It’s like all my namedays came at once!

  Posted on 10/02/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Checking in with Red Mage and Samurai

  When Stormblood came out, the very first thing I wrote about was Samurai. New jobs excite me more than anything else, and both SAM and Red Mage have changed FFXIV for the better. It’s been about four months now, and with 4.1 — the first major content patch — coming out on October 10th, I thought now would be a good time to check in with the new additions now the dust has settled and people have (mostly) figured out how jobs are going to play from here on out.

  Posted on 09/29/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• In Defense of Content Most Will Never See

  There’s a lot of content in Final Fantasy XIV I’ll never see. Of course, everything’s on YouTube, but stuff that my character will actually reach is another matter. That comes from someone who has seen far more than many others — I’ve been in and out of savage and extreme primals for a good few patches now, and that’s content most of the playerbase has never touched.

  Posted on 09/22/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• The 10 Greatest MMORPGs of All Time - 2017 Edition

  It feels like this is a list we should revisit every so often, especially as games change, games launch, and games die in the world of MMORPGs. The following is a list we compiled using something we like to call “our hearts and minds and asses”. Our Top 10 Great MMOs of All Time list is merely our own thoughts, put to paper. We absolutely welcome your own insight, and soon we’ll begin a poll of our users to catalog the Players’ Choice for 2017 too. Now, let’s get on with it!

  Posted on 09/13/2017 by William Murphy

• The Legend Returns Preview

  FFXIV’s annual 14-hour anniversary stream was last week, and with it came a deluge of information about the game’s past, present and future. We learned that the team is considering adding Blitzball or Snowboarding to the Gold Saucer. Yoshida, enjoying a glass of wine, seemed to agree to re-enable the Yo-Kai Watch event on a whim. And it was confirmed that Patch 4.1 — titled ‘The Legend Returns’ — is scheduled to come out early October. (Beware: Minor spoilers ahead.)

  Posted on 09/08/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Happy 4th Birthday + More Patch 4.1 Previews

  FFXIV turned four last week — and that means The Rising, the annual celebration of Eorzea’s rebirth, returns for another year. This time, you’ll be rescuing the Wandering Minstrel, producer Naoki Yoshida’s in-game alter ego, who went missing after a bug-hunting expedition.

  Posted on 09/01/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Stormblood, 10 Weeks On

  It’s been about ten weeks since Stormblood came out — and man, maybe it’s just me, but it feels like years since Heavensward was current. I had to go to Ishgard for something a few days ago and my girlfriend, who was playing in the same room as me, said: “Where ARE you?”

  Posted on 08/25/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• An Invitation to The Feast

  A new season of ranked PVP launched earlier this month in FFXIV. I’ve only touched upon PVP pretty briefly since Stormblood came out, mostly to say that it has drastically improved, so I thought now would be a good time to actually sit down and look at it properly.

  Posted on 08/18/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• The Moonfire Faire is Back! Plus Patch 4.06 news

  It’s summer in Eorzea, and that can only mean one thing: the Moonfire Faire is back for another year. The event has always had a special place in my heart because it was active when I started playing the game, and, as a British person, summer is a season I see very little of.

  Posted on 08/11/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• The Savage Loot System is Broken

  One thing that’s really hit home with FFXIV raiding is how much of a pain the loot system for Savage raids is. Previously I wasn’t in charge of organizing events — I was just lucky enough to be taken along by my FC — but now I’m scheduling things myself, the main problem I’m coming up against is trying to make sure everybody gets a fair shot at loot.

  Posted on 08/04/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Omega Impressions

  The first raid of Stormblood is here! Omega went live a couple of weeks ago, and this Tuesday marked the opening of Savage mode, where both the loot and difficulty are cranked up beyond anything else in the game. I’ve played normal to death and I’m on the second Savage encounter, so I thought I’d put down some of my thoughts. Beware: spoilers ahead.

  Posted on 07/21/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Life of the Dragoon

  Shortly after the launch of Stormblood, it became apparent that Dragoon was in a terrible position, both in terms of its DPS potential and its fun factor. The changes made to the Job did indeed streamline Dragoon, but it’s damage dropped, intentionally in part because Square Enix appears to be positioning the Job as a “support” DPS (a’la Bard),but also due to some frustrating changes to the Job’s mechanics.

  Posted on 07/20/2017 by Michael Bitton

• Why Everyone Should Try Forming a Static

  Anybody who plays Final Fantasy XIV knows that the easiest way to get stuff done that Duty Finder can’t handle is to find a static — a term unique to FFXIV and its predecessor, XI, that’s basically just a fancy term for a set raid group.

  Posted on 07/14/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Heavensward Was Well Worth the Slog

  Ever since I quit Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn at level 39 shortly after launch, I’ve been inundated with claims that the game gets better in the 40’s. How I could I quit? I was so close to seeing the better side of the game! Yeah, well, I just couldn’t do it. As beautiful as the game was, it was just a drag to play through, so I quit.

  Posted on 07/12/2017 by Michael Bitton

• Stormblood SPOILER Talk

  Last week I reviewed Stormblood for MMORPG.com and had a long list of good things to say about it. But I couldn’t talk too much about the story for fear of spoiling it for people who were still on the fence about buying the expansion or who hadn’t yet completed it. Thar be SPOILERS AHEAD! Consider yourself warned!

  Posted on 07/07/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Patch 4.01 or How Not to Solve AFKers in PvP

  Patch 4.01, the first post-Stormblood patch, included heavy handed nerfs to PvP experience in order to address the AFK issue, and it’s my opinion that the changes will do little to discourage AFKers while simultaneously punishing everyone else.

  Posted on 07/05/2017 by Michael Bitton

• Stormblood Week 1 - Rise of the Samurai

  Stormblood is here! After a rough launch in which Raubahn single-handedly (see what I did there?) held up the main quest for most of us and everybody learned to queue like the British, things are finally straightening out, and we’re finally able to explore the brave new world of Othard and Ala Mhigo.

  Posted on 06/23/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• PvP is Amazing in Stormblood

  Despite the game’s strong PvE leanings, Yoshi-P continues to make the case for PvP in FFXIV with the addition of new PvP content introduced to the game over time. But despite the team’s efforts, it’s never really taken off until the release of the game’s latest expansion, Stormblood.

  Posted on 06/22/2017 by Michael Bitton

• The Five Biggest New Features in FFXIV: Stormblood

  Today marks the official worldwide launch of Final Fantasy XIV’s second expansion, Stormblood. To celebrate, we’re listing off the top five new features being added to the game with this update. This is a sponsored article, so it’ll be more informative than exclamatory. Hang onto your butts, here’s what’s new in Eorzea with Stormblood.

