Final Fantasy XIV Online: A Realm Reborn

 PlayStation 4
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 906 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 679 out of 906
  2. Mixed: 81 out of 906
  3. Negative: 146 out of 906
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  1. RSJohn7293
    Apr 14, 2014
    8
    Excellent game, but I took off 2 points for the overpriced monthly subscription price.

    I don't mind games with a monthly fee (esp mmo's), but if we're already paying $40 for the game, there is no reason to charge an additional $15 per month. $5 would of been fine, and you probably would of gotten more people to buy it.
  2. Gravehill
    Apr 14, 2014
    10
    Best MMO on consoles/PC with cross-platform play between both. Also the best Final Fantasy game to come out in years. This is a must buy for fans of classic Final Fantasy games and MMOs alike.
  3. Markolius
    Apr 22, 2014
    9
    This really is a beautiful game if you stay with it and give it a chance. It seems too complex, dull, and hokey at first. It's absolutely not for the casual gamer, who wants an ordinary campaign or a game they can jump right into. It takes time, but it pays off into an engrossing massive fantasy that relishes in your freedom of gameplay. After 20 hours, you should have a decentThis really is a beautiful game if you stay with it and give it a chance. It seems too complex, dull, and hokey at first. It's absolutely not for the casual gamer, who wants an ordinary campaign or a game they can jump right into. It takes time, but it pays off into an engrossing massive fantasy that relishes in your freedom of gameplay. After 20 hours, you should have a decent understanding of most aspects of the gameplay and be into the main quest. What was complex will become second nature, enabled largely by the intuitive PS4 controller. What was hokey or dull becomes very alive with solid lore that stays very true to the Final Fantasy classics. The game seems most influenced by FF I, II, and III (in the west). If you played these games when you were younger, you'll delight in seeing their evolved return in MMO form. There are so so many things that you can do -and perhaps the greatest achievement of the game- is that most of these things are actually quite fun. Navigating becomes realistic, combat becomes more strategical, and even things like crafting become truly entertaining in their gameplay. Being able to quest with every class on the same character really makes it interesting. Another great achievement is that it does not feel grindy or like you have to farm. Again, there is so much to do- you can just let your character explore or you can plan your objectives with goals in mind. The culture is excellent, join a nice Free Company, and the social element of the game also becomes a pleasure. The graphics on the PS4 are very good and really show the detail of the Final Fantasy artwork, which flows without delay everywhere you travel. The music is great and the lack of voice acting is, in my opinion, mostly a plus. I can't stand when you hear the same voice actors playing different characters in a game. Also, I can read much faster than they speak. Perhaps they could have been improved with some more voice acting in cut scenes, but for the most part, I prefer it as it is. With all that being said, there is nothing particularly mind blowing or ground breaking in the game. It still has its frustrations and repetitions, particularly in side quests. The plot is your standard Japanese anime about good versus evil, other dualities, and the need for balance. The dialogue is mostly well written and there is a ton of dialogue content. Personally, I hate the ye ole English style of the dialogue. The subscription price is warranted for the content updates. It's just a solid Final Fantasy MMO. You can really choose to do whatever you want in this game. Nothing is forced.I t's a great game to enjoy for many hours - ultimately, for the freedom it gives.… Expand
  4. MrFlankster
    May 9, 2014
    9
    Let me start off by saying that this game is awesome. I didn't know it was an MMO. I tried World of Warcraft 3 different times and didn't get it. When I realized this was a MMO, I got sick and thought, "What did I just blow my money on." I decided to give it a try. I'M SO GLAD I DID! This game is so fun!

    It took awhile to get the layout of the HUD and buttons to my liking, especially    Let me start off by saying that this game is awesome. I didn't know it was an MMO. I tried World of Warcraft 3 different times and didn't get it. When I realized this was a MMO, I got sick and thought, "What did I just blow my money on." I decided to give it a try. I'M SO GLAD I DID! This game is so fun!

    It took awhile to get the layout of the HUD and buttons to my liking, especially how to customize the target cycling, but once I did, this game became very engaging. I'm not the type to sit and play for 3 or 5 hours straight. I do 1, maybe 2 hours tops and this game plays to that style as well. I'm a solo player too, and it gives me the option to pair up with other players that are at the same point I am in the storyline, so I don't have to pout over the fact I don't have any friends (online).

