While the testing for Phase 2 in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn‘s beta has concluded, the team is busily preparing for the next phase that will open up much more of the game for testers. Square Enix posted a handful of new in-development high-resolution screenshots this morning which feature some of the newly-revamped locales.
In the images below you can see that the UI has gone through a few aesthetic tweaks, and that the player is controlling a Thaumaturge class Lalafell. There are several different places in Thanalan (a mostly arid region of Eorzea) shown, such as: an overlook in what I presume is western Thanalan near the sea, Uldah in the distant nightscape, and in the city of Ul’dah itself. It should be noted that the map has transparency, which may be adjustable going forward.
The next phase of closed-beta testing (Phase 3)will begin in June for both PC and PlayStation 3. You can apply by following this link. Following that will be the open beta (Phase 4) followed by the official release. If you’re wondering what time-frame the team is shooting for, they assure us it will release in the “hot summer” — as if to rule out later in September.
What areas are you most excited to revisit and re-explore in Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn? Those of you who are completely or generally new to the game, what strikes you the most about the areas featured in media thus-far? Do you find the new Eorzea to be more appealing to play in? Leave us your thoughts in a comment below!
Update: Four new screenshots have been posted featuring the Limsa Lominsa/La Noscea region.
Update #2: Three new screenshots from Ul’dah/Limsa Lominsa.
Update #3: Four new screenshots from Limsa Lominsa at night time.
