Final Fantasy XI, thoughts?

Magix · 06-03-2003, 05:47 PM

Just curious what people are thinking about this. American Beta is starting in the next few weeks, it's been out in Japan for awhile and doing good there. Visually it's the most impressive game coming IMO and the class system looks very good. Definitely gonna be giving this a try.

Obligatory links with info:
http://www.ffextreme.com/ff11.php
and about 4 other special classes:
http://www.finalfantasyxi.org/

Audacity · 06-03-2003, 07:29 PM

I am WTB that beta!

teauvian · 06-03-2003, 07:31 PM

Squaresoft is a solid company, and the FF series is their crown jewel so I expect the game to be good.

However, I must ask whether they will be bringing the traditional FF turn based combat engine over and how that will work online.

arax_luminarium · 06-03-2003, 07:44 PM

looks pretty seems nice..
but in the end it is CRAP.

Magix · 06-03-2003, 07:48 PM

Wow, what an intelligent reply arax, thank you for that explanation of why it's crap...oh wait.

Arralen Solace of Silent Redemption RETIRED

Warrik · 06-03-2003, 07:54 PM

I second crap notion. The FF series went downhill after 7 as far as im concerned. I tried to play FFX, and while the visuals were stunning.....i got tired of the constant cinematics. I wanted to play the damn game already. FF7 was the best in the series.

A Lizard · 06-03-2003, 07:58 PM

It looks like fun and it would seem that they want everyone to start out on the same servers that have been up in asia since its release. But I've heard that they have some encounters set up like PoP trials whereas you walk up to some NPC, open your rain coats, and then your forces are transported to a private battle. That coupled with the way combat is described may cut down on the kekeke factor.

live in game feeds and/or commercial footage - not so good quality

IGN exerpts

Quote:

"Combat is fairly simple to figure out. However, some of the more advanced skills can take a bit of getting used to. The battle system is similar to most other MMORPGs, except most of your combat options are accessed through a menu you will find yourself using often. If you prefer to have hotkeys for combat, there's always the option of making macros to bind your favorite attacks. If you've ever played Final Fantasy with the Active Time Battle (ATB) feature enabled, combat should be fairly easy to pick up. When engaged in combat with an enemy, only you and your party may attack that one monster, preventing others from coming and attempting to steal your kill. This is one problem no other MMORPG has successfully conquered, up until now. "

"There's an 8 element magic system, those being fire, water, ice, earth, wind, lightning, light and darkness. Monsters will be weak to different elements as well, so it's up to the player to determine what skills work best against what monsters. There's a new weather system that has been introduced into the game, so that weather will have an effect on the strength of your magical spells. So for example, if you're in a fiery area and you cast the Black Magic spell Fire 2, the strength will be increased."

PS

Ninja
LV1 SP: Turn to dust - ”÷o‚ª‚_‚ê - ‚Ý‚¶‚ñ‚ª‚_‚ê - [2hr] Self-detonate to cause massive damage to the enemy (no exp loss)

team zerg jihad, ready for action

arax_luminarium · 06-03-2003, 08:05 PM

Hey you asked for a honest answer.. (You Got IT!!)
Hell if you don't like the truith.. don't ask

Stoopid mooron!!

Talenvor · 06-03-2003, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Warrik
FF7 was the best in the series.

Oh man, don't insult FF2 and 3. Those SNES games were the best...ever.

Kreugen · 06-03-2003, 08:55 PM

Nothing makes me laugh harder than the characters in FFXI.

Luckily I can laugh at screenshots for free.

Turkish · 06-03-2003, 09:15 PM

Have to agree with Talenvor:

FF2 and 3 absolutely pwned all the others.

Erathlyn · 06-03-2003, 10:09 PM

I've been reading up on this game a while and everything about this game looks extremely good. FFXI will be my next online MMORPG after EQ. My thoughts are obviously biased towards the game but the following is some info about the game and some of the reasons why I am really looking forward to the game. Below are some considerations EQ players might want to know.
Note: you can actually import the FFXI japanese version and play the game over in the US, there is actually a fairly large import community who plays imported FFXI. I ordered the import about a week ago. The game is all in Japanese, but with other English importers you can still communicate with other people.

