Final Fantasy 14 (FFXIV)

swirlser · 14-02-2014 02:09PM

Actual flexibility would let me decide if I want to bring someone else into an encounter, or for teaming up on quests where it made a difference, or go into a dungeon by myself or with a friend or 2. If SE state something must be done solo then it must be done solo, if they say your not going inside the door without 4 people then you must have 4 people. Its not what I would call flexible.

Theres many games that have managed to crack the whole teaming up with people and letting them pool their efforts to get something done together. Maybe Im completely alone in thinking an mmo should open up more opportunities when you do group up, not have the things you can do shrink o.O

Its nice you can login and craft, exp, gather, queue for a dungeon all without depending on anyone else - definitely convenient. Good stuff. But the game would very much benefit from adding even basic functionality to let you see what quests people you are grouped with have AND help each other with them! Maybe a suicide mission, but if I want to go into a dungeon with less than the recommended setup, let me! There is a level cap and a player limit which is understandable for balance reasons, but if it takes my fancy to try with less than that, just let me! I dont see why they prevent you from queuing up for daily randoms when grouped with someone. I dont see why they prevent you from queuing for anything when you have your pet out (seriously ^_^ just dismiss it when its time to teleport into your instance!).

TheBandicoot · 14-02-2014 02:56PM

swirlser wrote: »

I dont see why they prevent you from queuing up for daily randoms when grouped with someone.

Because the point of roulette is to get more people playing the lower level dungeons and reduce queue times for players doing that content for the first time. Having a full team of people who are doing roulette doesn't accomplish that goal.

swirlser · 14-02-2014 05:06PM

Thats a reasonable point, but there are randoms that cover level capped hard modes.

While doing the low level dungeon random does increase the pool of people doing that content and thus speeds up queue times for people that need to run those places for gear or storyline, most people see the roulettes as either a way to get tomes or for that 1 off exp bonus for a class your leveling. As someone who is leveling a low level atm and depending how much longer I continue to play have plenty of other jobs that I could level, I stand to gain from having people who are otherwise not bothered with that content joining in, and yet Id accept a reduction to that pool in a heartbeat if it meant more options down the road.

You can do nearly all level capped stuff from entire premades, partial PuG, or entire PuG. Bottom line, choice is nice! And if I only get to play with my bf for an hour in the evening, I dont want it to be either we do something together OR you can get your tomes.

ArthurG · 15-02-2014 08:30AM

swirlser wrote: »

And if I only get to play with my bf for an hour in the evening, I dont want it to be either we do something together OR you can get your tomes.

You can have both..... You do know you can make a partial party and join specific dungeons? You don't HAVE to use the Roulette.

TheBandicoot · 18-02-2014 04:29PM

Game is on Steam now. Bear in mind there is a sub and you need an SE account and so on- Steam is just a way of downloading the client and nothing else.

http://store.steampowered.com/app/262342/

swirlser · 19-02-2014 12:37AM

ArthurG wrote: »

You can have both..... You do know you can make a partial party and join specific dungeons? You don't HAVE to use the Roulette.

You get about double the myth using the roulette, which must be done solo. So your suggesting with limited evening playtime, we spend twice as long getting the same thing. Ok.

A look ahead at some things incoming - http://www.neoseeker.com/forums/44427/t1900294-upcoming-updates-latest-2-16-2-2-through-maelstrom-seasonal-events/
Some fun things for sure

MarkJD · 19-02-2014 01:42PM

Finally got all my battle classes to level 50 the other day. Started working on my crafting and gathering. Also beat Twintania in Turn 5. Well tuned fight that needs well timed execution from all party members. Can be hard to get another solid 7 people!

Xenji · 23-02-2014 04:15PM

Final Fantasy 14 PS4 Beta launched yesterday and will be running for the next week if anyone is interested, it is a 11 gig download and is free to all.

MarkJD · 23-02-2014 04:26PM

Reviews of the performance and optimization of the PS4 version have been amazing. People putting it on par with the PC version running on maximum. Allows players to play with Gamepad or Mouse & Keyboard, allows same maximum numbers of players on screen as PC and runs at 60 fps in most situations barring any highly crowded areas etc.

