looks interesting enough but i'll have to see more

embed for the lazy

The gameplay is more fast-paced than what was in Version 1.0, and it makes FFXI seem irrelivant as to why make another expansion pack. Everything makes more sense with how you access more aspects of the game that the first version of FFXIV failed upon. 1.0 did a poor job of explaining on changing classes and joining guilds; it was mostly trial and error there, but the Alpha directs you in the right direction in what to do and how to progress with your character. I've never played WoW and never will (because it just looks stupid to me and not really an RPG; just an MMO), but this game just has so much potential now that it's being remade.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn - Levequests and Party Combat (Alpha)

I think they got to fix the physics. The way how the monsters bounce and jiggle when they get hit seems over exaggerated

Most Physics aren't in the Alpha :P

There are two developments teams in regards to Alpha/Beta. One working on Alpha and the other on Beta. They split about 2 months ago, and any fixes and changes from Alpha will be implemented in Beta.

Ohhhhh. That makes sense.

Square Enix have announced their plans for the upcoming beta test for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. The beta test will be divided into four phases and will initially only be for the PC version of the game. It will kick off in mid-February. The PlayStation 3 beta test will take place at a later date. Read on for details.

Beta Test Eligibility
The following players are eligible:
* A Square Enix account is required to participate in the beta test. However,
   an account is not required when submitting a beta tester application.
• Legacy Status Holders
• FFXIV Service Account Holders
• Applicants selected through the Beta

Tester Application Site
* Players can apply to participate in both the Windows PC or PlayStation®3
   beta tests through the Beta Tester Application Site.

Beta applicants will undergo screening.
* A Square Enix account is required to participate in the beta test. However,
   an account is not required when submitting a beta tester application.
• Testers will be contacted in the order they are selected.
• Players in possession of a SQUARE ENIX MEMBERS code
   that came bundled with FINAL FANTASY XIII will be given
   priority for the PlayStation®3 Beta Test.
   Please access the FFXIV: ARR Beta Tester Application Site
   (opening early January 2013) for more information.

PHASE 1:

• Closed beta/NDA in place
• Commences mid-February 2013
• Duration: 2–4 weeks

Phase 1 will be followed by 1-2 weeks of debugging.

PHASE 2:

• Closed beta/NDA in place
• Duration: 1–3 weeks

Phase 2 will also be followed by 1-2 weeks of debugging.

PHASE 3:

• Closed beta/NDA in place
• Duration: 1–3 weeks
• PlayStation 3 beta test begins

Another 1-2 weeks of debugging following Phase 3.

PHASE 4:

• Open beta/NDA lifted
• Duration: 1–2 weeks

Note that all of the above time periods are subject to change, depending on the volume of feedback and adjustments that Square Enix have to make to the game along the way. More details regarding each phase of the beta test follow below:

PHASE 1:

• Between 5 and 10 Worlds will be available.
• All races and genders will be playable.
• Certain customization options will be unavailable until phase 3.
• The level cap will be set to 35.
• Eorzea time implemented (morning, afternoon, evening, night, etc.)
• Part of the main scenario, sidequests, class quests dungeons available.
• Note: Phase 1 characters will be deleted at the start of phase 2.

PHASE 2:

• Between 10 and 15 Worlds will be available.
• All races and genders will be playable.
• Certain customization options will be unavailable until phase 3.
• The level cap will be set to 35.
• Gamepad control will be implemented.
• Grand Companies/Grand Company exchange items, Private Chocobos.
• Chocobo raising unavailable. Additional Full Active Time Events/class quests.
• Note: Phase 2 characters will be deleted at the start of phase 3.

PHASE 3:

• Data centers now in Japan and overseas (previously only in Japan).
• More than 20 Worlds will be available.
• All character customization options will be available.
• The level cap will be set to 35 or above (TBD).
• Version 1.0 characters can be used.
• Testing will commence on the PlayStation 3.
• All FFXIV service account holders qualify as testers in phase 3.
• Overseas data centre stress-testing and performance optimization.
• Note: Phase 3 characters will be deleted at the start of phase 4.

PHASE 4:

• Phase 4 is scheduled to be an open beta.
• The PlayStation 3 version will be available.
• Characters created in Phase 4 will carry over to the official release.
• More than 20 Worlds will be available.
• All character customization options will be available.
• Version 1.0 characters can be used.

I'd also like to mention that anyone with a Legacy account is automatically in the Phase 1 Beta. No need to apply for us, then.

                          New screens from Nico Nico! + Low, Middle, & High Spec comparison.

Three different machines: High on a Core i7 3.5 Ghz with a Geforce GTX 680, Middle on a Core i5 750 2.66 Ghz with a Radeon HD5750 and Low on a Core 2 Duo 3.0 Ghz  with a low-end Geforce 8800 GT. All three machines were running on Windows 8 Pro 64 bit. Although these pictures don't give the game fair justice, the game  looks very good even on garbage settings, and runs smooth.

Those screenshots are terrible when it comes to comparing the High-Low difference. Though I can say there is quite a big one.

I do find the future of this game unsettling though. As seen in the videos, they are taking away the Japanese focus from the game and implementing a more western centralized one. People who voice their opinion against SE on any forum get ripped to shreds because they dare speak out. I'm hopeful, but this time I fear the community will destroy XIV, rather then Square-Enix.