Final Fantasy XIV is almost here! …again!

Square Enix just announced that Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will be playable in open beta from August 17th through August 19th for both PlayStation 3 and PC. Also, early access will be granted to those with pre-orders beginning August 24th.

There are a few bonuses coming to all players of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, and if you happen to have played the original Final Fantasy XIV since its release in 2010, you get even more! Here are the details:

• Veteran Rewards – Enjoy various bonuses based on how long you have been a FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn subscriber (30, 60 & 90 days). By starting with a 90-day subscription, players receive all 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day bonuses at once.
• Companion iOS App – A free companion app, “FINAL FANTASY XIV: Libra Eorzea™,” planned to arrive a week after launch
• Welcome Back Campaign – Players who registered FINAL FANTASY® XIV 1.0 can play FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn for free until Monday, September 9.

After spending some time with Ifrit on the show floor at E3, I am really looking forward to Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. Check out this preview of some of the low level dungeons in the game and get ready, because the game is just around the corner.

Beginning August 27th, Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn will be available on PC for $29.99 and on PlayStation 3 for $39.99. Subscriptions start at $12.99 a month, and the first month is free for all new accounts.

Did you play the original game? Are you planning on playing this new version? Let us know why or why not in the comments below! Final Fantasy XIV certainly has a troubled history, but I can’t help but to hope that everything will work out in the end.