'Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward' review: Expansion makes game even better

Final Fantasy XIV website

There are a lot of expectations for a game title when it is launched, especially when it comes as an expansion to the famed "Final Fantasy" franchise. Moreover, the anticipation for positive feedback is doubled since the add-on is for a unique take on a familiar genre. 

Such is the case of the newly-released" Heavensward" expansion. Its base title, "Final Fantasy XIV," deviates from other "Final Fantasy" sequels since it's a take on the popular MMORPG genre. With its world that is both unique for online multiplayer games and familiar to hardcore "Final Fantasy" fans, the "XIV" title introduced new features to the already-saturated MMO genre, such as the crafty class switch system wherein players can shift into character classes on the fly. 

With the addition of the "Heavensward" expansion though, observers say that the game has gotten even better. Aside from adding a vast area of the once-forbidden Ishgard locale to the already massive map of Eorzea, the first expansion also introduced several new features, chief among them the addition of several new classes to expand character range, and of course the favorite among the fans, the power of flight. 

In addition, where most MMOs require players to stay glued to their sets for grinding and leveling up, "Final Fantasy XIV" expands massive multiplayer online gaming through PS Vita support. Much like playing on either the older-gen PS3 or the current PS4, the PS Vita system still plays the title well, although the smaller screen may cramp up some players' gameplay styles. 

Observers say that the new "Heavensward" expansion for "Final Fantasy XIV," for the most part, is a finely-tuned and well-balanced add-on. Clearly, publisher Square Enix is not one to shy away from risks and experiment on new content, and the outcome is evident that it paid off well, as "Heavensward" honed the well-loved franchise even further.