Moogler's News, Reviews and Previews: Final Fantasy XIV: Letter from the Producer Live - Special Edition

It's almost time for another Letter from the Producer Live; and with only a short time to go Foxclon took to the camera for the test stream before the real thing kicks off. There is some real nice new Heavensward artwork in the background.

The has kicked off in the usual manner; with the Tour of the North trailer, this time one that shows the new areas coming to Heavensward, following that we are greeted by Yoshi-P and Foxclon.

Going on from there instantly shown was the release date for Heavensward. For Windows, PlayStation3, PlayStation4, and Mac.

Straight away we are into the details on what is to be included with the collectors editions; it seems each platform will have different price points. The standard edition will be $59.99, whereas the collectors edition will be $129.99.

Those playing the game for the first time can take advantage of a bundle with Heavenward and A Realm Reborn being included.

Mac users have not been forgotten about; with a digital release incoming for $59.99

** Now onto the unboxing for the collectors edition.

Included in the boxed version will be a dragon statue, an art book containing concept and creature artwork for the inhabitants you'll find in Ishgard, and a blu-ray titled A Realm Revisited that contains a compilation of all the trailers released for Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.

In game items; will be included with all version of the special editions; whether it be the boxed or the digital versions, and include a Flying Griffin Mount, Dark Knight Cecil Baron Helm, a Wind-up Kain Minion, and a Fantasia potion.

Pre-orders begin on 16.3, please be aware of your regions times; the times are based on the Official Square Enix Store, though other retailers may stock at a later date.

Those who Pre-Order will gain access to 1. Baron Circlet, 2. Baron Earrings 3. Chocobo Chick Courier, and 4. Early Access that kicks off on June 19. four days before release of the game.

A note on pre-order codes and how to collect them when you purchase the game.

Here is the schedule regarding Pre-Orders, Teaser site, Early Access, and Launch of the Expansion.

March 16, 2015: Pre-orders begin / Heavensward teaser site updated / Pre-order code site opens (NA/EU)
June 18, 2015: Early Access codes can be registered on the Mog Station. (PlayStation Network codes scheduled to be around this timing)
June 19, 2015: Early Access begins.

June 23, 2015: Official service for Heavensward begins!

Now some questions regarding access to the new region of Ishgard; of course you won't be able to enter the areas until you complete the final quest implemented in Patch 2.5 Part 2. Also to be able to play across all platforms you will have to buy a copy of both the PlayStation and Windows versions.

PlayStation 3 users please be aware that the file size for Heavensward will be roughly 20GB so if you only have a console with that space; Square recommend you upgrade to a larger HDD.

Here is some more regarding the pre-order items and how items will be distributed to account; don't worry the items are account wide not character binding.

A digital upgrade program will be available; though details on this will be shared at a later date.

The next Letter from the Producer Live date has been set for April 11; and will premiere the opening movie for Heavensward.

A Realm Reborn Official Walkthrough coming on March 17; at the minute looks to be Japan exclusive.

Before the Fall Part 2 incoming; new story quests that will lead up to the events on Heavenward; weekly restrictions within World of Darkness will be lifted, and the ability to gain encrypted tombstones will be added as well.