FFXIV A Realm Reborn: new beta and benchmark screenshots + quick news

Letter from the Producer XLI has been published on the Lodestone. Naoki Yoshida shows us new screenshots from Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn beta test and beta benchmark, which is coming soon. "Starting from phase 1, all races will be available for testing [...] not all customization options will be available. We're putting a lot of work into various options such as hair styles and colors (a whopping 192 shades are being planned!) based on feedback from the alpha test, and everything should be ready by phase three". So, have a look: a Hyur Highlander female, a Miqo'te male and a Roegadyn female are posing for the "camera" as well!

And now, some quick official news from the last few days:

• More info on Linkshells and Free Companies management: "/lsmes", FC members' ranks and comments, etc: click
• Enemy and Ally signs will be combined into one category. Only party leaders will be able to use them but everywhere (their usage was previously restricted to Guildleves)
• Some knockback abilities will be available to players; there will still be monsters with draw-in and knockback ones
• A Realm Reborn's new Lodestone website will feature crafting recipes improved search system and detailed information: items level, stats, etc
• Gathering point grades will be available for each level, making it easier to level up ("We feel this should solve the problem [...] where the experience points you were receiving past 40 from grade 5 gathering points just wasn't enough to level up efficiently".)