  Posted on 06/20/2017 by William Murphy

• Goodbye Ishgard, Hello Stormblood

  So, farewell then, Ishgard, and goodbye Heavensward. It’s been fun. I’ve played a hell of a lot of MMORPGs in my time, and this expansion has been one of the best.

  Posted on 06/16/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Stormblood Job Impressions

  It’s been a big week for Stormblood news — Square Enix have essentially pulled the veil off the expansion, and we know almost everything there is to know about the game without playing it.

  Posted on 06/02/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Stormblood Brings Big Changes to Jobs & More

  We’ve heard for a long time that big changes are coming to FFXIV when Stormblood finally launches — and now, just weeks away from early access, we have an idea of what we’re going to see, thanks to this month’s Letter from the Producer.

  Posted on 05/26/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Could Stormblood Cure My Love/Hate Relationship with FFXIV?

  I’ve got a love/hate relationship with Final Fantasy XIV. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Naoki Yoshida from the early days of the effort he lead to rescue the game, through to its successful re-release with A Realm Reborn. The man and his team are incredibly passionate about the work they’re doing and continue to do. FFXIV is gorgeous and I even enjoy the “slower” combat, and yet, I just can’t stick it out with FFXIV.

  Posted on 05/24/2017 by Michael Bitton

• Preparing for Stormblood

  The pre-expansion season is always a weird time to play an MMO. If you’re anything like me, then you’re probably stuck between having things you still want to do on FFXIV and thinking that nothing you do now will matter once Stormblood comes out anyway.

  Posted on 05/19/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• How Could Jobs Change in Stormblood?

  Final Fantasy XIV producer Naoki Yoshida has been teasing some screenshots from Stormblood showing new abilities for the game’s many jobs. It’s already been stated that Square Enix want to reduce the number of useless skills — like Feign and Featherfoot — but the overall amount probably won’t go down too much, so everyone should have a few extra tools by the time they hit level 70.

  Posted on 05/12/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Stormblood Live Letter Plus The End for Cleric Stance?

  Final Fantasy XIV’s Letter from the Producer series is always a treat. And with Stormblood so close you can practically taste it, the shows are stuffed to the gills with content. If you missed the stream — or don’t fancy wading through translations for the good info — here’s everything you need to know from this month’s stream.

  Posted on 05/05/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• In Good Company - Finding Your Place in FFXIV

  There’s only so many different ways you can say Stormblood’s just around the corner — but with mere weeks until the expansion comes out, it’s hard to think of much else.

  Posted on 04/28/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Savage Roar - One Last Hurrah for Alexander

  It’s April. The expansion’s just over the horizon. So you’d be forgiven for wondering what the best use of your remaining subbed time would be. Well, if you’re not interested in Palace of the Dead, recent patches have opened a new option to casual players: Alexander Savage.

  Posted on 04/21/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Patch 3.56 Preview Plus: Naoki Yoshida on Stormblood, Tanking

  Patch 3.56 is almost here — and so the end of Heavensward is in sight. The patch, which will go live on Tuesday March 28, brings the 3.0 main scenario to a close.

  Posted on 03/24/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Naoki Yoshida at PAX East & Why Diadem's a Disappointment

  It’s another big week in FFXIV news! You’d think things that would quiet down a little, given that there was a patch LAST WEEK. But the game’s director, Naoki Yoshida, held a PAX panel and fielded some media interviews that shed a lot of light onto the future of the game. It’s worth getting clued.

  Posted on 03/17/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Stormblood’s Missed Opportunity

  I had an amazing time at Final Fantasy FanFest 2017 in Frankfurt, Germany. I was able to walk the floor early and see all the festivities planned for the revelers before the show opened to the general public. From the hundreds of computers set up for the duty roulettes and the PvP tournament to the giant Magitech Armor Square Enix really knows how to put on a show.

  Posted on 03/16/2017 by Robert Lashley

• The New Diadem at a Glance

  Diadem’s back! The exploratory missions initially introduced in Patch 3.1 — and then temporarily nyxed in 3.5 — have made a return to the game, bringing with them new content and some familiar problems.

  Posted on 03/10/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Is It Becoming Too Easy? Plus: Little Ladies’ Day & New Stormblood Info

  It seems like Square Enix are releasing a new patch for Final Fantasy XIV every week right now — and that’s because they are. Patch 3.55a hit on Tuesday, and another patch is due in the next few days.

  Posted on 03/03/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• What’s Next for the Far Edge of Fate?

  January saw The Far Edge of Fate Part 1 hit Final Fantasy XIV, with new raids, dungeons, and other bonus content. The next part (3.55a) drops this Tuesday, along with most of the content we’ll get before Stormblood.

  Posted on 02/24/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• This Week in MMOs - Fanfest, Blizzard Wrap Up & Videos Galore

  As Bill is always telling me, it's never a slow week in gaming news and this week is no exception. From the EU Final Fantasy Fanfest that our own Rob Lashley attended and killed news wise to Blizzard's big week for updates to a ton of videos showing off some of our favorite and upcoming titles, it was a great week to be a gamer.

  Posted on 02/19/2017 by Suzie Ford

• In a Class of Its Own: What the Rise of Astrologian Means

  Class balance is one of the most difficult things to get ‘right’ in an MMORPG. I remember how much time I spent getting frustrated about what other people had that I didn’t back when I played WoW in the vanilla days, and how lucky I felt playing a Guardian in Guild Wars 2 given how much everybody wanted me in World v World.

  Posted on 02/11/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Around the World in Zurvan Extreme (Plus: Patch 3.51)

  Another extreme trial comes with Final Fantasy XIV’s latest patch, The Far Edge of Fate. This time it’s our boy Zurvan, the Demon of the Warring Triad, in Containment Bay Z1T9 — but you can call him Zurvy.

  Posted on 01/30/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• First Thoughts on Far Edge of Fate + Stormblood Pre-Order Revealed

  Patch 3.5 is here! With The Far Edge of Fate, we have a new raid, a new extreme primal and two dungeons to chew on. That — along with a host of quality of life changes and additions across the board — have really built upon the content available. This is only part one, with the second part due in March, but what’s here is hugely substantial.

  Posted on 01/20/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Patch 3.5: Everything You Need to Know About The Far Edge of Fate

  The patch notes for Heavensward’s final chapter are finally here! It feels like we learned about Zurvan of the Warring Triad, Dun Scaith and a brand new Diadem a lifetime ago — but now we have hard information about what’s in 3.5. Here’s what you need to know.