Characters:
There are 5 races to choose from: Galka Mithra Hume Elvaan and TaruTaru (?sp). Galkas can only be male, while mithras can only be female (go go SLRs). Admittedly the taru taru's are way too "cute" but the other races all have a strong fantasy feel to them. Unlike everquest, race matters a lot in FFXI which I consider a bonus. Small TaruTarus make better mages (more hp less mp) while larger galkas/elvaans (less mp more hp) make better tanks. Some importers have said race matters less though with the right equipment and as you reach a higher level. Weapon/armors create different looks on the characters, and some of the weapon/armor looks great.

Classes/Jobs and EXP/levelling:
One of the strongest aspects of the game seems to be the class system. In FFXI the classes are referred to as "jobs." There are over 10 jobs in FFXI: Warrior, Paladin, Thief, Dark Knight, Ranger, Summoner, Red Mage, White Mage, Black Mage, Ninja, Dragoon, Beast Tamer, Bard, Monk, and Samurai. I won't describe all the classes individually, but there is a lot of diversity and options. Advanced classes require a quest in order to obtain the class, and a minimum level of 30. General categories are tanks/damage dealers/and support jobs (much like EQ). In order to add diversity to the game, you also can choose a subjob after level 18 and completing a quest. The subjobs allow even more combinations, such as Paladin/Warrior (best tank in the game) and White mage/Black mage. Although there are theoretically many combinations, most jobs have only a few subjobs which are viable for group exp'ing, and more jobs are viable for soloing or with friends. Subjobs are half the level of the main job, and subjobs effect a character's stats as well as abilities.

One of the best parts of the game is the job switching. When you level, you retain the level of the job permanently. At any time you can switch jobs without penalty, so if you got bored playing your level 40 warrior you could level a bard to 20 or something and then switch back. The system is very versatile, and switching of subjobs is often appropriate in order to cater to certain exp groups.

Levelling is an integral part of the game and the game looks like exp actually becomes fun. The current max level is 65, and after level 50 you must team up for quests in order to break each level after 5 level increments. Levels become progressively longer to obtain. Soloing is NOT doable in any fashion after level 10 or so, grouping is pretty much required to advance. Beast Tamers can somewhat solo but the game is definitely 95% group oriented for levelling. The strong group emphasis may be the largest flaw in the game, as forming groups can be time consuming, and lack of a group could become frustrating. However the emphasis on groups also assists in game balance. There are also 150+ zones in the game which creates a lot of places to explore.

Not sure where to put this, but one interesting aspect about buffs, is the buff duration depends on receiver's level and not the caster's level, so there is no equivalent of 3 hr nexus KEI. Seems to be an improvement over EQ. Exp loss is relatively significant when you die. You can either get a raise on the spot (less exp loss) or suffer more exp loss and go back to "bind point" with all items and equipment.

Equipment:
No item decay, there are potions/scrolls but they are expensive and use of them seems very limited. All equipment has a level requirement, so twinking does not happen.

Trade skills:
I don't know much about these, but there are something like 8 different classes of trade skills, and components are gathered through out the game. Making master status is very expensive and time consuming.

Combat system:
The FFXI combat system also appears to be a large improvement over EQ. EQ and FFXI are similar in that multiple mobs can be pulled at once (called a "link" by FFXI players). Mobs run at about the same rate as players, therefore running away from a mob is not really possible. Positioning is vital during regular exp fights, and certain exp skills depend on the positioning. In order to deal major damage, characters must create weapon skill (WS) combos. Throughout the fight, a character's TP bar charges up, and the most damage is dealt by using the correct combo of WS abilities in order to deal damage. WS combos add a degree of skill to the game, and players must know what they are doing in order to do the combos. The combos also help somewhat from keeping the game from being a relative hack'n'slash like EQ.

