The revamped Final Fantasy XIV MMO will launch this summer, complete with preorder bonuses for early buyers.
As popular as the franchise may be, Final Fantasy XIV was never going to get the reception Square Enix hoped for. This 2010 game was almost universally despised thanks to extensive bugs, glitches, and lackluster design choices that weren’t corrected before the finished game launched. After struggling to find an audience, Square Enix eventually took the game offline so it could be rebuilt as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, a simultaneous sequel and reboot of the original. After two years of additional development, Square Enix has announced that PC and PS3 versions of the game will finally be re-released on August 27, 2013. Square Enix has also lined up various bonuses to draw back its skeptical audience, including preorder bonuses and an extra-filled collector’s edition.
Even with Final Fantasy XIV‘s checkered past, the collector’s edition is a tempting offer for long-time fans. To start off, the packaging is a limited edition art box designed by Final Fantasy artist Yoshitaka Amano. Inside, players will find an 80-page hardcover art book, a CD soundtrack, 5 art cards, a physical movie disc depicting the events leading into Realm Reborn, and of course, the game itself. Switching to the digital side of things, all collector’s editions include a Helm of Light, a Coeurl Mount, the Behemoth Barding armor, and the adorable Baby Behemoth Minion.
Outside of the collector’s set, Square Enix is also throwing in preorder bonuses for both versions of the game. All preorders will provide players with early access to the game, a Cait Sith Doll Minion, and a Mog cap that can be worn by all classes. Of course, if Realm Reborn‘s gameplay falls short again, it’s hard to say these extras will still be considered worthwhile. Thankfully, early reports of the game seem to be positive, so lets hope the new Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will be the game we should have received in 2010.
Source: Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, via Warcry
