If you’re interested at getting a sneak peek at what FFXIV is starting to look like, you can apply to be a beta tester and get your hands on a copy of the game to help iron out the tweaks. Square Enix’s looking for players to test out the Windows version of Final Fantasy XIV. You can apply to play the online version here.

Just make sure not to be a pest and apply more than once, otherwise they’ll chuck all your applications. Guess they don’t like people who are too persistent. Thanks to our member Earl for bringing it to our attention!

Each of these versions contains not only info about several subjects (World, Races, Bestiary, Gameplay, etc…) but also features trailers and screenshots.

To visit the site, go here.

Thanks to our member Earl for bringing this to our attention.

Edit: Both 4Gamer and Gamewatch have an article about FFXIV with lots of new images. Click here and here to check them out.

FFXIV Gameplay Video 1

FFXIV Gameplay Video 2

FFXIV Gameplay Video 3

FFXIV Character animation video

Sources: GameVideos and Gametrailers

Update 20/09/2009 – Two more videos have surfaced:

FFXIV Gameplay Video 4

FFXIV Gameplay Video 5

Thanks go to our member KuraudoStrife for bringing this up to our attention.

You may check it out here.

The Races:

Hyur: “Boasting the largest population in Eorzea, the Hyur came from neighboring continents and islands in three great migratory waves. With them they brought a sophisticated technology and complex ethos tempered by the breadth of the outside world. They rapidly became a driving force behind cultural progress, and are now widely attributed with spearheading advances in Eorzean culture.

One of the Hyur’s strengths is in the staggering variety of languages and social institutions the exhibit. This is said to account for their firm conviction in individual freedoms, though it also results in a relative lack of solidarity and group cohesion.

Two distinct groups now exist among the Hyur – Highlanders, denizens of mountainous areas, and Midlanders, who reaide in lower elevations.

Elezen: “The Elezen are a traditionally nomadic people who in former times claimed sole domination over Eorzea, their presence predating that of other races. Believing this prominence to be ordained by the gods, they came to develop an esteemed sense of honor and pride.

Their characteristically tall, slim physiques and elongated limbs are part of a successful adaptation to the land’s various environments. Indeed, it is said that their highly sensitive ears can discern the squeak of of a field mouse at a distance of several malms.

The Elezen perceived the immigration of the Hyur as tantamount to invasion, and as a result the two share a past plagued by warfare. At present, however, they can be seen coexisting peacefully, the exception being the reclusive Duskwight Elezen.”

Miqo’te: “During the Age of Endless Frost, as the seas turned to ice and passage over them became possible, Eorzea saw an influx of foreign fauna to her shores. This in turn brought the hunting tribes which subsisted upon them, the modern descendants of whom are today known as the Miqo’te.

Since then, the Miqo’te have diverged into two physically distinguishable groups – the diurnal Seekers of the Sun and the nocturnal Keepers of the Moon. Both groups share a superb olfactory sense and powerful leg musculature, results of a long evolution geared toward hunting and predation.

Comparatively few in number, they maintain an insular group mentality, tending to avoid contact with the other races. Many individuals lead isolated lifestyles, even when residing in the more populous cities.”

Roegadyn: “The Roegadyn are a maritime people whose largest concentrations are found in the northern seas, by way of which they came to Eorzea.

They possess enormous, muscular builds and are known for the cultural emphasis they place on competition and unflinching courage, though tender, introspective individuals can also be found.

Roegadyn in and around the Limsa Lominsa area are typically seamen putting in at port, but many have also settled permanently, becoming mercenaries, bodyguards, or even pirates by trade. Far away, deep in the mountains of Ul’dah, live mountain clans of reclusive Roegadyn known as the Hellguard, said to have mastered the magical arts.”

Lalafell: “The Lalafell were originally a group of agriculturalists inhabiting the fertile islands of the south seas. With the introduction of transmarine commerce, they soon found their way to Eorzea via trade routes. They are now one of the more populous races and are well established throughout the region, though they remain averse to cold climates.