Special battles/alliances:
Throughout the game there are some special battles which can be done with only 1 group or an alliance of 3 groups. Some of the battles are extremely tough, and the rewards align with the risk involved for the battles. Separate areas/locations are set up where only the 1 group can fight the particular battle. One battle such as the BCNM50 fight involves 1 black mage enemies with several white mage enemies which must all be fought at once and is quite challenging. All characters are temporarily made level 40 for the fight. Boss type mobs spawn once every 3 days or so, and require an alliance to be taken down (will probably be similar to EQ raiding, but the emphasis of this game is definitely not raiding). Some of the boss events/group events take 1hr+. Each class at level 50 can obtain "artifact armor" which is a nice way to distinguish your character/bring the character to the next level.

Also there is a country system, depending on your starting location (and your allegiance can be changed later). The country system totals points of monsters killed by each of the 3 groups in the particular area, and the group with the most points gains priority in the area (lower prices for items, free spells from NPCs, etc). Interesting way to build a rivalry between different groups. There is no PvP in the game.

Storyline:
Unlike other MMORPGs FFXI does have an integrated storyline. Throughout the game you obtain different missions depending on your starting location (3 different locations). In order to progress through the story, you must complete the missions. Some missions require a group or an alliance. As you complete certain missions, you acquire additional cut scenes and a larger understanding of the story.

Game support:
The game came out over a year and a half ago in Japan, and the staff in Japan is constantly updating/balancing the game and creating expansions for the future. FFXI has over 200,000 subscribers in Japan. Game support does not seem to be against making major changes needed for balance adjustments. Also, the US audience will benefit from over 1.5 yrs of balancing/tuning before the game even arrives, which should be a huge plus. I am really impressed by the graphics which look extremely good even though the game will have come out over 1.5 years ago (the system requirements are similar to WoW).

I know I left out some stuff but that is a basic overview... looks to be a great game. The only thing that surprises me about this game is the seemingly void amount of publicity--I think the game will be a strong player with the next wave of MMORPGs. Also here is a picture (if I post it right) that really impressed me of the game, just one of the many really well done places:

Szlia · 06-04-2003, 01:33 AM

There is an extension that just got out or is about to go out in Japan btw. I saw some adds in a magazine. PS2 and PC players are on the same servers btw?

Keed · 06-04-2003, 01:40 AM

FF3 and FF7 were beyond all other console RPGs I have ever played. By quite a bit I might add.

FFX was only bad in two respects, It was extremely Linear(FF linear? ..wtf?) and the wrap up was fucking stupid which pissed me off. Oh hes a dream and game over? FUCK THAT.

khanibal · 06-04-2003, 02:45 AM

I haven't liked the idea of Squaresoft naming their first MMORPG 'final fantasy XI' since the day it was announced. Name it like Final Fantasy Online or something.. save the numerals for the offline shit we all love to yank it to.

Maybe the game will be good. Right now I'm not going to judge it.. for all I know it's the sleeping "EQ killer" soon to be awaken.

06-03-2003, 05:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
Magix Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 5 +0 Internets	Final Fantasy XI, thoughts? Just curious what people are thinking about this. American Beta is starting in the next few weeks, it's been out in Japan for awhile and doing good there. Visually it's the most impressive game coming IMO and the class system looks very good. Definitely gonna be giving this a try. Obligatory links with info: http://www.ffextreme.com/ff11.php and about 4 other special classes: http://www.finalfantasyxi.org/

06-03-2003, 07:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
Audacity Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Phoenix Posts: 2 -1 Internets	Arra sux I am WTB that beta!

