FFXIV Random Speculation/Question thread II: Let's Speculate the Speculations

[Hyan]

SE said long ago when talking about XIV that they like the tank/healer/damage party dynamic. It provides structure and allows for a much more efficient, streamlined strategic element for everyday party activity. If the game is tuned so that group play is largely a cluster of solo players running around gang beating mobs or splitting off to solo packs of mobs while self healing and being topped up by AoE cure bombs, it's going to suck.

Better than no group play at all.

It's nice to know there are still some of you out there that like waiting for the right class to log in for 2+ hours. I know I don't.

I don't really see how the group play becomes just a cluster of solo players beating same mobs if you allow for variety. Of course you will have to work together especially now that many classes can help each other out and it's not just like "Oh well I'd help you tank/heal but, sorry I'm a DD. I'll just /cheer you from here."

[Kurokikaze]

Not sure if anyone has asked this but... Ghost what video card are you using? PC specs.

The game runs like ass for me.

[Agito]

Not sure if anyone has asked this but... Ghost what video card are you using? PC specs.

The game runs like ass for me.

Quoted from Ghost.

win7 x64
intel i7-860 2.80 GHZ
Ati Hawk HD 5770
4GB DDR3

I've been seeing that people are getting their full capped 30 FPS outside in the fields but in town they really get lag and all that.

[Vitglance]

I know its just alpha, but something seriously looks -off- about FFXIV's distance shots. The graphics just look... strange. Reminds me of like, early 3-D world models, with the almost photo-like objects plastered onto a background.

Crap, he's onto us.

Seriously though. The assets look fine to me. You sure it's not the lack of atmosphere via proper Lighting and Post Processing Effects isn't getting you? I'm sure we're in store for all sorts of nice little tweaks like that.

[Purrrfect]

Not sure if anyone has asked this but... Ghost what video card are you using? PC specs.

The game runs like ass for me.

-

win7 x64
intel i7-860 2.80 GHZ
Ati Hawk HD 5770
4GB DDR3

[naninani]

I know its just alpha, but something seriously looks -off- about FFXIV's distance shots. The graphics just look... strange. Reminds me of like, early 3-D world models, with the almost photo-like objects plastered onto a background.

Probably the lighting. There's nothing to really lend itself to there being depth at distance. I get the same vibe looking at pics indoors...that universal lighting throws it off for me. There's no specularity at all.
The beta preview pics look like they will beef up the visual framework and add a lot of life to the environment.

[Kurokikaze]

Ahh I see. Sorry for that. ><;

Win7 x64
Intel i7 930 4.22
9500GT
6GB DDR3.

Looks like I really do need a new card for this game. CPU @25% and RAM @48%.

I've been seeing that people are getting their full capped 30 FPS outside in the fields but in town they really get lag and all that so it's normal there.

Graphics lag is definitely better in the fields than in town, but thats kinda expected. The ship cutscene was just brutal. Only place I've manage to cap FPS is that elevator cutscene in Limsa. lol ;/

[Aurelius]

Better than no group play at all.

It's nice to know there are still some of you out there that like waiting for the right class to log in for 2+ hours. I know I don't.

I don't really see how the group play becomes just a cluster of solo players beating same mobs if you allow for variety. Of course you will have to work together especially now that many classes can help each other out and it's not just like "Oh well I'd help you tank/heal but, sorry I'm a DD. I'll just /cheer you from here."

I made no comment as to how SE Plans to implement the tank/damage/healer dynamic, only that they plan to preserve it. It works. Done properly, there's no reason why anyone should ever have to wait longer than 20 minutes for a full balanced party. That's pretty reasonable, and would probably be only slightly longer than how long it would take to sort out who was doing what in a group lacking the structure provided by the tank/damage/healer setup. There's no real reason for SE to do away with that kind of system when there are other things they could just as easily do to make it more viable without just making a mess.

[Hyan]

I made no comment as to how SE Plans to implement the tank/damage/healer dynamic, only that they plan to preserve it. It works.

And if the roles are not as "pure" as before, that doesn't mean they won't be there. I don't know what your point was. Even if LNC can self heal, CC and tank a bit doesn't mean they won't be DD's at core.

