Square-Enix: Please Wait "3-4 Weeks" Before Reviewing FFXIV

No, we don't finish every game we review. That'd be too impossible for words. But gamers still demand reviews within only a few days of any given big release, so if journalists abide by Square-Enix's plea, the fans are gonna be annoyed.

This is in regards to the PC version but we imagine Square-Enix would ask the same of those reviewing the PS3 version (when it arrives): according to one source, the publisher has been delivering review code with the following caveat: they don't want reviews to be posted until "three to four weeks post launch." You can write up some impressions before that time but they obviously don't believe you'd see enough to do an accurate review after only a few days. Square-Enix describes this as a "polite request" and it's designed "to give the online game time to mature." This is one of those times where it may not matter, though, as MMORPG fans have probably decided for or against a purchase already. Then again, if you happen to be on the fence, you may have to wait a bit before you get any critic feedback. Perhaps such a suggestion would've been helpful for FFXIII...if you don't play for a while, you're going to miss a huge transition in gameplay, not to mention the development of the story.

But what do you think? Do we need a few weeks to get a firm hold of FFXIV, even though the controls, graphics, sound, and other score-able factors obviously won't change after the first hour...?

Related Game(s): Final Fantasy XIV

Tags: ffxiv, final fantasy xiv, square-enix, ffxiv ps3

9/29/2010 10:49:29 AM Ben Dutka

Put this on your webpage or blog:
Email this to a friend
Follow PSX Extreme on Twitter

Comments (47 posts)

Toggle Scrolling | Reload Comments

Orvisman
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 11:06:32 AM
Reply

I don't see the problem.

A game like MAG should have been reviewed weeks after launch or maybe rereviewed again a year after launch because MAG, as it exists now, is heads and shoulders above the launch game.

16 up, 2 down

maxpontiac
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 12:11:33 PM

Agree 100% with your reference to MAG. It's completely different, and when 2.0 drops, it's a brand new game.

Sure, someone can play the game for 10 hours and get the jest of it, but until you put around 50 or so hours into it, it's impossible to get the complete experience.

It's easy to notice when the reviewer has only skimmed the surface.

3 up, 0 down

Zorigo
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 12:58:07 PM

i might get mag now!

0 up, 0 down

Bigtuna1
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 6:18:26 PM

I agree 100% too. If ffxiv is half as addictive as Mag than I may just have to take a second look at final fantasy games.

0 up, 0 down

coverton341
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 11:10:36 AM
Reply

It's an MMO there is going to be a tonne of area to explore and a massive (Excuse the pun) amount of things to do so, while yes it could annoy some gamers, I think this polite request is well within the bounds of fairness.

I don't really play MMO games, actually the only one I ever have played was the beta for this game, but I can imagine that WoW would have been a bit different from the first two weeks it was up until about a month after.

7 up, 0 down

Warukyure [Power User]
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 11:13:17 AM
Reply

While the graphics in this game are very top-notch. I can't really say much for everything else.

I wish there was a way hold more than 8 regional leves. I wish the cooldown on leves was a bit shorter (from 36 hours to 24 hours would be nice). While bazaaring you can charge whatever you want and people aren't gonna be able to undercut you as easier, it makes it harder to simply go to an Auction House and just look up available equipment there.

Partying, adventuring in a group is fun, but they really need to make it so you can view party members on the map. A few of us would be like "Where are you?" and its confusing when you get replies like "East of the Camp".

Biggest annoyance though, is should you disconnect, or something happens in the middle of a leve (crash, etc.) you get an automatic fail on your leve and I for the life of me can't find if I can just re-do it instead of waiting for leve reset.

1 up, 0 down

Arvis
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 11:28:12 AM

Dude, haven't seen you post for a long time. Am I just not reading the right articles? :)

Were you in the beta for this game or something?

-Arvis

1 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 11:38:37 AM

If you type <pos> in your message, it'll give them your location on the map. Every map is cut up into a grid of letters, horizontally, and numbers vertically. So, if I tell you I'm at G-7, you will find me quickly!!!