There was a recent sub patch 2.16 that had some massive Quality of Life changes in there. Big patch to come in late march 2.2 with lots of new content.

http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/1e50acf08461e355e3e5d4736391ba3f787720f1

danthefan · 23-02-2014 07:03PM

Never played the PC version but have tried the PS4 beta - it looks stunning imo. Fairly regular MMO though overall imo (collect 5 of these, kill 10 of those), though am enjoying the beta.

Useful.Idiot · 24-02-2014 04:17PM

bought this fo cheap on Steam the other day. the game looks beautiful and eager to see more of the main quest but other than that it seems like WoW in Final Fantasy clothes so far, nothing deviating from the bog standard MMO formula. Will keep at it until my free month runs out to see whether or not it's worth subbing

SteelyDanJalapeno · 24-02-2014 04:22PM

Where can I find the beta PS4 edition?

NoviGlitzko · 25-02-2014 03:24PM

^ Scroll across from welcome.

I'm completely addicted to this Beta. Brings me back to some older days of playing vintage FF.

jaxdasher · 25-02-2014 11:57PM

Hey guys I'm looking at the Standard Edition on PSN. Its telling me its unavailable for purchase

. Could it be because I played the PS3 Beta? Where can I pay for subscription then?

SteelyDanJalapeno · 26-02-2014 12:04PM

NoviGlitzko wrote: »

^ Scroll across from welcome.

I'm completely addicted to this Beta. Brings me back to some older days of playing vintage FF.

I looked everywhere in Ps Store and Ps Plus store, what do you mean "scroll accross from welcome?

Xenji · 26-02-2014 02:27PM

TiltedBrain wrote: »

I looked everywhere in Ps Store and Ps Plus store, what do you mean "scroll accross from welcome?

Add it to your basket from here and it will go into your PS4 download queue http://us.playstation.com/ps4/games/final-fantasy-xiv-a-realm-reborn-beta-version-ps4.html

Razleavy · 15-03-2014 02:19PM

Looks so good! Make sure you watch until the very end!

OctavarIan · 16-03-2014 11:37AM

Decided to give this game a whirl, have played about 7 hours (level 15) and have some observations/questions on what the rest of the game is like before I sink more time in.

To start, I love how Final Fantasy it is. It's formal, flamboyant, serious and cheesy all at the same time. The monster design seems to be a step above the traditional MMO fare, no surprise there. Music is stunning. The controller setup is freaking amazing and I've no idea why it hasn't been pulled off this well before. But...

1) It's not really fare to judge based on early single player content, but it's way too easy. The only time I felt remotely threatened was when soloing a particular FATE boss (ice breathing drake things, alphoe or something). The combat seems very mechanical, samey and traditional compared to something like Guild Wars 2. Is this because the game is balanced entirely around dungeons and end-game content?

2) It feels like a single player game. I see the odd person running around but in 7 hours I've seen three messages in the game chat that weren't bots, and they were all guild recruitment. Is it because people are using controllers and not arsed typing? Are the early zones just dead?

3) I've heard reports on players being complete assholes and taking things way too seriously when it comes to dungeon content. Is this generally true? Haven't done any dungeon content yet so not sure.

4) PvP. Does it exist? I can't imagine it working at all given the combat style, but would reserve judgement until giving it a go.

I'm basically comparing this to the most recent MMO I've played (Guild Wars 2) and for me it's losing in everything bar music at the moment. I wasn't a huge fan of the complete lack of structure to fights in GW2 but this game seems to be going too far on the formulaic side.

VampiricPadraig · 16-03-2014 12:11PM

OctavarIan wrote: »

Decided to give this game a whirl, have played about 7 hours (level 15) and have some observations/questions on what the rest of the game is like before I sink more time in.

To start, I love how Final Fantasy it is. It's formal, flamboyant, serious and cheesy all at the same time. The monster design seems to be a step above the traditional MMO fare, no surprise there. Music is stunning. The controller setup is freaking amazing and I've no idea why it hasn't been pulled off this well before. But...

