New JP Interview re: Expansion

[Amele]

I wonder if they will mention the fact my server(probably others) actually fucking FAILED the event.

Five or six others failed. All had 4 moogles except one server had 3. :/

just out of curiousity, which server only had three? midgard hit four right? (I think hades did too, but I have to admit I stopped paying close attention when we only had 3 with like.. three days left)

[fantasticdan]

It was a dumb event with dumb rewards, there were people in my PTs the other day that didnt even know about it.

Gimme whatever you are smoking on. My MH got happier with +6 Storage space from those "dumb rewards."

Uhh, those bamboo things are only 2 storage, unless the event had some other reward?

[skurlover]

It was a dumb event with dumb rewards, there were people in my PTs the other day that didnt even know about it.

Gimme whatever you are smoking on. My MH got happier with +6 Storage space from those "dumb rewards."

Uhh, those bamboo things are only 2 storage, unless the event had some other reward?

Hi2U 3 nations with each a different reward.

[Thistle]

I wonder if they will mention the fact my server(probably others) actually fucking FAILED the event.

Five or six others failed. All had 4 moogles except one server had 3. :/

just out of curiousity, which server only had three? midgard hit four right? (I think hades did too, but I have to admit I stopped paying close attention when we only had 3 with like.. three days left)

My friend tracked it every couple hours, so I asked her. The ones with three at the end were "Hades, cerberus, and..... asura". I thought it had been just one!

[Aerides]

3 bamboos, each +2 storage.

so +6 storage, -3 mog safe.

Best you got is +3 net overall.

[spooky]

Enough of this storage madness! Someone post a translation so I can read it at work please. ; ;
There's only so many times I can doodle "I <3 Rocl" in my remaining 1/2hr here.

[Elmer the Pointy]

He closed the direct discussion topic then disappeared. ;-;

You're right, I am a big slacker
But I do still read BG
and I'll get to work on this

[Khamsin]

Babelfish - Better English then I expect from most internet users.

Seemed like one of the questions referred to how WotG would close the ToA expansion plot, if I translated that translation right. Or further it...waiting to see if anyone can make better heads or tails of translating it. Kinda seems like the ToA storyline might end up being unfinished before WotG comes out, anyhow, at current pace.

Just because a question asks if WotG (or GSoAS) will be a continuation of the ToAU doesn't mean it will be. It probably was a simply speculative question that was probably shot down or "no comment"ed.

[klvino]

The Astral Candesence Flux Capacitor. I could see that being incredibly plot convenient.

First person to quote Rocky Horror Picture Show before entering a time portal gets shot.

Let's do the time warp againnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

http://www.sbfilmfestival.org/blog/u...rp2-730186.jpg

LET'S DO THE TIME WARP AGAAAIIIINNNN!

[Valacirca]

The Astral Candesence Flux Capacitor. I could see that being incredibly plot convenient.

First person to quote Rocky Horror Picture Show before entering a time portal gets shot.

That would actually be a lot cooler than what I expect to see shouted in Whitegate most often.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a84...rca/safety.jpg

/quicky mspaint

[fantasticdan]

Hi2U 3 nations with each a different reward.

Yeah, except they only have two storage, and take up a mog safe space each, which is pretty shitty. It's just like a r/ex water barrel, chest, etc. which are like 1-3k on the AH. If you really wanted storage space, get one/some of these: http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/9-Drawer_Almirah

Which are like 50k on my server. I can understand if you like to collect r/ex event crap, but those are not very useful for storage purposes.

[evilpaul]

I wonder if they will mention the fact my server(probably others) actually fucking FAILED the event.

Five or six others failed. All had 4 moogles except one server had 3. :/

just out of curiousity, which server only had three? midgard hit four right? (I think hades did too, but I have to admit I stopped paying close attention when we only had 3 with like.. three days left)

My friend tracked it every couple hours, so I asked her. The ones with three at the end were "Hades, cerberus, and..... asura". I thought it had been just one!

On Hades we consider this winning. Also: The Mamools took our AC again last night, so I think we're cemented in first place in Besieged as well.

[Amele]

I think Fairy and Asura are still ahead of us?

[Elmer the Pointy]

Final Fantasy XI: Wings of the Goddess E3 Special Interview.
High-Level Content and more Grand-Scale Battles like Besieged?
Source: http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/game/doc ... 7/ffxi.htm
Translated by: Elmer the Pointy
Posted on: BlueGartr Forums

At SQUARE ENIX PARTY 2007 this May, Square Enix shocked us all with the announcement of the 4th expansion for Final Fantasy XI to be released across Playstation 2, Xbox 360 and Windows. Yesterday at E3, they presented a movie, which gave us a little more information about the new content. First, you'll want to take a look yourself on the main site.

