I'll try it out again since there's another 30 days free for 2.0 but I'm not expecting much. I was just looking at my collectors edition box a few days ago with a thick layer of dust on it lol.
Time for a bump! After servers went down and FFXIV 1.0 ended, SE immediately released the video below basically as an epilogue to 1.0. I keep a pretty even-keel about most things, but this video is unbelievable, highly recommend watching it.
While most critics willingly admit SE's CG work is probably the best in the industry (as this video shows imo), the issue for the past few months has been a lack of gameplay demo / footage. Several videos have been released over the last several months, including this one below which gives a glimpse into the quest system and battle visuals:
Lastly, I got into the Alpha recently and it is pretty unbelievable. Feels like a 100% new game; no UI lag, unbelievable graphic detail, great animations, better battle mechanics all around, etc. Still an Alpha so content is limited obviously.
Thought I would give a bump and see if I could intrigue anyone else. Even if you don't want to play the game, I highly recommend the first video as it's pretty awesome.
I got into the alpha a couple weeks ago and I am really enjoying it also. You're right. It does feel like a completely new game. I am anxiously awaiting when they open up more of the classes/areas to play in. I wanna check them all out now.
Few questions that I think you're allowed to answer:
The alpha is only open to people who played the original at this point in time correct? I cannot play, but my friend expressed interest.
I watched the video of Gridania and it would be impressive, if it was a village. 12 buildings for one of the 3 major cities is pretty damn underwhelming. Is there more to it? Hard to believe they downgraded significantly from Windhurst, which is about 4x that size.
I remember awhile ago someone mentioned that each area is divided into 4 sectors for climate (winter forest, fall, etc.). Are you only granted access to one of those sections currently? Hopefully there is more infrastructure in the other areas, and a lot of it.
Otherwise it looks good, and I'm jealous of those of you who get to play.
Few questions that I think you're allowed to answer:
The alpha is only open to people who played the original at this point in time correct? I cannot play, but my friend expressed interest.
I watched the video of Gridania and it would be impressive, if it was a village. 12 buildings for one of the 3 major cities is pretty damn underwhelming. Is there more to it? Hard to believe they downgraded significantly from Windhurst, which is about 4x that size.
I remember awhile ago someone mentioned that each area is divided into 4 sectors for climate (winter forest, fall, etc.). Are you only granted access to one of those sections currently? Hopefully there is more infrastructure in the other areas, and a lot of it.
Otherwise it looks good, and I'm jealous of those of you who get to play.
1) Alpha is open to the original 14 players yes, but they will add non-14 players (as well as Ps3 users) in the future for sure
2) Gridania is a foresty town, whereas Windy was very open and sprawling because of the waterways. Gridania is two-three zones big (compareable to Bastok, Windy or Sandy), and was massive zone in 1.0
3) Early alpha is not the whole game, that's about all that can be said
Edit: I really wish I could take pictures and video, the game is friggin gorgeous and all I could want in a successor to FFXI.
Few questions that I think you're allowed to answer:
The alpha is only open to people who played the original at this point in time correct? I cannot play, but my friend expressed interest.
I watched the video of Gridania and it would be impressive, if it was a village. 12 buildings for one of the 3 major cities is pretty damn underwhelming. Is there more to it? Hard to believe they downgraded significantly from Windhurst, which is about 4x that size.
I remember awhile ago someone mentioned that each area is divided into 4 sectors for climate (winter forest, fall, etc.). Are you only granted access to one of those sections currently? Hopefully there is more infrastructure in the other areas, and a lot of it.
Otherwise it looks good, and I'm jealous of those of you who get to play.
Grid is much bigger than you think; what you're seeing in most videos is just New Gridania. Old Gridania is like 2-3x as large with a bunch of other buildings (guilds, crafting shops, market area, etc.); the two areas are still one "city" but there's just a zone line in between. They have released map images of Grid so I don't think I'm breaking any portion of the NDA here. I think the Old and New portions of Grid, in aggregate, are close to the size of Windurst in XI, perhaps a bit less unnecessary running around.
