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[Jijidasu]

Are they re-re-vamping combat?

We can already tell you that the combat shown in alpha videos is just bare bones. Not sure about if it's being re-hauled rather than it's going to have things added to it from beta onwards (give or take 2 weeks).


As for questions for Kagari to ask:


1. I had a brief conversation with Soken (the sound director) recently and he was hesitant to reply (probably due to PR control) regarding the use of different BGM tracks for day and night cycles. He replied with "For that you'll have to wait until launch" but my question stands.


2. I have often wondered about how they are planning for the future in terms of graphical milestones and the limitations of the PS3. Hashimoto and Yoshida have mentioned before that the next milestone after launch is the implementation of direct x 11 support. How is this going to work with the PS3 client? Will the PC client be boosted beyond what the PS3 can handle and therefore leaving the PS3 version at a set state of visual quality? What kind of limitations do they expect with the engine?

Question number 2 is one that's seemingly been ignored and brushed away, yet is quite important. We are beginning to see MMO's with outstanding amounts of graphical output and detail - FF is known for "FF-quality" visuals, losing out due to hardware limitations a la. PS2/FFXI is most undesirable.

 

[Riposte]

So I've been thinking about some basic ideas for the OT. I'll briefly write 2 ideas again:

1) I've been thinking about "accompanying music" being integrated into the OT's image heavy layout. I visualize this as taking the form of a "play" button image link which leads readers to music from the game (ideally in the form of a minimalistic version of YouTube, i.e. what you get when you "pop-out" a video). The idea here is that you showcase the game's music and set up a mood while reading (all for the sake of building anticipation).

2) I would definitely like a summary of 1.0's major plot events (main missions, moving towards ARR, etc) that is not only succinct (three paragraphs at most), but also a little bit flavorful with the focus on, again, building anticipation. I think it would be best first to check out what the beginning of 2.0 (via Beta) is like to see what is most relevant to mention. I don't exactly trust myself to write such a thing even though I liked the story (I mean I totally missed how much of the plot took place in Echo!).

Other ideas includes a section dedicated to musicians since that seems like that will be a big pull for the game.

It's that time again. Anything you guys want me to ask Yoshida?

Just the same question you won't ask again! What's the deal with our companions? Assuming that hasn't been addressed elsewhere anyway. Maybe a more important question is to ask how do they plan to balance the community building aspect of forced partying in FFXI (historically speaking anyway) and the more accessible format of the usual MMO which means there is virtually no community until you join an endgame group. Or how about: How do they plan to differentiate FFXIV as a pay-to-play MMO (a model falling out of favor) when many of their changes are directed at making it more like other MMOs which have since gone free to play?

 

[Kagari]

There are some questions they won't answer, but it never hurts to try again.

 

[Ravidrath]

It's that time again. Anything you guys want me to ask Yoshida?

E-mail interview?

 

[Stabattack]

It's that time again. Anything you guys want me to ask Yoshida?

1. Will we be seeing a Steam client?

2. Post launch, what kind of update schedule (frequency) is planned?

 

[Kagari]

E-mail interview?

Yeah.

 

[Mature]

It's that time again. Anything you guys want me to ask Yoshida?

Specifics on housing!

 

[Meicyn]

Are they considering a Mac client at some point?

 

[Ravidrath]

Ask about the pets, ala the Baby Behemoth, and their function?

 

[darkblade77]

Since Alpha had both the sprawling quest hub method of leveling but also supported making traditional parties and chaingrinding with leves, I want to ask if content progression is going to start favoring a specific method as levels get higher.

And since they bothered to keep physical stat allocation in the game, I want to know if they have any intention of making stats equally viable to a given job/class, or at least give the player more than one route to viably build their stats towards.

I'd like to hear more about the bigger crafting projects(like housing), and what crafters are expected to be doing at endgame--especially since Materia value is likely to take a hit with multi-melds becoming less useful.

Stuff they've been tight-lipped about that I'd love to hear at least a hint on:

• Fishing
• Any news on a new race since that players' poll from way back (I want Gria!)
• How Summoner is intended to work
• RMT countermeasures; 1.x had a huge gilfarmer infestation and countless accounts that were clearly being fleeced to become resources to affect the game post-revamp

 

[Ravidrath]

Group crafting would be something cool to hear about, yeah.

Regarding Summoner: since things seem to be delayed a bit, might we see the Summoner job at launch now, instead of in a patch down the line?

Wil returning Level 50 characters still need to do the low-level class quests to unlock abilities that they had in 1.0?

 

[Ala Alba]

(I want Gria!)

I don't know if I know you, but I think we can be friends!

Spoiler

The Gria were so underused in the Ivalice setting.

