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The Mog Log: Summing up Final Fantasy XIV beta phase 1 and 2
Whenever I try to summarize what it is I find so special about Final Fantasy XIV, I find myself at a loss. It's not just the game mechanics, it's not just the setting, and it's not just a history of roleplaying that's stretched for the entirety of the game's history. So trying to summarize the first two beta phases is going to be difficult. I've hit all of the major points of the beta already, both the points of divergence and the points of similarity from my big tour back in February. But there are little dribs and drabs here and there that I haven't yet touched upon, things that I feel are relevant to the beta test of Final Fantasy XIV even if they don't fit into an individual column. So this is the conclusion. This time next week, we'll be awash in E3 news, so there's no finer time to wrap up my beta musings than now.
Open beta en route for Mythos Europe
If there's been a single unifying thread for our last several beta giveaways for Mythos Europe, it's been a wail of anguish that the keys have vanished quickly. (Like cheap beer on a college campus, if you'd like an analogy.) But while we can't conjure new keys out of thin air, we can console those unable to get one with the news that the open beta is on its way. On April 12th, the servers open to everyone for testing and enjoyment. For the open testing phase, the level cap is being raised to 50, giving players the opportunity to explore new abilities and new zones. The game's third major area, Umbral Peaks, will be accessible in the last testing phase with the raised cap. Current beta players are also in luck, as servers have been added for several languages, including English, French, and Turkish. Mythos is getting closer and closer to launch, and starting April 12th, everyone gets to take part in putting on the final pre-launch testing polish. [Thanks to Blake Linton Wilfong for the tip!]
More testing and fansite kits for Final Fantasy XIV's community
The release draws ever closer for Final Fantasy XIV's release, especially for eager players who have pre-ordered the special edition. But there are plenty of people who can't wait even that long, as seen by the response to the recent slew of fansite contests to award beta keys. Those keys will be usable sooner than some might have expected -- the game's third phase of closed beta testing is slated to start this Wednesday, August 11th. No indication is given for how long this phase will last or if the server will remain up at all times, although the latter seems likely. In the event that you're not in the beta but still want to spread the love for the game, Square-Enix has also released the official fansite kit for the game. FFXIVCore has previews of everything the kit contains, including several familiar images and decent-quality versions of several in-game icons. The kit can be downloaded from the official site, which should make Final Fantasy XIV's burgeoning fansite community quite happy.
Fansites offering keys to the Final Fantasy XIV beta
If you're eagerly anticipating Final Fantasy XIV's release, can't wait through the next fifty-odd days until the collector's edition is available, and don't feel like playing prior games in the series to take the edge off... well, you might be in luck. Square-Enix is continuing to reach out to the fan community, and the upcoming third phase of beta testing coincides with not one, not two, but three different beta pass giveaways around the web. Eorzeapedia, FFXIVCore, and ZAM are all offering readers a chance at winning a pass to the next phase of beta testing, with each requiring a slightly different sequence for participation. While the exact date for the next stage of Final Fantasy XIV's beta has not yet been announced, it's known to be some time toward the middle of August, which means at worst a month or so before the special edition of the game goes live. Head on over to your site of choice and enter to win if you want in on the testing -- and let's be honest, what fan doesn't?