06-03-2003, 10:09 PM	#12 (permalink)
Erathlyn Registered User Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 103 +0 Internets	I've been reading up on this game a while and everything about this game looks extremely good. FFXI will be my next online MMORPG after EQ. My thoughts are obviously biased towards the game but the following is some info about the game and some of the reasons why I am really looking forward to the game. Below are some considerations EQ players might want to know. Note: you can actually import the FFXI japanese version and play the game over in the US, there is actually a fairly large import community who plays imported FFXI. I ordered the import about a week ago. The game is all in Japanese, but with other English importers you can still communicate with other people. Characters: There are 5 races to choose from: Galka Mithra Hume Elvaan and TaruTaru (?sp). Galkas can only be male, while mithras can only be female (go go SLRs). Admittedly the taru taru's are way too "cute" but the other races all have a strong fantasy feel to them. Unlike everquest, race matters a lot in FFXI which I consider a bonus. Small TaruTarus make better mages (more hp less mp) while larger galkas/elvaans (less mp more hp) make better tanks. Some importers have said race matters less though with the right equipment and as you reach a higher level. Weapon/armors create different looks on the characters, and some of the weapon/armor looks great. Classes/Jobs and EXP/levelling: One of the strongest aspects of the game seems to be the class system. In FFXI the classes are referred to as "jobs." There are over 10 jobs in FFXI: Warrior, Paladin, Thief, Dark Knight, Ranger, Summoner, Red Mage, White Mage, Black Mage, Ninja, Dragoon, Beast Tamer, Bard, Monk, and Samurai. I won't describe all the classes individually, but there is a lot of diversity and options. Advanced classes require a quest in order to obtain the class, and a minimum level of 30. General categories are tanks/damage dealers/and support jobs (much like EQ). In order to add diversity to the game, you also can choose a subjob after level 18 and completing a quest. The subjobs allow even more combinations, such as Paladin/Warrior (best tank in the game) and White mage/Black mage. Although there are theoretically many combinations, most jobs have only a few subjobs which are viable for group exp'ing, and more jobs are viable for soloing or with friends. Subjobs are half the level of the main job, and subjobs effect a character's stats as well as abilities. One of the best parts of the game is the job switching. When you level, you retain the level of the job permanently. At any time you can switch jobs without penalty, so if you got bored playing your level 40 warrior you could level a bard to 20 or something and then switch back. The system is very versatile, and switching of subjobs is often appropriate in order to cater to certain exp groups. Levelling is an integral part of the game and the game looks like exp actually becomes fun. The current max level is 65, and after level 50 you must team up for quests in order to break each level after 5 level increments. Levels become progressively longer to obtain. Soloing is NOT doable in any fashion after level 10 or so, grouping is pretty much required to advance. Beast Tamers can somewhat solo but the game is definitely 95% group oriented for levelling. The strong group emphasis may be the largest flaw in the game, as forming groups can be time consuming, and lack of a group could become frustrating. However the emphasis on groups also assists in game balance. There are also 150+ zones in the game which creates a lot of places to explore. Not sure where to put this, but one interesting aspect about buffs, is the buff duration depends on receiver's level and not the caster's level, so there is no equivalent of 3 hr nexus KEI. Seems to be an improvement over EQ. Exp loss is relatively significant when you die. You can either get a raise on the spot (less exp loss) or suffer more exp loss and go back to "bind point" with all items and equipment. Equipment: No item decay, there are potions/scrolls but they are expensive and use of them seems very limited. All equipment has a level requirement, so twinking does not happen. Trade skills: I don't know much about these, but there are something like 8 different classes of trade skills, and components are gathered through out the game. Making master status is very expensive and time consuming. Combat system: The FFXI combat system also appears to be a large improvement over EQ. EQ and FFXI are similar in that multiple mobs can be pulled at once (called a "link" by FFXI players). Mobs run at about the same rate as players, therefore running away from a mob is not really possible. Positioning is vital during regular exp fights, and certain exp skills depend on the positioning. In order to deal major damage, characters must create weapon skill (WS) combos. Throughout the fight, a character's TP bar charges up, and the most damage is dealt by using the correct combo of WS abilities in order to deal damage. WS combos add a degree of skill to the game, and players must know what they are doing in order to do the combos. The combos also help somewhat from keeping the game from being a relative hack'n'slash like EQ. Special battles/alliances: Throughout the game there are some special battles which can be done with only 1 group or an alliance of 3 groups. Some of the battles are extremely tough, and the rewards align with the risk involved for the battles. Separate areas/locations are set up where only the 1 group can fight the particular battle. One battle such as the BCNM50 fight involves 1 black mage enemies with several white mage enemies which must all be fought at once and is quite challenging. All characters are temporarily made level 40 for the fight. Boss type mobs spawn once every 3 days or so, and require an alliance to be taken down (will probably be similar to EQ raiding, but the emphasis of this game is definitely not raiding). Some of the boss events/group events take 1hr+. Each class at level 50 can obtain "artifact armor" which is a nice way to distinguish your character/bring the character to the next level. Also there is a country system, depending on your starting location (and your allegiance can be changed later). The country system totals points of monsters killed by each of the 3 groups in the particular area, and the group with the most points gains priority in the area (lower prices for items, free spells from NPCs, etc). Interesting way to build a rivalry between different groups. There is no PvP in the game. Storyline: Unlike other MMORPGs FFXI does have an integrated storyline. Throughout the game you obtain different missions depending on your starting location (3 different locations). In order to progress through the story, you must complete the missions. Some missions require a group or an alliance. As you complete certain missions, you acquire additional cut scenes and a larger understanding of the story. Game support: The game came out over a year and a half ago in Japan, and the staff in Japan is constantly updating/balancing the game and creating expansions for the future. FFXI has over 200,000 subscribers in Japan. Game support does not seem to be against making major changes needed for balance adjustments. Also, the US audience will benefit from over 1.5 yrs of balancing/tuning before the game even arrives, which should be a huge plus. I am really impressed by the graphics which look extremely good even though the game will have come out over 1.5 years ago (the system requirements are similar to WoW). I know I left out some stuff but that is a basic overview... looks to be a great game. The only thing that surprises me about this game is the seemingly void amount of publicity--I think the game will be a strong player with the next wave of MMORPGs. Also here is a picture (if I post it right) that really impressed me of the game, just one of the many really well done places: Attached Images