Done properly, there's no reason why anyone should ever have to wait longer than 20 minutes for a full balanced party.

Ambiguous.

There's no real reason for SE to do away with that kind of system when there are other things they could just as easily do to make it more viable without just making a mess.

I don't see why it would be a mess.

[Aurelius]

And if the roles are not as "pure" as before, that doesn't mean they won't be there. I don't know what your point was. Even if LNC can self heal, CC and tank a bit doesn't mean they won't be DD's at core.

Again, I haven't made any comment as to how they plan to implement the different roles, only that the tank/damage/healer setup streamlines party strategies for everyday content and that SE has said they like the dynamic.

Ambiguous.

Yes, yes it is. < 20 minute wait times for random groups is a feat that has already been accomplished in the MMO world. If the potential wait time for groups is the only reason SE might be inclined to shy away from the tank/healer/damage setup, there are solutions that don't require scrapping a system that works.

I don't see why it would be a mess.

Because unless all you're doing is forming parties for faceroll content, you need to have a clear understanding of who is responsible for what in order to prevent from having things that needed to be done not getting done because "I thought so-and-so was supposed to be doing that." It also helps to cut down on needless duplication of tasks, hence the improved efficiency statement. For more demanding content, SE is setting themselves up to be able to offer a great deal of diversity but very few people are going to be interested in a 10 minute strategy brief before every minor encounter just to sort out what is going on. Structure. Streamlining. All good things when trying to coordinate groups consisting in many cases of random people.

[Hyan]

Yes, yes it is. < 20 minute wait times for random groups is a feat that has already been accomplished in the MMO world. If the potential wait time for groups is the only reason SE might be inclined to shy away from the tank/healer/damage setup, there are solutions that don't require scrapping a system that works.

If by that you mean group finder (why must you be so ambiguous? Just tell me) I don't think that is any better solution. Works for some issues, like the wait times, but is not always the answer and has downsides to it.

Because unless all you're doing is forming parties for faceroll content, you need to have a clear understanding of who is responsible for what in order to prevent from having things that needed to be done not getting done because "I thought so-and-so was supposed to be doing that." It also helps to cut down on needless duplication of tasks, hence the improved efficiency statement. For more demanding content, SE is setting themselves up to be able to offer a great deal of diversity but very few people are going to be interested in a 10 minute strategy brief before every minor encounter just to sort out what is going on. Structure. Streamlining. All good things when trying to coordinate groups consisting in many cases of random people.

Why do you think that can not be achieved if you have classes with main roles and certain support skills? Everyone will do their thing as planned, and will assist each other when needed. If Thaumaturge can't keep the mobs in check with CC, LNC can throw in some bind or Voke and grab hate that way, instead of a wipe because all he could do is more DPS. If THM doesn't need help, LNC will keep on DD'ing. If CON is too busy curing the tank, LNC can use bloodbath/chakra and regain his HP that way, without having to wait for CON to cure him.

I'm not saying you have THM and LNC as the CC's with their skils overlapping because they don't know who should do what. THM is the CC, and if the current situation is too much for him to handle LNC can step in for a sec and help. I don't think that would make the encounters 'a mess'.

[Calemero]

As the time draws ever closer for Final Fantasy XIV to level up into a beta, Dengeki sat down with Producer Hiromichi Tanaka, Director Nobuaki Komoto and Planner Kenichi Iwao to discuss the progress of the game thus far. Some of this article has been leaked already, and various tidbits can be found around different fansites. Let's take a look through the article itself and confirm exactly what the developers said.

source: http://ffxiv.zam.com/story.html?story=22430

Server Stability Issues

* Server stability issues have plagued the alpha, and the developers apologize that players cannot fully enjoy the basics of the game.
* At first, there were many more players than they had expected, but recently the number has shrunk considerably.
* Phase 2 of the alpha will begin once they fully stabilize the current World. After that, they will add a second and third world.
* The next round of testers has already been chosen for when phase 2 of the alpha begins.
* The beta is planned to begin once a player base of around 50,000 is built and the servers are stabilized to handle them.