With that said, I hope they don't import any races from other games wholesale. Something similar would be good, IMO. Just not identical.

 

[Ravidrath]

I kind of doubt we'd see Gria, but I think we could see Padjal? Which are the same thing, sans wings, yeah?

 

[Mature]

I kind of doubt we'd see Gria, but I think we could see Padjal? Which are the same thing, sans wings, yeah?

Yep. And, honestly, I'd want something a bit more outside the box.

Would love to see a reptilian type race.

 

[ZiZ]

I kind of doubt we'd see Gria, but I think we could see Padjal? Which are the same thing, sans wings, yeah?

Padjal look too much like humans, and the horns look like the were stapled on. they are in dire need of a redesign.

 

[Jijidasu]

Advertising is starting to roll out across Japan!?

(Not sure if this is real or not)

 

[Mature]

Advertising is starting to roll out across Japan.

Wow. That's really cool.

 

[ZiZ]

Advertising is starting to roll out across Japan!?

(Not sure if this is real or not)

why would they use Louisoix in advertising? only players who played the first game till the end would care about him. For everyone else he's just "generic looking old elf guy".

 

[Ravidrath]

why would they use Louisoix in advertising? only players who played the first game till the end would care about him. For everyone else he's just "generic looking old elf guy".

Fairly certain I've seen this exact picture, but with this dude I know's face in the BG. I think it's fake.

 

[Jijidasu]

Yeah, sorry. It's a 'shop. Just found out.

 

[Jijidasu]

http://jp.finalfantasyxiv.com/blog

Sound blog I mentioned earlier is here. City followed by field theme.

 

[Buttons]

It's that time again. Anything you guys want me to ask Yoshida?

* How is their progress on the vanity slot system coming along. Will it still be released in a later patch or might it make it for the official release?

* More information on the little (40?) pets. Are they just vanity pets that follow you around? Can they be called inside the cities? Are they storage that runs around? Mandragoras, Tonberry, Apkallu or Cactuar as pets?

* I would love to hear more about the housing system. I know my entire LS is dying to finally hear something about the price. What would do smallest/medium sized plots cost us? Will crafters build our entire houses or only parts of them?

* Will they be introducing seasonal events with amazing furniture rewards like FFXI had? (Christmas trees, lucky bamboo, egg table, egg lamps and all the other amazing items we always got.)

 

[N.A]

New Limsa theme is awesome

http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/blog/post/180

 

[Xux]

Huh, I wonder if Uematsu asked them to replace the old tracks when Tanaka left or something.

The new tracks fit as much as the old ones, I guess. Seems kind of unnecessary, though.

Then again, he does say "one of the tracks for Limsa Lominsa" and "two of the tracks for La Noscea" so I guess the others could resurface.

 

[Munba]

Very nice and peaceful tracks.

Then again, he does say "one of the tracks for Limsa Lominsa" and "two of the tracks for La Noscea" so I guess the others could resurface.

So this means we'll finally have different tracks depending on the time (day and night? Really hope so!

 

[Jinko]

Nice music, reminds me of Chrono Cross/Trigger.

 

[omlet]

RE: OT
IMO images are fine, but the bulk of the text (or at the very least headers/keywords that people would be likely to search for) should be actual text, not (only) text-in-images. Riposte, I don't know/remember who you were in XIV; were you in RD? If so, what do you think of using the RD forums as a staging ground for building the OT?

It's that time again. Anything you guys want me to ask Yoshida?

I'm curious about some of the things others have already mentioned, but going back to my megapost a couple pages back, I'm also curious about Yoshida's general take on how to balance content and design choices for "casual" (fickle, vocal, instant-gratification crowd) and "non-casual" audiences (intentionally avoiding the term "hardcore" because I kind of consider that another level of play, not simply the opposite of casual), specifically what his philosophy is regarding game design choices that impact the sense of community and immersion and how he decides to draw the line between "playing a game" convenience and "being in a living world with other people" immersion.

 

[Mature]

Yeah, sorry. It's a 'shop. Just found out.

Aw.

 

[Stabattack]

It's that time again. Anything you guys want me to ask Yoshida?

Another question... do they plan to feature Susan Calloway in another vocal track for the game's release besides 'Answers'?

 

[Skyler]

Soken continues to deliver. I love everything I've heard from him so far.

 

[Jinko]

I suppose if I could ask yoshida a question that hasn't been asked it would be

What are the plans for companion/chocobo systems, will we be able to use other pets such as the baby behemoth.

What will be the method of control, pet bars (similar to other mmos) or a gambit system like in FFXII?

Do they plan to allow players access to addon developement during beta/before launch, have they decided onwhat lanuage they will use for this?

