[Jackel]

‘Allo there, guvnors! Pinurabi here, writin’ to freshen the drink what’s the latest from the FFXIV: ARR media tour.

...Okay, that was pretty bad. Terrible characterization and metaphor aside, our contingent has arrived safely in London, where Square Enix Europe is located. Check out this sweet enclosed courtyard inside the office building!


Taking a quick walk around the office, I stumbled into some familiar faces. Asked what she’s most looking forward to in ARR, Lara here gave a knowing wink and said simply: “Raids.”


The format of UK event is the same as it was the US: Yoshi-P gives a presentation to our media attendees, after which there’s some hands-on time. Next come the interview sessions. It's an intense schedule─the information flows freely, and so does the coffee.


Though the event is being held in the UK, our media guests hail from other parts of Europe as well, France and Germany to name a few. We appreciate you making the trip, everyone!

Lastly, you’ll recall the swanky USB cards we had in San Francisco. For London we have leather-bound USB sticks that ooze class. Can’t stop...playing with...magnetic cover...!


...Nope, these aren’t for sale either!

Pinurabi

[Aerin]

Quote

...Nope, these aren’t for sale either!

Pinurabi

That's a pretty interesting office design.

This post has been edited by Aerin: 19 February 2013 - 08:40 AM

[Kolossus]

I'm willing to bet someone will stick a couple of those USB drives on Ebay at some point, even if they aren't supposed to. And I'll be buying one.

[Feadern]

Jackel, on 19 February 2013 - 07:04 AM, said:

Taking a quick walk around the office, I stumbled into some familiar faces. Asked what she’s most looking forward to in ARR, Lara here gave a knowing wink and said simply: “Raids.”

I could be wrong, but is this the first time they have actually used that word?!

I know they have confirmed larger group stuff, but never read anyone use THAT word personally... Feels good to see it with ARR


P.S: I know I may of missed it and it's been said before, but it's first time I've seen it used!

P.P.S: I know it's major psychological stuff that it's down to a WORD

This post has been edited by Feadern: 19 February 2013 - 10:30 AM

[Orophin]

Feadern, on 19 February 2013 - 10:28 AM, said:

I could be wrong, but is this the first time they have actually used that word?!

I know they have confirmed larger group stuff, but never read anyone use THAT word personally... Feels good to see it with ARR


P.S: I know I may of missed it and it's been said before, but it's first time I've seen it used!

P.P.S: I know it's major psychological stuff that it's down to a WORD

They may have not used the term specifically, but it's been mentioned there will be content designed around 24 player groups.

[Feadern]

Yeah I've heard of the 'Large Group Content' (I think that's what it was referred as?) which made me really happy to hear; but there is something about the word raid that makes it feel alive.

Like I said - major psychological stuff

[aioloszephyr]

Feadern, on 19 February 2013 - 11:21 AM, said:

Yeah I've heard of the 'Large Group Content' (I think that's what it was referred as?) which made me really happy to hear; but there is something about the word raid that makes it feel alive.

Like I said - major psychological stuff

I'm not positive, but about 95% sure that they included the word "Raids" because Lara Croft is the "Tomb Raider". Watch the large group content be something like synchronized knitting "Bahamut is a little large for this zig-zag pattern, I think I'm going to need a serger..." *knows nothing about knitting, but sells the occasional sewing machine*

Lol I'm just playing but I wonder how these raids/LGC will actually play out. The GW2 world vs world action was VERY appealing to me although I never played it. Also, I really miss the PvP game that Square-Enix made for PC where you basically fought other nations to claim territory. It was awesome, but it got cancelled like a year or two ago.

[Feadern]

aioloszephyr, on 19 February 2013 - 11:33 AM, said:

Watch the large group content be something like synchronized knitting

Baaahahahahaa!

Oh damn I hope it's not that


But yes, this is why I wanted to hear another word.. Large group content is all well and good, but it could be just something like 15 people getting together to do a mission where a wave of mobs come and it isn't doable with just a normal part.

All well and good, but it's not a huge great boss with mechanics and tactics; which is what I want!

[be_hunted]

I swear I heard the word raid casually mentioned in a live letter from the producer or something. It sounds like either the bahamut maze or crystal tower or both will offer something of the sort for higher level players. Not that used to the concept since I mostly played FFXI. Didn't seem that exciting when I watched my brother on WoW since it seemed like a matter of luck rather than strategy as to whether the group would wipe. Alot of ffxi was stealth using invis and sneak and then sometimes a fight at the end (more fun than kill everything I thought lol). I have no idea what they're planning for this game as far as strategy is concerned, but I'm hoping there will be enough to give me a sense of old-school RPG nostalgia. Games are getting easier these days since 'easy' sells to a larger audience (core and casual), but I just hope there's a nice balance. You know, gameplay that doesn't make me feel like a mindless exp/item/money zombie.