    THE ONLY reason I took off a point is because of the HIGH $15/month subscription fee. I don't see myself paying this for more than 2 months unless they lower it to something life $5/month. Even if I don't finish the story, the steep price tag on the monthly will cause me to cancel it and get on the internet to find out how it ends. Who knows, I might change my mind as I get further in.

    I highly recommend this game.    … Expand
  5. RaiTheNoblesse
    Apr 29, 2014
    9
    didn't like FFXIII nor am I a MMO player, but FFXIV really suprised me ..OO

    things I loved in Skyrim are all found in FFXIV: beautifull, vast, open landscapes, with gorgeous day/night/weather changes..; a wonderfull soundtrack (not like the one from FFXIII, but more like FFXII's OST)..; plenty, plenty, plenty of things to do (and you can play many parts of it solo), motitvation    didn't like FFXIII nor am I a MMO player, but FFXIV really suprised me ..OO

    things I loved in Skyrim are all found in FFXIV: beautifull, vast, open landscapes, with gorgeous day/night/weather changes..; a wonderfull soundtrack (not like the one from FFXIII, but more like FFXII's OST)..; plenty, plenty, plenty of things to do (and you can play many parts of it solo), motitvation level/class system ect.

    besides having great (and many) enemy artdesigns..and the charcter editor (with plenty of suite/armors, which you can color) gives us some of the most beatutiful, cool and cute player characters designs of any RPG so far...

    sure there's no voice chat over the game (but there are other means of chatting), and there are not many ingame synchros,.... but when strafing through those panoramas, having plenty to do, you wont mind at all..

    seems as if, this game has become what many where hoping for from TESO, which couldn't deliver.. (didn't expect FFXIV to be so epical..., only at the begging, as a MMO noob, there was a lot to understand/get used too, but once you get over that start phase and into the "wild", it will gripp you as much as Skyrim did back then...)    … Expand
  6. slavicbruh
    Mar 11, 2021
    9
    Before I came across Final Fantasy XIV, I had no interest in MMORPG's, but I already had amazing experiences with Final Fantasy games before, so I decided to try this game out. Long story short: this is my number 1 multiplayer video game now.

    I had tried out the free trial at first, and played until level 35 (which was the trial level cap at the time). For the first 10 levels, I thought    Before I came across Final Fantasy XIV, I had no interest in MMORPG's, but I already had amazing experiences with Final Fantasy games before, so I decided to try this game out. Long story short: this is my number 1 multiplayer video game now.

    I had tried out the free trial at first, and played until level 35 (which was the trial level cap at the time). For the first 10 levels, I thought the game was boring, and I had no idea why I had seen so many good reviews for it. Still, I wanted to play more, and I was holding out for the game to get better than it was early on.

    I'm glad I did.

    I leveled up more, play more story quests, did dungeons and trials and all that, and I realized how fun and interesting the game actually was. The story was easily the strongest part of this game. It felt like a roller coaster, going from generic, to interesting, to depressing and melancholy. The gameplay is also complex yet simple to understand, using the classic WoW style of abilities that you use that have different effects. The open world has various areas that are all different from each other. Eorzea as a whole is beautiful to explore, whether it's the luscious green forests of the Black Shroud, or the harsh frozen wastes of Coerthas.

    Even though the story is the best part of FFXIV, I just have to commend the multiplayer aspect. Running a dungeon or trial with friends was fun, and the high level raids that are available at level 50 require strategy and positioning that made beating them all the more satisfying.

    My only problem with this game is the monthly subscription. It costs double to play this game for a year than what it costs for PS Plus and Xbox Live for a year. Other than that, this has to be one of the best multiplayer games I've ever played. Nay, this is one of the best games I've ever played, period.    … Expand
  7. Wawacoffee89
    May 27, 2014
    9
    This game brought Square Enix out of ther money hole. This game is awesome. You can have one character level in every class which benefits you because you can use certian skills with every class making you even stronger. I would give it a 10 but like all MMOs, they get very annoying toward the end for your final gear and very repetitive.
  8. doogs
    Dec 17, 2015
    9
    As someone who has never properly paid a Final Fantasy game let alone an MMORPG, I have to say I have had some of the best fun in a long time playing this game. I'll be honest, it is a very foreboding thing, starting a new Final Fantasy MMORPG. I had help from a friend who owned it and he showed the ropes. I highly recommend if you have a friend who's plays this then try and get on aAs someone who has never properly paid a Final Fantasy game let alone an MMORPG, I have to say I have had some of the best fun in a long time playing this game. I'll be honest, it is a very foreboding thing, starting a new Final Fantasy MMORPG. I had help from a friend who owned it and he showed the ropes. I highly recommend if you have a friend who's plays this then try and get on a server with them; it's much easier to get into when you have the support. With endless play-time, a beautiful world, characters and soundtrack, this is truly an awesome game to play.