  Posted on 01/13/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• The Year of the Cock Begins with a Bang

  Big news from Square Enix this weekend: the patch 3.5 microsite is live, along with a trailer — and it’s one of the best yet. Also, Heavensturn, one of the lighter annual events on the XIV calendar, has begun! It started on New Year’s Eve and will trundle along until patch 3.5 hits later this month (January 17).

  Posted on 01/07/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Fanfest Japan - Here's What You Need to Know

  Happy New Year, folks! Fanfest Japan is over, and, if you’re anything like me, holiday celebrations dragged you away from keeping a close eye on things. Never fear! Here’s a summary of the important bits from the Stormblood keynote and producer Naoki Yoshida’s live letter XXXIV.

  Posted on 01/02/2017 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• The Events That Shaped 2016

  Let’s take a look back at the year that was. A rough year for many, especially MMOs. Still, the game industry continues to move forward and games remain a multi-billion dollar industry. MMOs still make tremendous amounts of money, now through cash shops and in game purchases, it seems like the full formula of a successful community has finally come into being.

  Posted on 12/27/2016 by Garrett Fuller

• The News Doesn't Stop Just Because It's Christmas

  Man, 2016. What a year, eh? Almost every prediction I made this time last year was wrong — and that’s just Final Fantasy XIV.

  Posted on 12/23/2016 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• MMORPG’s Best of 2016 Awards

  It’s the end of the year as we know it, and that means it’s time for us here at MMORPG.com to gather around and salute our picks for the best MMOs and RPGs of 2016, plus the ones we’re most anxious for in 2017. Read on for our Best of 2016 Awards!

  Posted on 12/22/2016 by William Murphy

• Can FFXIV's Housing Shortage Be Solved?

  Housing is one of the best things about FFXIV. Despite being entirely optional, player housing is fully-featured and a big part of the game’s culture. It’s the first thing people include in Free Company advertisements — “We have a large house in The Mist!” — and an excellent platform for player creativity. It’s also perhaps the ultimate vanity purchase. Bored of glamoring your gear and have gil to burn? Wait ‘til you see how expensive furniture can be!

  Posted on 12/18/2016 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Healers, DPS is Part of Your Job!

  For the most part, playing how you want is fine. But there’s one area where I cannot stress enough that conventional knowledge is incorrect: the idea that healers shouldn’t DPS is preposterous, and anybody who says otherwise is wrong, wrong wrong.

  Posted on 12/09/2016 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Feeling Left Out Now That XV's Launched? There's Plenty Left to Do!

  Final Fantasy XV is out now. One of the draws of FFXIV is the Final Fantasy brand, and so a very large chunk of my friends list have taken a hiatus to go on the road trip of a lifetime. I assume the same is true everywhere, because it’s selling extremely well.

  Posted on 12/02/2016 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Letter From the Producer December: What’s Coming in 3.5?

  It’s that time of month again: Yoshida hops in front of a camera to tell people what’s coming in the next major content patch. 3.5 will drop in January, and Stormblood is coming ‘early summer’, so this will represent the state of the game for anything up to six months. 3.5 ‘part two’ will drop in March, but if it’s anything like 2.55, it won’t have a huge amount of content in it outside of some story quests.

  Posted on 11/28/2016 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• What Alexander Tells Us About the Future

  It’s safe to say that The Binding Coil of Bahamut series is one of the best raids in any modern MMO. Whether or not you like FFXIV, there’s a hell of a lot to admire. The encounter design is great: it’s hard to look at the fight with Bahamut and not be awed, and everyone who’s done the fourth stage has memories of Twintania’s divebombs. But, more to the point, the story is fantastic.

  Posted on 11/25/2016 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Adventurers in Need: What’s Behind Tanking Problem?

  Final Fantasy XIV is a traditional kind of MMO. It adheres rigidly to the holy trinity of tank, DPS, and healer, and making it easy enough to jump into.

  Posted on 11/18/2016 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Going Underground - This Month's Palace of the Dead Update is a Gem

  Another month, another FFXIV patch: 3.45 brings gifts including a new season of ranked PvP and the next part of the relic weapon quest chain. But the most significant addition is the update to Palace of the Dead, the “deep dungeon” that debuted a couple of patches ago. Previously limited to 50 floors, it now goes on for a whopping 200. But where exactly are we headed? “Hellsward,” the unlock screen declares, playing with the title of the last expansion.

  Posted on 11/11/2016 by Michael O’Connell-Davidson

• Gamescom Update & Looking Ahead to 3.4

  Rob’s back this week with some quick takes on the news out of Germany and other XIV news. Read on for his thoughts.

  Posted on 09/01/2016 by Robert Lashley

• The Deepest Dungeon

  Rob’s back this week with exciting news about Deep Dungeon, a Free Login Campaign, and a pop culture crossover.

  Posted on 07/27/2016 by Robert Lashley

• Fan Festival

  This year’s North American Fan Festival is being held Friday October 14th, and Saturday October 15th at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Tickets are $135 for both days. With that $135 you’ll get admission to the convention as well as a physical swag bag and in game goods. Those in games goods are a Rikku minion and a glamour outfit listed as a “secret” because they haven’t finished it yet.

  Posted on 06/23/2016 by Robert Lashley

• Confessions of a Relapsed Raider

  Rob jumps back into Final Fantasy XIV this week. Read on for what he has in store.

  Posted on 06/16/2016 by Robert Lashley

• Wish List - Fun FFXIV Addons!

  Victor’s lists what addons he’d like to see in FFXIV if they ever decide to go ahead with addon support.

  Posted on 05/12/2016 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Endless dungeons & Content Deprecation

  Victor talks about a new feature coming in Patch 3.35, as well as his fears for it.

  Posted on 04/26/2016 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• No MMO can Please Everyone

  Victor believes that no MMO, not even FFXIV, can please everyone all of the time. Do you agree?

  Posted on 04/12/2016 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• What to Expect in Patch 3.25 and Beyond

  The Latest Letter to the Producer Live was a trove of information for feature updates in the coming patches. Let’s have a look!

  Posted on 03/29/2016 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Say Hello to the Feast PVP and Hatching-Tide 2016

  A new PVP mode for level 60 players is here, while a new seasonal event is slated for March 15. Victor takes a look at both.

  Posted on 03/14/2016 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Patch 3.2 Brings the Fun Back

  Victor takes a quick look at some of the new things FFXIV's Patch 3.2 brings that make it worth playing.

  Posted on 03/04/2016 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• 'The Gears of Change' is Coming!

  Victor gives a brief overview of what’s coming when The Gears of Change rolls around.

  Posted on 02/19/2016 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• On Two Different Kinds of Content Grind

  Victor compares two games with differing attractiveness when it comes to content grinds: FFXIV and Warframe.