The development team travelled to America for E3, but with the media blitz around them, they had no time to peruse the event. In the middle of all this, we managed to get them alone for an interview on Wings of the Goddess.

At this time, the information they could give was sparse, but we had some success in prying out some juicy tidbits. We apologize that our conversation jumps around a bit, but as fans we were just so excited to even be talking to the team. This interview was with Producer Tanaka Hiromichi, Director Ogawa Kouichi, and GLOOOOOOOOOOOBAL ONLIIIIIIIINE PRODUUUUUUUUCEEEEEEEEEEEERR SAGE SUNDI YEA!!!

---
***
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Production is moving along well and they are aiming for the Holiday Season
---

The movie you displayed at E3 offered a similar release date as the trailer, Winter 2007. What's the status right now as far as development is concerned?

Ogawa: If I were to give it a percentage, I'd say 33%. We've basically mapped out the process and are starting to really put things into place. Looking at our schedule, I'd say things are moving along smoothly.

Tanaka: The meat of an expansion is really the map data and sound data. Besides that, for example monster data or expansion data, is all provided in the version update patches. Existing users must have the expansion to utilize the content, like new jobs, but it isn't on the actual disc.
---

When you say Winter 2007, are you aiming for the North American holiday season? (Large sales boost between Late Nov. - New Year's)

Ogawa: We are definitely aiming for that time.
---

I have a question about the new information you presented yesterday. You had concept art of people riding Chocobos as if they were prepared to do battle. Are you thinking of adding that as a new gameplay element?

Ogawa: We are considering new elements to add to Conquest and Besieged.
---

You say you want to add new aspects to Conquest and Besieged. Will you also further develop the fun stuff like Chocobo Racing?

Ogawa: In Treasures of Aht Urghan, we emphasized the addition of fun new content like that. So, in Wings of the Goddess we want to make Conquest and Besieged our main focus. There may even be some things that involve Treasures of Aht Urghan... The release of Wings of the Goddess will be something to look out for.
---

Updates for Treasures of Aht Urghan continue to be released. Will you be able to effectively keep to your development schedule?

Tanaka: Since the very first version update, we were working on The Rise of Zilart. Once that was released, we were mapping out Chains of Promathia. We are constantly moving teams and groups to cover old and new material. While we update one expansion, we also have people working fervently on the next one. The development usually spans between 1.5 and 2 years.
---

Will you be able to finish Treasures of Aht Urghan by the time you release Wings of the Goddess?

Ogawa: The story for Treasures of Aht Urghan will be complete.

---
***
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Wings of the Goddess a high-level expansion. New areas brought to light
---

Next I wish to ask about the appearance of the world. From what we've seen, it is the world of the past, around the time of the Crystal War, but I'm interested as to how the player will participate. I thought perhaps you'd take a "time warp" and maybe as a child you talk to the Royal Knights of San d'Oria: The Young Griffons. How does that sound?

Sundi: You really read into this (laughs)

Ogawa: The player will keep the shape which he had before arriving in the past. We don't believe this will be about the player's childhood.
---

So far, expansions have added vast new worlds for us to travel. Wings of the Goddess seems to be doing something different this time. Will players be able to travel to new places in Wings of the Goddess?

Ogawa: Yes, nothing has changed in that regard
---

We won't suddenly become level 1 in "Altana Levels" will we...

Ogawa: Nothing that terrible is going to happen to you. (laughs)

Tanaka: Since these is an expansion for high-level players, you will certainly be able to play at your level.
---

Would it be safe to assume you're targeting level 75 players?

Ogawa: As with Treasures of Aht Urghan, what we aim for in development doesn't always pan out perfectly enough to label it that exactly. This time we're looking at advanced, senior players... it may not include all of them, but it's what we're planning.
---

So players starting at level 75 should be okay?

Ogawa: Generally speaking, we think so. Low-level players can travel around, but the monsters will be quite strong.

Tanaka: The required level for new jobs will be 30, so all players can enjoy that content.
---

If that's true I have a question for those players. Are you considering anything for the merit point system?

Ogawa: We are considering a number of changes for level 75 players.
---

Additions to merit points? Or something new altogether?

Ogawa: It can be quite difficult to make those kinds of additions... For Wings of the Goddess we may add new spells and abilities for existing jobs.
---

You mentioned new jobs before, but are you planning to introduce an "upper class" for jobs?
Probably means Black Mage >> Black Wizard type advancement

Ogawa: We haven't considered anything like that for FFXI.
---

Wings of the Goddess has a unique world, but will we be able to explore it immediately after installing? There's always some little task we must complete before going to new areas.