Can't wait for the Beta; given the level of polish in the Alpha, I wouldn't be surprised to see a mid-January beta.
Grid is much bigger than you think; what you're seeing in most videos is just New Gridania. Old Gridania is like 2-3x as large with a bunch of other buildings (guilds, crafting shops, market area, etc.); the two areas are still one "city" but there's just a zone line in between. They have released map images of Grid so I don't think I'm breaking any portion of the NDA here. I think the Old and New portions of Grid, in aggregate, are close to the size of Windurst in XI, perhaps a bit less unnecessary running around.
Can't wait for the Beta; given the level of polish in the Alpha, I wouldn't be surprised to see a mid-January beta.
I agree with the Windy but less unnecessary running comment. It's Windy without the running 5 miles between buildings.
Much more variation and infrastructure in the environment then I had seen in the videos posted by SE. Looks very impressive. Good to see their advertising team still has no clue how to do their jobs.
Massively excited for the relaunch. Gave it several tries during the first incarnation (had actually built a computer just FOR this game) but was never able to stick with it. I definitely saw improvement each and every time I came back for another taste but it just never had that missing ingredient. I just have a hunch that it will this time, however. Every change they made to the previous version was definitely a stepin the right direction and the potential was always evident. It just missed the mark the first time. I loved FFXI (only MMO that ever held my attention for more than, maybe, two months and has done so, on and off, for a decade, after keeping me for about six solid years from its initial release) and I'm desperately hoping that this time around, it will be the game to recapture that same magic and deliver a similar experience. I'd likely be enjoying alpha with some of you right now but, unfortunately, I sold the gaming CPU I'd built for XIV shortly after giving up on it for good. I'll be waiting on the PS3 release. Can't wait.
Couple of quick questions though. I believe I know the answer to the first but, when I finally do get my hands on V2.0 it's going to be, essentially, an all new game, right? No repeating the same intros and tutorials from the original release? Different NPCs, quests and questing structure entirely? Also, I know alpha isn't the best judge but does the social aspect seem improved? Are parties more regular and enjoyable? XIV sorely lacked the community that XI had. Obviously that was largely due to poor subscription numbers, but I never felt that it was built into the game's design very well and that it had been one of the numerous things that led to its poor reception in the first place? Does it feel better at this stage? Finally is combat significantly altered? I wasn't in love with the combat system (I much prefer XI's plain, old, 'boring' menu based combat) but I could have gotten used to it if the rest of the game warranted it. I also felt that the more 'active' combat style while, allegedly making the game more exciting and fast paced, was a hinderence to the social aspect because it was difficult to chat and fight at the same time, thus defeating a lot of the purpose of the MMO, in my opinion. In FFXI, I forged most of my friendships while partying or questing, and simultaneously chatting, with players I'd just met. Hope the game is improved on that front as well.
Last edited by MPF24: 12-11-2012 at 07:02 AM.
Reason: Correcting my phone's auto correct
Massively excited for the relaunch. Gave it several tries during the first incarnation (had actually built a computer just FOR this game) but was never able to stick with it. I definitely saw improvement each and every time I came back for another taste but it just never had that missing ingredient. I just have a hunch that it will this time, however. Every change they made to the previous version was definitely a stepin the right direction and the potential was always evident. It just missed the mark the first time. I loved FFXI (only MMO that ever held my attention for more than, maybe, two months and has done so, on and off, for a decade, after keeping me for about six solid years from its initial release) and I'm desperately hoping that this time around, it will be the game to recapture that same magic and deliver a similar experience. I'd likely be enjoying alpha with some of you right now but, unfortunately, I sold the gaming CPU I'd built for XIV shortly after giving up on it for good. I'll be waiting on the PS3 release. Can't wait.
In my opinion, 2.0 is shaping up to be a combination of all the best MMOs, but sticking to it's XI roots in terms of character building and story line.
Now, as for your questions (Some answers may be carefully worded because of NDA):
Quote:
Originally Posted by MPF24
Couple of quick questions though. I believe I know the answer to the first but, when I finally do get my hands on V2.0 it's going to be, essentially, an all new game, right?