[Feadern]

be_hunted, on 19 February 2013 - 05:34 PM, said:

I swear I heard the word raid casually mentioned in a live letter from the producer or something. It sounds like either the bahamut maze or crystal tower or both will offer something of the sort for higher level players. Not that used to the concept since I mostly played FFXI. Didn't seem that exciting when I watched my brother on WoW since it seemed like a matter of luck rather than strategy as to whether the group would wipe. Alot of ffxi was stealth using invis and sneak and then sometimes a fight at the end (more fun than kill everything I thought lol). I have no idea what they're planning for this game as far as strategy is concerned, but I'm hoping there will be enough to give me a sense of old-school RPG nostalgia. Games are getting easier these days since 'easy' sells to a larger audience (core and casual), but I just hope there's a nice balance. You know, gameplay that doesn't make me feel like a mindless exp/item/money zombie.

Raiding in WoW isn't bad at all really, but they keep making it easier and easier each expansion sadly

I don't play WoW anymore, but last I played was Heroic Deathwing (I've played since Vanilla so experienced each one except the new MoP) and I can honestly say, nothing has been hard since Burning Crusade with that game.

-BUT-

They have mechanics unlike other games, this is where I'm hoping FFXIV ARR devs have taken note, and that they will be adding fun mechanics into the game with bosses instead of just "Tank and Spank" systems that a lot have

[Orophin]

Feadern, on 19 February 2013 - 06:24 PM, said:

They have mechanics unlike other games, this is where I'm hoping FFXIV ARR devs have taken note, and that they will be adding fun mechanics into the game with bosses instead of just "Tank and Spank" systems that a lot have

To be fair, once Yoshida took over and introduced the Ifrit fight, pretty much all of the end-game type fights weren't too bad mechanics wise. Here's hoping that boss fights in ARR will remain interesting though.

[Colt47]

Feadern, on 19 February 2013 - 06:24 PM, said:

Raiding in WoW isn't bad at all really, but they keep making it easier and easier each expansion sadly

I don't play WoW anymore, but last I played was Heroic Deathwing (I've played since Vanilla so experienced each one except the new MoP) and I can honestly say, nothing has been hard since Burning Crusade with that game.

-BUT-

They have mechanics unlike other games, this is where I'm hoping FFXIV ARR devs have taken note, and that they will be adding fun mechanics into the game with bosses instead of just "Tank and Spank" systems that a lot have

Oh they turned the raid difficulty counter up some notches with Mists of Pandaria. Unfortunately, they also turned up the out of Raid end game grinding for access to supplementary items and gear. The leveling experience is pretty good, however.

I'm hoping that they manage to find a way to put what made FFXI special into the new game. As much as I've enjoyed World of Warcraft, it is a very limited experience given how they handle their challenges. No sneaking around unless it's scripted or one is a rogue, most interesting potions are low level items, crafting the latest and best gear requires materials from raids even when it makes no lick of sense outside of progression design, etc.

The fact they are using the term raid has me a little on edge, though, since it's got a double meaning when it comes to MMOs. Just about all freshly developed MMOs that have used the term since 2006 have referred to the current iteration of World of Warcraft end game. It's only been in the last two years that boxed MMO games started handling their end games a bit differently.

This post has been edited by Colt47: 20 February 2013 - 07:49 AM

[aioloszephyr]

I never liked World of Warcraft, it just didn't appeal to me as a whole. I was almost pulled into it by my freshman year roommate playing all day and night but all his talk of Raids and Daily's and this and that just went over my head and into the trash can. Honestly, I dunno what it is but it's just too bad that they're not appearing to be thinking about actual new content in terms of mechanics and how we experience the world.

Ragnarok Online (Yes I'm mentioning that again) had great systems that nobody pays attention to, Final Fantasy XI had great systems that I don't see even Square-Enix paying attention to, and there are tons of other games out there besides WoW for them to pay attention to that had really good ideas about large group content. Cross-server content finder? That's gross to me. That makes me think there won't be enough people on my server who want to do things, and it could be due to the fact that they're not building enough community with the systems they have in place. If we can all warp to the same spot alone, we don't have to travel together. If I can solo all my missions up to level/rank 15 or 20, I don't learn the game with other people so there's no bonding there either. If I get into this Large Group Content only to find it's more of an every man for himself with the occasional concerted effort attack (limit break) then I'm not going to care who's in my party.

You see, I have worries now. When I hear "Raids" I think "Kids games" and I know that raids happened in more than just WoW but that's the feeling I get is that everyone is paying it WAY too much attention. WoW and Final Fantasy have about as much in common as My Little Pony and Thundercats.

Please, it's already Beta Phase 1 next week. Please don't take away our Final Fantasy....

[Khreo]

aioloszephyr, on 20 February 2013 - 09:14 AM, said:

I never liked World of Warcraft, it just didn't appeal to me as a whole. I was almost pulled into it by my freshman year roommate playing all day and night but all his talk of Raids and Daily's and this and that just went over my head and into the trash can. Honestly, I dunno what it is but it's just too bad that they're not appearing to be thinking about actual new content in terms of mechanics and how we experience the world.