    As a side note; I also want to add that I had never played a paid subscription game before until now and I can say without a doubt that it is totally worth it. Also if you have a friend who plays it they may always be able to give you a free trial.    … Expand
  9. WARCHILD
    Jan 9, 2015
    9
    Easily the best MMO I've ever played. It blends the Final Fantasy universe with many World of Warcraft mechanics very well. It is unique when it comes to the job system and allows you to play every class with a single character. The story line is on par with most of the Final Fantasy series and is worthy of its number in that series. Look forward to this game containing elements fromEasily the best MMO I've ever played. It blends the Final Fantasy universe with many World of Warcraft mechanics very well. It is unique when it comes to the job system and allows you to play every class with a single character. The story line is on par with most of the Final Fantasy series and is worthy of its number in that series. Look forward to this game containing elements from virtually every Final Fantasy game you've ever played, the fan service in FFXIV is incredible.… Expand
  10. Crisiscore7iet
    Dec 16, 2015
    9
    This... is the best RPG/MMO you can get on your PS4. The game is just amazing!! It has so much content into it. Ive been playing the game for more than 2 years now, and im still playing and still doing new stuff. Theres many classes you can choose from like Gladiator(Sword and shield), Bard(Bow and arrow), Ninja(Knives), White mage(healing staff), and more!! And then there is craftingThis... is the best RPG/MMO you can get on your PS4. The game is just amazing!! It has so much content into it. Ive been playing the game for more than 2 years now, and im still playing and still doing new stuff. Theres many classes you can choose from like Gladiator(Sword and shield), Bard(Bow and arrow), Ninja(Knives), White mage(healing staff), and more!! And then there is crafting clases. They cna be a pain sometimes, but there very relaxing after constantly killing enemies. THe game has A HUGE amount of content in it so if your looking for something to keep you busy, get this. There is a monthlky fee for the game ($12-$15 a month) but its so worth it!… Expand
  11. unluckydice
    Apr 15, 2014
    8
    First of the PS4 controller works great with this game you can tell the dev team devoted alot of time getting the controls right, next final fantasy 11 is one of my favourite mmo's of all time, FFXIV has topped it by a great margin, Eorzea is a magnificent immersive world with wonderful music that captures the final fantasy trademark, I spent endless hours in the beta and am glad to say IFirst of the PS4 controller works great with this game you can tell the dev team devoted alot of time getting the controls right, next final fantasy 11 is one of my favourite mmo's of all time, FFXIV has topped it by a great margin, Eorzea is a magnificent immersive world with wonderful music that captures the final fantasy trademark, I spent endless hours in the beta and am glad to say I will be spending many many more in the full game, one fault I wish they would of considered though they could have had more npc's with voice acting.… Expand
  12. phishhippy
    Apr 17, 2014
    10
    This is my first mmo game as I have been a console gamer for many years (unless you want to count Defiance, but... let's not.) and I am blown away by the awesomeness of this game. As a long time Final Fantasy fan (VII and up...XII was my fave) I was really looking forward to this. Expectations destroyed!
    I played the Beta phase A and I hated it... I couldn't read anything because the    This is my first mmo game as I have been a console gamer for many years (unless you want to count Defiance, but... let's not.) and I am blown away by the awesomeness of this game. As a long time Final Fantasy fan (VII and up...XII was my fave) I was really looking forward to this. Expectations destroyed!
