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So, thanks to some kind (although slightly NDA breaking) fellows in the beta, we have a glimpse of the options for character creation for FFXIV. I've uploaded the most interesting images from these, including beards and hairstyles. Tomorrow, there should be more images showing the particular facial features available to each face (such as scars and tattoos). So keep checking this gallery as the beta progresses.

We’ve been getting a lot of FFXIV news ever since the alpha started, it’s hard to keep track of it all. I’m going to try my best to summarize the most interesting details. There is a long list of sources at the end. The new known details mostly concern features that will appear in the beta, which starts globally by July at the latest. The first round of beta testers will only consist of the same testers from the alpha, but with time, new testers will be invited.

One of the more interesting points in my eyes has been this discussion of a “Company” system in addition to the linkshells. Not only will linkshells be a more fully featured communication tool, but companies will exist as groups of linkshells. When producer Horimichi Tanaka was asked of alternatives to FFXI’s Conquest system (the warring city-states and such), he mentioned the Company system, implying that companies would compete in a similar manner. He went on to compare those companies to guilds or clans. 1up managed to confirm that there will be shared housing (in addition to player housing) for Companies, and that they would be able to "level up." More details on this system will come at a later date. Linkshells will appear in the beta a little after it starts.

As mentioned in an earlier article, the battle system has been sped up significantly for the beta. You have three gauges - effect, TP, and MP, which dictate the types of actions you can make on individual timers. The effect gauge will always refill itself, in and out of battle, with the type of action you take affecting how much of the gauge is depleted. For a more powerful, constant attack, each enemy should be engaged with a full gauge. There are also going to be macros like the ones in FFXI that allow you to announce your attacks, or string certain abilities together. Of course, timing your attacks with party members will still be important.

Much more after the jump.

By Mashira

With all of the E3 news buzzing around square being the sneaky tricksters they are have released a benchmark tool for FFXIV.

It shows what I'm pretty sure is the opening cutscenes. You get your choice of premade characters of every race/gender combination. The goal of the benchmark tool is to assess your computer's readiness for FFXIV, though the final specs have yet to be released.

If you're too lazy, or cant download it i'll write up a quick summary of what takes place just for you! Check it and my thoughts on the experience after the jump.

Behold, the new trailer. It seems like a lot of this is actually game footage.

"We decided to remove the effect gauge and we are going to use the action gauge in a different way."

Battle speed has increased because you don't have to wait for your action gauge to fill any more. This means you don't have to wait between making attacks, but each attack is still a deliberate action you make. It still looks a bit rough, but it looks more natural than what they previously had.

Hey, another quick note here. Final Fantasy XIV, the new FF MMORPG put up beta sign-ups a few weeks ago, and now they've apparently chosen the first round of applicants who will be able to play in the closed beta. If you signed up for it, you probably already know whether or not you were chosen for the March 11 round. Apparently, though, they'll be choosing more people as time goes on, so there's still hope for you to get chosen at some point.

Remember, if you love me, take explicit notes on the character progression and subjob system. I won't tell anyone, I swear.

Edit: The buzz around town says people who were accepted into the beta will get their emails tomorrow, and the only people among those are current FFXI players. (Confirmed. - Click on "secret bonus stage")