Have you heard of the critically acclaimed MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV? With an expanded free trial, you can play through the entirety of A Realm Reborn and the award-winning Heavensward expansion up to level 60 for free with no restrictions on playtime.
All memes aside, I’ve actually played some of FFXIV on both PC and console, and since I’ve blogged about playing other Final Fantasy games, why not this one?
While I haven’t gotten far into the game (I’m still a sprout), I had fun creating a character based around Noctis (FFXV) and Cloud (FFVII) named Nyactis Stormcloud. I have another character based in a different home world named Jacky Os’death who is mastering the Gladiator class. I’m debating on whether I want her to become a Reaper or Dark Knight. I also plan on making other characters once I’m more familiar with the game mechanics to have fun. I’m thankful to have found a group of friends at all different levels and experience with the game to help me along and give me tips.
MMOs, RPGs, & MMORPGs
Firstly, what do all these terms mean? MMO stands for ‘massively multiplayer online game,’ while RPG stands for ‘role-playing game.’ When you combine those terms into MMORPG, it becomes ‘massively multiplayer online role-playing game.’ Try saying that five times real fast!
Some of the MMORPGs I’ve played include World of Warcraft, Dynasty Warriors Online, and Tera Online, which are mostly open-world type games with main quests, side quests, and fun character creation options. More recently, I got into the extremely popular Genshin Impact from miHoYo, which adds a gacha system for players to use different characters, and Monster Hunter: World (plus Iceborne). I enjoy playing these kinds of games because I can go at my own pace, participate in fun live events, and hang out with my friends in multiplayer mode. And while some people prefer PvP to test their skills against other players, I prefer PvE so I can set the level and have fun without constantly dying on each adventure (even though I still…sometimes…die).
The appeal of multiplayer online games is getting to play together with friends and even family members, where you can participate as a team to take down the bosses or compete against each other to test your skills. My friends and I would join guilds or clubs to meet other players, exchanging tips and knowledge as we advanced through the story or stages. If I want to play solo, I pick up a Pokemon game, Animal Crossing, or Final Fantasy VII.
Fan Fest
Final Fantasy XIV has become so popular, it even has it’s own convention! Fan Fest takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada for North American fans, with events also taking place in the UK and Japan. There is a costume contest where cosplayers can show off their Warriors of Light, NPCs, and other characters for a prize. There’s also a concert by PRIMALS, who perform music from the game itself along with guest singers. For fans, this event the ultimate experience! You can find more information about the North American event on the official website.
What kind of multiplayer games do you like to play? Which game is your go-to favorite? What is your guild or group chat named? Let me know in the comments below!