FFXIV Random Speculation/Question thread V: No one told me beta would have problems in it

[SilverBreeze]

If you can get multiple spikes on at once, shock spikes would be nice to go along with that, 100% proc stun!

Can't. Only one spikes spell up at a time. If you're using barbs anyway, especially when subbed, you want the enemy to hit you as much as possible, considering the very long recast with the very short duration. Stun would be the opposite of what you want.

I doubt that there will be any server problems unless they invite a ton of people, I don't recall there being a single problem with the server load in the last test, and the 24/7 test, and it was only a problem when the servers first came up and everyone was trying to get in first like a bunch of drunk frat guys who just found a chick passed out at one of their parties. I'd just like to have someone to play with when I actually get to play, my play time is sometimes weird considering I work 60 hour weeks and am sharing an account with a friend, most of the time during Phase 2 I played solo, except for the rare occasions I partied with Gulkeeva or the three other people I knew on the server who weren't JP lol.

We shall see though.

[omegaB]

If you're talking clans, yes, those are different for skin and characteristics, but we we're talking about the 4 sets that show up after you pick you clan.

Yea that's what I'm talking about (the 4 sets that show up, not the clans), when I say skins I don't mean skin color options. I mean like the texture on the model is slightly different in the face. For Ex one may be slightly more freckled or have the eyeshaded differently. And the charachteristics can be way different. Side burns for example on taru was only an option one face others had different facial hair options

[Katlan]

and the 24/7 test, and it was only a problem when the servers first came up and everyone was trying to get in first like a bunch of drunk frat guys who just found a chick passed out at one of their parties.

That's such a awesome analogy. I dont think the next wave of invites will be until next week at the earliest. So give all the current testers time

[Loaar]

That's such a awesome analogy. I dont think the next wave of invites will be until next week at the earliest. So give all the current testers time

The fan site contests all end on the same day as the beta 3 begins, so it depends how quickly they distribute the keys.

SE has added a beta key registration to the account management, so once people get their keys they "should" be able to register and get started.

[AshTS]

I know at least one of the fansite giveaways just involve emailing a key (From the site, not SquareEnix) to the winners. This key is put in at the NA Square Enix Member main site. (You can go and see where the key goes now I think)

Basically, invites could be sent out minutes after midnight tomorrow.

[Gulkeeva]

Can't. Only one spikes spell up at a time. If you're using barbs anyway, especially when subbed, you want the enemy to hit you as much as possible, considering the very long recast with the very short duration. Stun would be the opposite of what you want.

We shall see though.

I dunno i liked spikes, especially when doing guildleve's , the stun is like 3-5 seconds, and if you needed to say.. like run for your life, let'em hit you once -> run -> outside of ranged attack (unless its a crab/elemental.. omg ranged hax)

[Kachi]

I'm going to be clamoring for more LS options, personally. The same setup as XI but with a crest is kinda lame. No chat moderation or temp powers? C'mon.

[Loaar]

I'm going to be clamoring for more LS options, personally. The same setup as XI but with a crest is kinda lame. No chat moderation or temp powers? C'mon.

I dont think the Beta Linkshells will be all there is, here are some things from interviews:

Q. Do you intend to have things like guilds and guild banks for people to share?
A. For FFXI there was Linkshells and for FFXIV we will have Linkshells as well along with something like a higher level Linkshell system called a Company. In this Company, things you do will affect things you own in the game. Also, larger Companies will be able to have something like a community website that is more personalized that will display stats. There will be more information about this Company later on in development.

Eorzeapedia: Will there be any kind of new tools available for linkshells such as a common storage area, ability to select a linkshell emblem/logo, member ranks or banks?

Tanaka: This time we have the company system which is like an advanced system of linkshell which you will be able to level up as a group. We will let you know more information shortly. We can’t disclose too much information at the moment. Also, as a community tool, we will have this community website, which you can check out company status and your own character status. You will be able to enjoy the game even if you are offline.

Possible hint that this is all we will see during testing:

RPGamer: One of the other problems in the Alpha was there was no link shell. There was no way to communicate with the other people besides being around. Is that going to be added to the Beta?

Tanaka: For the Beta version we will be adding a chat field system, and also something like a link shell system — the same as Final Fantasy XI — so you can expect that in the Beta version

Further hints:

–Are the linkshells going to work the same as FFXI’s linkshells?

Tanaka: Yes. However, there is going to be a broader level of community building as well and a lot of different things will be built into that system.

[SilverBreeze]

I dunno i liked spikes, especially when doing guildleve's , the stun is like 3-5 seconds, and if you needed to say.. like run for your life, let'em hit you once -> run -> outside of ranged attack (unless its a crab/elemental.. omg ranged hax)

Nothing wrong with Spikes, but spikes + barbs just seems counterproductive. Barbs as a Thaumaturge is like 30 second duration on a 3 minute cooldown, which means subbed you have even less uptime, so you want to get beat on as much as possible while it's up. Using it then getting hit and stunning the mob for half it's duration seems like a waste of 3 ability points.