06-04-2003, 01:33 AM	#13 (permalink)
Szlia Conquest Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Switzerland Posts: 4,685 +10 Internets	There is an extension that just got out or is about to go out in Japan btw. I saw some adds in a magazine. PS2 and PC players are on the same servers btw? __________________ -retrosabotage-

06-04-2003, 02:45 AM	#15 (permalink)
khanibal lolololololol Join Date: May 2002 Location: lololol Posts: 261 -1 Internets	I haven't liked the idea of Squaresoft naming their first MMORPG 'final fantasy XI' since the day it was announced. Name it like Final Fantasy Online or something.. save the numerals for the offline shit we all love to yank it to. Maybe the game will be good. Right now I'm not going to judge it.. for all I know it's the sleeping "EQ killer" soon to be awaken. __________________ lolololololol

06-03-2003, 07:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
teauvian Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 351 -1 Internets	Squaresoft is a solid company, and the FF series is their crown jewel so I expect the game to be good. However, I must ask whether they will be bringing the traditional FF turn based combat engine over and how that will work online.

06-03-2003, 07:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
arax_luminarium Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 68 -1 Internets	looks pretty seems nice.. but in the end it is CRAP.

06-03-2003, 07:48 PM	#5 (permalink)
Magix Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 5 +0 Internets	Wow, what an intelligent reply arax, thank you for that explanation of why it's crap...oh wait. Arralen Solace of Silent Redemption RETIRED

06-03-2003, 07:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
Warrik Ive been reading these boards since noows....that makes me uber Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 2,090 -3 Internets	I second crap notion. The FF series went downhill after 7 as far as im concerned. I tried to play FFX, and while the visuals were stunning.....i got tired of the constant cinematics. I wanted to play the damn game already. FF7 was the best in the series.

06-03-2003, 08:05 PM	#8 (permalink)
arax_luminarium Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 68 -1 Internets	Hey you asked for a honest answer.. (You Got IT!!) Hell if you don't like the truith.. don't ask Stoopid mooron!!

06-03-2003, 08:55 PM	#10 (permalink)
Kreugen Fires of Heaven Ancient Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 2,746 +44 Internets	Nothing makes me laugh harder than the characters in FFXI. Luckily I can laugh at screenshots for free.

06-03-2003, 09:15 PM	#11 (permalink)
Turkish Banned Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Miami FL Posts: 522 +0 Internets	Have to agree with Talenvor: FF2 and 3 absolutely pwned all the others.

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