Date of SoA Revealed: 3/27/13

[Charismatic]

He referenced the last full-blown expansion, I assume he means WOTG and not Heroes of Abyssea. It's still a lot less time to assume that they even started thinking about it then, rather than it being some kind of planned move when the last big expansion was released. Heroes was released 2 years ago yeah, but honestly judging by the stuff people ended up finding on the test servers it wouldn't surprise me if they didn't start working on it till about a year ago, if that, with a way smaller team than they used to have to work on this stuff.

I'm still not sure what your actual point is. Kohan might or might not be right on the timeframe and who cares one way or the other; but I'm fairly certain that the actual point behind the post was that they've likely put a decent amount of time into this expansion and with more recent updates (and hell, even some of the Abyssea content) they've probably been laying a foundation with regards to actual changes with the game's software since well before we discovered anything.

There's no way for us to know so I guess this is all sorta pointless but w/e.

[Cairthenn]

Does this mean Char is gonna XI again?! Oh lawd.

[Charismatic]

There is an extremely high chance of that happening.

[Kincard]

I'm still not sure what your actual point is. Kohan might or might not be right on the timeframe and who cares one way or the other; but I'm fairly certain that the actual point behind the post was that they've likely put a decent amount of time into this expansion and with more recent updates (and hell, even some of the Abyssea content) they've probably been laying a foundation with regards to actual changes with the game's software since well before we discovered anything.

My actual point is less that they were making planned moves where they created things with the purpose of using it in future expansion, but rather took things they had created for patches in order to lessen the workload, along with recycled textures and such that there's probably less actual coding work for this expansion than there had been for something like TOAU. My post wasn't made to be something to specifically contradict what Kohan was saying, just throwing my thoughts in. No need to get defensive about it.

[Tarage]

Well each time there is a CS there's some kind of Mammet, saying he is responsible while the brothers are away

That's because of the non-linear state of the game. At any given time a player can be done with CoP, ToAU, WoTG, and not done with RoZ. The only game state where it is proven that the player has beaten RoZ is in Apoc Nigh.

[Kohan]

My actual point is less that they were making planned moves where they created things with the purpose of using it in future expansion, but rather took things they had created for patches in order to lessen the workload, along with recycled textures and such that there's probably less actual coding work for this expansion than there had been for something like TOAU. My post wasn't made to be something to specifically contradict what Kohan was saying, just throwing my thoughts in. No need to get defensive about it.

I believe it's less a matter of being defensive and more a matter of being correct. While none of us are on the Square Enix development team specifically, I have worked in the game industry for years—about ten now, honestly—and the specific point about their not having planned to do anything with FFXI while FFXIV is odd, and doesn't consider actual industry trends. I've always found it unfortunate when people say it, as it goes against the path set by every relatively successful MMORPG that came before FFXI, including one of its primary inspirations, "EverQuest."

Not only did Square Enix not plan to abandon FFXI, as that would have been a very financially unwise decision (even if FFXIV became an out-the-door hit), but full-blown expansion development isn't something that is usually done in a single year. That is not to say that it can't be done, but what I'm telling you is that the scenario you're describing—that it was a knee jerk decision—is very unlikely. Not only was Abyssea released a couple years ago now, as you've noted, but FFXIV was too, as it came out in 2010. Therefore, even if you determinedly believe that development on an expansion didn't begin until then, that's two years, and still a reasonable amount of time.

However, all of this speculation regarding the amount of development time doesn't matter in the end. The quality of the final product does. If a project is half-assed for four years, it's still half-assed. On the other hand, if an expansion is made with all hands on deck and quality controls firmly in place, and it's done in one year, it'll look a lot better than the expansion developed over a long term with no quality controls whatsoever. We'll see when the time comes.

[Kincard]

In no way am I implying the expansion will be bad; On the contrary, I'm sure it'll be the best thing the game has seen for years (Take that for what it's worth). But to me, it seems to me that XI wasn't going to be abandoned, obviously, since it's the most profitable game Square has ever made, but I do think it was pretty much going to get pushed into the background as far as large-scale updates go as they focused on FFXIV more, which is why they made content that had more work over the last few years that was mostly recycled assets (Addons, then abyssea, then voidwatch). When you think about it, there's been a grand total of what, like 15 totally new monster models since WOTG launched? I never imagined a full-scale boxed expansion before ROM9 was discovered.

[Kyreth]

I think FFXI was set to be given the same kind of "retirement" other long-term games get- a much lighter developmental load, plus much of the recycling we've seen (in part, due to PS2 limitationslol).

The moment of truth arrived when they announced PS2's are finally, finally going out of production. With that, the percentage of PS2 playerbase vs. other types is going to shift, slowly then with increasing tempo as people simply can't fix their consoles easily anymore. It was already enough to leave SoA out for NA players on PS2, but it means that developing for what is at long last a "dead" system might be enough to make them try to revamp the game to more modern standards. If that's the case, then SoA will represent the last bits S-E can squeeze out of the old PS2 before moving on.

Who knows. Maybe the next one is FFXI: ARR?

[Tarage]

The thing about this expansion that people are forgetting is that Rom9 existed BEFORE the announcement. Granted it wasn't in any good state of polish, but it did exist and looked like work had been done on it for quite some time. I don't know if it was a marketing ploy or an accident that Rom9 was pushed out and then discovered by our sleuths, but it is worth remembering that it did exist.

As for the PS2 going away, I doubt this will happen for many years. Look at the people still creating modded SNESes. Just because a console isn't in production anymore doesn't mean that people won't find ways around it's 'death'. Though I do agree that FFXI needs to ditch it.

[Churchill]

I see abyssea as a tanaka-less version of XI and it was a nice addition to the game - as modern as the game can be under its constraints. What I would be concerned about is his influence (if any) over initial SoA and how much of that will remain.