Tester Feedback

* Players feel that the pace of battles is too slow. The developers plan to implement a new system for the beta that is almost completely different.
* Another common complaint is that aspects of the game's system are not explained well. Much more detailed guidance will be added for players in the beta and retail versions.
* Problems with sluggish character animations or Aetheryte not appearing are attributed to server load issues.
* Server load and bugs have also caused errors when trying to use Battle Regimen.
* Players are having a hard time acquiring gil. The developers recommend Guildleve, but admit the issues with the alpha test cause people to fail their missions often. They plan to add a consolation prize if you should fail a Guildleve, and also provide rewards for party members who help you.

Moving to the Beta Phase

* All the races will become selectable in the beta version. This includes Miqo'te, Komoto adds with a laugh.
* Character textures will not change much in the beta, but the lighting and textures of Limsa Lominsa are set to change significantly.
* Shadows are also getting an overhaul. Using SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion), the developers say that shadows can change faithfully based on orientation, position and distance from various sources of light.
* The area that players can explore will not expand initially in the beta. They feel the current areas and level limits are enough for the testing they want to complete.
* Players have enjoyed the realistic feel of field areas, but Limsa Lominsa is a little bit confusing to navigate. One plan is to split up the map between the two floors of the city during the beta.
* Changes to the log system will be made, such as the addition of filters. Players have complained that surrounding battles often spam their logs.
* There will be no "Mog House" since players can change classes on the fly and are able to carry a large amount of items. However, some type of home or personal area for players is in the works.
* A bazaar-type system is planned for players to buy and sell goods. They want players to be able to keep their bazaars open even when logged out.

The World of Final Fantasy XIV

* XIV aims to bring more freedom to the life of the adventurer. In XI, players were introduced to the world as citizens of a particular nation. In XIV, you can freely associate yourself with different guilds.
* There will be guilds that revolve around different classes, like Pugilist, and different professions, like blacksmithing.
* Crystals exist as Aether, and come in six different elements. The Aetheryte that adventurers use are constructed through the power of Aether.
* The calendar of Eorzea shifts between the "Astral Era" and the "Era of Woe" (not official translation). The text on the world map was written in 1506, the 6th year of the "Astral Era."
* The 12 gods of Eorzea are loosely based on Greek mythology, in that there is a pantheon of deities with different characteristics and personalities.
* Each god has an elemental affinity and will have some affect on the player. Whether or not players can meet and interact with these gods is still being kept under wraps.
* There are plans to let players change their selected god, but it will come with a penalty.

The Land of Eorzea

* XIV is focused on the continent of Eorzea, though like XI, other lands may open up eventually.
* While XI featured a war between mankind and the beastmen, the Garlean Empire's invasion of Eorzea will have people fighting people.
* Similar to ancient Greece or the Middle Ages in Italy, Eorzea has a number of large city-states with fully developed cultures. The flag for these cities can be seen in the bottom right, though the developers are reluctant to elaborate on their connection with each other.
* XI players have noticed the name "Roddard Ironheart" on the map of Eorzea, which matches the surname of famous cartographers from Vana'diel. Iwao laughs and says it must just be a coincidence.
* Limsa Lominsa is like Venice, a city on the water. Ul'dah is like the ancient Aramaic city of Palmyra, an oasis in the sands. Gridinia is modeled after Mayan cities, secluded in the forest.
* Some guilds will be present in multiple cities, but each city will have its own theme and set of guilds. For example, Gridinia will have a fishing guild since it is located near rivers and streams.
* Ul'dah will have a coliseum where players can participate.
* In addition to Chocobos, carriages, boats and airships will appear in Eorzea. The various level requirements are still unknown.

Citizens and Monsters

* There will exist NPCs that players are unable to create themselves (i.e. male Miqo'te).
* Other monsters, like the Dodo and Puk, that are familiar to XI players will appear in XIV. There will be many monsters from Aht Urghan and beyond that players can expect to see.
* Other friendly races of monsters, such as Goblins and Qiqirun will also be in XIV.
* There will be some monsters that can be friendly and even aid adventurers. Conversely, there will be human characters that turn out to be evil and even face the players in battle.
* The developers are planning to focus on customization of equipment to allow for more coordination and unique fashions. One example is how the interviewer noticed the difference between leather hats and suede hats on the NPCs.
* There are plans to allow players to sign their crafting handiwork like in XI.

