FFXIV Random Speculation/Question thread III: Where's my beta invite?

[Hyan]

Not really :D.

[LD]

I think it's kinda early for talk like that.

[viperlasson]

Anyone know if the ffxiv starting area for beta will be the same as alpha? Same limited areas?

[Hyan]

Maybe few previously locked places will be opened up, but mostly ya.

[Null]

I just pray we get more info on the other towns sometime soon so its easier to chose where you wish to start.

[blythe]

I think it's kinda early for talk like that.

Yea all we know is they said that they've attempted to give every class some sort of self-support ability to make soloing easier and so that parties aren't held back searching for a "healer." I don't know how I feel about this (exping as a BRD or WHM in XI was golden - and of course they were my favorite classes anyway).

[Azriell]

My assumption has been that soloing exp, or going as a small group, won't require a healer. This also explains why Conjurer is a mix of healing and offensive magic (so it can still solo effectively).

However, I believe that endgame will require some to focus only on healing. Conjurer will probably fulfill both roles (damage and healing) just fine, but will need to focus on one or the other for any given endgame encounter, if only for MP purposes and so someone doesn't die because the healer was nuking when the boss took 75% of the tank's life in one hit.

[supercoco]

i doubt very much we'll be able to kill fafnir ( it's just an example ) w/o healers.

i still think, that a few mage jobs will be released anytime soon

[Emirii]

A lot of the other jobs can heal themselves. I liked pugilist because it got a healing move (chakra) very early and it didn't have a too bad of a cool down.

[Boom]

i doubt very much we'll be able to kill fafnir ( it's just an example ) w/o healers.

True, but at the same time, groups won't need to be as mage-heavy as some of the fights in XI. It'll help spread the curing responsibility and allow for job diversity.

I also think this will play into these party vs party fights we keep hearing about. It takes away the dependence on healers, so you can't complain about not getting healed while you're tanking one of the five crabs your group is fighting.

I dunno.

[Squeaky]

New post on beta forums:

Beta testing is almost upon us!

The beta test will see the implementation of many new features, including significant user interface, character creation, and battle system changes based on alpha test feedback. Before beta testing begins, I'd like to take the opportunity to touch upon certain areas that should be considered "under construction" for this next phase.

Disciples of the Hand
Due to internal processing complications, we will temporarily be disabling local levequests for Disciples of the Hand. These issues also prevent us from implementing the Disciples of the Hand tutorial currently available for classes of other disciplines.

This development will make it difficult for anyone attempting to raise an entirely crafting-centric character. Although this goes against one of the basic concepts for FINAL FANTASY XIV, we decided that releasing the beta version and having our testers experience other elements of the game as soon as possible was a higher priority.

In this beta test phase, we will also be introducing a system in which the condition of weapons, armor, and tools will degrade with use. Disciples of the Hand will be able to repair these degraded items. While NPCs can be asked to perform repairs, PCs and retainers will also be able to fix equipment via bazaars. Although it will be difficult to advance in a crafting discipline, we encourage everyone to attempt to repair their own or their companions' gear, or engage in repair-related transactions at least once during testing. Let us know what you think!

The materials and recipes necessary for repairing items will be announced on the Beta Test Site in the near future.

The User Interface
The user interface, or "UI," will see a significant overhaul for the beta version. There are, however, several UI issues that have yet to be fully addressed-in particular, the overall time delay experienced when navigating the item interface. We are aware of the amount of time required to display long lists of items, and hope to resolve this issue before the next phase of the beta test.

There are also cases where rapid input in the various sections of the UI is not properly registered by the server. We are working to resolve this issue, but meanwhile, if confronted with a "???" or similar error, please try waiting a few moments before reattempting the same action.

Recruiting Party Members
In an effort to bring new elements to party play, we decided to introduce a different recruitment method than was available in FINAL FANTASY XI, in which the usual flow was for the recruiter to send an invitation to the prospective party member. Now, however, players can join a party automatically if they meet the conditions designated by the recruiter.

