Final Fantasy  XIV is the second MMORPG based on the hugely successful franchise by Square Enix. Unfortunately, the first release of the game was met with criticism and bug-finding, so the pay-to-play fee structure was revoked until the game could be fixed and deemed playable.

Version 2.0 was announced at E3, with news for the much-delayed PlayStation 3 release, and now more news has been revealed today from the developers giving Version 2.0 its official name – ‘A Realm Reborn’. The alpha test phase of this huge update is due to take place in September, with a roll out to follow in late 2012 or early 2013.

The update will improve the much maligned battle system, improve graphics, the map system, the on-screen display and also the software for the client that the game runs on. There will also be an improved role for the series staple, the Chocobo, with its inclusion in battle and also the ability to breed/raise them for use in the game.

Perhaps most interesting is what Square Enix are doing to the summons in the game. Rather than have creatures to be summoned at will, Ifrit (the fire demon featured in most Final Fantasy games) will only be available to one team on each server. When summoned, the skies will turn red and then all the teams will know that the beast has been summoned, and that he will be available to acquire for another team when finished (if your team can defeat him in battle, he will be yours to summon for a single use).

Having thoroughly enjoyed Final Fantasy XI, I am looking forward to seeing if Square Enix can pull off a second successful MMORPG, and they will need all the help they can get following the initial false start with this game.

Are you looking forward to the tweaks that are coming? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below.