Sounds like a whole lot of bitching and moaning in feedback. /derp

That would be the point of feedback.

Edit*** Sounds like a whole lot of needless bitching and moaning in feedback. /derp

[Kuya]

That would be the point of feedback.

[Agito]

There will exist NPCs that players are unable to create themselves (i.e. male Miqo'te).

Gosh, make it known that male Miqo'te will be a playable race already.. I'll be very pissed off every time i pass by one of these male Miqo'te NPCs on my gay Hume if not. FUCK!

[Dein]

Edit*** Sounds like a whole lot of needless bitching and moaning in feedback. /derp

Out of that list about feedback only one item sounds like a minor issue compared to the rest. How dare the testers bitch and moan about valid issues and concerns they run across.

[Calemero]

Out of that list about feedback only one item sounds like a minor issue compared to the rest. How dare the testers bitch and moan about valid issues and concerns they run across.

* Players feel that the pace of battles is too slow. The developers plan to implement a new system for the beta that is almost completely different.

This has been discussed a million times on every thread on the internet. The battle system is just as fast as XI's and not as fast as PvP based MMO's (which it shouldn't be for an SE title) The MAIN cause of slow battle is server lag. Address the lag, not the battle system.

* Another common complaint is that aspects of the game's system are not explained well. Much more detailed guidance will be added for players in the beta and retail versions.

Controls/System are explained very well in the Beta Test forums. Dunno how people don't understand simple things. It is a lot simpler than most MMO's that have come out since XI.

* Problems with sluggish character animations or Aetheryte not appearing are attributed to server load issues.

Valid. To be expected for some people.

* Server load and bugs have also caused errors when trying to use Battle Regimen.

Valid. To be expected for some people.

* Players are having a hard time acquiring gil. The developers recommend Guildleve, but admit the issues with the alpha test cause people to fail their missions often. They plan to add a consolation prize if you should fail a Guildleve, and also provide rewards for party members who help you.

This is the main thing that got me. Players are bitching its hard to make gil? Its 5 times easier than making gil (@ Start) than XI. In the last 4 test periods I have totaled close to 200,000 gil.

1) Run your guildleves each test
2) ???
3) Profit

Now adding consolidation prizes for people who fail leves because it's Alpha and things are buggy. It's just adding needless things imho.
If your client crashes and you can't finish a leve, wait 2 hours and do it again...

[Vydos]

This is good info. For a moment I was scared that there wouldn't be any player houses when I read no "mog houses".

Combat didn't seem that slow to me though, especially in the 2 latests lnc video's of Ghostix. oh well, I hope it won't turn out to be fast-paced as most other mmo's, because I personally hate that.

[Loaar]

I ahd to laugh at the feedback that players find it hard to earn gil. I don't think they are playing the same game as the rest of us, its stupidly easy to earn gil in FFXIV.

[superzombie23]

* Players are having a hard time acquiring gil. The developers recommend Guildleve, but admit the issues with the alpha test cause people to fail their missions often. They plan to add a consolation prize if you should fail a Guildleve, and also provide rewards for party members who help you.

This is the main thing that got me. Players are bitching its hard to make gil? Its 5 times easier than making gil (@ Start) than XI. In the last 4 test periods I have totaled close to 200,000 gil.

1) Run your guildleves each test
2) ???
3) Profit

Now adding consolidation prizes for people who fail leves because it's Alpha and things are buggy. It's just adding needless things imho.
If your client crashes and you can't finish a leve, wait 2 hours and do it again...

I hope it's only because of the alpha bugs and not people wanting the game to be easier. IMO, FFXI would not have felt worth-while had SE given rewards for basically doing nothing. I personally won't enjoy it when they spoon feed all the whiny players, when the real game comes out.

[BlackheartX]

Why isn't shooting out of my feet when I walk plz fix.
I can't buy the most expensive item halp!!!!