Final+Fantasy+XIV++(Jourdan)

Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV is an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game). It’s an installment in the Final Fantasy series developed and published by Square Enix. It’s set in the fantasy world of Eorzea and players get to take control of a custom created character as they explore the land and complete quests.

Here is the E3 game trailer:

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What I Learned
There was definitely a lot of learning going on for me as this is the first MMO that I have really tried to dedicate the time to learn. > > > >
 *  how to navigate around using the map,
 *  how to start and complete quests,
 *  how to interact with other people (both talking in chat and using “emotes” which are hysterical)
 *  how to effectively engage in combat.

How I Learned It
Final Fantasy XIV used a few learning principles to engage and teach the player. Obviously the strongest was the identity principle but the game had strong reward based incentives as well. The game worked strongly off the identity principle and engaging with the character you created. I chose a Lalafell for my character. They look kind of like hobbits or gnome people. Either way they’re adorable. I tried to make them look somewhat like me but I gave them their own name. This attachment to a character works very well in games because it encourages a desire to continue in the game even when other motivation may be lacking. As far as learning a lot of the basics the game had a plethora of tutorials or “beginning quests” which required a lot of reading but explained the basics and gave a chance to try out what you learned throughout the quest. Because the game is online I actually received a lot of help from real people to learn the game. I think this a great benefit of MMOs. They mimic a ‘group project’ scenario in which those who know more can bring the others up to speed. In fact Final Fantasy XIV has a ‘mentor’ program built into the game where experienced players can gain benefits from helping out beginning players. The last thing I wanted to add is that the beginning levels offer a low risk environment to learn what you’re doing. It’s pretty difficult to die! 

Online Communities
Final Fantasy XIV has a large number of online resources, from walkthroughs, to Wiki’s, to the main game page, to fan forums. Because the game is so centered around Online interaction and Final Fantasy is such and old and solid franchise there is more than enough information to suite anyone’s needs or questions.

Reflection
Overall Rating is an A++. I really enjoyed getting to play with my brother and boyfriend and the game has a wonderful narrative which are the two most important things for me in a game. I had a rough learning curve as the combat is something I’ve never experienced before. As an Arcanist (summoner) I’m in charge of casting spells and commanding my adorable little creature to attack. If I hadn’t had people who had played these types of games before it would have been rough to learn. I’m also terrible with maps so I constantly got lost (but I do that in real life anyway). What I enjoy about games is that they often allow you to try out skills in a safe and fun environment. Maybe I’ll eventually get better at maps. I definitely plan to continue playing.