YoshiP's Magic...I don't know either but it's genius.

OctavarIan wrote: »

1) It's not really fare to judge based on early single player content, but it's way too easy. The only time I felt remotely threatened was when soloing a particular FATE boss (ice breathing drake things, alphoe or something). The combat seems very mechanical, samey and traditional compared to something like Guild Wars 2. Is this because the game is balanced entirely around dungeons and end-game content?

They (Square-Enix) wants to put emphasis on the grouped events. They force you into running dungeons so you can get used to the experience because that is most of the end game....group content. 8-man dungeons, primals and the 24-man raids. Short answer: Yes.

OctavarIan wrote: »

2) It feels like a single player game. I see the odd person running around but in 7 hours I've seen three messages in the game chat that weren't bots, and they were all guild recruitment. Is it because people are using controllers and not arsed typing? Are the early zones just dead?

It is normal for MMO's to not have people in early zones like 'Bentbranch Meadows'. You will find people in locations such as Mor Dhona (Mostly end game peeps) and the 3 cities (Ul'dah, Limsa Lominsa and Gridania)

OctavarIan wrote: »

3) I've heard reports on players being complete assholes and taking things way too seriously when it comes to dungeon content. Is this generally true? Haven't done any dungeon content yet so not sure.

Compared to other games...No. In fact, FFXIV has one of the nicer communities. Just stay away from French people...You'll see why once you start running dungeons/primals/raids.

OctavarIan wrote: »

4) PvP. Does it exist? I can't imagine it working at all given the combat style, but would reserve judgement until giving it a go.

It does exist, but SE is more PvE heavy. You will unlock it at Level 30 from your Grand Company guy. It's a 4v4 brawl (1 tank, 1 healer, 2 DPS). Can be fun if you get a good group.

You will get matched with people between 30 and 39 (But will Level Sync to 30), and when you hit 40, you unlock the Level 40 mode (40-49, synced to 40) and Level 50. You will also unlock a 2nd Level 50 mode which allows you to group up with another 3 people and take on another pre-made group.

There is rewards available and special PvP abilites available.

OctavarIan wrote: »

I'm basically comparing this to the most recent MMO I've played (Guild Wars 2) and for me it's losing in everything bar music at the moment. I wasn't a huge fan of the complete lack of structure to fights in GW2 but this game seems to be going too far on the formulaic side.

Give it time, you are only Level 15 now. You still have a long way to go. Story, dungeons and even the raid.

--

Just a bit of info about the dungeon content, you will mostly run 4-man dungeons while you are levelling. When you get to the end of the story (which I won't spoil of course), you will be running a 8-man dungeon (2 tanks, 2 healers, 4 DPS).

Along the way, you will face off against the Primals (Titan, Ifrit and Garuda), which is just you 4 versus the boss. The primals come in 3 difficulties, Normal (During story), Hard and Extreme. There is also other primals that will be available at the end game, but I will let you discover those. :P

You also have the raids. Raids are 24-man instances comprised of 3 Alliances (Each Alliance is a 8-man group). You will be split up and face off against some mini-bosses, but will come together for some of the main bosses in the raid.

If you are not already, get into a Free Company (Guild), and ask them for help going through dungeons and content. They are your most valuable asset in FFXIV.

TheBandicoot · 16-03-2014 04:06PM

OctavarIan wrote: »

1) It's not really fare to judge based on early single player content, but it's way too easy. The only time I felt remotely threatened was when soloing a particular FATE boss (ice breathing drake things, alphoe or something). The combat seems very mechanical, samey and traditional compared to something like Guild Wars 2. Is this because the game is balanced entirely around dungeons and end-game content?

I have never played GW2 so I can't answer a comparison like that. You are only at lvl15, it is going to be easy. As you progress you will see that the difficuly basically comes from handling boss and dungeon mechanics(dodging aoes, killing certain adds, managing debuff stacks), DPS races and at end-game, tank swapping and generally a lot of tank skill tests. It is 'traditional' in that sense, it is not a evolutionary combat system. Just normal DPS/Healer/Tank stuff

The game is balanced around dungeons, yes. You haven't even done the first one yet, so it is probably not clear to you. Dungeons are your fastest way of getting exp, level relevant gear and money. They are your bread and butter for progressing your combat classes. The gameplay for combat classes is all about playing your role properly in a party(dungeon group) setting. The solo content is just teaching you to play your class well, dungeons teach you to play your role.