  Posted on 01/20/2016 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• What to Expect from FFXIV in 2016

  Naoki Yoshida’s greetings for the new year brought some cheer, as well as some mystery, to Final Fantasy XIV fans everywhere. Read on to find out what's in store for FFXIV in 2016.

  Posted on 01/06/2016 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Fantastic Gifts for Final Fantasy Fans

  Looking for a gift to give a Final Fantasy fan? Look no further than this humble gift guide.

  Posted on 12/11/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• 5 MMO Incidents that Showed Solidarity Against the Real World

  With the recent terrorist attacks in mind, I send out my condolences to all of those who lost or even have an injured loved one. In real life, we tend to stick together in such tragedies, give each other a pat on the back and help each other out of these tough times. On the other side, in the world of video games, it’s not that different, since it’s the same people in real life who play them.

  Posted on 12/07/2015 by Mostafa Hossam

• The Problematic Diadem

  Are exploration missions in FFXIV fun? Or is the fun being optimized out of the experience? Let’s take a look.

  Posted on 11/27/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• FFXIV Patch 3.1 and FFXI’s Final Fantasy

  Victor discusses the Final Fantasy XI’s last formal story content update and the FFXIV 3.1 Patch and its fun activities!

  Posted on 11/13/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Telling Us What's Next

  Everything this week is meant to ramp up the hype for specific gameplay aspects of Final Fantasy XIV Patch 3.1. Over the past two weeks, Square Enix has been teasing screenshots and a little lore regarding what we should expect in As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness.

  Posted on 10/16/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Five MMOs for Experienced Players

  In the same vein, we’re going to piggyback on last week’s List of the Five Best MMOs for New Players and suggest five more MMORPGs that you should at least give a try if you’re looking for a new game. And next week, we’ll take it a step further and recommend five “deep cuts” for the hardcore crowd!

  Posted on 10/05/2015 by Som Pourfarzaneh

• A Leveling Experiment and Other Tidbits

  Changes are coming to the Eorzea Reborn column. Learn about this little experiment and Victor’s plans for FFXIV moving forward!

  Posted on 10/02/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness

  Naoki Yoshida dishes out info on Exploratory Missions and the Lord of Verminion minigame for FFXIV Patch 3.1 As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness!

  Posted on 09/20/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• 5 Things We Learned from the Eorzean Census

  A few days back, Square Enix released slides for the Eorzean Census on the following Lodestone post. I had quite a bit of fun just looking over each bit of information, figuring out WHY certain things were the way they are. While I don’t really have any answers for that, I thought it might be nice to discuss my 5 favorite takeaways from the Eorzean Census.

  Posted on 09/11/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• FFXIV From the Eyes of a Game Hopper

  Victor looks at FFXIV from the lens of comparison after playing through three other games.

  Posted on 09/04/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Plans Past 3.0

  Victor outlines what Square Enix has planned for FFXIV players beyond 3.0 based on their recent anniversary livestream event.

  Posted on 08/28/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• A lot of Celebration, a bit of Metal

  Victor discusses the two celebrations that are occurring for Final Fantasy XIV this month, as well as showing off a new music video from Square Enix.

  Posted on 08/21/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• The Wait for Catch-Up Content

  If you’ve finished the current story and are tired of the dungeon grind, waiting seems long. Luckily Victor’s got your back with a short wish list of things to come for future content.

  Posted on 08/02/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Taking a Look at Savage Alexander and Seal Rock PvP

  The first big patch post-Heavensward is here, and Victor's been trawling through it like a good little Lalafell. Let’s take a quick look at what you get with the introduction of FFXIV Patch 3.05!

  Posted on 07/24/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Five Games to Watch in the Second Half of 2015

  It’s hard to believe that it’s July, and we’ve already seen a number of highly-anticipated titles release in the first half of the year. Pillars of Eternity, The Witcher 3, and Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward are all out, The Elder Scrolls Online has launched on consoles, and there have been open beta or “live” releases for Trove, Heroes of the Storm, and Skyforge.

  Posted on 07/24/2015 by Som Pourfarzaneh

• Why Rush to Endgame?

  What makes not rushing through content more fun than being a world-first slayer of evils? Victor discusses the slow burn in this week’s Eorzea Reborn.

  Posted on 07/17/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• The Top 7 Best MMOs of 2015…So Far

  I’m not going to lie to you: 2015 hasn’t exactly been full of big moments of big announcements. Maybe it’s because all of the best ideas are already taken, maybe it’s because everyone likes different things, or maybe it’s because developers and publishers are getting lazy, but there’s no denying the fact that the MMO genre has seen better years. From a lack of real excitement or hype around releases, to a lack of innovation, it’s not like it used to be.

  Posted on 07/13/2015 by David Jagneaux

• Chasing Alexander

  Taking a cue from my favorite Seinfeld actor (Yes, the title is a pun on Jason Alexander), I wanted to touch on the new raid that happens to be the latest endgame for Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward.

  Posted on 07/12/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• The Echo and Heavensward Gating

  Victor muses about the Echo, a story element in Final Fantasy XIV that allows Heavensward gating to seem less annoying from a lore standpoint.

  Posted on 07/03/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• The 5 Best Games and Announcements from E3 2015

  E3 2015 was a historic event for the gaming industry. Whether you’re an old-school gamer that was dying to finally see Final Fantasy VII’s remake announced, one of the few people that held out hope The Last Guardian was still a thing, or just a fan of gaming looking forward to the biggest and best new games the industry has to offer, there was something for everyone. Hell, we even got the first ever PC Gaming Show this year! That has literally never happened.

  Posted on 06/22/2015 by David Jagneaux

• The Last Words Before Early Access

  If you’re jumping into FFXIV’s expansion after a long day at work, here are some last minute reminders to lessen any logistical surprises.

  Posted on 06/19/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Starting FFXIV Today

  Is now a good time to get into FFXIV? Victor discusses the pros of starting FFXIV today.

  Posted on 06/12/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• How FFXIV is About to Get More Accessible

  Victor rounds up the changes coming to FFXIV that should making accessing Heavensward less troublesome for everyone. Read on for Victor's full thoughts and details on the recently announced changes.

  Posted on 06/05/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Is the Barrier to Entry too Steep?

  In a post titled, “New players and the expansion. Massive barrier to entry. You have been warned,” user Foomerang discussed how the currently-known requirements to access Heavensward content in the future were a bit of a frustrating thing for someone who preferred playing the game as a crafter-gatherer type. So, how bad is it really?

  Posted on 05/29/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• The Heavensward Hype Train Keeps Going

  Victor discusses some new videos as the hype train for Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward chugs along. Today’s talk is less of me talking and more of you folks watching a bunch of videos. To wit, there are actually four videos we’ve got in store for you today with regard to Heavensward, so we’ll start with the order they’ve been presented in YouTube, save for this one video that’s already been shown in a previous news release.