 

[staticneuron]

It's that time again. Anything you guys want me to ask Yoshida?

Will we be able to view or enter the empire?

How much of Eorzea are they planning on letting us see after 2.0 launches? Specifically are we going to be able to visit any other continents or far of lands?

Music. How many songs are we going to hear? Are there different music for each region and sub region? Are there going to be different music themes for time of day or moon cycles?

How in-depth is chocobo raising going to be?

Will it be possible to own your own airship?

Has the difference in balance between solo play and group play changed? If so, how extreme are the changes?

EDIT: I am also curious if they are going to be bringing any mini-games back to the world.

 

[Riposte]

RE: OT
IMO images are fine, but the bulk of the text (or at the very least headers/keywords that people would be likely to search for) should be actual text, not (only) text-in-images. Riposte, I don't know/remember who you were in XIV; were you in RD? If so, what do you think of using the RD forums as a staging ground for building the OT?

Yes, at least one of the later incarnations of the NeoGAF LS. I'm not against the idea of using the RD forums, but I don't see the point.

 

[Nakazato]

Yes, at least one of the later incarnations of the NeoGAF LS. I'm not against the idea of using the RD forums, but I don't see the point.

You need to put ls leaders and officers in the ot when u get to the ls section. It will help ppl find us to get pearls to others

 

[Kokonoe]

So has there been any information on how Linkshells will work in 2.0? Or will there be guilds?

 

[Allard]

So has there been any information on how Linkshells will work in 2.0? Or will there be guilds?

Linkshells are just going to be chat channels, Free Companies are going to take over as guild/linkshell like duties with rankings, a special FC only chat channel, levels and housing.

 

[Quadaess Suikun]

Today I told Soken on twitter I loved the new LL theme, but that I also felt a bit sad for Uematsu, and please use his music elsewhere. He responded me that he hasn't forgotten about the old music, and that he thinks Uematsu is a very important person for the FF games. Yay!

Another question... do they plan to feature Susan Calloway in another vocal track for the game's release besides 'Answers'?

I read someone asking that to Soken on twitter some time ago, and he said it would be a great idea

 

[Munba]

Today I told Soken on twitter I loved the new LL theme, but that I also felt a bit sad for Uematsu, and please use his music elsewhere. He responded me that he hasn't forget about the old music, and that he thinks Uematsu is a very important person for the FF games. Yay!

This is great to hear.

 

[Kokonoe]

Linkshells are just going to be chat channels, Free Companies are going to take over as guild/linkshell like duties with rankings, a special FC only chat channel, levels and housing.

Awesome. I was getting tired of FFXI styled linkshells.

 

[Jijidasu]

I can imagine some tracks being used at night. Gridania at night for example: Born of the Boughs or Dewdrops and Moonbeams.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/sw1a4TVWylE

http://www.youtube.com/embed/W78a1xwXpMg


I don't know if Limsa's original theme would fit at night though, it still has a really commanding theme. I think night themes should be remixed into low-tempo, ambient themes.

In anycase. I mentioned a few pages back that I asked Soken about night tracks and replied with "それはサービスインまでお待ちを" so, "Wait until launch for that". I'm positive about it!

 

[ROBOKITTYZILLA]

They should use all new music and add an item you can obtain in-game (or just make it an option in the menu) that allows you to customize various tracks. You could switch out the new tracks from a selection of tracks from the old game. This could include town themes (day/night), battle music, boss music, event music, etc.

 

[Munba]

I can imagine some tracks being used at night. Gridania at night for example: Born of the Boughs or Dewdrops and Moonbeams.

http://www.youtube.com/embed/sw1a4TVWylE

If they would use the new gridania theme (alpha) for the day and the old Uematsu one for the night, it would be pretty perfect imo.
edit: so as Twilight over Thanalan would be nice at night.

I think night themes should be remixed into low-tempo, ambient themes.

Yeah. More peaceful and almost subtle.

 

[Jinko]

They should use all new music and add an item you can obtain in-game (or just make it an option in the menu) that allows you to customize various tracks. You could switch out the new tracks from a selection of tracks from the old game. This could include town themes (day/night), battle music, boss music, event music, etc.

Duke Box that drops from a lvl 99 Goobbue ?

 

[Mature]

Hmm. I'm actually pretty indifferent with the Limsa music. Not that I was super keen on Navigator's Glory either, though.

 

[Riposte]

Is it possible to download an "Eorzean" font?

 

[Munba]

Is it possible to download an "Eorzean" font?

Sure: http://www.otherworldonline.net/stuff/eorzea.rar
(modified with direct download)

 

[omlet]

Boy, reppost about retainers kind of lit things on fire on lodestone this week.