In the future, we plan to add features such as allowing players to join parties based on skills with weapons not currently equipped, or to join a party in a different area. Give the current system a try and tell us what you think.

Teleporting and Warping
As of the beta test, using the Teleport and Return commands will incur a small cost in "anima" (a character's self-replenishing energy). Countdowns will continue to use the same temporary display used during the alpha test. Furthermore, when teleporting, returning, or logging out, you will no longer be able to cancel the action using the same command-you will need to use a different command, such as toggling active/passive mode. In the next beta test phase, we plan to not only add effects, but also allow for easier teleporting/returning when not in battle.

Delayed Features
Unfortunately, the auto-complete/auto-translation feature that allows players to communicate across languages could not be implemented at this stage. We are currently scheduled to introduce this feature in the next beta test phase.

Player macros, a feature required to fully realize the Armoury System, are essential not only for battle situations, but also for switching equipment and setting up action bar shortcuts. We are working to ensure the implementation of a macro system, but regret that this feature will also not be ready for testing until the next testing phase.

There are still many areas with room for improvement, but we have the same dedication and desire to continue building the realm of Eorzea alongside our players. We hope to see the same great level of feedback and support during the beta test!

FINAL FANTASY XIV Director
Nobuaki Komoto

[Hyan]

New post on beta forums:

You are easily the best poster on this forum. Thanks for the info :D

[Azriell]

Yeah multiple jobs have some sort sort of healing ability, but I don't think you're going to see enough output from these abilities to offset the damage inflicted by endgame bosses. Using XI as an example, the difference between someone /WHM with Cure 3, and a SCH, RDM, or WHM with Cure 4 (not to mention higher tiers) is pretty huge.

In addition to this, we come back to effectiveness. You could probably take 2~3 melee classes and equip them with TP-based healing abilities, and replace a single healing Conjurer, but you would see a markable decrease in their overall damage. I have to assume that it would probably be best to let a healer heal, and a damage dealer deal damage (at endgame).

The added flexibility we have in XIV is nice, especially when it comes to leveling, and for attempting NMs (or whatever) with a couple of friends. But unless endgame is super easy mode this time around I think we (the community) will ultimately arrive at the conclusion that certain, rigid roles are more effective/safe than having 10 DD spam TP-cures on a tank.

[Olo401]

Now, however, players can join a party automatically if they meet the conditions designated by the recruiter.

This is an interesting little feature.. now you don't even have to invite gimps to your party they just join!

[BlackheartX]

So macros are coming back?!...

[Jinko]

This is an interesting little feature.. now you don't even have to invite gimps to your party they just join!

Has its pro's and con's i suppose, should be easier to get a party in theory but you may end up with a muppet every now and again.

[Boom]

Wonder if the auto-party works in conjunction with /blist. If there is a /blist.

[Hyan]

Has some rough edges for sure. Hard to say without seeing the system in action though.

[Azriell]

It's a good concept on paper. Since players can join a party if they meet the requirements, we have to assume that these requirements will be visible via some sort of search function. If a useful search feature is implemented from day one, perhaps it will be adopted better than the on in XI (which was by most only for exp or LS events). It would be nice to be able to run a search and see if anyone is doing Mission X, for example. Or if XIV has a Trial of the Magians equivilent, you could search to see if someone is working on the same trial you're on. Hopefully, this search feature also lets you view the details of a party before you join it.

In addition to all of this, I really hope SE let's us set our parties to "closed" if we so desire. Surely they realize that there are plenty of instances in which you don't want some random person joining your group, such as when fighting an NM, doing endgame, etc.

[Hyan]

In addition to all of this, I really hope SE let's us set our parties to "closed" if we so desire. Surely they realize that there are plenty of instances in which you don't want some random person joining your group, such as when fighting an NM, doing endgame, etc.

I guess if you aren't looking for members no one can join your group? I don't think this is an issue really.