

Final Fantasy 14 Celebrates
Square Enix has teamed up with Xbox Design Lab to create special controllers inspired by Pictomancer and Viper, characters from the Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail expansion. The controllers are available for customization and purchase, with the Viper-inspired Elite Series 2 priced higher than the Standard Pictomancer version.
Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail marks the fifth expansion of the popular MMORPG. This update focuses on major graphical enhancements and introduces new job roles, including the Viper and the Pictomancer.
On social media, Final Fantasy 14's official account showcased the new controller designs, encouraging players to further customize them through the Xbox Design Lab.
Dawntrail aims to improve upon the issues that plagued the previous expansion, Endwalker, such as long queue times. Despite some bugs in the new release, producer Naoki Yoshida has apologized and assured the community that these will be resolved.
In response to the game's bugs, players have experienced issues with certain character animations, such as an unintendedly scary pizza-eating emote.
The controllers, representing the new jobs, feature distinctive designs: the Pictomancer controller displays a vibrant mix of pastel colors, while the Viper controller boasts shades of garnet, black, silver, and dark green.
The Pictomancer controller, priced at $79.98, offers additional customization options. The Viper Elite Series 2 controller starts at $149.99 and features rubberized grips for enhanced comfort.
Both controllers are available via the Xbox Design Lab and are compatible with PC and Xbox Series X/S versions of Final Fantasy 14.
The popularity of Final Fantasy 14 continues to soar. The game's initial release faced criticism for numerous flaws, prompting a complete revamp and re-release as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. This overhaul has been met with widespread acclaim, contributing to the game’s success as one of the leading MMORPGs today.
Platform(s): PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Developer and Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: MMORPG
Multiplayer: Online Multiplayer
Engine: Crystal Tools
ESRB Rating: T for Teen (Alcohol Reference, Animated Blood, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence)
Metascore: 90
Crossplay Supported: PC, PS4, PS5
PS Plus Availability: N/A
Significant Developments
- Controller Collaboration: Square Enix and Xbox Design Lab's partnership introduces a unique selection of controllers inspired by the Pictomancer and Viper roles in Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail.
- Expansion Focus: Dawntrail centers around significant graphical updates and the addition of new jobs.
- Controller Customization: Players can personalize these controllers through the Xbox Design Lab, with the Viper-themed Elite Series 2 controller fetching a higher price.
- Launch Performance: Unlike its predecessor, Dawntrail has shorter queue times but has encountered several bugs. Naoki Yoshida has pledged to rectify these issues.
- Design Features: The Pictomancer controller showcases artistic pastel designs, while the Viper controller offers a more rugged and detailed look.
- Availability and Pricing: Starting at $79.98, the Pictomancer controller is more affordable, whereas the Viper Elite Series 2 controller starts at $149.99 and includes additional features such as rubberized grips for comfort. Both controllers are available through Xbox Design Lab and can be used on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
Continuing to captivate audiences, Final Fantasy 14's success is a testament to its significant improvements post-revamp, offering a robust MMORPG experience across multiple platforms.