Ogawa: There will also be some event this time that triggers your trip to the past. We don't believe it will be too drawn out.
---

You've shown a number of screenshots of new areas. Most of them look similar to existing areas. How will the maps in Wings of the Goddess appear?

Ogawa: The areas are past version of current areas so altogether it will look much like the very first version of FFXI. We are adding over 30 new zones.
---

In this story, will we explore the Tavnasia from the original opening movie? For example seeing Aldo as a child, will that be possible?

Ogawa: I can't say at this time, but you will meet several famous characters of today in the past.
---

Are you creating any areas that aren't simply a past version of existing ones?

Ogawa: I can tell you that the past isn't limited to just the areas that we all know about.
---

Can you give an example of any new things you are adding in the expansion?

Ogawa: Well, for the moment we'd rather you enjoy the pictures and speculate.

---
***
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Addition of traditional arms used in the Crystal War
---

Alright, next topic. You are adding new monsters, equipment and maps but what are the design concepts behind them? For example, Treasures of Aht Urghan focused on the Near East. Is it just a theme of the past this time?

Ogawa: It is the excellence of arms in a time of war. Treasures of Aht Urghan saw Near East-styled goods focusing on cloth. Players told us they wanted more traditional kinds of weapons and armor. We will be adding much more of that kind of equipment.
---

Since it is a time of war, equipment will be much different than our time of peace and I think many players want stronger goods. What kind of impact will this increase in strength have on FFXI?

Ogawa: We will adjust equipment strength at a rate that doesn't completely make previous goods obsolete.
---

Of course you don't want to make anything broken. However, making stronger items can help the new expansion retain it's charm and draw in players.

Tanaka: But wouldn't that suddenly invalidate all the current items? If we simply keep boosting numbers, we'll still hit a limit.

Ogawa: We don't just scale equipment upwards.
---

Now about synthesis. In Treasures of Aht Urghan, the focus was on pretty and gaudy clothing and a new system of "Aht Urghan" synthesis recipes. In Wings of the Goddess will we reclaim lost techniques of crafting? What new systems are you considering?

Ogawa: As far as crafting goes, we are certainly looking at new additions and innovations for the current system. However, we have nothing concrete as of yet that we can tell you.

Tanaka: RMT are also a nuisance that have gotten involved in crafting.

Sundi: If it produces fast earnings, then the system becomes a problem. We mentioned that in last month's report and have been looking into the issue. From here on we have to think about how to develop synthesis while keeping these issues in mind.
---

So if you're doing that, you aren't currently looking at synthesis in terms of Wings of the Goddess, right?

Ogawa: That's right. We aren't considering any synthesis concepts that relate directly to the expansion.

---
***
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The missions are not a straight line, but branch out into a greater story
---

Okay, moving on to the next topic. Wings of the Goddess will have new Missions and Quests set in the past, but how will they be structured?

Ogawa: At this stage we're looking at a series of missions that branch out into multiple quests.
---

Similar to something like "The Three Paths" from Chains of Promathia?

Ogawa: I can't say anything concrete yet, but nothing will simply progress along a straight line.
---

How will the story progress? Will the player simply participate in the war or will there be a variety of approaches?

Ogawa: We can't announce that yet. The player must perform actions in the past to develop the story.
---

The player will be making many changes in the past. Will the future be affected?

Ogawa: That is what the story is built around.

Tanaka: And then it becomes news

---
***
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Declaration of multiple new jobs. Considering desired party roles.
---

Now I'd like to ask about new jobs. What kind of jobs are you considering?

Ogawa: We are looking at party roles that have insufficient jobs to fill the slot. After that, we're considering another support job.
---

Past Final Fantasy games have seen a plethora of different jobs. Will you draw from those games or create another new concept like Puppetmaster?

Ogawa: As a base, we consider jobs that will have a practical use in battle. From there we bring together the aspects and name of the job.
---

How many new jobs will you be adding?

Ogawa: More than 1...
---

I know the new jobs will start at level 1, but Aht Urghan jobs had little reason to get merit points at first. With all the equipment, user know-how, and areas in the world, players were able to reach level 75 very quickly and found themselves with nothing to do. Have you considered adding all the gameplay elements for a job at the very beginning?

Ogawa: If we add everything at the start, we can't be sure certain abilities will have a practical use. We feel the best way to develop jobs is through the users.