But you're right. FFXI had markers for allies. I'm sure it's either a matter of time, or maybe you and I just haven't figured it out yet.

Last edited by Underdog15 on 9/29/2010 11:39:59 AM

1 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:25:25 PM

I never seen you before but obviously you're not new and you're a power user!!!!!..............what's that?

0 up, 0 down

Kowhoho
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 5:00:26 PM

Whoa! What's a Power User?

Also your avatar is cute, what's it from?

0 up, 0 down

Warukyure [Power User]
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 5:45:16 PM

Arvis:

Thanks for the wb.

Underdog15:

I've tried that several times in both field map and town map, and that doesn't work.

Snaaaake and Kowhoho:

I don't know what the requirements to get Power User are. But I have been visiting this site since before the commenting system was added.

Last thing,

I won't lie, I can see Square-Enix tries to take a lot of the best elements of MMOs and did their best in trying to blend and implement (Such as the crafting quest/skilling up system from Aion, I believe). Now there was a lot of critisism about some aspects of 11 (having to Party for Hours, or impossible bosses) that 14 has addressed. But ultimately the flaw I see with 14 is in trying to bring in the biggest and best ideas, they overlooked the little parts that make the game more interface friendly.

1 up, 0 down

JPBooch
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 11:19:19 AM
Reply

I have to agree with this. I'd rather have a review that is thorough by a person who has actually experienced most of what the game has to offer than to have a review by someone who just skims through the game and makes assumptions.

Not saying this site does that, but at least their polite request would have the reviewer not do that.

4 up, 0 down

godsman
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 11:26:41 AM
Reply

Square Enix are just being a coward.

SE: "Please give us a 4 week head start!!"

Little Big Planet, where it was entirely based on user created contents were reviewed before launch. The community didn't get huge until a month or two later. Media Molecule didn't beg for a head start.

3 up, 5 down

Underdog15
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 11:27:52 AM
Reply

I've been playing this on PC lately. I actually enjoy it quite a bit! For RPG fans, it's a MASSIVE world, and there's enough of a story that you really don't need to rely on teammates like you did in FFXI. It's still an MMO, but you can do a heck of a lot more solo.

In fact, quests will ask you beforehand for a difficulty rating, and you can select the SOLO option, or tackle it as a duo, trio, party, or legion!

In other words, you can play solo the whole time, with a buddy, or with huge amounts of friends!!! I really like that improvement.

The battle system is mature, and you can frequently change depending on the situation at hand.

Anyways, I do think it takes a little time, simply because it takes time to become well-rounded within the game, takes time to travel, and the game keeps throwing new elements at you all the time.

but yeah, as with most MMO's, the game you review now, may be completely different 2 years from now. Certainly, FFXI is nowhere NEAR the same game it was when it first released.

6 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Thursday, September 30, 2010 @ 8:49:25 AM

fyi, Ben, I say that if you get ahold of FFXIV on PC, there's enough there that you could make an accurate review after 15-20 hours of gameplay. If that takes 2 days or 2 weeks, I don't think it matters.

Also, Ben, quick question about FFXIV reviews. If I decide in a couple months to review my experience of FFXIV on PC, would I be able to post it as a user review in anticipation of the PS3 release? From what I read, the controls are identical to PC if you have a PS shaped controller for PC.

Last edited by Underdog15 on 9/30/2010 8:51:12 AM

0 up, 0 down

gumbi
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 11:40:00 AM
Reply

I think the critics can review most elements of the game right away. It's just the social aspect of it that needs time to grow.

Meh, either way. I'm not on board for this one. MMO's just don't appeal to me, at all. This FF installment is a waste of roman numerals to me. Still biding my time for VS... hope that pans out.

0 up, 0 down

main_event05
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 11:41:25 AM
Reply

Maybe they want you to wait a few weeks to give people a chance to get it before it receives the negative reviews it may or may not deserve?