    I played the Beta phase A and I hated it... I couldn't read anything because the text was so tiny I felt like I was going blind trying to read it and I only played it for like 3 hours. I am so glad I gave it another shot! I play alot of games... I mean alot... and part of that reason is I get bored easy so I play a little of this game and a little of that game and move on, but this game has captured me. The text size is fixed and once I got the hang of all of the systems and the new controls (to me, a console gamer) and understood not to run around in circles trying to shoot an arrow (who knew) and finally got some badass gear, I fell in love with this game.
    It was about hour 5 of gameplay but every hour after has been so freaking sweet. I've generally had a bad attitude about mmos because it seems like you're constantly having to talk to people and interact with non npcs and it just seemed like a bother, but this game lets you play alone most of the time and when you are required to group for a dungeon or raid it does it for you! You get mounts, pets and other awesome customization items. I don't even want to think about how many hours it would take me to level 50 all the jobs... but I'm sure gonna try.
    This game even made me think about cancelling ps plus and just by the sub for this... and I might...
    At first I was worried that I wouldn't be able to cancel after my first 30 days ( when I was sure I would be done with it) but they don't even charge you unless you sign up! I bought trials fusion this week too but haven't even touched it. That's saying something.
    If you like RPGs, customization, playing alone or with friends, awesome graphics, grinding, a good story, switching from weapon to weapon, magic, crafting, xp, final fantasy or if you were scared to get into an mmo... this is the game for you. It is almost perfect. I can't think of any negatives. This game will consume you. Get it.    … Expand
  13. Terminator8RS
    Apr 15, 2014
    9
    This game is simply awesome! There is a lot of content and tons to explore. It mixes some old school Final Fantasy with a whole new real time fight system, all blended together into an MMO. I think this is the best PS4 game out right now in my opinion. Graphics are good, not stellar but I'm not complaining. The music is by far some of the best I have heard coming from a game. EasterThis game is simply awesome! There is a lot of content and tons to explore. It mixes some old school Final Fantasy with a whole new real time fight system, all blended together into an MMO. I think this is the best PS4 game out right now in my opinion. Graphics are good, not stellar but I'm not complaining. The music is by far some of the best I have heard coming from a game. Easter Sunday is coming up soon, and guess what? There are easter eggs and banner decorations all over Gridania (One of the cities in the game). These are just the little touches in an MMO game that makes you smile and enjoy the scenery as you are playing. The interface and user controls with the touch pad took a while to get use to. It was a bit confusing at first knowing what window did what and how the controls worked. After a few hours, you get the hang of it but that is my only negative. Great game, buy it! Subcription.............who cares? Buy it!… Expand
  14. winterforge
    Apr 14, 2014
    10
    This is the best game currently available on the PS4. in my opinion. Very, very well done MMO with gorgeous graphics and TONS of stuff to do in the game. You will not be bored. You can solo most of the game if that's your thing, but you will need to group up for storyline dungeons (4 player group). Don't worry though, there's something called the Duty Finder that will automatically groupThis is the best game currently available on the PS4. in my opinion. Very, very well done MMO with gorgeous graphics and TONS of stuff to do in the game. You will not be bored. You can solo most of the game if that's your thing, but you will need to group up for storyline dungeons (4 player group). Don't worry though, there's something called the Duty Finder that will automatically group you with others wanting to do that dungeon. Game is such a blast!… Expand
  15. missdeadredhead
    Apr 15, 2014
    10
    Best MMO on consoles/PC with cross-platform play between both. Also the best Final Fantasy game to come out in years. This is a must buy for fans of classic Final Fantasy games and MMOs alike.
  16. Tankbusta40
    Apr 16, 2014
    9
    **Let me preface this by saying that I am not a regular MMORPG player**

