In an effort to reinvigorate interest in its MMORPG, Square Enix has extended the trial period for Final Fantasy XIV to let you play for free "indefinitely". With a standard subscription setting you back at least $12.99-per-month, this is a generous offer. With some caveats, of course.

Final Fantasy XIV has a long and checkered history. It was originally released in 2010, and promptly received a critical drubbing. After several years of middling success, Square Enix eventually relaunched the game in 2013/14 as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.

This new version was a critical and commercial hit. So much so that A Realm Reborn is still going strong to this day. As well as consistent updates, there has been an expansion pack called Heavensward, with another expansion on the way. So what better time to reup interest?

All the Way Up to Level 35

Final Fantasy XIV has, until now, been free to play for up to 14 days. After this trial period, players had to decide whether to walk away or pay the monthly subscription fee. However, from now on, everyone will be able to play all the way up to level 35.

This applies to all characters, so once you have leveled one character up to level 35 you can, if you so desire, start leveling up a second character. You'll be able to do this for up to eight characters before Square Enix asks you to pay to play.

In addition to leveling your character(s) up to level 35, you'll be able to play through the first 10 levels of Deep Dungeon, and try your hand at Chocobo Racing. The latter, for those of you who aren't Final Fantasy fans, means traveling at speed on the back of a giant chicken.

You can download Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn Free Trial from the PlayStation Store.

It's Not All Good News...

In other news, the second Final Fantasy XIV expansion pack, Stormblood, is due to be released on June 20. Sadly, Square Enix is dropping support for the PlayStation 3. This means that, in order to play Stormblood, PS3 owners will have to upgrade to a PS4 or switch to the PC version.

Do you already play Final Fantasy XIV? Would you recommend it to others? How does it compare to other MMORPGs? If you don't already play, are you tempted to take advantage of the free trial? Are you scared of getting hooked? Please let us know in the comments below!