3 up, 0 down

Hezzron
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 11:51:05 AM
Reply

Review for FF14: "Due to this delayed review, many people put off buying the game, causing a lack of players online. However, it was pleasant playing with and getting to know IGN's and GameSpot's reviewers better."

Is this another FF game that'll take 100 hours of gameplay before it starts to get "good"?

0 up, 2 down

Alienange
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 12:09:52 PM

It's not so much that the game gets good, but that the game is almost over.

0 up, 1 down

GuardianMode
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 11:57:15 AM
Reply

The seems like a reasonable request. After playing FFXI for 4 years the game didnt get good till "The Rise of the Zilart." expansion. Before that its was all about the Shadowlord.

3 up, 0 down

Alienange
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 12:15:34 PM
Reply

What nonsense. When it comes out for the PS3, you ignore SE the way they ignore the fans and you give us the review we all want to see.

3 up, 3 down

LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 2:10:34 PM

What do you care, you're not going to get this game anyways.

1 up, 0 down

Alienange
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 4:48:58 PM

Right. Because you've never said anything about MW2.

1 up, 5 down

LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 4:50:06 PM

I actually played the full campaign and attempted the MP for the game so I don't see why I wouldn't discuss various things related to MW2.

I was just asking a question, be nice.

2 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Thursday, September 30, 2010 @ 9:06:23 AM

I'll say something about MW2... and I bet it's the same or similar opinions as LV... the game's a recycled glitch-fest.

0 up, 0 down

Slycly
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 12:38:51 PM
Reply

In 4 weeks they may add enough content or patch the game enough to make the fans happy.

I not even going bother with a MMO from SE when they can't even make good single player games any more.

2 up, 3 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 12:46:07 PM
Reply

Makes sense, I don't care a great deal though since I won't be getting this Final Finance game. But I do have a pretty solid belief that any game at or under ten hours in length should be played in full before a review.

"The reviewer always has hold of the wrong horror."
-Flannery O'connor

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 9/29/2010 12:54:29 PM

3 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 2:11:13 PM

Favre needs to stop being gay.

Oh and the forums miss you...

Last edited by LimitedVertigo on 9/29/2010 2:12:41 PM

0 up, 2 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:08:58 PM

Oh, I didn't have hold of the "wrong horror" when reading some of O'Connor's stories. Oh no I didn't. I got that "horror" QUITE well, thank you.

'shudder'

0 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:43:44 PM

I will return to the forums when the Nazi agitator Spartan has finally gotten himself banned again.

0 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 4:24:16 PM

What happened?

Did you send him naked pics again?

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 5:51:03 PM

He'll get nothing but curses and epithets from me.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 9/29/2010 5:52:01 PM

0 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 1:02:53 PM
Reply

It's a logical and understandable request by Square.

We'll see if ps3 reviewers will follow this request in March.

3 up, 0 down

eLLeJuss
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 1:45:19 PM
Reply

Yeah, i don't think you can review this kind of game right away. You at least have to play it a few days to get the charm of the game.

1 up, 1 down

Lawless SXE
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 1:47:56 PM
Reply

I guess it really does depend on the individual. I mean, some people (like yourself Ben) believe that you can review a game after only a few hours. This isn't necessarily wrong, but in this modern age of DLC, it is far easier to expand on the game and make it better than it would otherwise be at launch. A broken product is still a broken product though.

Some people choose to complete a game, or at least get a fair clip through it before reviewing a game, and as such have a much greater grasp on the little intracicies that may be skipped over if you don't put the hours in. I'm not saying that you aren't doing your job properly; that would be extremely out of place. Just that in the case of a game that relies on extraneous content and a larger community, that time really is needed. So MMO's, MAG, LBP, Modnation Racers, and an ever expanding range of games, as they all seek to be a part of the new wave of DLCGames.

Sorry for all that.
Peace.

3 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:08:17 PM
Reply

Not that I'm accusing anyone here; just making a general comment:

I like how everyone is all diplomatic and civilized about this when on the flip side, if a review isn't out IMMEDIATELY, reviewers and sites won't hear the end of it for a very, very long time...