  Posted on 05/22/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Of Faith, Poetics, and Preorders

  The past two weeks have actually been quite calm in terms of big announcements, but Square Enix has made some changes to extend the bridge to more level 50 players seeking to complete the story in preparation for the expansion.

  Posted on 05/16/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• The Benchmark Tool and You!

  Square Enix released the FFXIV Benchmark tool, and Victor explains what it can do for those new to to benchmarking (besides just being cool to wet your Heavensward appetite for the next month).

  Posted on 05/01/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• 7 Optional Goals to Reach Before Heavensward

  Aside from prepping for Heavensward’s release, here are 7 optional goals you can undertake while waiting for June. These goals are by no means required, but they’ll keep you busy while waiting for the expansion.

  Posted on 04/24/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• A Disappointing Week

  As any fan knows, part of loving video games is also being disappointed in them every now and then. This week on Tales from the Neighborhood we’re looking at four disappointed blog posts about Neverwinter, World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy Record Keeper, and MMO communities in general, along with a couple of very positive posts about RIFT’s new wardrobe system.

  Posted on 04/22/2015 by Jessica Cook

• Prepping for Heavensward

  Victor outlines what you’ll need to prepare for the Heavensward expansion of Final Fantasy XIV.

  Posted on 04/17/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Subreddits, Twitch Channels, and Multi-Game Guilds

  Is FFXIV more fun than Warlords of Draenor? Are subreddits a good replacement for official forums? Is there anything for MMO players to watch on Twitch right now? We’ll learn what the blogosphere has to say on the topic of these questions and more!

  Posted on 04/15/2015 by Jessica Cook

• Why I Call Eorzea Home

  Which game do you consider your “home?” Victor talks about Eorzea, his second home.

  Posted on 04/10/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• A Spoiler-Less Post on Patch 2.55

  Don’t have time to scroll through the often-long FFXIV patch notes? Here’s an overview you can get through in 5 minutes.

  Posted on 04/03/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Virtual Duty Finders and You

  Victor details the new Event and Party Recruiter on the Lodestone. It’s not just for in-game events!

  Posted on 03/27/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Top 10 Most Anticipated MMO Releases of 2015

  Right now we are in a bit of a lull in the MMO release schedule. Crowdfunding campaigns like Crowfall keep on trucking and the astronomically high level of hype around Star Citizen continues to escalate, but both of those games are pretty far off from a real release. This list isn’t going to mention any current crowdfunding games, nor will it mention stuff that will go into a closed alpha of any kind – only open betas and full releases.

  Posted on 03/16/2015 by David Jagneaux

• On Heavensward's June Release

  Looking for answers to your burning FFXIV: Heavensward questions? Have a look at the archived information and links to some interviews!

  Posted on 03/13/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Shuffle or Boogie

  Victor discusses Eorzea’s Triple Triad card game. Is it just as you remember it from FFVIII?

  Posted on 02/27/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• 9 of The Cutest NPCs in MMORPGs

  Ah, NPCs. They are such a staple in our MMOs that we not only take them for granted, but we can also ignore them. I always make an attempt to appreciate an MMO’s details, and NPCs are often some of most well-designed aspects of many of our favorite titles.

  Posted on 02/10/2015 by Beau Hindman

• From the Community

  Looking for some recommended reading and viewing material for that time you’re not spending playing Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn? Look no further!

  Posted on 02/10/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Best MMOs to Play as a Couple on Valentine’s Day

  Love is in the air this time of year. Stores are lines with pink and red decorations, flowers poke out in every direction, and romantic gifts are littered across the aisles. In fact, the upcoming holiday Valentine’s Day just so happens to be on a Saturday this year.

  Posted on 02/09/2015 by David Jagneaux

• The Game of Love

  To my darling beloved, I remember, back in the day, when we used to be together. You were the most beautiful game on the planet, and I couldn’t help but fall for your beauty.

  Posted on 01/31/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• A Few More Days Before the Fall…

  A few more days before the Fall… a claim to splendor, one and all. A world of darkness does await, with little glories that won’t abate!

  Posted on 01/17/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• The Astrologian, The Machinist, and Patch 2.5

  Victor discusses the Astrologian and Machinist and the pre-Heavensward plans of Yoshi-P for Final Fantasy XIV.

  Posted on 01/03/2015 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• An Escape into a Virtual World of Adventure

  As my habits demand, I check on older MMOs periodically to see what’s new and to possibly download a new trial or even restart an old account. I do it with EVE Online, Ultima Online and other games that just scream nostaglia. Normally I find that the games have aged well but do not change so dramatically that I feel like I am playing a brand new game. Things were different with this visit to Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.

  Posted on 12/30/2014 by Beau Hindman

• Shooting for Longevity

  Focusing on the expansion may be premature, as shooting for longevity means giving people more things to try out for their enjoyment, even if they don’t completely become popular or well-adopted.

  Posted on 11/28/2014 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• The 5 Worst MMO Launches

  MMO launches are one of the trickiest things in the world for a developer and publisher to orchestrate. In the case of single player games, the experience can be perfectly balanced and simulated in a controlled environment. For standard multiplayer games, you can easily cap the number of players involved and know how it’s going to turn out in a live scenario. A Massively Multiplayer Game on the other hand, is something else entirely.

  Posted on 11/17/2014 by David Jagneaux

• The Long Wait, An Era’s End

  Victor fleshes out some translated information from a Japanese interview held at the FFXIV London Fanfest and reminsces about the time before A Realm Reborn.

  Posted on 11/14/2014 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Onward to the Heavens!

  Most of you are likely waiting to learn more about what comes after 2.4, so let’s do a Louisoux-ian timeskip and talk about Heavensward, the first expansion for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.

  Posted on 10/31/2014 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Sayonara, PlaySpan Payments

  PlaySpan is gone for making payments to Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. What now, pray tell? Read on!

  Posted on 10/17/2014 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• 5 MMOGs That Seriously Disappointed Me

  Video games almost always fail to measure up to the hype they generate during development. It's pretty unusual to see one that under-promises and over-delivers. Indeed, relatively few even manage to meet the expectations they promote. To be fair, this isn't entirely one-sided since many of us tend to look at upcoming titles through our rose-colored glasses. Naturally, relative to how we think or hope they'll turn out, some disappoint more than others.

  Posted on 10/06/2014 by Richard Aihoshi

• Fantasy Hybrids: The Support Class

  Victor delves into a fantasy topic for FFXIV: ARR. How would a hybrid support class that can fulfill multiple roles work in a game like Square Enix’s?

