A short alpha test shows promise for the troubled MMO.
Fixing Final Fantasy XIV has got to be a daunting task. Not only is does it bear one of the most popular names in gaming and act as the spiritual successor to its bestselling entry, but it had an unusually terrible launch. Square Enix has been hard at work preparing for a relaunch under the name A Realm Reborn. Although the game has only a few weeks left in its alpha test, word from the company indicates that all is well in the realm of Eorzea.
“The alpha test is also underway, and we’re glad to say there have been no major problems as we begin taking in lots of player feedback,” writes Naoki Yoshida, the game’s director. November 1 saw the last archival save for character data, while servers will go down on November 11 and begin reopening a few days afterwards. The alpha test, which began only recently, has proceeded smoothly so far. This is good for Square Enix, given that the alpha test’s abbreviated length does not allow much time to iron out many major issues.
“With all the changes that have come to pass, I realize that it must have been difficult for you, the players,” admits Yoshida. “It’s been a very turbulent two years for me as well, and the game has come to hold a very special place in my heart.” Two years is a very long time to spend fixing an MMO, but Final Fantasy‘s parent company is very invested in keeping the franchise alive and up to usual standards. By the end of the month, gamers will know whether A Realm Reborn has acted like a good JRPG protagonist and saved a world, or whether this realm is better left in limbo.
Source: Final Fantasy XIV Forums via Siliconera
