EQ really shows its age now...

[Zehn - Vhex]

I didn't like FFxi because it just wasn't as flexible as EQ is.

[Lacdaran]

I left EQ over a year ago, so I don't know how some of the new features improve (or diminish) the game, but I do know that I find FFXI to be a big step up from EQ.

It isn't a perfect game by any means, I can certainly see not liking some of the character races (Taru are like hairless teddy bears) and the fact that there isn't enough healing classes is a very good point. That being said though, there are a lot of things I love about the game.

It was hard to get into an entirely new system at first, but after I got into the game I really liked it. The quest system is just awesome, the boss fights, and cut scenes really make it a wonderful addition to the game.

The server I'm on (Unicorn) has a good number of Japanese, but I would say the server is 65% American overall, and at peak times 80% of the players are American. On top of that it is quite possible to group with a Japanese player if you aren't in dire need of social conversation.

I would say the vast majority of trouble people have with getting groups is one of two things. First in the beginning of the game (first 10 levels or so) you really don't need groups so if you are looking then they are hard to find as most players solo. Secondly is Qufim, which you hit around level 20. This is because most players bunch up there and ignore the new areas that are just as good experience if not better. Try Kahzam, no problems finding groups, and great hunting.

[Bizanich]

Leveling up through Kazham isn't a problem. In fact, you can blow through to 40 pretty easily once you get past Qufim. Garliage Citadel = <3.

Qufim and Valkurm Dunes is hell.

It's after 40, when you're using Crawlers Nest and other places the groups start to suck because they form in Jeuno, not at the dungeons/xp zones.

This is mainly due to Japanese custom that the Americans are picking up, and the fact that the /sea feature rocks in the game.

I'm willing to concede it's just due to being on Lakshmi and the North American population isn't high enough, either that or I beat most of the Americans to 40. That and I *am* a Dark Knight.....

I dunno, maybe it's better now. PS2 release might add a lot more North Americans to Lakshmi, but it was hell getting groups.
I had all the best equipment too for a 40

[Froofy-D]

EQ started in uh...1998? And it is some kind of news flash that a game released in the last year or two looks better?

[Bizanich]

It's not a news flash, it's a fact and a reason some people pick some games over other games.

Not that *I* care, I'm Gameplay > Graphics type, but it's still a valid point in an argument.

[Blaezenfury]

ff11 is the worst mmorpg i've ever played, its fucking boreing to shit.

and if you think EQ2 graphics are apparently ''starting to get old'' you need to stop looking at the pictures with your cock and look with your eyes. EQ2 graphics are the same, if not better than doom3, nothing can compare to EQ2/doom3 atm...nothing.

[Star8urst]

I agree that FF is a much better game than EQ, graphics, quests, classes etc. But the one major flaw in FF is the grouping and experience system, is too tight. You can only group with people within 1 or 2 levels from you, which makes creating parties hell. And in the fact the english speaking players are spread on all the servers, and that the game was only realeased in US and Japan (not Europe and Oceania (that's Australia/NZ and other contries in the region) and you have a hard time getting a group if you are english speaking and not in US timezone.

My main character is a Dark Knight (and they are not evil like the Shadow Knight I play in EQ) and after 40 it became a pain to level up, so much so that I semi retired for a while and reactivated my EQ account. I did have a few friends, and become a member of a great LS (guild) that had many Japanese players (great players too) but I can not close the level gap and group with them (most of them are close to 70).

FF XI:One flaw to rule them all.

[Bizanich]

Looks like our Dark Knights have the same gear from a quick glance
Like I said, I might try it again once the new wave of players gets their subjob quest done and gets to around 40.

But until then...you're right, just one flaw. Too many dps/not enough healers with a too confined xp/group system.

[Warrik]

Originally posted by Froofy-D
EQ started in uh...1998? And it is some kind of news flash that a game released in the last year or two looks better?

I give EQ alot of credit for still competing in a market after being released almost 6 years ago.

[Clowns]

No, EQ graphics aren't the best out today. But it still owns purified ass to the newer garbage that's been released recently. Including those retarded bubble-eyed monkey characters of FFXI.