Ragnarok Online (Yes I'm mentioning that again) had great systems that nobody pays attention to, Final Fantasy XI had great systems that I don't see even Square-Enix paying attention to, and there are tons of other games out there besides WoW for them to pay attention to that had really good ideas about large group content. Cross-server content finder? That's gross to me. That makes me think there won't be enough people on my server who want to do things, and it could be due to the fact that they're not building enough community with the systems they have in place. If we can all warp to the same spot alone, we don't have to travel together. If I can solo all my missions up to level/rank 15 or 20, I don't learn the game with other people so there's no bonding there either. If I get into this Large Group Content only to find it's more of an every man for himself with the occasional concerted effort attack (limit break) then I'm not going to care who's in my party.

You see, I have worries now. When I hear "Raids" I think "Kids games" and I know that raids happened in more than just WoW but that's the feeling I get is that everyone is paying it WAY too much attention. WoW and Final Fantasy have about as much in common as My Little Pony and Thundercats.

Please, it's already Beta Phase 1 next week. Please don't take away our Final Fantasy....

While I respect your concerns here, I don't think you should wory so much yet. The fact that Yoshi-P was WoW focused in his message to the development team was not to say, "hey go make WoW 2.", it was more of a general statement that hey, there are other MMO's out there (that are doing much much better than ours), so let's inetlligently glean what we can from it and others like it. What Square-Enix needs from ARR at this point is to be a sustaniable source of subrciptions and fanbase interest. The changes they are making will almost assuredly guarantee a higher level of both of these things than what 1.0 was able to scrounge up.

That being said,I also don't view it at all as selling out or "taking away our Final Fantasy". In fact, it's quite the opposite. A slightly more solo-focused game will be a more popular game, period. A more popular game is more sustainable therefore we will see more and better content added consistently. Remember, if you've read any of the letters from the producer (I'm assuming you have) you know that Yoshi isn't going to wreck "Final Fantasy"...in fact, it seems to be one of his main objectives to bring it BACK. This is a guy with and extreme level of passion, commitment and integrity that I honestly do believe that we as players and fans of the brand can believe in. I'm as much of a skeptic as anyone on this planet (and I've played and beaten every single final fantasy, including 11) and even I don't think it's time to start analyzing ANYTHING that they've done or will do. From what I've seen and played with my own two hands from the moment the new team took over until now I've got nothing but positivity about the direction FFXIV has taken.

[shojikun]

Hmmm when you said it that way zeph, can't help the feeling you're gonnaa turn down FFXIV lol.

Just that WoW made the standard, no doubt. It does, people nowdays want to just jump in and start playing, not wanting to do the very less learning to play. Which undoublty plague majority of the community nowdays.

WoW is not that bad actualy, the people who plays it and they way they showcase their love to the game that made it look bad. But they still are successful.

Doubt FFXIV can match with WoW ever. But we do hope it stand among the giants of MMORPG world.

FFXIV ARR is taking many things and working it out, just like what they did with FFXI that they want to make it like EverQuest 1 but FF theme.

Jus that now they are taking WoW and other games like Warhammer's/ Rift's/ GW2's Dynamic event with their own FATE system.

What i want out of FFXIV is more content to do aside your normal spanking the dungeons. I want housing i want crafting to impact market differently impacting alot of the world it self. I see 1.0 during Yoshi's realm almost reaching there but as we all know it, is very limited to what they can do with 1.0 and very admirable that they able to take 1.0 that far!

So here hoping 2.0/ARR will give us that thirst of a new world where we can explore and be really attach to it.

I'm attach to RO the same to attach with WoW. but WoW get too bored nowadays since there extremly nothing else to do aside from daily grind/dungeon grind and the likes. :( no community boost or anything like housing or something.

Atleast Rift just launch their.. housing~ that a good mark one the spot. wonder why WoW hasn'tdoes this either.

[Feadern]

aioloszephyr, on 20 February 2013 - 09:14 AM, said:

I never liked World of Warcraft, it just didn't appeal to me as a whole. I was almost pulled into it by my freshman year roommate playing all day and night but all his talk of Raids and Daily's and this and that just went over my head and into the trash can. Honestly, I dunno what it is but it's just too bad that they're not appearing to be thinking about actual new content in terms of mechanics and how we experience the world.

Ah sounds like you probably started the game end of Burning Crusade at earliest maybe? But most likely other expansions since you use "Dailies".


The raiding in the old WoW that many go on about wanting to come back, it used to require a lot of coordination otherwise you would just wipe over and over... These "PuG" that people do was not possible in the slightest.

Just so you know when I talk about WoW raiding, I don't mean the joke it is today





As for what is said above about MoP... Kinda knew they would do that

They only ever just make stuff more difficult and don't think of NEW mechanics for bosses, just copy/paste & increase the difficulty


I think it's time WoW had a contender with a balance of casual and hardcore - which I really hope FFXIV ARR to have Come on devs! Don't let us down!

This post has been edited by Feadern: 20 February 2013 - 10:40 AM

[nibblet99]

So... Will there be 24 player DoL/DoH raids as well? You know 24 guys get ported into an instanced forest, or a time restricted crafting race to build a chair for Shiva...

[Feadern]

nibblet99, on 20 February 2013 - 11:22 AM, said:

or a time restricted crafting race to build a chair for Shiva...

You win good sir