Final Fantasy goes MMORP for the latest installment

Final Fantasy XIV made its debut on the PC last month, and this massively multiplayer online role playing (MMORP) game is something to take in using all the senses. Square Enix created this free roaming world where players interact with other players rather than going through a linear storyline in the same vein of previous games, Final Fantasy X or Final Fantasy XII. Square Enix isn't new to the MMORP world. They created their last MMORP, Final Fantasy XI, about 10 years ago and are continuing that tradition with this beautiful and awe-inspiring graphics giant.

Final Fantasy XIV is based in the world of Eorzea. This world is divided into three major kingdoms: Limsa Lominsa, Gridania, and Ul'Dah. The player may choose where to start out. The biggest difference in these locations is the scenery such as deserts or green nature. There are five starting races: Hyur, who closely resembles what humans look like, Miqo'te, which are a proud race of female cat ladies, Lalafell, a very short nomadic race, Elezen, which most closely resemble Elves, and Roegadyn, who are huge, tall, and scary. The players can choose which race they'd like, and which nation to align themselves with.

Choosing a starting class is not really as hard as it is in other games. The classes are divided up into four "disciplines" that break down into more occupations. Final Fantasy XIV has a special level up system, where each player level up weapons for a class, and not the class itself.

The game wants players to only make one character and be able to play every class with that character throughout their lifetime by merely switching their weapon.

This game is a bit more difficult than your run-of-the-mill MMORP, but if you are looking for a challenge and not child's play, then Final Fantasy XIV is a beautiful world one can enjoy exploring for hours.

This game isn't perfect with a frustrating user interface and no definite economic system, despite the boring hunting and gathering system. It definitely needs some work. It could be said that this game is surely not for everyone. It is suggested that one might want to look up more about the game online before deciding to spend the $50 to get this for PC.

Final Fantasy XIV will also be released for PlayStation 3 on March 31, 2011.