OctavarIan wrote: »

2) It feels like a single player game. I see the odd person running around but in 7 hours I've seen three messages in the game chat that weren't bots, and they were all guild recruitment. Is it because people are using controllers and not arsed typing? Are the early zones just dead?

Depends heavily on what server and what time you are playing. Can you give those details? There should be huge crowds of people in the main cities, especially around the market areas, crafting. You probably only have access to your starting city. As for lack of in-game chat- no one really talks in the general channels, they talk in party chat in dungeons or just hanging out queuing for dungeons, FC(guild) chat or Linkshells(basically just a chat channel). There is lots of conversation happening, but you won't start seeing it until you make some in-game contacts and/or join an FC and socialise.

However it is a legitmate complaint that a lot of the areas in the open world are kind of dead- there is no reason to come back to places once you level past them and the main story quests take you elsewhere. Generally the maps are filled by people levelling low level characters by doing hunting logs and quests, FATE parties roaming around, gatherer classes mining, fishing and harvesting to gather resources used in crafting, and occasionally people doing treasure hunts. But yes, past a certain point people just spend all their time idling or crafting in inn rooms, in main cities, or in Mor Dhona, an endgame area you will see around level 45ish.

OctavarIan wrote: »

3) I've heard reports on players being complete assholes and taking things way too seriously when it comes to dungeon content. Is this generally true? Haven't done any dungeon content yet so not sure.

Depends really, I don't have much trouble with this. You can just vote dismiss someone who is acting up. I would say however, try to avoid going into new dungeons blind. Read a guide/watch a video while queueing so you know how the mechanics work and what to expect. Otherwise some people can get a bit frustrated with new players. People can also be very short with tanks and healers. The game design puts more pressure on those roles and any mistake they make is generally very visible, so people get into a habit of blaming them for everything. As a tank you are also de facto expected to know the dungeon and be able to lead the party through it, hence why I recommend reading up a bit before doing a dungeon.

OctavarIan wrote: »

4) PvP. Does it exist? I can't imagine it working at all given the combat style, but would reserve judgement until giving it a go.

Think you can only start at lvl30. I have never even tried it, I hear it is crap. In any case it is instanced, it's not world PvP.

OctavarIan wrote: »

I'm basically comparing this to the most recent MMO I've played (Guild Wars 2) and for me it's losing in everything bar music at the moment. I wasn't a huge fan of the complete lack of structure to fights in GW2 but this game seems to be going too far on the formulaic side.

Well I have never played GW2 so this doesn't really mean anything to me. My understanding of FFXIV is that is just a well implemented traditional holy-trinity sub-based WoW-style MMO. Not trying for anything too new.

TheBandicoot · 16-03-2014 04:38PM

Razleavy wrote: »

Looks so good! Make sure you watch until the very end!

TBH I'm not all that excited- it's a lot of difficult end game content that they are adding when I am unable to beat the current stuff. I have been playing since launch and I have done T1 once(after two attempts), T2 twice with enrage, T3 once and have spent 7 hours trying to do T4 and failing. I haven't even beaten Garuda Ex yet. Was able to beat Ultima once but don't have a group to farm it with, and the problem isn't me anyway, it's other members dodging and ****ing up the bombs. I don't even see it in PF anymore..

I just don't play this higher level content with my FC because it just leads to drama since we are all at different skill levels and it is impossible to pull a well-geared static group together, and all the PuGs are only interested in farming. I also just don't enjoy playing at that level- in Coil it feels like I need to constantly pour heals into the tank to keep him alive, never feel in control or comfortable and I just don't want the stress. I level my other classes, farm myth and do any other content below Coil with FC people who need a hand.