    I purchased this game while it was on sale for 10USD during a PS 3 sale, figuring what the heck, no harm no foul. It was interesting on PS3 but was greatly held back by hardware limitation. Basically I saw potential and was thrilled to see that it would be a full upgrade for ps4 a few months later. Flash forward to    **Let me preface this by saying that I am not a regular MMORPG player**

    I purchased this game while it was on sale for 10USD during a PS 3 sale, figuring what the heck, no harm no foul. It was interesting on PS3 but was greatly held back by hardware limitation. Basically I saw potential and was thrilled to see that it would be a full upgrade for ps4 a few months later. Flash forward to the early access weekend. I played this game pretty much all weekend and I can say that it is very fun. I did not feel the need to grind that has kept me away from many mmorpgs in the past. Literally everywhere you go there is a quest, leve, or dungeon to take part in. You never feel like you have to go out a farm creatures for hours on end to gain exp. This to me was a major plus as I have not felt obligated to put in hours to advance in the game at all. The one point mark off is the same as many user reviews, the lack of voice acting, while you may read all of the dialogue, I find myself skipping most of it. This however does not detract from the experience as its easy to piece together the story without reading the massive book of dialogue that is present.

    Overall the graphics are great
    The controls with the ps4 controller are outstanding(if they make more mmorpgs that use this format, I would def play the genre more on ps4)
    The game if over all fun.

    I would recommend the purchase, or at least a look if you are not a regular MMORPG player such as myself    … Expand
  17. DirtyBird13
    Aug 27, 2014
    10
    It is currently the best MMO for the console market right now. I have been playing the game for about a year now on PS4 and, it has been definitely worth the subscription. If you are tired of an outdated WOW, this is the best MMO on the market. Gameplay, graphics, and content are amazing. The story is a little lackluster, but who plays MMOs for the story?
  18. Searth
    Nov 8, 2014
    10
    I don't write many reviews, but when i do it's for games that really grab my attention and i feel need talking about, weather that be to heavily slate or praise it, or if i just feel people need to know about this game.

    I'm writing about Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn because it's the first MMORPG in a very long time that actually feels like a game again. This may sound strange, but    I don't write many reviews, but when i do it's for games that really grab my attention and i feel need talking about, weather that be to heavily slate or praise it, or if i just feel people need to know about this game.

    I'm writing about Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn because it's the first MMORPG in a very long time that actually feels like a game again. This may sound strange, but MMO games today are more about the end game content, micro transactions and constant grinding.

    Take World of Warcraft as an example, over the years since Wrath of the Lich King, the game has become easier and easier, players are shooting to the level cap faster thanks to features put into the game by Blizzard to allow players to skip past everything easily. Anything that once required hard work to earn is now handed to players on a silver platter.

    Because of my expirience with many MMOs i was reluctant to start a new one, so when i did try and went for Final Fantasy XIV i found myself emerged in a world i couldn't leave, enhanced by the fact that it's played on the PS4.

    This is not to say that playing the game on a PC would reduce the enjoyment of it by any means, but while playing Final Fantasy XIV: ARR on the PS4, i've found that it barely feels like a grindy boring MMO at all. Using the controller to quickly switch between abilities, smoothly navigate the User interface and freely interact with the game world makes for a very fun and unique expirience.

    But let's talk about gameplay for a second, what sets it apart in terms of gameplay from other MMORPGs? Players are given a choice of combat classes upon creating their character, but this does not seal their fate as to what they play, because at any point in the game, a player may switch their class to any other class in the game and eventually level all classes to maximum, this is true for both combat related classes and crafting or gathering classes.

    Each class is topped off with a unique mini story quest chain every 5 levels into the class that makes it worth leveling that class just to find out what happens next.

    Speaking of quests, leveling and classes, there's much to do in the game to earn XP and level yourself up, including FATEs, which are random events that pop up in every map offering different challenges each time for players all around to jump into and earn XP, Gill and other bonuses, then you have Dungeons and Gildhests, pitting a team of 4 players together against numerous foes and bosses, and lastly, the Primals.

    Let's backtrack a second though, I want to talk a little more about the gameplay on a PS4.
    I know some people are thinking "It's an MMO, there's gonna be TONS of abilities and items that players will want to use, how can you fit all of that onto a tiny controller?" Well..

    The "Crossbar" which is the PS4s version of a Hotkey Bar is made up of 16 blocks devided into 2 sets of 8 on both the left and the right, and accessable by L2 for the left, and R2 for the right.
    Each set of 8 is layed out to look similar to a controller, with 4 buttons representing the face buttons, and the other 4 representing the D-pad.
    "Ok, 16 buttons isn't bad, but that's still not enough!" you might argue, and you're right. Many players will want many more buttons than that quickly accessable to them without needing to switch crossbars, but that's where the extra hotbars come in. Once turned on through the config menu, players can access a whole other set of 16 blocks by simply holding down L2 and R2 in a certain order, L2 then R2 for one set of 8, or R2 then L2 for another set, giving players access to a whole 32 abilities and items at a time!