The only thing that will beat eq is EQ2 or WoW.

Thanks and have a nice day!

[Evan Nash]

I quit FFXI for many reasons:

-slow ass EXP

-no fun leveling a war to 30 then starting all over again as a Dark Knight or whatever adv. class.

-no english only servers. got sick of translating everything

-laggy

-POOR interface.

[ganthornx]

to me the game just wasnt very exciting. The spells were kinda blah like Cure 1, Cure 2 etc. Everyone else is dead on with the no American server and xp being too limited. Also i cant stand how the UI is pretty much un customizable, moveable etc. It would be like going back to when eq first came out with the little chat window in the middle you couldnt resize etc. To me the biggest feature thats > EQ, you can see your parties mana!

[Froofy-D]

EQ2 graphics are the same, if not better than doom3

?

[Duhulk]

Correction, the ENGINE might be on par with Doom3 in some respects, but the fact of the matter is when you sit an SOE artists in front of 3D Studio Max (or Maya, or whatever they use) something no better than mediocre EVER comes out.

EQ started in uh...1998? And it is some kind of news flash that a game released in the last year or two looks better?

You can't use 1998, they've been updating the graphics engine since then. Whatever year SoL came out at least is what you have to use for comparison. And, technically, I think EQ's technical specs are still better than FFXI in the graphics department, which was pretty much my point. FFXI has worse specs, with graphics that look better. You might TOTALLY and UTTERLY hate the style, but at least it has a style.

I'm willing to concede it's just due to being on Lakshmi and the North American population isn't high enough, either that or I beat most of the Americans to 40. That and I *am* a Dark Knight.....

Anyone else notice it's Dark Knights bitching about grouping =p. God damn Americans, you all picked Dark Knight. No wonder you cant find groups, there's too many of you =p. I agree that there are too many DPS melee classes in FFXI.
I'm also on Lakshmi by the way and there's a HUUUUUUGE import community on Lakshmi. I rarely have a hard time finding a group when I really really really want too. As for the guy who went lfg for three days and quit, dude, if you don't get a group in a few hours, find something else to do. I bet none of you bothered to learn how to set up search comments did you? tsk tsk. three little words.

{Japanese} {Party} {Yes, please}
....okay, so it's four words.

[Bizanich]

Actually, I do know how to use search comments. I even had in my search comments, in Japanese, that I was looking for group, that I used food (MAJOR importance), and how long I could stay. I am not a newb with FFxi, I tried to play it for a longtime because I still think it's an excellent game with only a few flaws.

And getting lectured by a 31 *PALADIN* about how easy it is to find groups when I'm level 40 and have 3 other classes at 30+ is comical at best, and I was this level almost four weeks ago at this point....

What you *are* correct about, though..yes, there are way too many Dark Knights. And DRK doesn't even hit its stride until level 59, that's why I gave it 3 days of waiting while I browsed the Net, watched TV, downloaded etc.

Why? Because xp is hell in that game without the perfect group. You have 6 slots. You want a White Mage, at least one, up until level 41, when using Red Mages becomes viable for main healer.

There are three tank classes, Paladin, Warrior, Ninja. Most people prefer Paladins, the more knowledgeable ones will take a Ninja, a Warrior is 3rd preference.

3rd, you want a Bard. You really really really want a Bard. They're almost as overpowered here as they are in EQ, 'cept they can't solo. If no Bard, then get a redmage for utility.

Then you come to dps.....3 slots.
And who to choose? Thief (with Fuidama, they rock), Dark Knight, Dragoon (which wtf pwns Darks til level 59), Warriors with Great Axe, Black Mages, Samurais, Summoners (well played ones with Avatars are incredible).

Even this wouldn't be horrendous if the xp range was bigger. If the group varies by more then a few levels between highest and median (since xp is based 90-99% on what a mob cons to the highest lvl in group), which is the *real* killer.

With so many main jobs and subjobs, players are scattered ALL over the spectrum in terms of availability. I'd look for a Paladin to try and start my own group, and there'd be a whopping 3 in primetime in my "range"...all grouped of course.

Sometimes, a level cap of 75 is a problem And groups is one.

Que serah...