As some of you may have noticed the new starting race specific gear on the alpha videos is very specific and detailed and is a major jump in the right direction compared to the tunic and tights alot of us started out with in FFXIV 1.**. While I didn't collect alot of the race specific lore (I assume there is more then just race discovery and specifically named foods) I do like that the starting gear gives the sense of a differing culture between the races (well so did their underoos but social implications and understanding via underware is more of a obscure sociological debate that I willing bow out to). While only seeing the Midland and Miqote live we have the concepts for the Elezen and Roegadyn which are do vary in a large margin. It reminds me of crystal Chronicles in that way where the races have a specific style when starting out. Best examples (least SDed) are from crystal bearer where you can see cultural differences even in the main character designs i believe done by Toshiyuki Itahana.



What I like the best about the designs is there something that is instantly recognizable because of its outlandish nature. Such as Layle's pilot jacket even if it doesn't specifically match in all the designs. Similar to Laguna's civilian jacket



While there are a few things that exist in FFXIV that are independent from the rest of attire you wear (Mostly because of the outrageous color scheme such as the merc's Acton). I think we need more really distinctive items more so then just the ice skating blades on the head of the h.darklight or the Ring wraith darklight helm.