Recs.
Updated
SpecsUpdate
Pros
Pro One character, every class
You pick a class as usual, but, once your character reaches level 10 it can go and grab any and all of the other classes. Each class has it's own weapon (axe for marauders, daggers for rogue, etc.), so you just equip that weapon type to switch classes. You do have to level every class from 1, but there are plenty of opportunities to do so (side-quests, solo and group repeatables, dungeons, etc.).
Pro Triple triad
The card game from FF8 is in FF14. There are NPC's throughout the game world that you can challenge to Triple Triad duels. You do not lose cards when you lose as you did in FF8. Each NPC you can challenge has a small pool of cards you can win. They can also not give you any card for winning, so getting all their cards requires grinding a bit. You do, however, get credits for beating them that can be spent on booster packs in the Gold Saucer.
Pro Gold Saucer has lots of minigames
The Gold Saucer from FF7 makes a return in FF14. You can play Triple Triad (card game from FF8), race chocobos, gamble, participate in random events (like a race or a dance-off), etc. You get a special currency that you can turn in for cosmetic stuff like mounts (or for more Triple Triad cards).
Pro Very generous trial period
You can play the game for free, but there are restrictions. You can level all the classes up to 35 (which is a LOT of content). This means you are locked from dungeons or whatever that require a level above 35. You also cannot access the Market/Auction House.
Pro Lots of references to previous FF's
There are a lot of references to earlier FF's. There are Moogles and chocobos. There are guys named Cid, Biggs, and Wedge. You fight the classic summons, such as Ifrit, Shiva, and Alexander, and classic bosses such as Ultima Weapon. They are also looking into possible ways to implement Blitzball from FF10, and they have already implemented Triple Triad from FF8. The Gold Saucer from FF7 is present, as well.
Cons
Con Pay to play
The game itself has a base price of $19.99, but also has expansion pack prices that could be added on top of that. This is just to get the game, once purchased the player will also need to pay a monthly subscription of $12.99 to continue playing the game, which can add up over time making for a pretty steep investment for some.
Con Requires a $15-a-month subscription
The trial period is very generous, but it does end. The main story quest really starts to pick up right when you hit the cut-off. The thing that really starts to hurt the most, aside from the level cap, is the inventory space. You do not have access to a bank so, while the inventory is pretty big, you end up playing inventory tetris quite a bit.