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The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XIV is home again
For all the good things I had to say about Final Fantasy XIV's beta test, there was one negative thing I didn't say because it just wasn't fair: For all the improvements, the game didn't feel like home. For all the frustrations I've had with Final Fantasy XIV over the years, somehow, at the end of the day, stepping into Eorzea always felt familiar in a way that only Final Fantasy XI could match. But the first two beta phases felt, well, restricted. They were supposed to be like that, but I still found myself straining at the limits simply because there was some indefinable soul not yet in place. As it turns out, that soul was Thanalan. Phase 3 is importing old characters this weekend, and that will really solidify it, but testing the waters in the first weekend's test was what made me feel as if I could go home again after all.
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.