As a caster though, as soon as you get Stygian Spikes, Shock Spikes become worthless, at least for soloing, because you can't have both up at the same time. It might be worth having both up for groups, but I can hardly get people to sit still for heals, let alone Stoneskin, Spikes, etc.

[Draylo]

Damn no sense of humor...

[Gulkeeva]

Nothing wrong with Spikes, but spikes + barbs just seems counterproductive. Barbs as a Thaumaturge is like 30 second duration on a 3 minute cooldown, which means subbed you have even less uptime, so you want to get beat on as much as possible while it's up. Using it then getting hit and stunning the mob for half it's duration seems like a waste of 3 ability points.

As a caster though, as soon as you get Stygian Spikes, Shock Spikes become worthless, at least for soloing, because you can't have both up at the same time. It might be worth having both up for groups, but I can hardly get people to sit still for heals, let alone Stoneskin, Spikes, etc.

Hey I was trying to stay sort of still.. ish! >.>

Just lock target, that way you auto spin around everywhere the group runs around too

[Zubis]

Seem to be another patch released, couldn't find any information about it yet.

[Jojimbo]

Beta site doesn't really say anything, just told us that there was an update and the time it was put up. It's only update for the launcher anyway (it's red).

[Tineey]

On my lol3G 1mbits connection, it does better than my home 10mbits.... WHRY.

http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/7162/capturelve.png

[Hyan]

First off, I would like to thank all testers for participating in phase 2 of the FINAL FANTASY XIV Beta Test!

The development team sincerely appreciates all of the feedback, positive and negative, as well as all the words of encouragement from testers across the world. We endeavor ever forward with all of your voices in mind.

We are also excited about entering the third phase of beta testing! We intend to have the new content first checked by testers who participated in phase 2, and then increase the number of testers as time goes on. We are continuing to address the server load issues that many testers have brought to our attention. The official launch will be built upon a solid foundation of ongoing stress tests.

Following is a selection of what is in store for the third phase of beta testing.

–Improvements to the battle system
We overhauled the user interface and basic system for Beta 1. We will, however, continue making changes to eke the greatest possible enjoyment out of the system. Rather than explaining every detail, it’s probably better for you to experience it for yourself. Enjoy!

–Adjustments to character growth
We relayed in a previous announcement our plan to increase the merits of participating in levequests, particularly while in a party. Beginning with this phase, the amount of skill points that characters gain through levequests will be far greater than what they would gain attacking monsters on the field. Further adjustments will be made based on your feedback during Beta 3.

–Improvements to mouse controls
We’ve received plenty of feedback on mouse controls from testers who are seasoned PC gamers. Because we tried to ensure our control scheme worked across every type of device, we simply ended up providing a level of mouse control unsatisfactory to those testers. But we are happy to announce that we’ve made some major improvements to the movement and camera controls. Try them out and let us know what you think.

–Implementation of new Disciples of the Hand and Disciples of the Land classes
Now that we have ready for use all of the announced classes, we are one step closer to fulfilling all the items we promised to provide. We’ve reinstated local levequests with this phase, and with that, we hope to see an increased number of Disciples of the Hand. Some testers reported that there were not enough Disciples of the Hand testers to repair their items during Beta 2. We will keep an eye on this aspect during Beta 3 and make the proper adjustments according to your feedback.

–Implementation of linkshells
Linkshells (also known in FINAL FANTASY XIV as “companies” and similar to “guilds” found in other online games) will be implemented in Beta 3. Most FINAL FANTASY XI players will already be familiar with how linkshells work. Please test them out by inviting your friends and be sure to let us know what you think.

–Implementation of player macros and the auto-translate function
With macros, players will be able to execute multiple actions with one command, and automatically set their actions and equipment when changing classes. We understand the system still requires some tweaks, but we decided to implement the system in Beta 3 because it’s such an essential feature for testers to fully enjoy their experience.

These above are the major additions and adjustments for this version update. There are plenty more other than what I’ve pointed out, so we hope you will get a good feel for them, too.

Here’s to seeing the same great level of feedback and support during phase 3!

FINAL FANTASY XIV Director
Nobuaki Komoto

o.

HOW ABOUT THOSE UPATE NOTEEESSSS

[Lithiani]

So Companies are the same thing as Linkshells, not an additional level of organisation... k

[Hyan]

Why would they call them companies then? Idk.

Also, guildleves = primary progression method.

[Kirb]

Rather than explaining every detail, it’s probably better for you to experience it for yourself. Enjoy!

Komotoooooooooo


Interesting stuff, though. I'm curious to see the changes regarding leves and the DoH/DoL implementation.

[Hyan]

Komotoooooooooo

Yeah, and still no update notes.

What a cocktease.

Seriously.

Fuckers.

..Anyway, good to see that they're trying to make the controls better for PC users, I doubt what we get here will be enough but it clearly shows that they aren't simply ignoring the massive feedback.

[Lithiani]

Well they kinda have to make it work for PC users, otherwise they'll have no playerbase a month after launch