Final Fantasy Online

We would like to thank everyone who has participated in the FINAL FANTASY XIV Open Beta Test. The open beta test currently being conducted is scheduled to end at 5:00 p.m. on September 19, 2010 (PDT). Following the end of the open beta test, the beta test site will close at 12:00 a.m. on September 20, 2010 (PDT).

*Client downloads will cease simultaneously with the end of the open beta test.
*The bug report form will be closed simultaneously with the beta test site.

There isn’t much time left in the open beta test, but we would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and support.

— Quoted from the official beta tester (NA) site at: https://dev-na.ffxiv.com/

News & Information Beta Version

This was an exciting Monday for Square Enix as they released a lot of information for us.

Beta 3 Start Date:
Phase 3 of the Final Fantasy XIV beta is set to begin on:
•PDT: Tuesday, August 10,2010 @ 7:00pm (PDT)
•GMT: Wednesday, August 11, 2010 @ 2:00 (GMT)

This phase of the beta may be the last phase where they introduce a large number of new changes before the release of the game. Expect a lot of new information to roll out once the beta begins. For those in the beta, be aware that there are a number of large patches waiting for you to download, so start up your FFXIV beta client now and begin the update. The servers will stay online all day long as they were in phase 2.

Players Site Being Updated
There was a quick note from Square Enix that their players site for FFXIV is receiving an update from the feedback they received. It wasn’t clear what will be changing.

Beta Manual Updates
With the move to beta 3, they have posted some updates to the manual for beta players. This update revealed some updates about Linkshells and “/” commands.

Linkshell Details:
A single character can join up to eight linkshells.
A single linkshell can have a maximum of 128 members.
A linkshell’s name can be up to 31 alphanumeric characters long.

Powers allotted to linkshell masters:
Disbanding the linkshell
Altering the linkshell’s crest
Inviting new members
Promoting members to leaders, demoting leaders to members
Exiling members and leaders from the linkshell

Powers allotted to linkshell leaders:
Inviting new members
Exiling members from the linkshell

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More information coming soon

News & Information Beta Version

There was a new article made available via Famitsu today; it included several brand new Lalafell screenshots taken from the FFXIV beta.

Click to enlarge:

<<< Image from May 25th, 2010: Not exactly remembering where this Lalafell screenshot came from, it is assumed to be from the alpha version based on its’ date. It is a simple screenshot of a couple Lalafell from FFXIV. They appear to be from two different clans; namely, The Plainsfolk and The Dunesfolk.

FFXIV Races Beta Version, Lalafell

FINAL FANTASY XIV Metamorphosis: From Alpha to Beta
From the official Final Fantasy XIV Youtube channel:

"We are happy to call attention to some improvements made in transitioning from the alpha version to the new beta version of FINAL FANTASY XIV. Notice the difference in lighting, the new depth of field effect, and the faster battle system."

 

Official Videos Beta Version

Famitsu has published a new article that has several images of brand new monsters so we posted them here for you to take a look at. Hope to see you in the FF14 Online Beta

News & Information Beta Version

Famitsu has released a short list of the changes between the alpha and the upcoming beta. We know they got rid of the effect gauge at E3, but here are a few more changes that we haven’t heard about yet.

Along with the removal of the Effect Gauge, the function of the Action Gauge has been altered. Previously, the player would need a full Action Gauge to execute a command, whereas now commands instead consume a specific portion of the gauge.

The Action Menu, where players can customize their list of actions, has been expanded to 30 slots. There are 10 slots allocated for Traits (class-specific characteristics) and Abilities (crafting-specific characteristics)

The "Physical Bonus" system, which affects HP/MP, stats and elemental affinities, has been changed. Now, HP/MP rise automatically along with the player’s level and only stats are customizable. Also, the list of stats has been adjusted from 8 to 6. Elemental affinities have been separated and will now require the use of "Elemental Bonus" points to increase.

Throwing weapons have been added and can be equipped and use the "Throw" action.

Left/Right Ear 1 and Left/Right Finger 2 equipment slots have been added.

New abilities can be set when a shield is equipped.

Distance and orientation relative to the enemy will have more of an effect on the battle.

The amount and variety of Guildleves has increased.

The level cap has been increased.

Players can now consume items.

Food has been introduced, which is used to temporarily strengthen a player character.

Changes have been made so the menus and chat logs are easier to read and navigate.

News & Information Beta Version

This video from E3 2010 shows the changes in speed that will take place in Final Fantasy XIV Online as of the upcoming beta. It is also worth mentioning that the alpha test will be ending temporarily, and the beta should begin within a month or so, according to recent information made available via numerous sources.

FFXIV Videos Beta Version, E3 2010