---
***
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Using Besieged as a base for grand-scale battles. Implementing Windower
---

Now about the sound and music. There was a new song in the movie yesterday. Will the music be based off of present areas just as the maps are? I'm sure fans would be happy to hear some arranged versions.

Tanaka: The songs will not be arranged versions, we'd have to remake every single one, which would be quite difficult. The zones alone took 1.5 years to construct.
---

Well, then what else has changed for Wings of the Goddess?

Ogawa: Conquest and Besieged will be the main focus, so we hope you will enjoy them.
---

Besieged is a grand-scale battle system, so it's interesting to see how it could play out the Crystal War in Wings of the Goddess.

Ogawa: That's right. We are thinking of using Besieged as a base for this.

Tanaka: We are also planning other modifications for existing users. Right now the big one is Windower. (Windows version) There are many reasons for this, but we believe after much interaction and feedback that the time is right. The windower players already use is mired in extra tools and we feel it's a problem.

Sundi: There are many people who use these tools that may want to use just the basic program.
---

I think it's very handy because I can browse for quest information. However, there is a danger of people using illegal tools, isn't there?

Sundi: Conversely, there's many people out there who use Windower without touching the extra tools. If you do, there's a the chance it extracts your ID and password. We want to recognize the many people out there who just wish to use the windower function.

Tanaka: Some of those tools can hack into your OS and are very dangerous.
---

So you want to add an official version of Windower as a safety precaution.

Sundi: That, and it's a good time for it. In 5 years, machine specs have risen considerably, so they can handle the load.
---

How about two clients on one machine?

Sundi: No, no that. If you're logged off you might be able to do it. (laughs)
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Are you considering any other game system changes?

Tanaka: We can't say anything yet, but we're looking to surprise users with some elements they have been demanding. We'll release them with Wings of the Goddess.

---
***
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RMT Counter-measures going well. Linkshell Community Beta objectives
---

Let's look away from the game for a bit. Are there any plans for the Linkshell Community to go along with Wings of the Goddess?

Sundi: There will be no special link between that and Wings of the Goddess. It is being developed delicately, but there's no connection between the teams. As we add version updates, there is the possibility of changes to the community as well, such as registering new jobs.
---

Using the Linkshell Community users can post and receive messages, but are there any other uses you were thinking of?

Sundi: We weren't trying to place 500,000 people onto just one board. The Community is made up of small units, the linkshells. Each linkshell gets their own place to hold conversations and use as a main forum.
---

Will you add any kind of blog or broadcast capability?

Sundi: Rather than focus on single people we think group functions are best. Then you can have the ability for the shell together to say, "We want this kind of person," or "We like to do these kinds of events." Then together you can recruit and welcome new players into the linkshell. Now, people just shout in the game over and over and we think the Community can be a more effective method.
---

Some time ago, RMT counter-measures really took off and focused on Rare Items and BCNMs. With Wings of the Goddess, will there be new approaches to battling RMT?

Sundi: We're going to continue with our current methods. We can't guarantee a good item every time you fight a NM. In the end, we rely on user feedback when adjusting our methods. Same with RMT, if it's working we won't alter our attack.

Tanaka: We won't simply move all items to BCNMs either. Part of the fun is fighting the NM.
---

Do you feel your current RMT counter-measures are working well?

Sundi: They are working well, really they are. However, they always develop new methods and we strive to combat them each time. Now, the new issue is crafting and we feel we have to deal with this.

---
***
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To finish up, tell the users something to be excited about for the new expansion

Ogawa: This expansion will have expansive new areas and a myriad of monsters. You can also look forward to seeing multiple new jobs.

Tell us something as well, Tanaka-san

Tanaka: What he said. (laughs) I hope you continue to enjoy FFXI.

I'll be excited to see what you develop. Thank you very much.

[Deimos]

Thanks for taking the time to translate that, Elmer, it was a fairly long interview.

[Intense]

Are you creating any areas that aren't simply a past version of existing ones?

Ogawa: I can tell you that the past isn't limited to just the areas that we all know about.

AHOY!! Brand new zones!

[Taj]

I wonder if they really think people will give up TParty when the official Windower comes out. (Unless of course they just add the functionality themselves, but we all know that's not going to happen.)

[Khamsin]

Will you also further develop the fun stuff like Chocobo Racing?

What a horrible interview.

Will you [...] create another new concept like Puppetmaster?

Ogawa: As a base, we consider jobs that will have a practical use in battle.

[BRP]

Awesome Elmer, you rock as always .

Interesting interview. What the devs think of windower plug ins is funny.

No mention on how crappy Celestial Nights was ;/.

[LD]

33% done....they can do the other 67% in 5 months? ;x