    Lastly, User Interface and HUD. Players have alot of customisation in the config menus and have complete control over how their screen looks, from resizing every part or window, to moving it somewhere else, It's such a simple feature but really helps make a game.

    I should probably wrap this up, i know it sounds like i've been more positive than anything towards Final Fantasy XIV: ARR, but that's because there's not much to say negatively about this game, it does well what many other MMOs fail to do at all. The graphics are beautiful, allowing each player to really emerse themselves in this magical world. The gameplay i've already spoken about enough, even if you've played a hundred MMOs, FFXIV:ARR offers something new you'll come to love. Overall i would give this game a 10/10.

    Thanks for Reading.    … Expand
  19. polesp
    Apr 25, 2014
    10
    So addictive that I cant stop myself from logging in everyday, join a friendly FC and you will have a blast :D This is a must buy for fans of classic Final Fantasy games and MMOs alike.
  20. ShortReviews
    Oct 1, 2014
    7
    An average MMORPG experience that will satisfy most fans of the Final Fastasy Series. Great for anyone looking to explore a new world, or perhaps indulge in a combat system that differs from most other MMO's on the market today. The main story quest's has it's ups and downs. I felt as if certain phases of the story were dragged on too long. Worth a try.
  21. Stafmeister
    Jul 31, 2014
    10
    Best Final Fantasy game I have played in a long time. Lots to do to keep you coming back, the subscription fee is not too bad when you consider the new content released regularly and the comparative price of map packs / Season passes on games with annual releases like Call of Duly.
  22. Eorzea
    Sep 9, 2014
    10
    This game is literally the most fun I've ever had with an MMO. I love being able to play this on the PS4, it just works so well. This game is well worth the subscription fee, and I highly recommend it.
  23. shadowmancer66
    Sep 13, 2014
    10
    A realm reborn has a ton of content, a friendly player base, several fun classes to play, a fantastic crafting system, and most importantly, makes you want to keep playing for long after you purchase it. The game comes out with new content every few months or so that adds to the games story, therefore adding new quest, dungeons, and features that will keep you wondering what's next andA realm reborn has a ton of content, a friendly player base, several fun classes to play, a fantastic crafting system, and most importantly, makes you want to keep playing for long after you purchase it. The game comes out with new content every few months or so that adds to the games story, therefore adding new quest, dungeons, and features that will keep you wondering what's next and will make you stay until you see. All of this is why I've put more hours into this game than any other ps4 game, and highly recommend this game to anyone seeking out a great gaming experience.… Expand
  24. DisTurbedOne122
    Feb 6, 2016
    10
    Im going to keep this short and simple.FF 14 A Realm Reborn is by far the best console experience on the markt today.Dont be scared away by the negative reviews which all mention lag or bad customer service do to there bieng no North American server.All these issues and many more have been addressed and improved upon vastly since the games launch.Nothing but a beyond stellar andIm going to keep this short and simple.FF 14 A Realm Reborn is by far the best console experience on the markt today.Dont be scared away by the negative reviews which all mention lag or bad customer service do to there bieng no North American server.All these issues and many more have been addressed and improved upon vastly since the games launch.Nothing but a beyond stellar and expectation shattering game remains!… Expand
  25. Feastybone
    Apr 19, 2014
    10
    Meant to add in the fact that the way the class and job system works is great. Only having to create one character to play all classes and jobs is pretty good.
  26. MethosTR
    Aug 16, 2014
    7
    First off, I want to state that MMORPG subscriptions do not bother me, as long as they are not exorbitantly expensive. As I received the game as a gift, I'm not going to comment on its price either.

    Now, on with my review. The story is fairly solid and well written, but also the overall theme and elements of the story are typical of the series. The leveling experience is easy, with a    First off, I want to state that MMORPG subscriptions do not bother me, as long as they are not exorbitantly expensive. As I received the game as a gift, I'm not going to comment on its price either.

    Now, on with my review.

    The story is fairly solid and well written, but also the overall theme and elements of the story are typical of the series. The leveling experience is easy, with a lot of alternate methods to use to help mitigate the monotony of grinding. The game's replayability is very good, as you can level every class and job on one character.