So adding more turns of Coil that I will never play, an extreme King Mog fight and extreme Levi primal is just not exciting me. I am also annoyed that there is key plot and story tied up in Coil that I have not and will not be able to experience- I don't want story tied up in content only hardcore raiders can do. When 2.2 comes out I will just be playing the new dungeons, farming the new tomes and completing my myth sets and maybe trying the nerfed coil after waiting a month or two for them to be DF-able.

MarkJD · 17-03-2014 10:16AM

They will be reducing the difficulty level of the older Extreme content and Turns 1-5 as they added to the Duty Finder. I know how frustrating it can be to be tied up with content because of other people being able to do simple tasks but get yourself with a FC that is capable or when you meet decent players from your server in these Extreme fights that arent the ones failing make a simple LS for you guys to hook up and get stuff done.

TheBandicoot · 17-03-2014 02:57PM

MarkJD wrote: »

They will be reducing the difficulty level of the older Extreme content and Turns 1-5 as they added to the Duty Finder. I know how frustrating it can be to be tied up with content because of other people being able to do simple tasks but get yourself with a FC that is capable or when you meet decent players from your server in these Extreme fights that arent the ones failing make a simple LS for you guys to hook up and get stuff done.

My problem is finding people with skill, it's just from a gameplay standpoint I don't like the pressure of the high level raiding, and from a social standpoint I am not interested in the rough nature needed for progression, as seen here

If you want to be serious about progression, you can't let yourself be held back by a few bad apples. You are going to have to hurt someone feelings and not care.
Set the expectation early..."This group is going to run on these days, at these times. If you cannot commit to this, tell us now, cause if you miss I will replace you."
Be online early. If someone is late, pug their spot. If somone doesn't show, replace them. Going to have to make a choice, wether you want to down content or not. If you do, you're gonna have to use a heavy hand.

Basically I've made the choice, and it is that I don't want to down the content.

MarkJD · 17-03-2014 04:06PM

Just comes down to what you want to do then I suppose. Im primarily focused on gear progression and playing with competent players but who remember to have fun. All well in good in have an awesome group but if everyone is self centered and an elitist that gets old really fast and I dont have the patience to play with those sort of people.

I guess i could be just lucky that iv surrounded myself with like minded players. Like to get on, get stuff done and have fun. I havnt even touched some of the daily quests or other hard mode dungeons as iv been focusing on weekly clears and tome caps.

Shaneoh · 23-03-2014 10:24PM

Hey guys, been a while since I've been around these forums! How is everyone enjoying FFXIV?

MarkJD · 23-03-2014 11:54PM

Very much enjoying it.. Just a bit fed up with the random number generator that is the drop system but hey.. Welcome to MMOs. Been clearing Turn 4 in BC since Early September and not seen 1 Healer body drop... At least i can farm it a bit now come the 27th.

Plenty of content come Thursday. Can only imagine how much there will be come a year into this game will be a really well balance MMO and have plenty of content. You playing itm uch?>

Shaneoh · 24-03-2014 10:05AM

Not really at the moment, gonna give the patch a bash before my sub runs out on the 9th and if I suddenly find that the game is awesome I'll re-sub. I tend to log on these days and just log off within 10 minutes. Hoping this patch changes that though!

Way more interested in the expansion than anything else. Hoping we get info on that soon! What server are you on? I'll jump on there and say hi!

Barrythe chopper · 24-03-2014 10:43AM

At the moment there are 5 hundred thousand players im one hehe

MarkJD · 26-03-2014 12:23PM

The full patch notes have been released now. Servers down for 25hrs from Today until Tomorrow while all this is added. Fair chunk going in all the same.

http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/topics/detail/69e2c959d2e9285fd541e7f5f70fb8139b3464da

TheBandicoot · 26-03-2014 04:41PM

To be honest I don't think it really changes much- in terms of actual gameplay you will still just be farming a few dungeons to reach your soldiery cap on a day-to-day basis. In a few weeks when the Echo buff gets applied to Coil and people get overgeared from the new equipment, things might get more fun as more people get to experience that content.

TBH I am most excited in the new dance emotes over any of the other stuff!

Final Fantasy 14 (FFXIV)

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