Square Enix’ long-awaited sequel to its popular but aging MMORPG Final Fantasy XI – Final Fantasy XIV – is closing in on its 2010 release. Some of the character classes and other details about the game world were recently uncovered on the game’s official homepage.The new entries in the Bestiary look very Final Fantasy-like and very Japanese – it’s a mix of fun monsters like our old friend the Malboro (Morbol,) some vegetable and fruit monsters, and cute antelopes (likely vulnerable to fire-based attacks).

Welcome to Malboro Country

FF XIV Classes

The character classes, or disciplines, that have been revealed for FF XIV so far only include one magic class – the Thaumaturge. There’s more information available on the fighter classes. Most of them look familiar: Archer, Lancer, Gladiator, Marauder and Pugilist. Not much details are available about the specifics, but going by the game’s many predecessors most of them should be fairly easy to figure out.

Then there are some additional, more exotic jobs such as the Tanner, Weaver and Alchemist under the “Disciples of the Hand” category, as well as a Botanist under “Disciples of the Land”.

Who want to be a Botanist? Seriously?

Beta Coming to PC Only

Hopefully, we’ll be able to try out this highly interesting game soon in the beta. The PS3 plays second fiddle this time, as the beta is reserved for the PC. Xbox 360 owners are apparently all out of luck when it comes to Final Fantasy XIV, as the game has only been announced for Playstation 3 and PC.

In case you haven’t seen it, here’s the latest FFIV trailer (worth watching):

Tags | final fantasy xi, final fantasy xiv, Square Enix