Here's a current comparison from the current alpha build to the next build (assuming to be beta).

Final Fantasy XIV: Alpha VS Beta (andriasang.com, 05.20.2010).

How's Final Fantasy XIV Coming Along? - Final Fantasy XIV - Kotaku

Looks pretty awesome, I think. I was worried the alpha seemed kind of dull in terms of lighting, but this just finalised my hopes of them putting in something much more dynamic.

What do you think?