For my first post, i bombard you with questions!

[Cometgreen]

Re: For my first post, i bombard you with questions!

I wasn't patient enough to get used to the default keyboard setup, but I find the "Compact" setting (with wasd for movement) to be very easy to use. It's great never having to use a mouse. I'd like to try the default setting though, as I've heard many people say it fits like a glove once you familiarize yourself with it.

[Matera]

Re: For my first post, i bombard you with questions!

It indeed does fit like a glove. I use it myself.

I've been used to the numpad since FF7.

[Ellipses]

Re: For my first post, i bombard you with questions!

I started on PS2, so I got used to the controller, and when I migrated to PC, I got a Logitech controller so I wouldn't have to learn. But over the last month or so I've been gradually moving away from the controller to using just the keyboard (Compact layout, since I don't have a numpad). I'm finding they're both just as comfortable for different things.

First, there's no denying that if you're used to Ctrl and Alt for macros, they're faster than the controller. Using the controller, I've largely learned to anticipate which macros I'll need next, and navigating to them isn't that hard. I've never had any complaints about being slow on the draw with the controller. But with the keyboard, it's just faster (when I remember which macro is which ).

The controller makes the game seem a lot more casual to me. I use it for farming and crafting and stuff, where I'm not going to need to be Speedy McGee or talk much. Putting the controller down to type "stop attacking the link, you confounded hooligan, it's asleep!" is kind of disruptive. With the Compact layout and some custom keybindings, my fingers basically never leave the home row (I also don't have function keys, so no F* targeting, I use G and T for target/menu down and up). There are fewer things I need to open menus for (Ctrl-C for check instead of X, up, X).

Basically, I can do things a more quickly and smoothly with the Compact keyboard than I can with the controller. But with the controller I can lean back and relax more if I know I'm not going to need to type anything soon. And the way macros work on the controller sort of lends itself to patterns, so if I'm doing something repetetive, it can "fit" a little better, and doesn't require remembering which macro is which.

[samarium]

Re: For my first post, i bombard you with questions!

I'm very interested in solo play, and most of the jobs that a conducive to soloing also have a certain amount of duo-ability. If you want to duo, the best way to get to level 30 (and hence unlock the advanced jobs, where most of the more easily soloable jobs lie) would be to have one of you go as a healer, like white mage, and one as one of the damage-dealing jobs, like warrior or maybe black mage. I say maybe because black mages do two things very well: deal gigantic amounts of damage to monsters and die extremely quickly.

The Warrior job will give you access to the Provoke ability to grab that monster back, although you'll kill things somewhat slower.

Once Red Mages get access to their line of En-spells (enfire, enthunder... adds a certain amount of elemental damage to each attack), Phalanx (a defensive spell), and the Spikes magic (deals damage to whatever attacks you), they can solo very effectively, and perform just as amazingly in a duo.

I would definitely suggest one of you goes as a white mage, however, if simply for status removal spells and Reraise - it will save you time if the worst should happen. Items in this game, unlike previous Final Fantasy games, are absurdly expensive for the tiny benefit they give you.

Speaking of money and items - above it was said that you would have to deal without getting the best equipment, but that's only partially true. If it can be bought, you'll likely have the money to get it if you use the auction house intelligently - items from anything you kill, instead of being split six ways, will go to one of the two of you. There are also battles called Burning Circles that can be beaten with one or two characters, and you'll obviously have no fear of being ripped off by an unscrupulous individual!

The equipment being referred to are often extraneous to a duo situation and are only really used to get MORE unneeded items.

You can really tell that the developers paid a lot of attention to detail, and of all the MMORPGs out there that I've seen pictures and movies of, this one most definitely looks the best. Every spell and ability effect looks exactly like it belongs, and none of it was rushed.

Hell, I played this game for a year and half, then got sick of it and quit.... then came back a year later and picked up where I left off and got further than ever! This is definitely my game.

-sam

P.S. Sorry if I've echoed anything that was said above. I gotta put down complete thoughts or I feel like it's half done.

P.P.S. One other thing - if you ever WOULD be interested in doing some kind of group mission, or need high-level help to get your artifact armor and do the limit break quests (as you almost certainly will), there are hundreds of people on this board, from every server, who are very kind and will help you out for no other reason than that you're polite and speak English well. Those two things together go a VERY long way on this game, as most other MMOs, and one of the high-level perks is helping someone below you get something they need.

[Telal]

Re: For my first post, i bombard you with questions!

Thanks Sam, that is good information, me and the wife, keep talking about when we get to start playing

I can't wait to play, she can't wait to be a Taru. :D

[samarium]

Re: For my first post, i bombard you with questions!

Look forward to maybe seeing you on the game then!

-sam

[TheGrandMom]

Re: For my first post, i bombard you with questions!

Putting the controller down to type "stop attacking the link, you confounded hooligan, it's asleep!" is kind of disruptive.

This is one of the reason's why I tell anyone who'll listen to use the Logitech NetPlay controller/keyboard.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...Fencoding=UTF8

No its not big. It is smaller than a standard keyboard in total length. No its not uncomfortable to use. In fact, it is very comfortable because the wide stance lets you rest your arms in a more natural position. (Trust me I have carpal tunnel.) You can even use some of the same keyboard controls. I use a combination of both with mine. Even my son who is a huge PC gamer and used to using the keyboard for games prefers the NetPlay when he plays FFXI.

[Anishia]

Re: For my first post, i bombard you with questions!

This game is naturally suited to using a controller, i'm mainly a keyboard type person in games as well and I love using my Sidewinder pad, its so much easier than keyboard input in this case. I've heard you can get an adaptor to use the ps2 controller with the pc, I might have to look into that.

I still use the keyboard for macros though because my current game pad doesn't have enough buttons to set for that.