Three years from its original release, Square Enix attempts another earnest attempt at relaunching Final Fantasy XIV A Realm Reborn with a new trailer that brings us around the world of Hydaelyn, and drops us in the midst of the concerns of Eorzea.
The trailer starts us off with a call from the Mothercrystal to meet the leaders of the Eorzean city-states. We are there when Kan-E-Senna reveals the first attack by the Garlean Empire, and we are also introduced to Sultana and Y’shtola.
Reminiscent of Star Wars is the entrance of the Garlean Empire, with Gaius van Baelsar and Nael van Darnus looking and sounding as sinister as ever. Later on, we get to see Cid nan Garlond talk to Gaius, reaffirming their earlier connection.
Of course, this trailer would not be complete without monsters and cool vehicles, and there is no lack of dragons and flying things in this trailer, as well as a giant troll. Separate scenes show giants taking down an airship.
Final Fantasy XIV received heavy criticism in its initial release three years ago, with the reaction so intense it prompted CEO Yoichi Wada to issue an official apology, and Hiromichi Tanaka to resign from the company. This new version of the game, announced October 2011, was built under the other Final Fantasy XIV producer, Naoki Yoshida, who was also director. The original game was shut down November 2012, with the alpha for A Realm Reborn showing up soon after.
Today, Square Enix relaunches the game, with hopes they have done enough to make amends with the fans and they can redeem the Final Fantasy name.