Based on the feedback we collected in the past, the dev. team is looking to implement different features for your retainer as they level up. For example, we are looking into allowing retainers to perform chores, such as gathering.

As soon as we receive detailed information on leveling up your friendly caretakers and the tasks that they will be able to perform at certain levels, we will be sure to let you know!

Even with the clarifying comment--

We just wanted to let you know that relying on your retainer alone to gather for you isn't going to cover all of your gathering needs. We are planning this system very carefully to ensure it does not destroy any sort of economic balance so you can rest easy in that regard.

--it still kind of comes off as, "Sorry, DOL fans, your classes are now demoted to chore!" Personally, I really do not like the sound of retainers being gatherers in a game where gathering is supposed to be one of the devoted professions, so I'm glad they at least clarified the original comment. It would be neat to maybe have retainers do more than just stand in the wards and sell your things, but I dunno about retainers actually being able to do anything that your character themselves can do. Otherwise, why stop at gathering? Sure, I trust they can balance it to not be an economy-breaking feature, but still... if it's so low-impact, then what's the point?

Spoiler

Atelier Fantasy XIV: Chim and Hom's Excellent Adventure Reborn. I'd play it. I'd play it so hard. If crafting in XIV ever took a step in the Atelier direction with ingredients having properties and things like that (obviously with an ingredients interface to accommodate) holy crap I'd be in heaven.

 

[Mature]

Boy, reppost about retainers kind of lit things on fire on lodestone this week.



Even with the clarifying comment--

--it still kind of comes off as, "Sorry, DOL fans, your classes are now demoted to chore!" Personally, I really do not like the sound of retainers being gatherers in a game where gathering is supposed to be one of the devoted professions, so I'm glad they at least clarified the original comment. It would be neat to maybe have retainers do more than just stand in the wards and sell your things, but I dunno about retainers actually being able to do anything that your character themselves can do. Otherwise, why stop at gathering? Sure, I trust they can balance it to not be an economy-breaking feature, but still... if it's so low-impact, then what's the point?

Spoiler

Atelier Fantasy XIV: Chim and Hom's Excellent Adventure Reborn. I'd play it. I'd play it so hard. If crafting in XIV ever took a step in the Atelier direction with ingredients having properties and things like that (obviously with an ingredients interface to accommodate) holy crap I'd be in heaven.

This sentiment was largely abandoned with Tanaka, I think.

 

[ebil]

I don't know, it sort of reminds me of FF11's gardening on the surface (minus the rare ores you could obtain only via gardening) in that it's very hands-off and a bonus incentive to log in over a period of time.

If I were super casual (I'm obviously not, I have several crafting and gathering classes at 50 already, I'm talking about plays-twice-a-week casual), I think I'd be happy to get some free mats/shards I could use to level up a craft with a limited playtime.

I doubt your retainer will net you rares or HQ mats though, and manual gathering still leaves you with a high degree of control over what you get in ARR, so the latter is going to remain the preferred method for anyone who favors effectiveness.

Anyway, it's a nice thing they're adding features to our retainers.

Spoiler

I just hope I'll be able to fire or replace my whiny Mi'qote retainer at launch, I hated her.

 

[Allard]

I don't know, it sort of reminds me of FF11's gardening on the surface (minus the rare ores you could obtain only via gardening) in that it's very hands-off and a bonus incentive to log in over a period of time.

If I were super casual (I'm obviously not, I have several crafting and gathering classes at 50 already, I'm talking about plays-twice-a-week casual), I think I'd be happy to get some free mats/shards I could use to level up a craft with a limited playtime.

I doubt your retainer will net you rares or HQ mats though, and manual gathering still leaves you with a high degree of control over what you get in ARR, so the latter is going to remain the preferred method for anyone who favors effectiveness.

Anyway, it's a nice thing they're adding features to our retainers.

Spoiler

I just hope I'll be able to fire or replace my whiny Mi'qote retainer at launch, I hated her.

You know another possibility in regards to the nature of having retainers gather maats and perform other duties is the retainer system might get extended into the comprehensive, app based, resources players can use while not actually in the game world that was alluded to several times. As you level up retainer it can do more within the game and while you are outside the game through a phone app etc. Maybe it can be used to help take care of your chocobos over the phone so you don't need to log in every day, just do something quick on the phone like gathering maats, selling, buying items remotely etc, later on used for gardening but it would use its own levels and its potential would also be based on your own level (in regards to gathering) but it wouldn't actually level your character, you still had to go out and get the levels first, plus it wouldn't let you get rare stuff, just things like crystals, NQ maats etc.