In perhaps the best pitch yet for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, Square Enix has released a cinematic trailer tying the two MMO iterations together. The End of an Era trailer captures a tremendous battle between the Eorzean Alliance and the Garlean Empire, attempting to prevent a summoning that could destroy the entire realm. Considering the name of the MMO's rerelease, it's obvious not everything goes to plan.

As Square Enix is wont to do, the new trailer is absolutely stunning. Armies clashing, meteors falling, heroes dying and one giant bad guy that isn't here to make any friends. Gamers may recall Final Fantasy XIV's first trailers being cheery and hopeful. That attitude has all but been cast aside in favor of a seriously dramatic refocus for Final Fantasy XIV. A Realm Reborn, indeed.

This trailer isn't an introduction to Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, it's a conclusion to the MMO that currently stands. Behind the beautifully rendered trailer is a story that only Square Enix likely fully understands, but the emotion conveyed through this trailer strikes true. The heartbreak on the face of an Elezen, his hopes and dreams of a wonderful, peaceful land shattered, are poignant and lasting. Perhaps tomorrow the realm shall be reborn, but today -- only fire, death and sadness.

By far my favorite trailer of the year, the end of era in Final Fantasy XIV is now.

End of an Era trailer - Youtube