Just sayin'. ;)

2 up, 1 down

maxpontiac
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:26:28 PM

My thoughts on that? The people who demand reviews need to stick a fork in it..

3 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:44:22 PM

Is that concerning the never-existant ModNation review?

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 3:50:37 PM

No, it's just a general observation. People FREAK out if a review isn't out the instant a game is on store shelves. I've noticed that in gaming communities...it's not any one site, it just seems to be the overall consensus, as if every last gamer will be making a purchase decision on day one.

It's a little frustrating from my angle, that's all.

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 9/29/2010 3:50:56 PM

3 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 4:10:38 PM

I know what you mean, especially since so many sites break the embargo dates. But then gamers have never been known for their patience :)

3 up, 0 down

Alienange
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 4:51:20 PM

Well to be fair, ModNation Racers is not an MMO.

1 up, 3 down

coverton341
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 5:34:04 PM

I like to think that a few of us slightly diplomatic chaps are always this diplomatic and have never clamoured for a review that isn't out the nanosecond after the game is out.

That's what I like to think anyway.

4 up, 0 down

Bigtuna1
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 6:20:10 PM

so where's the modnation review at? lol

2 up, 2 down

main_event05
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 6:29:11 PM

Stockholm Syndrome lol.

2 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Thursday, September 30, 2010 @ 1:31:15 AM

I'm not asking for the review to be out the second the game is. I'm cool waiting for a couple of weeks, unless I'm really interested in the game, but am on the fence for a purchase decision. Then it becomes a matter of impatient waiting.
Peace.

0 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 6:21:58 PM
Reply

Coverton, Even I'm not known for my diplomacy most of the time, I'm with you on this one!

0 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Wednesday, September 29, 2010 @ 9:35:29 PM
Reply

I think I'm somewhat opposed to this notion. Really, when a game releases it needs to be prepared, and or, ready to be judged. If it's not at this state, well, it shouldn't be released until it is.

Games of this nature tend to have betas to iron-out the pre-ship bugs and contrivances associated with trying to launch large scale games of this sort. All of the gaming media shouldn't be the ones having to wait for the sake of the publisher's inability to properly prepare the product.

Sorry, but release date, means SHOW TIME!

0 up, 0 down

Please login or register to leave a comment.

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories cheats	PSP
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas cheats	PS2
Z.H.P. Unlosing Ranger vs. Darkdeath Evilman cheats	PSP
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories cheats	PSP
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars cheats	PSP
FIFA 07 cheats	PS2
Toca Touring Cars 2 cheats	PS1
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin cheats	PS2
Pro Evolution Soccer 2013 cheats	PS3
Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped cheats	PS1

Do you plan to buy a PlayStation Vita this year?
	Yes, I'll definitely get one in 2013.
	No, but I'll get one eventually.
	No, I have no intention of buying the Vita.
	No, I've already got one.

Playstation 3

Playstation 4

PSP

Playstation Vita

Playstation 2

Playstation

Other

PSX Extreme

Site Stats

Square-Enix: Please Wait "3-4 Weeks" Before Reviewing FFXIV

Comments (47 posts)

Leave a Comment

Latest Updates

Popular Cheats

Recent Reviews

Recent Previews

Popular Sections

Extras

Sponsor

Our Poll

Resident Evil: Revelations review	PS3
Metro: Last Light review	PS3
Zombie Tycoon II: Brainhov's Revenge review	PS3
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon review	PS3
Star Trek: The Video Game review	PS3
Injustice: Gods Among Us review	PS3
Dead Island: Riptide review	PS3
Defiance review	PS3
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 review	PS3
Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel review	PS3

The Bureau: XCOM Declassified preview	PS3
Time and Eternity preview	PS3
Ride to Hell: Retribution preview	PS3
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger preview	PS3
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon preview	PS3
Spartacus Legends preview	PS3
Payday 2 preview	PS3
DUST 514 preview	PS3
Dynasty Warriors 8 preview	PS3
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness preview	PS3