New in FinFanOnline

[Ziero]

Re: New in FinFanOnline

I actually prefer FFXI's UI over every other MMO i've played so far, and most offline RPGs too.

Haha, that's only because menus already took up 70% of the screen on the PS2 version, especially during combat.

I didn't know the mini-menu, HP bars and chat log took up so much space.

[Feba]

Re: New in FinFanOnline

And some of them are actually "done right" when realizing that they were done for a console running at 640x480 and the expectation that the user is navigating the UI with a PS2 controller. I mean really, where are you going to put some of these extra UI indicators you want on a 640x480 screen? They're trying to keep the abilities of the interface the same on every platform so that console users aren't at a disadvantage, especially since console users are a significant portion of their player base.

Yes, we know the PS2 screen is smaller. That does not mean that there is not room on the GUI.

[Nuriko]

Re: New in FinFanOnline

It would be really nice if you could bring the map up as a semi-transparent overlay or something, and be able to navigate with it up. There's also LS management ... oh well, the game is what it is.

[Ryoii/Nonomii]

Re: New in FinFanOnline

Do yourself a big favor and never use a mouse in FFXI. The interface is great for use with a controller, which makes me enjoy the UI more than any other game. I would highly recommend putting a Saitek P2900 on your holiday wish list. I've used cheaper controllers, but they always broke. You will also need a pack of rechargeable AA batteries and a charger.

You can easily map all of your useful commands to this controller since every button can have two functions (ie. /map, Tab, Shift-Tab, Keypad-7). There are certainly improvements which could be made to the UI, but we have found ways around the problems. If you have a laptop, do yourself a favor and keep it on http://www.ffxi-atlas.com, http://ffxi.wikia.com, and http://www.ffxiah.com or run in windowed mode.

I realize this is slightly off topic, but no other MMO I've encountered has such a nice interface for use with a controller. However, I've found that I require a programmable controller and Windower Plug-ins to enjoy FFXI to its fullest. I played for over 3 years without Windower, but once they updated Third Eye, I got sick of having to echo the recast every few seconds while tanking. I imagine it is even more annoying for DNC and Steps. Also I play on my coach and prefer the comfort of a controller for each character.

[Ziero]

Re: New in FinFanOnline

I realize this is slightly off topic, but no other MMO I've encountered has such a nice interface for use with a controller. However, you really do need a programmable controller and Windower Plug-ins to enjoy FFXI to its fullest.

No, not really. Many people who play on PS2, 360 and even on the PC all enjoy the game just fine without the plug-ins. I myself never bothered with them as they're really not needed. And ever since they've installed the official windower, I haven't even bothered to update the 3rd pt one.

Also, I think it's against forum policy to link to 3rd party aps.

[Diesel Boy]

Re: New in FinFanOnline

Yes I have learned to not bother with the mouse in this game. But you deffinately dont need a controller to play; just using the keyboard is easy enough. WASD to move your character, the arrow keys for the camera. TAB to target, enter to bring up menu, arrow keys to select action and enter to confirm. Works well enough for me anyway.

But you can deffinately tell this game was designed for console play and PC was an afterthought.

I got a question though: Is there any way to change the in-game mouse cursor? Im used to playing MMO's using a keyboard/mouse combination... I would like to play FFXI that way also; that is IF I COULD SEE THE FRIGGIN CURSOR most of the time. lolz. Its so small and transparent on my screen, I can never see where the hell it is unless I hover over something to get the targeting icon.

[Ryoii/Nonomii]

Re: New in FinFanOnline

Also it is possible to modify the UI, but I have not given this a try. Google FFXI UI for more information. I'm not sure if you can enlarge the mouse cursor. The eye strain from the UI is one reason I've avoided playing at higher resolutions.

[Mog]

Re: New in FinFanOnline

There are little hacks here and there that allow you to change the interface to look like the gloved hand from Final Fantasy 7. Just need to find them.

[Osmolie]

Re: New in FinFanOnline

Yes I have learned to not bother with the mouse in this game. But you deffinately dont need a controller to play; just using the keyboard is easy enough. WASD to move your character, the arrow keys for the camera. TAB to target, enter to bring up menu, arrow keys to select action and enter to confirm. Works well enough for me anyway.

But you can deffinately tell this game was designed for console play and PC was an afterthought.

I got a question though: Is there any way to change the in-game mouse cursor? Im used to playing MMO's using a keyboard/mouse combination... I would like to play FFXI that way also; that is IF I COULD SEE THE FRIGGIN CURSOR most of the time. lolz. Its so small and transparent on my screen, I can never see where the hell it is unless I hover over something to get the targeting icon.

This game was on PC first, so I am thinking its made for PC more. As for having a mini-map. I kind of think its a bad idea. You never really needed them in other FF games, even though they had them. So why start now??

[Ziero]

Re: New in FinFanOnline

This game was on PC first, so I am thinking its made for PC more. As for having a mini-map. I kind of think its a bad idea. You never really needed them in other FF games, even though they had them. So why start now??

IIRC it came out for PS2 first in JP before moving to PC there and here.

And I will admit that having an overhead map was something that most of the previous FFs didn't have or need, and thus fitting this game doesn't have one as well.

[bungiefan]

Re: New in FinFanOnline

This game was on PC first, so I am thinking its made for PC more. As for having a mini-map. I kind of think its a bad idea. You never really needed them in other FF games, even though they had them. So why start now??

PS2 version came out in May of 2002. PC version didn't come out until November of 2002. NA got the releases reversed because SCEA wouldn't release the HDD and Square needed to release the game here to get enough players to turn a profit.