  Posted on 10/03/2014 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• The State of Eorzea's Housing

  Today we’ll be discussing the Great Eorzean Housing Crisis. We’ll be tackling what happened, what went wrong, and what Square Enix is doing to lessen the sting individual housing news has brought.

  Posted on 09/19/2014 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• The Quest for Flight

  Some of you may be wondering what’s so special about this tribe of beastmen that merits everyone’s support all of a sudden? Simply put, the Ehcatl Nine Beast Tribe Quests mix tangible gameplay rewards for crafters in the game with the promise of a rousing tale told incrementally as you continue the questline.

  Posted on 09/05/2014 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• New Friendships to Forge

  Unlike previous FFXIV mini-patches, Patch 2.35 provides an entirely new incentive to leveling a new crafting class. There’s a Beast Tribe that wants your help making items for them, and it’s up to you to be the goodwill ambassador and get them what they need.

  Posted on 08/22/2014 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Diving Back Into A Realm Reborn

  Of all the MMO’s from AAA studios that have come out in the past 12 months I was probably least excited about Final Fantasy XIV: ARR. I’ve been a lifelong fan of the FF franchise but after the original XIV I was a member of the “fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice - can’t get fooled again” crowd. Because I did not have high expectations for the game upon its release I was pleasantly surprised when I set out to review it.

  Posted on 08/14/2014 by Robert Lashley

• A Roundup of Epic Proportions

  Instead of a small number of long updates, we seem to have a lot of little awesome things to discuss this week, from free trials, to hunt theorycrafting, to a 14-hour Japanese extravaganza commemorating the first year of A Realm Reborn. Join me as we round up the awesome for a bit of discussion.

  Posted on 08/08/2014 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• 5 of the Best Crafting Systems in MMOs

  For a lot of people, logging on to their favorite MMO isn’t about raiding, or PvP, or dungeon runs – it’s about creating great items and contributing to the backbone of an MMOs economy. I’ve never personally been a huge proponent of crafting in MMOs, but there is undoubtedly a certain type of players that loves the art of creation and trading.

  Posted on 08/04/2014 by David Jagneaux

• Connecting Players to Virtual Worlds

  In the MMO genre I believe developers should focus on building worlds, not just games. The more developers do to create engaging settings that players grow to care about and become invested in the more enriching the experience it will be for the players. This in turn will make it more financially rewarding for the developers. Loyal customers, especially in an increasingly microtransaction dominated gaming economy, help keep games a float.

  Posted on 07/31/2014 by Robert Lashley

• Opportunities to Expand Horizons

  Victor Barreiro Jr. describes the Hunt system of FFXIV, what changes it brings to player behavior, and why he thinks Hunts are the uncomfortable beginnings of a bigger plan to improve the game.

  Posted on 07/25/2014 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• When Two Lives Intersect

  I tell you about the awe-inspiring and terrifying power of connectedness to others because someone told me a tale that remindedly deeply of how the bonds that tie us together can also be the very one that break us entirely. This is the tale of a young woman named Edda, her adventuring band, and the severed head she carried in a box after our first fateful meeting.

  Posted on 07/12/2014 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Social Hooks & MMOs

  How many people do you interact with reasonably often in your current MMO? How many of those people are outside of your guild? Assuming you have played MMO’s for awhile, is your pattern of socialization today similar to that back when you started?

  Posted on 07/02/2014 by Ryahl Smith

• Eorzea, My Grandest Company

  Let’s welcome back the Final Fantasy XIV column to MMORPG.com by getting everyone up to speed with Patch 2.3: Defenders of Eorzea. We’ve got new activities to enjoy, a fearsome primal to defeat, Moogle and Hildibrand goodness to experience, and personal chambers to decorate with awesome crafted goodies.

  Posted on 06/27/2014 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• A PvE Mini-Review of Update 2.1

  Final Fantasy XIV added content update 2.1, A Realm Awakened, in December 2013. With a month to experience the content, Ryahl provides a review of the end-game PVE content expansions offered in this update. Come along for the ride and read about the good and awkward parts of this massive update.

  Posted on 01/21/2014 by Ryahl Smith

• The Best MMOs of 2013

  As we embark on an exciting new year of MMO releases, we reflect back on the year that was. Though 2013 was light on new MMOs, it was filled to the brim with games fighting for our attention. Patch after patch hit our newsreels. Games such as EVE Online and Lord of the Rings Online spun heads with their expansions. Two of the bigger new games, Final Fantasy XIV and Neverwinter, both impressed and addicted us. Today we reflect on the best. Join us as we countdown the top ten Best MMOs of 2013.

  Posted on 01/10/2014 by Christopher Coke

• A Year in Review

  Now that the new year has officially debuted, it's time to take a look back at 2013 and the MMOs that we loved...or not. Read the latest from Adam Tingle to see what he feels are the highlights of the year 2013. Leave us your thoughts in the comments.

  Posted on 01/03/2014 by Adam Tingle

• Three Questions for 2014

  Last week, Rob Lashley gave you three words to sum up 2013. This week, he is back, this time with three questions for the forthcoming year. See what Rob wants to know before heading to the comments to tell us what you want to find out in 2014.

  Posted on 01/02/2014 by Robert Lashley

• Three Words for 2013

  Rob Lashley has chosen three simple words that he believes sums up 2013 perfectly. See what words he's chosen before heading to the comments to sum up 2013 in your own words.

  Posted on 12/26/2013 by Robert Lashley

• House Hunters: Eorzea Edition

  Square Enix made a lot of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn players swoon with delight over the recent announcement of a robust housing system incoming. In our latest FFXIV column, we take a look at the announcement and provide our own special version of House Hunters.

  Posted on 10/23/2013 by Robert Lashley

• Money, It’s a Drag

  Gold sellers are the bane of many a game's existence. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is not exempt either. But in our latest FFXIV column, we take a look at the proactive steps that Square Enix is taking in that regard. Check it out and then leave your reactions in the comments.

  Posted on 10/09/2013 by Robert Lashley

• What's Next For Subscriptions?

  In our latest Free Zone column, we take a look at what may potentially lie ahead for subscriptions. Can we go back to "the way we were" as in the heady early days of MMOs? See what we think and then leave your own ideas in the comments.

  Posted on 10/08/2013 by Richard Aihoshi

• Recapping The Tokyo Game Show

  Square Enix and the Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn team were on hand at the Tokyo Game Show recently with some new game information. We've got the full wrap report so keep reading before heading to the comments to chat.

  Posted on 10/02/2013 by Robert Lashley

• Do Subscriptions Make a Difference in Community?

