I always wanted to get into the series but what holds me back is that I don't know what game to play first. Are the stories/characters linked to each other ? Which game should I start with ? ...
Stories are completely different from each other unless obviously stated like Final Fantasy X-2 or Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core. This Final Fantasy is quite unique as most of the other Final Fantasy games were on consoles and didn't come with a physical PC copy. This game, however, is available digitally and plays like an MMO much like Maplestory and World of Warcraft.
XIV have been the best MORPG I've ever played on many aspects. Had to quit it cause it was too godly and eating my sleep, life etc... That crafting system, 2godly. If anyone is about to get this, forget the ps3 version. It lags too much and some bosses with fast reaction skills requirred are nearly impossible and afaik the PS3 support will end soonish. PS4 version doesn't hold back at all. For example, I did the second best DPS of my static squad (cant beat those black mages.. ) even I played the lowest DPS class