Things that should be improved about FFXI...

[Irisjir Callard]

Re: Things that should be improved about FFXI...

That wasn't exactly what I was referring to.
Basically the WoW Armory (link not working atm) is a database of every character playing WoW. All of their stats - searchable, sortable, etc.

Oh...that's a cool idea...I like mine more.





On second thought, it would solve a lot of problems farther into the linkshell system, when you get to the point where there are one or two key people you do NOT want to share a linkshell with. If you could just "Google" the expanded linklist to see if that person had a pearl to the shell you were thinking of joining.

Conversely, it would make it easier to apply to a shell with friends/people you know are competent in it.


Again, though, isn't the beta community a sort of echo of this? Granted you only see members that sign up, and you only see limited data about them, but it gives you a basis for further research.

[Murphie]

Re: Things that should be improved about FFXI...

The beta community is sort of like that, but not really. It's of virtually no use to people who aren't already in a linkshell, and it's totally opt-in, meaning that people have to actively use it for it to be worthwhile. And since most don't, it's not.

What you're thinking of is a guild bank, by the way. Some games have them.

[Hershies]

Re: Things that should be improved about FFXI...

More character customization and more monster variety. I think the PS2 really hurt this game in those areas, and it's a shame too.

[LyonheartLakshmi]

Re: Things that should be improved about FFXI...

Perhaps in the future, they'll take the Everquest approach and just make a second one to address these issues.

I like how making a sequel in order to enhance the original game is being called "the Everquest approach", like no other game has ever had a sequel in order to improve upon the first until EQ 2 came out.

[Irisjir Callard]

Re: Things that should be improved about FFXI...

The beta community is sort of like that, but not really. It's of virtually no use to people who aren't already in a linkshell, and it's totally opt-in, meaning that people have to actively use it for it to be worthwhile. And since most don't, it's not.
What you're thinking of is a guild bank, by the way. Some games have them.

Most don't because it sucks, and I already made my argument why it sucks.

As far as guild bank, I've experienced guild banks that stored gil, not guild banks that could store items as well. I think it would be nice if they could, and that it would probably free up some extensively camped NMs. Not a LOT of them...but...some.

[ItazuraNhomango]

Re: Things that should be improved about FFXI...

Some of the character customization can be added without affecting PS2--by having PS2 client ignore the customization. >_>;

Basically, stick with "basics", but allow small degree of customization to be displayed, optionally, for clients with the memory and CPU power. (Kinda of like how you can turn off weather effects on PC client.)

Body shape changes would be a nightmare, though, since S-E would have to go through all the armor art assets to make sure things don't look horrible on fat and skinny characters, and fix anything which look bad--which could be a huge number. I can't think of an easy way to accommodate more faces, either.

However, I'd guess hair/skin dye and color "contact lenses" can be more easily shoehorned in. Scalable heights can be done, just on PS2 clients they would be resized to nearest three default sizes when displayed. Facial expression should be possible, just have PS2 clients ignore those.

Unfortunately, S-E has stated that that they want the clients to be pretty even across all platforms, so it's unlikely we'd see anything which cannot be implemented on PS2. Whether that's because they don't want PS2 users to feel left out, or because they're too cheap/stretched thin to further develop the engine and create the additional art assets, I would not know. >_>;

Of course, would you rather S-E spend their resources on those cosmetic things? Or on another expansion pack? Or, do neither and just lower the price of the game a bit?

p.s. I actually think customization would have a great deal of appeal; I spent hours and hours making characters on Soulcalibur 3. If the customization options are rich enough, it just may make the JP players buy new client software and move from PS2, making sunsetting of PS2 client more of a possibility.

[kyosak]

Re: Things that should be improved about FFXI...

FF8 Online.

Ok, my personal dream aside...

I was under the impression that the only screenshots they've released were solely means of showing off their intended game engine. Not actually of what the final product will be like.

Hey we both share the same personal dream~

[Irisjir Callard]

Re: Things that should be improved about FFXI...

Skin color changes would require altering of all the subligar and harness armors, since the character skin color is written right onto those dats. Your legs are part of your bone subligar, incase you didn't know. That's why they change coloring when you swap to capricorn subligar.

So even such a minor change as skin color is actually just as labor-intensive to alter as being obese or anorexic.

[PhiberOpticks]

Re: Things that should be improved about FFXI...

What?

I can't give you a link to the article, but look for Fantasy Earth: Ring of Dominion on IGN.

I like how making a sequel in order to enhance the original game is being called "the Everquest approach", like no other game has ever had a sequel in order to improve upon the first until EQ 2 came out.

It was a good example for articulating what I was getting at. Besides, I don't know of any other MMORPGs that have done it.

[PhiberOpticks]

Re: Things that should be improved about FFXI...

Basically, stick with "basics", but allow small degree of customization to be displayed, optionally, for clients with the memory and CPU power. (Kinda of like how you can turn off weather effects on PC client.)

That is a great idea, actually.

EDIT: My bad for double posting. I was using the quick reply box to put my extra stuff in while I typed it up, but I accidentally hit quick reply. I'm not used to being unable to delete posts >.<

[Murphie]

Re: Things that should be improved about FFXI...

Lineage II and Asheron's Call 2 are the more well known examples.

[ItazuraNhomango]

Re: Things that should be improved about FFXI...

Skin color changes would require altering of all the subligar and harness armors, since the character skin color is written right onto those dats. Your legs are part of your bone subligar, incase you didn't know. That's why they change coloring when you swap to capricorn subligar.

Hmm. I had forgotten about that, but it should be manageable, right? Maybe by manually masking the skin area (alpha channel or something?), then programmatically apply skin "tanning" to generate the appropriately colored skin part of the textures? (Would require engine changes, of course, for PC and xBox360 clients.)

I would really like to have darker skin with my white hair Mithra. Or, better yet, a glossy, black panther coat of fur with white mane. =^.^=

[Evion]

Re: Things that should be improved about FFXI...

More character customization and more monster variety. I think the PS2 really hurt this game in those areas, and it's a shame too.

I totally agree... I mean, come on!? Wurm/Bee/Crab/Gob/Orc/misc. flier... Rinse, zone, repeat.

[Taskmage]

Re: Things that should be improved about FFXI...

Hmm. I had forgotten about that, but it should be manageable, right? Maybe by manually masking the skin area (alpha channel or something?), then programmatically apply skin "tanning" to generate the appropriately colored skin part of the textures? (Would require engine changes, of course, for PC and xBox360 clients.)
I would really like to have darker skin with my white hair Mithra. Or, better yet, a glossy, black panther coat of fur with white mane. =^.^=

I'm all for that change if it means I can wear Republic Subligar and Wonder Clomps and not see a seam on my leg where my skin changes color and thickness. ><

[Mhurron]

Re: Things that should be improved about FFXI...

I say we just get rid of subligar entirely. And Elvaan's wearing subligar.

And Elvaan's entirely.