  Subscriptions are the hot topic lately with three big-name titles opting to go with a subscription based revenue model. In today's Social Hub, we take a look at the potential impact that subscriptions have on today's games. Read on and then leave your thoughts in the comments.

  Posted on 09/30/2013 by Christina Gonzalez

• FFXIV: Improving the Summoner Feel

  Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is an overall awesome experience, but the feel of the Summoner Job can be a bit underwhelming. This week, we offer up some suggestions on how to improve one of the game's most iconic Jobs.

  Posted on 09/25/2013 by Michael Bitton

• Sub Standard

  The talk about subscription-based games has been ongoing for the past several weeks since several major titles announced their intentions to utilize subs. In our latest Devil's Advocate, we revisit the topic with a few additional thoughts about the revenue model. Read on and then leave your reactions in the comments.

  Posted on 09/13/2013 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• The FFXIV Economy Issue

  Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn has some economic issues that need addressing and we're breaking it all down for you in our latest column.

  Posted on 09/12/2013 by Michael Bitton

• Are Seasonal Events Really Fun?

  With the recent debut of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, the first update was, naturally, a seasonal event. In our latest FFXIV column, we wonder at how much fun these types of events truly are. See what we think before lending your voice to the conversation in the comments.

  Posted on 09/11/2013 by Robert Lashley

• Botched Launches

  Welcome back to another edition of Player Versus Player! Each week MMORPG pits two of its writers against each other in a battle to the death – or at least a spirited debate. Final Fantasy XIV relaunched last week and reminded us all of how disastrous the first days and weeks of a new MMO can be. This go-round, our combatants step to their podiums ready to duke it out on a topic you probably have first-hand experience with: MMO launches.

  Posted on 09/11/2013 by Christopher Coke

• The Top 5 At 35 - Top Early Boss Battles

  Now that Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn has made its official debut, players are moving up the ranks and taking on some of the game's bosses. In our latest Eorzea Reborn column, we take a look at five awesome early level bosses. Read on and then tell us what you think of our choices in the comments.

  Posted on 09/10/2013 by Ryahl Smith

• The 'Let's Play' FFXIV Impasse

  To today's Devil's Advocate, we take a look at this summer's most anticipated MMO, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn and a topic that many players may not be aware of as they log into the game. Find out what you might be missing and then head to the comments to leave us your thoughts.

  Posted on 08/30/2013 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Beginnings: Books & FFXIV

  Last weekend's launch of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn was a huge event, both for players and developers. The excitement over a launch is similar to that an author goes through when planning a start to a new book. In her latest column, Genese Davis looks at the parallels. See what she's got to say before heading to the comments.

  Posted on 08/29/2013 by Genese Davis

• Great Game, Poor Service Part One

  Today's MMOs are services as much as they are games, and the quality of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn's service thus far is completely at odds with the quality of the game we received. This week, we break down the service aspect in part one of a two part series.

  Posted on 08/28/2013 by Michael Bitton

• Subscription vs Free To Play

  Welcome back to another edition of Player Versus Player. This is the column where MMORPG.com writers collide and debate the topics you care about. It’s easy to get drowned out arguing on forums and sub-reddits, so we step to the podium to represent your side of the issue before turning it over to you in the comments. Ready for another spirited debate? See what our combatants think of the ever-present subscription vs free to play issue before leaving your thoughts in the commments.

  Posted on 08/28/2013 by Christopher Coke

• The Rejuvenation of Subscriptions

  In today's Free Zone, we take a look at the recent spate of announcements by several game studios that upcoming titles such as WildStar and Elder Scrolls Online will feature subscription-based revenue models. Check out our thoughts on the subject before leaving your ideas in the comments.

  Posted on 08/27/2013 by Richard Aihoshi

• The Return of Subs: FFXIV, WildStar, and ESO

  We've all seen the trend towards F2P in recent years, but with WildStar and Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, and ESO sticking to subscriptions, is the model truly on its deathbed?

  Posted on 08/21/2013 by Michael Bitton

• Subscriptions Are Alright By Me

  The recent news about WildStar's subscription model has sparked a fair bit of chatter on our forums and across the MMO social sphere. Today, Rob Lashley opines as to why the subscription model is alright by him.

  Posted on 08/21/2013 by Robert Lashley

• The Importance of Achievement

  In today's MMO space, much of what made the genre great has been taken out, namely the will to -achieve- things as opposed to being given them. In his latest column, our Managing Editor Bill Murphy talks about why achievement is important and why it matters. See if you agree before leaving your thoughts in the comments.

  Posted on 08/20/2013 by William Murphy

• 5 Things We LIKE About EQ Next

  Now that we've had a couple weeks to digest the news regarding EverQuest Next, it's time to reflect on the things that struck us as simply amazing. See what we chose before adding your thoughts in the comments.

  Posted on 08/16/2013 by Adam Tingle

• FFXIV - Group Friendly, Elf-less Community?

  Results from a poll posted to the Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn community paint an interesting picture of the community's potential make up. We weigh in on the results in this week's column.

  Posted on 08/14/2013 by Michael Bitton

• You Got Theme Park in My Sandbox

  The discussion ever rages about whether or not any MMO these days can be classified as a sandbox or a theme park. In today's Eorzea Reborn, we take a look at aspects of both that are present in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. Check it out and then leave us your opinion in the comments.

  Posted on 08/06/2013 by Ryahl Smith

• On Lightning's Role in FFXIV

  Lightning is one of the most iconic of all Final Fantasy characters, warranting her own game. There is and will be a connection between Lightning and Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. Find out what it is in our latest column and then leave your thoughts in the comments.

  Posted on 07/31/2013 by Robert Lashley

• Musing on PvP in FFXIV: A Realm Reborn

  Final Fantasy MMOs have always been about PvE, but is there something to be said about Square Enix's plans for PvP in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn? Read on for our thoughts and share your own with us in the comments!

  Posted on 07/31/2013 by Michael Bitton

• Saying Goodbye to Beta 3

  The third beta phase for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is in the books now and players who've taken part are having to wait for the commencement of beta 4 to reenter the game. We've got a beta 3 wrap report to share that you won't want to miss if you're keen to know more about the upcoming game. Read more before leaving your thoughts in the comments.

  Posted on 07/22/2013 by Ryahl Smith

• Moving Forward and Looking Back

  Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn stands on the unprecedented edge of getting a second chance at release. In our latest FFXIV: ARR column, we take a look forward while still looking back. Check it out before heading to the comments.

  Posted on 07/17/2013 by Adam Tingle

• Top Five Jobs to Add to FFXIV: A Realm Reborn

  Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will launch with numerous Jobs iconic to the Final Fantasy series, but there are still quite a few left unrepresented. In this week's column, we offer up a couple of Job picks to add post-launch. Read on and share your own shortlist with us in the comments!