    The endgame is very diverse, if a bit shallow in depth. Currently it's a trivial affair to gear up in raid-level gear and begin raiding literally within a few hours of hitting level 50.

    But the major flaws in the game are very evident as well...

    Crafting is needlessly overcomplicated and perhaps the most tedious and downright infuriating system I've ever experienced in ANY game. In order to even have a chance of successfully crafting top-end items in high quality, you are almost forced into having every crafting class maxed out... which is a terrible game design decision that SE has made.

    While some may not agree with me, the lack of a basic service that most MMORPGs have, and is expected to be a standard in the genre... And that is character renaming. There really is no reason why this hasn't been implemented.

    TL;DR: FFXIV:ARR is a very solid game that is a vast improvement over its previous incarnation. But glaring flaws prevent it from becoming a great game.

    I'll remain subscribed, but only in the short term.    … Expand
  27. Kiseki
    May 20, 2017
    2
    game designed specifically to be a colossal waste of time
    character expressions that give you goosebumps
    weak story and characters
    boring skills system

    stay away...there are better games to things to do your time
  28. shotmeplenty
    Jun 10, 2014
    9
    I absolutly love this game! I am almost at level 15.
    Pros; MMORP with good graphics on PS4, Emotes were amazing, chocobo music was enthralling, great story line, and amazing combat!

    Cons; the map functions were very frustrating at first, some controls are very unnatural. It really feels like a port from P.C. (which it is).
  29. Malprodigy
    Jun 3, 2014
    8
    Wonderful MMORPG! 2 points off for the frustration involved in signing up and the immense amount of gold spammers on the servers. The developers need to enact more effective methods to prevent these accounts from continuously sending you spam messages. Other than that, a really great game with an awesome story (a rarity among MMOs)
  30. Dal_ReviewedDat
    Feb 19, 2015
    9
    As a 33 year old gamer, I'm embarrassed to say I'd not played older versions of the FF series.

    I didn't know really what to expect, but I downloaded the Beta 1 and 2 and then thoroughly enjoyed the game. After buying the game, I put in a ridiculous amount of hours and allowed my character to develop as much as possible in as many guilds as possible. The MMO is a crazy world. Being    As a 33 year old gamer, I'm embarrassed to say I'd not played older versions of the FF series.

    I didn't know really what to expect, but I downloaded the Beta 1 and 2 and then thoroughly enjoyed the game. After buying the game, I put in a ridiculous amount of hours and allowed my character to develop as much as possible in as many guilds as possible.

    The MMO is a crazy world. Being a fan of the Zelda series on Nintendo, I instantly loved the charm and beauty of this world, and I think I'd have kept up my subscription if it wasn't for the fact I was playing alone... if my friends had the time I did to put into it, it would have been amazing. That's not to say the few hundred hours I spent over a 3 months were not well worth the subscription (you get 30days free - so paid additional £8ish per month for 2 extra months) ... the realm is diverse, abundant with things to do and the RPG elements like crafting and buying gear is excessive. You can even craft to sell to other human players, which was a nice touch.
    Alike most levelling MMOs though, this does end up with a lot of grinding the same enemies in areas to rank up to be able to explore new levels. The earlier levels are easily done via the open world missions and those guild requests etc, but by the time you are early 30s in level, it does take slog along the same bits to level successfully. I'm a RPG fan though, and dont mind this so much.

    I'm really looking forward to the new FF games on the PS4 coming out this year now, but have saved my account and will one day like to re-explore A realm Reborn and try and get those later stage levels.

    A brilliant game, lovingly made with great mechanics... Try the current Free trial and I'm sure you'll be a fan in no time    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best PS4 Game of 2014
36
#36 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2014
30
#30 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
  1. Gamer.no
    Aug 26, 2014
    70
    A solid, safe and well-made port to the PlayStation 4. Pretty visuals, hours of gameplay and solid combat makes this one of the best massive online games for console to date.
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  2. The Digital Fix
    Jun 19, 2014
    90
    By adhering to the cookie-cutter conformity of MMO tropes, A Realm Reborn doesn’t attempt anything wholly new but shines in its familiarity.
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  3. Games Master UK
    Jun 7, 2014
    86
    The best Final Fantasy game in years and the finest MMO you can currently play on a console. [July 2014, p.72]
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