The question in my mind was whether Square Enix was going to build up to Final Fantasy XIV's 2.0 rerelease, or pursue a quiet transition directed more towards the core MMO audience. Square delivered my answer with this brand new cinematic trailer, announcing a rebranding from 2.0 into Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. It's exciting to see Square embracing the MMO's redesign, unwilling to allow a main-series Final Fantasy title to fade into the woodwork, and proudly raise the rework overhead and exclaim, "We're not done yet."

Naoki Yoshida, producer/director of the Final Fantasy XIV rework, reiterates the idea above:

"Since announcing our plans for the future of the title last October, we have been working tirelessly to include all of the elements that we have promised in FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn. This new title not only becomes a symbol of a completely new FINAL FANTASY XIV, but also marks the beginning of a new stage as the latest title in the FINAL FANTASY series. I hope you’re looking forward to it!"

After a very rough launch, Square has gone out of its way to show off their plans for Final Fantasy XIV's reinvention. We've gotten numerous looks at concept art, including gameplay plans and additional content like playable races, but that doesn't mean they've stopped adding content in the interim. Players returning for the FF14 relaunch may find one of the grandest MMO worlds in history awaiting them, but that could be all for naught without a proper redesign of the GUI and combat systems.

Ready or not, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is coming -- and coming to PS3 in addition to PC to boot. The PS3 beta is expected to start in late 2012, but this new trailer implies a launch coinciding with the PC. Exciting times indeed, as even with a troubling launch any high-profile MMO coming to a console is big news.

In addition to the trailer below, Square Enix launched a new website for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn to help introduce players to the Eorzea. Take your time, as we're still unsure when the reboot will fully launch. Nevertheless, this cinematic trailer should help stir up some excitement for the floundering MMO. It's time to start that fire of anticipation, once more. Let's up Square Enix can kindle that flame ablaze.

A Realm Reborn launch trailer - YouTube