The new team/producer have made some big statements about what they'd like to change, but their ideas for doing so are still incorrect as to what we as players know should happen. Maybe we're too demanding of what the game can handle in comparison to other games we have played, but that's not a valid excuse for substandard content. (Or maybe we're all elitist pricks) We still don't see the transparency other games get with their combat system and how certain values effect each other and to date any information in this realm has been discovered by hard work from players themselves. To insult us further, they've made comments that clearly go against data we know to be true and with that in mind how can they effect positive change on a game whose mechanics we understand better?

I think the biggest thing that they've addressed needs to be fixed is enmity, and I get the impression they are ill equipped to fix it correctly. SoA has some really great ideas, but I don't have nearly the faith in the XI team as I do the XIV team.

[Kaisha]

That's because of the non-linear state of the game. At any given time a player can be done with CoP, ToAU, WoTG, and not done with RoZ. The only game state where it is proven that the player has beaten RoZ is in Apoc Nigh.

Also part of the developers being a little lazy, as there are already existing instances of dupes of a cutscene that change dialog based on progression on given missions/quests.

[Spira]

Eshantarl is in charge if you go by the story canon and cleared Zilart and CoP. If its before mid Zilart in terms of the timeline, it's the Archduke. That said, Jeuno is mainly run by the Armathwn society moreso than any indicidual.. so meeting with random Zilartians doesn't necessarily mean it isn't canon. It's just being lazy

[Damane]

That's because of the non-linear state of the game. At any given time a player can be done with CoP, ToAU, WoTG, and not done with RoZ. The only game state where it is proven that the player has beaten RoZ is in Apoc Nigh.

I think the reason behind it is, so new players dont get cockblocked and can enjoy whatever mission line they want, before needing to purchase another expansion and haveing to finish that one. However the intended timeline or story line follows the order the expansions came out. The only restriction i know is that you need rank 3 in nation missions to start with CoP and rank 6 to start with Zilart missions. If you think about it every expension was building up on the other, storywise.

[Tarage]

I think the reason behind it is, so new players dont get cockblocked and can enjoy whatever mission line they want, before needing to purchase another expansion and haveing to finish that one. However the intended timeline or story line follows the order the expansions came out. The only restriction i know is that you need rank 3 in nation missions to start with CoP and rank 6 to start with Zilart missions. If you think about it every expension was building up on the other, storywise.

Oh I agree, I'm just explaining why we don't end up seeing anyone but faceless Zilart mook.

That and the Nation Mission requirement really isn't a "requirement" to own an expansion.

[Slycer]

Didn't see this anywhere else, but the digital download (12 GB!) of the SoA collection (edited: not collectors) edition is up for preorder on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/FANTASY-Ultima.../dp/B00AWEMODK

Mysteriously, the regular edition isn't available for preorder yet. Should we start a product discussion thread over there? lulz

Anyhow, marketing BS follows !--


BEGIN A NEW JOURNEY WITH THE COMPLETE EDITION OF FINAL FANTASY XI

Enter an online multiplayer RPG that challenges players to journey through the world of Vana’diel — a world of fantasy, adventure, and exploration.

Heed the call and join players from around the world to become the hero that Vana’diel needs. Discover new creatures, pioneer wild lands, and conquer quests on your daring journey!

With all five installments included your world will be filled with endless possibilities.

FINAL FANTASY XI Seekers Edition brings together all of the greatest FINAL FANTASY 11 online role-playing expansions combined into one amazing package for you and your friends to enjoy.

With the fifth expansion of the FINAL FANTASY XI series: Seekers of Adoulin, players can now extend their journey in the continent of Ulbuka filled with never before seen monsters, characters, jobs, and uncharted territory ready to be conquered.

Includes the original, award winning online role-playing game that brought the FINAL FANTASY series online!
Free 30 day subscription to play FINAL FANTASY XI for all new accounts
Includes 5 expansion packs: Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, Treasures of Aht Urhgan, Wings of the Goddess, and Seekers of Adoulin
Includes 3 add-on scenarios: A Crystalline Prophecy, A Moogle Kupo d’Etat, and A Shantotto Ascension.
Includes 3 battle add-ons: Vision of Abyssea, Scars of Abyssea, and Heroes of Abyssea.

[Stromgarde]

Jesus, that's big. I remember when WotG came out it didn't even fill out half the DVD.

[Kincard]

I'm guessing it might be because of a different compression method, but the Abyssea collection was only 4.3 GB.

SoA collectors edition

Excited me there for a second, thought they were going to release a collector's edition before I figured out you were talking about the Collection Edition. Big difference!

[nekura]

12 GB is installed size, not size on the disc. If you look at the system requirements for the Abyssea edition of FFXI it's also 12 GB.

[Slycer]

12 GB is installed size, not size on the disc. If you look at the system requirements for the Abyssea edition of FFXI it's also 12 GB.

Download size: 12.0 GB
Download time: 6 hours - 19 hours on broadband

http://www.amazon.com/FANTASY-Ultima.../dp/B00AWEMODK

So ya, not system requirements, that's the actual download size (at least according Amazon).

Also, they already changed the logo - before it was the SoA logo, now it has its own "ultimate collection seekers edition" logo.

[nekura]

Download size: 12.0 GB
Download time: 6 hours - 19 hours on broadband

http://www.amazon.com/FANTASY-Ultima.../dp/B00AWEMODK

So ya, not system requirements, that's the actual download size (at least according Amazon).

Also, they already changed the logo - before it was the SoA logo, now it has its own "ultimate collection seekers edition" logo.

Not sure how I missed that! [facepalm] I wonder if that's the real number or just a placeholder.