"Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn" on the PS4!?

Well, it seems that the development team over at Square Enix definitely wants to push old games onto consumers by offering revamped versions of them for next-gen consoles. They did it with "Tomb Raider: The Definitive Edition", and now they are doing it with "Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn". I know gaming journalists who oppose these kinds of practices could have a field day with the update material that I'm going to provide, but part of me wants to welcome this online Final Fantasy MMO onto my PS4. I've wanted to play the game ever since it was released on the PS3. Of course it goes without saying that I will not be paying via credit card though, because of security risks. I hope to the gaming gods that Square Enix has been paying attention to my articles, because I brought up similar points about various payment options recently. If they did then they might have just won me over, again.

Like the last generations offerings regarding "Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn" you (the gamer) will once again have the chance to pre-order a collector's edition that comes complete with a massive amount of extras. This limited edition re-release which is slated for April of this year includes some very noteworthy items. Among the bonus collection provided you'll find in-game extras such as exclusive mounts, and minions amongst other things. A CD soundtrack (The Sounds of Eorzea), an art book (The Art of Eorzea: A Realm Reimagined), a special movie disc, art cards, and a themed security token are also part of the larger than life bundle. The box which all of these goodies are contained in comes complete with art by the Final Fantasy legend, Yoshitaka Amano as well which is always a welcome sight in my opinion. While these extras fairly much mirror the offerings of the PS3 collector's edition newcomers to the game will find a welcome extra in the form of a free 30-day trial. This will give the gamers a proper sampling of the gameplay before they choose to commit to the mandatory monthly subscription fees. The added fact that subscriptions will vary in price, and will start at the $12.99 mark makes the online adventure more affordable for most gamers. My only lingering hope is that Square Enix has taken my advice, and made some form of pre-paid subscription card available to the public in the wake of this game's intended release date.

As far as pricing is concerned newcomers to the game will be paying the usual $39.99 for the standard edition, and $59.99 for the collector's edition (via PSN). If you prefer to have an actual "in your hand" product from Square Enix though they will be offering the physical "Collector's Edition" with all it's real life bonus content on their official website for $79.99 (plus tax & shipping costs). I imagine there will be a limited availability, but the total number of available copies is not known by me. Even so, considering all that you will be getting with the physical collector's edition it's not a bad price. I for one wouldn't mind having the soundtrack, and the art book in my own personal collection.

For those of you current PS3 "Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn" account holders, and players you'll find that Square Enix may have done you a bit of a disservice with these latest PS4 offerings. While your account will be transferable to your PS4 for free after release you will have to at least fork over the $39.99 for the standard edition if you want to play on the PS4. It should also be noted that once you transfer accounts from your PS3 over to your PS4 you will no longer be able to play "Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn" on your PS3 console. Why Square Enix decided to go about things in this manner is beyond me, but it is what will be taking place once the game is released on April 11th.

In the end the decision is up to you as to whether, or not you want to experience the visually revamped version of the game on your PS4 console. As with the latest "Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition" release though it is definitely more of the same thing. If you are like me, and didn't play this game on the PS3 last year, and if Square Enix heeded my advice about possible pre-paid subscriptions then you might just want to give this popular Final Fantasy MMO a try. Collector's, and Final Fantasy faithfuls who didn't get the collector's edition in 2013 might also be interested in getting the collector's edition this year. It is up to you though. As for me I'm going to wait, and see if the pre-paid subscription option comes into play. If it doesn't I'll probably be passing up the opportunity again.