14 DAY TRIAL // Square Enix has announced the launch of the free trial version of its massively multiplayer online role-playing game Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, available starting today on PC.
The game usually requires a monthly subscription in addition to the initial purchase, but the trial version allows PC players to access it and play for free for two weeks.
The trial allows gamers to level up to level 20, but there are however some limitations as far as in-game activities are concerned, such as not being able to log in to the official Lodestone community page or to use the market board.
If you want to see the full details on the free trial's restrictions, you can visit the Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn support page.
The good news is that the trial includes the newly added content in the recent Defenders of Eorzea expansion, containing the Frontline, the innovative three-faction player-versus-players experience, as well as Chocobo raising, and many other features.
The trial is sadly not available for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 editions of the game, however, so only PC gamers get to take the game for a spin and return to see what's changed since their last MMORPG dose.
In case you're interested in seeing what's new in Patch 2.3 – Defenders of Eorzea and whether the download is worth the effort, take a look at the video below. Square Enix does a pretty good job of outlining the main additions in the update, complete with actual in-game footage of the new enemies that you'll be (potentially) facing.
Do note that you can migrate your PC character to the PlayStation 4 edition of the game if you decide to make a purchase, so your progress isn't lost, and you can always get a cheaper PS3 copy, load it up on your PS3 and go to the Mog Station (online account management) and select "Upgrade to PS4."
Furthermore, the game is cross-platform compatible, so you can play with your friends on PC, PS3 and PS4, so you don't have to abandon your team mates if you move to the PS4 version.
Considering the summer drought, this might just net you another hobby to get you through until fall. It's a shame though that Square Enix did not extend the free trial to the console version of the role-playing game, given its success on Sony's platforms.