The short, rotund build of the Lalafell belie an incredible agility, and their seemingly feeble legs are capable of carrying them long distances over any terrain. Many among them are also known for possessing highly developed and cunning intellects.

The Lalafell place a great deal of significance on familial bonds, but are by no means unfriendly to outsiders. This is evidenced by the fact that they continue to share prosperous relations with all the other races of Eorzea.”

The “Armory System”:

“The Armoury system is one of the foundations of the Final Fantasy XIV experience, simultaneously being both the impetus behind character development and a key factor determining individual gameplay.

By merely equipping any of a variety of weapons or tools, players can instantly change their active skills, thus enabling them to dramatically alter their style of play as well as their character’s outward appearance. To take an example, let us follow a day in the life of Leeroy.

Leeroy recently chose to begin the journey down the path of the gladiator, trying his hand at the age-old art of swordplay for the first time. Even today, he woke at dawn to spend the daylight hours drilling relentlessly on the tiny wildlife just outside of town. Alas, opportunities often present themselves when least expected…

Without prior notice, some friends invite Leeroy to partake in an expedition in some nearby ruins. Upon joining their ranks, however, he observes that the other party members are seasoned warriors and accomplished mages all. Dismayed yet not given to despair, Leeroy sheathes his sword and takes up his well-worn staff, assuming the role of thaumaturge, his most advanced class. He bids farewell to the rodents and worms and races to meet his companions, basking in the confident light of his spellcasting abilities.

The party members go their separate ways following a successful outing, and while following the river back to town Leeroy is suddenly taken by the urge to fish. He secures his staff to his back in a deft, practiced motion, and on the recoil pulls out his beloved fishing rod. The gladiator and thaumaturge are gone now, and all that remains is Leeroy the fisherman. Three shining trout! Not a bad haul.

Upon arriving home, Leeroy puts aside his fishing rod and takes up his trusty hammer, blacksmithery having ever been one of his passions. He knows, as does any adventurer, that preparation is the key to any battle, and so sets to working the dents out of his armor and sharpening the edge of his blade. It’s all in a day’s work.

This is but a mere sample of what players can expect from the Armoury. With flexibility of gameplay and effective use of time at its core, the system is designed with emphasis on not one the in-game lifestyles of characters, but those of the players themselves as well. The Armoury awaits you!”

PS: HAHHAHAA Leeroy was good!!!

The “Guildleve System”:

“Whither doth a man walk if another taketh the road from under his feet?”
- Pandelion Brontard at the 14th Meeting of the Allied Council of Eorzean Nations

“Guildleves are small, rectangular plates made of stained crystal set into a frame of precious metal, each depicting a virtuous deed of one of Eorzea’s patron saints, also known as ‘guardians.’ When issuing tasks or quests, guilds will often provide adventurers with these plates, allowing their bearers ‘leave’ to take whatever steps necessary to complete the jobs, including entry into normally restricted areas, hunting or harvesting on private lands, the confiscation of goods, even negotiations with those considered enemies of the city-states. Guildleves also grant use of aetheryte portals, ensuring quick travel about the region.

Upon assessing an adventurer’s skills, a guildmaster will provide a selection of several different leves, taken from the guild’s stock. After weighing risks against rewards, fame against fortune, adventurers may then select the leves that they feel best suit their needs.

Of course, there are no regulations stating that tasks must be completed alone. Adventurers are free to call on their companions to join them, as only one leve is required to take advantage of the benefits and privileges provided to its bearer. By coordinating the leves of multiple party members, adventurers can even plan grand campaigns built around several different quests.

Whether you have an hour or a whole day, are alone or with friends, seeking battle or bounty, guildleves give you the ability to forge your own adventures. The possibilities are endless!”

Screenshots:

Full scans:

(Famitsu)

(Dengeki PlayStation)

Source: Final Fantasy XIV FF7AC reunion, Eorzeapedia and NeoGAF