Most FFXIV Players Prefer to Use a Keyboard and Mouse.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is a massively multiplayer online game that debuted to much fanfare on the PC and Playstation 3 in 2013. The game served to replace the original Final Fantasy XIV, which debuted in 2010 and garnered a largely negative reception. The original game?s failure was so comprehensive, the president of the game?s maker, Square Enix, created a team solely devoted to the resolution of its multiple issues. Technically a sequel, A Realm Reborn takes place five years after the conclusion of the original game. The preceding story concluded with the release of the dragon Bahamut, who destroys much of the world of Eorzea. The player escaped this devastation through a five year jump into the future. A Realm Reborn takes this arrival as its starting point, and allows gamers to play a major role in the rebuild of Eorzea, along with its defense from invasion.
A New Beginning
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn largely corrected the issues inherent in its predecessor, and has received a highly positive reception. Now available on the Playstation 4, the game finally has a console version that competes with the quality of its PC sibling. Previously available on the PS3, Final Fantasy XIV suffered from graphic and frame rate issues. The PS4 version suffers from neither of these, however, with next-generation graphics that compete with those on the most advanced gaming PC, along with an excellent frame rate. Both the PC and PS4 versions have improved server structures, a brand-new game engine, and an improved interface, better gameplay, and more engaging story than the original. Proof of the game?s success came in 2014, when it almost single-handedly returned Square Enix to profitability. As of 2018, the game has 14 million players worldwide.
If you have fallen in love with the Final Fantasy series, you?re not alone. One of the most iconic game series of all time, Final Fantasy debuted in 1987 on the Nintendo. Since then, it has had 14 numbered sequels, in addition to a large number of spin-offs. Final Fantasy XIV served as a huge leap forward compared with its predecessor, Final Fantasy XI, which served as the series? first MMO. If you are interested in Final Fantasy XIV and have both a PS4 and personal computer, you will need to choose which platform to pursue.
Comparing the PS4 and PC Versions
The PS4 Controller?s Analog Stick Makes Character Movement More Natural.
First of all, you should know that Final Fantasy XIV operates as a cross-platform game. This means that players on the PS4 can fully interact with PC players, and both can play on the same servers. You can also transfer your progress between versions, though you?ll have to buy a new license. For gamers worried that play with the PS4 controller might have its limitations, keep in mind that you can also purchase a keyboard and mouse for your console. As for the release of new content, it becomes available simultaneously on both platforms. These similarities aside, let?s take a look at what works well on the PS4.
Movement
PC players typically use the familiar WASD keys to navigate the game. This can lead to excessive amounts of strafing and backpedaling, movements that grow repetitive and seem unnatural when constantly engaged. On the Playstation 4, however, players can take advantage of the analog control stick for full, 360-degree control of their characters.
Graphics
As previously mentioned, Final Fantasy XIV appears gorgeous on the Playstation 4. The level of graphics and speed of gameplay easily rival that of the most advanced gaming PCs. When compared to its predecessor on the Playstation 3, the PS4 FFXIV represents a huge leap forward.
Touchpad Use
The PS4?s onboard touchpad makes it relatively easy to navigate the game?s extensive menu system. On the PS3, this operation quickly became tedious.
Now, let?s look at what doesn?t work so well on the PS4. These problems also serve to identify advantages of the PC version.
Skill Mapping
If you only ever play solo mode, skill mapping isn?t that much of a concern. The PS4 controller has plenty of buttons to tie to your most frequently used skills. However, if you want to participate in group raids, you may find yourself at a loss. Raids can push you to your limits, and may require the use of skills you would otherwise never employ. To accomplish this, you would need to tie these skills to another set of controller functions, and switch between this and your main skill-set. This can become awkward and annoying, especially in a fast-paced raid environment. Of course, you can remedy this problem through the purchase of a Playstation keyboard.
Targeting
Another limitation of the PS4 controller comes from targeting. This action is simple with the use of a mouse, but difficult and annoying with the controller?s directional pad. A player must manually scroll through an entire list of enemies to find the preferred target. This becomes especially problematic when fighting a great number of opponents, such as happens on raids.
At the end of the day, all of the problems of the PS4 version get resolved if you have the device?s keyboard and mouse accessories. Overall, there are virtually no differences between this version and that available for PC and Mac. Simply choose the version accessible on your preferred device, and you?ll be slaying monsters in no time. If you want to get started with an early advantage, you can even purchase the accounts of other players.