  Posted on 07/10/2013 by Michael Bitton

• Crafting and Harvesting in FFXIV

  In our latest look at all things Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, we check out what the crafting and harvesting systems will be like for players. Find out more about the two and then leave your thoughts in the comments.

  Posted on 07/08/2013 by Ryahl Smith

• Second Bite of the Apple

  Square Enix is getting an unheard of second chance to attract and maintain an audience for Final Fantasy XIV after a disastrous earlier launch. In today's Tingle's Touchy Subjects, we take a look at that notion for FFXIV and other games as well. See what we've got to say before joining in on the conversation in the comments.

  Posted on 07/05/2013 by Adam Tingle

• Five Good Things

  Now that the NDA is partially lifted, we have so much to say about Square Enix's Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. During our time in game, we discovered five great things about FFXIV: ARR. See what they are and then leave your ideas in the comments.

  Posted on 07/01/2013 by Ryahl Smith

• Beta Three in FFXIV

  Now that the PS3 crowd has finally joined Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn's closed beta, it's time to offer a few beta tidbits about what's new and different. Check out our thoughts before lending your voice to the conversation in the comments.

  Posted on 06/25/2013 by Ryahl Smith

• Gaming Consoles

  During E3, the MMO space was rocked by the announcement that several big MMO titles would be headed to next-gen consoles. What is the likelihood of success? We take a look at that today and hope you'll offer your thoughts in the comments after reading.

  Posted on 06/21/2013 by Adam Tingle

• MMORPG’s Most Wanted MMOs of 2013

  The List debuts today with another terrific series of games that most MMO players are dying to get their hands on at some point this year. We give you our five top choices so see if you agree before heading to the comments to post your list!

  Posted on 05/31/2013 by William Murphy

• Dungeons in Final Fantasy XIV

  One of the most popular of any MMO's features is the dungeon system. In our latest Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn column, we take a look at a dungeon run through the eyes of a beta tester. Check it out before leaving your thoughts in the comments.

  Posted on 05/20/2013 by Ryahl Smith

• Tempting FATE

  It seems that 'dynamic content' is all the rage in MMOs these days. But sometimes that dynamic content can be a double-edged sword. In today's Eorzea Reborn column, we take a look at how that might manifest in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. Read on before heading to the comments.

  Posted on 04/05/2013 by Ryahl Smith

• A Realm Rising?

  Square Enix has been working hard to get the good news out about Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn over the past several weeks. But is it making a difference? In today's FFXI: ARR column, we answer that question. Take a look and then discuss the article in the comments.

  Posted on 03/05/2013 by Ryahl Smith

• Crafting and the Economy

  Crafting seems to be one of the big topics as the shift in MMOs goes from developer created content to player created. In today's Eorzea Reborn, we take a look at the way that crafting has the potential to influence the Final Fantasy: A Realm Reborn economy. Read on and then craft a response in the comments.

  Posted on 02/28/2013 by Ryahl Smith

• Preview Panic

  One of the things that MMO players are used to more than nearly anything else is the very popular preview option that we are often treated to long before a game is released. In today's Devil's Advocate, we take a look at this singularly unique feature of the MMO game space. Read on and then lend your voice to the discussion in the comments.

  Posted on 02/22/2013 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• In Anticipation of Beta

  Last week, Square Enix announced that the first round of beta testing for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will kick off in February. Today we take a look at the prospect of beta testing and what it all means. Read on and then add your voice to the comments.

  Posted on 01/30/2013 by Ryahl Smith

• Cerebral vs Visceral Combat, Part 2

  Last week we went through a heaping helping of combat systems, and this week, we’re bringing it all back in to FFXIV: A Realm Reborn. Read on!

  Posted on 01/15/2013 by Ryahl Smith

• Cerebral vs Visceral Combat, Part 1

  In a two part series in and around Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, we will take a look at the differences between cerebral and visceral combat systems and what the developers might have in mind for the game. Check it out and then leave your thoughts in the comments.

  Posted on 01/09/2013 by Ryahl Smith

• Content Additions

  As Square Enix gets ready to launch Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, we take another look at some of the big changes that have been implemented prior to the "world ending" events as the team gets ready to release A Realm Reborn on the world. See what we've got to say before leaving your thoughts in the comments.

  Posted on 12/27/2012 by Ryahl Smith

• And So It Begins

  We are pleased to introduce a brand new column here at MMORPG.com that will specifically cover Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. In the inaugural column, we take a look at the changes between the original and now and what we hope will make the FFXIV experience truly reborn. Read on!

  Posted on 12/11/2012 by Ryahl Smith

• This Momentous Occasion

  Final Fantasy XIV launched officially -the first time- almost two years ago and was met with harsh criticism. Since then, however, Square Enix has show resolve to breathe new life into FFXIV with the forthcoming v2.0 "A Realm Reborn" version. We've got a lot to say about something as remarkable as this. Check it out before adding your thoughts to the comments.

  Posted on 10/25/2012 by Victor Barreiro Jr.

• Is FFXIV: A Realm Reborn a Dark Horse?

  Final Fantasy XIV crashed and burned in 2010, but the re-launch of the game as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is fast approaching. The re-launch seems to be flying under the radar for now, but could Square Enix's second try at the game be a dark horse in the MMO genre? Read on as we weigh in!

  Posted on 10/03/2012 by Michael Bitton

• The Quiz: Bill Murphy Edition

  No, it's not a quiz about Bill Murphy but it is based on his latest list of the worst MMO launches in recent memory. MMORPG.com's Drew Wood took inspiration from The List and created questions for each of the games mentioned plus a few extras. See how you do in The Quiz: Bill Murphy Edition and let us know in the comments below.

  Posted on 01/05/2011 by Drew Wood

• Top 5 MMO Learning Curves

  The List this week focuses on our favorite MMOs and the learning curves employed. How long it takes a player to pick up and play a game largely determines how long their tenure will be. Find out which games MMORPG.com's Bill Muphy thinks make it tough on the newest players and then add your thoughts on the forums!

  Posted on 09/28/2010 by William Murphy

• I Think I'll Rest For Just a Moment

  In this week's Player Perspectives column, MMORPG.com's Jaime Skelton looks at the newly uncovered fatigue system scheduled for Final Fantasy XIV. The system has been the cause of a lot of consternation across the internet and Jaime offers some of her thoughts. Read Player Perspectives and then participate in the discussion on our forums.

  Posted on 08/27/2010 by Jaime Skelton

• Top 10 Games of 2012

  Jon breaks out his crystal ball and peers three years down the road. Which 10 games will dominate the market then?

  Posted on 08/11/2009 by Jon Wood