This is purely speculative for several reasons, mainly because it's not on general release yet, and I have only cursory knowledge of the game itself!
But, anyway, with the re-launch of XIV:ARR very soon, maybe it's time to reflect on what's been a rather long process of reconciliation. Ever since the absolutely hideous launch of XIV: 1.0, Square Enix has effectively been in damage limitation mode. The game got slated by reviewers, some giving it a frankly terrible 4.0. This was already coming at a time where fan apathy towards Square Enix was getting higher and higher. Final Fantasy XIII was released pretty soon before (XIII: March 2010, XIV: September 2010) and well, I don't need to go over the divisions over that game.
Things were smurfing up pretty badly for Square Enix at this point, and one could argue that the period of 2010-2011(12?) was one of their lowest points, at least regarding the Final Fantasy franchise. I don't really follow Square Enix besides Final Fantasy, so sure, they would have had successes elsewhere.
But damn did the Final Fantasy series take a slump. Again, I could ramble about XIII, but this is XIV specific. How could the fans forgive Square Enix? Some people didn't even want a MMORPG, at least not after XIII. "Give us a single-player FF game that we deserve damn it". I for one am frankly indifferent to MMORPGs in general, so XI and XIV pretty much slip my mind.
And I'm forgetting Square Enix's other slip ups during this period. Type-0 for all intents a great game, but they've yet to localise it. Meanwhile, the now titled XV was pretty much labelled vapourware and fans were annoyed by the radio silence.
But so, we come full circle back to XIV. On October, 2011, after much grovelling and apologising AND the sacking of the development team (of which I imagine were forced to commit Seppuku to atone) Square Enix decided to just re-launch XIV and call it XIV: A Realm Reborn.
XIV: ARR effectively had three jobs to clear up Square Enix's mess:
- Prove Square Enix can still produce a decent Final Fantasy game
- Prove Square Enix can still produce a decent MMORPG game
- Win back disaffected fans disappointed by the recent showings
- Gain back credibility as a competent producer to industry experts
All of these sound similar, and they are, but the differences are subtle but significant. XIV:ARR had more to do than just be a decent MMORPG. Final Fantasy is arguably Square Enix's biggest franchise internationally. While a MMORPG, it is still a main numbered entry, and therefore is scrutinised just as heavily by everyone: fan or expert or critic alike. Even if you aren't really interested in MMORPGs, the success of this relaunch was paramount.
And, personally, I think they've done pretty rather well for themselves. I don't want this to go on too long, but you firstly have the Yoshi-P letters, which has frankly swamped the front-site! Square Enix are serious about making up for the fans. The fact that they've been so open about the development shows how much they know they messed up.
We then have the beta. It's gone very well. Many of the members on EoFF have taken part and the Open Beta (where progress is carried over) is a nice reward, as is the pre-ordered 'early access'.
I went on GameFAQs earlier today and... oh look! Both versions of XIV:ARR are top of the 'Most Popular Games list'. That's promising. Even better, the Final Fantasy brand is 'encouragingly' looking up. Noctis will FINALLY get his game, Lightning Returns might just redeem her to people, and Square Enix are at least listening to the Type-0 arguments.
But, enough about me blabbering. I might be talking utter crap, but what do you think of XIV:ARR's development? Has it impressed you with how serious SE has taken the criticisms? Do discuss.
(Naturally, if it turns out that XIV:ARR is absolute crap, then expect SE to slump again )