It IS a whole new game, but you can retain the character you used to have as well as the things you have leveled if you wish. It's also completely free to 1.0 players.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MPF24
No repeating the same intros and tutorials from the original release?
All the old content is gone and the world is completely different, so the old introduction storyline and tutorials are no longer relevant.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MPF24
Different NPCs, quests and questing structure entirely?
The game takes place years after the events of 1.0, so there are many new faces. Quests are similar to WoW if you have not watched the video on page 1 Leves will still be around according to developer interviews, and they want to give you the choice to do whatever content you wish to do.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MPF24
Also, I know alpha isn't the best judge but does the social aspect seem improved?
The game always encouraged having an active linkshell in 1.0, and linkshells will still be around in 2.0, but they are also adding a content finder similar to WoW and a free company system (kind of like a WoW guild, except you can get summons for your free company, create guild halls, and more)
Quote:
Originally Posted by MPF24
Are parties more regular and enjoyable?
Parties were very regular and enjoyable at the end of 1.0 if you had people to do content with (and everyone that reads this is more than welcome to join my linkshell/free company when 2.0 launches) and as I said in the previous answer, they will be adding a content finder to find things to do quickly if you don't want to sit around.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MPF24
XIV sorely lacked the community that XI had. Obviously that was largely due to poor subscription numbers, but I never felt that it was built into the game's design very well and that it had been one of the numerous things that led to its poor reception in the first place?
I think the original XIV had plenty of community, but it wasn't in the form of massive linkshells or similar to WoW guilds with hundreds of people in them, it was closer to groups of 8-20 people that did content together. They plan to add more community elements through doing things together with your free company, PVPing for your nation, raiding, etc.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MPF24
Does it feel better at this stage?
Much. Whole new completely different amazing game.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MPF24
Finally is combat significantly altered? I wasn't in love with the combat system (I much prefer XI's plain, old, 'boring' menu based combat) but I could have gotten used to it if the rest of the game warranted it. I also felt that the more 'active' combat style while, allegedly making the game more exciting and fast paced, was a hinderence to the social aspect because it was difficult to chat and fight at the same time, thus defeating a lot of the purpose of the MMO, in my opinion.
Combat is completely different. 1.0 had a lot of "lag" inbetween selecting an action and actually doing said action, and the plan is for that to be completely gone by the time 2.0 launches. Combat in 14 1.0 was very similar to XI by the time the servers went down (except for the lag) and 2.0 combat is planned to be an even more uptempo version of XI, similar to WoW but not as frantic and you have to make meaningful choices with your TP and MP. While it may not sound like you have time to chat, you do It also depends on which job you want to play, as jobs like Black Mage will be much closer to their FFXI incarnation than say, a WoW mage.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MPF24
In FFXI, I forged most of my friendships while partying or questing, and simultaneously chatting, with players I'd just met. Hope the game is improved on that front as well.
You should certainly be able to still do all that stuff Plus, if you decide to join us you'll be in a group with my old FFXI friends and some guys from HF!
Hope these answers helped and didn't come off as non-answers, but I really don't want to be kicked out of alpha because the game is so good Whenever the NDA lifts, I promise I'll give you very direct answers..lol.
It's also worth noting that the new game is actually less GPU intensive than the original game despite having vastly superior graphics and coming out two years later. Just goes to show how unbelievably poor the 1.0 optimization was. You could probably upgrade your existing PC to be XIV ARR ready for pretty cheap.
It's also worth noting that the new game is actually less GPU intensive than the original game despite having vastly superior graphics and coming out two years later. Just goes to show how unbelievably poor the 1.0 optimization was. You could probably upgrade your existing PC to be XIV ARR ready for pretty cheap.
Yea, I could barely run 1.0 (20-25 fps or even lower in intense battle situations) and I am not having a problem with 2.0.
No sweat. Even with the NDA that answered 90% of my curiosity (for now). Just as excited as ever and appreciate you taking the time to answer. Wish the PS3 alpha would start... yesterday.
Whenever the NDA lifts, I promise I'll give you very direct answers..lol.
