The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

[Brielle]

Re: The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

You should be happy that you have the option to switch your gear out while in combat, in World of Warcraft most classes are only able to switch out weapons and nothing else when they have engaged a monster. I say most classes because (for those who may not have played) you have to have special abilities that pull you out of combat, and those do not always work. A perfect example would be Ragnaros battle in WoW. Unless you have amazing damage and healing gear, everyone has to wear rather mundane fire resistance armour that is not able to be switched out until the fight is over. Plenty of players have tried to debate this game mechanic with Blizzard, but they have seemingly stood by their decision to not change this.

Also, saying that FFXI is going to be dead in two years is laughable. Do you not think people can play more than one video game at a time? Even if Square-Enix were to release another MMO, that does not mean they are going to toss FFXI in the graveyard. I am not trying to be overly critical, but I do wonder where people get their information/statistics from sometimes.

[Murphie]

Re: The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

FFXI isn't going anywhere for at least another 5+ years. Anyone who suggests otherwise really doesn't understand the way MMOs work.

[ItazuraNhomango]

Re: The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

Re: Windower macros:

Spoken like someone who hasn't really used it. It can do some very complicated things, even if most people use it to just add infinite lines.

You're right in that I've never used Windower's macros system.

However, I've gone through its command list, and read through a few example macro scripts, including nested scripting using one script to launch multiple scripts. Though I don't know the intricacies (and won't, unless I actually write and use the scripts), I'm fairly confident I have a good general idea of what the system is capable of.

Windower's macro system really isn't that complicated. However, the advantages it affords is borderline cheating, IMO, which is the sole reason I've never touched them. (When I was using Windower, I also turned off default plug-ins which give distance, party TP, etc.) What I wanted was, 1) put FFXI in a window, 2) a way to take prettier screen shots, 3) able to input Japanese--not gain any game play advantage over my fellow players. (Sadly, I was too afraid to make much use of IME; GMs can probably easily tell if I'm on an English client, and thus shouldn't be able to type in Japanese.)

On that note, two issues which still bug me about FFXI client:
A) Not able to take screenshot at full resolution, and not able to include chat log in screenshot.
B) Not able to input Japanese on NA client, while JP client users can freely type in English.

[Yellow Mage]

Re: The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

As for gear swaps, leave them the hell alone. They're not detrimental to *anything*(outside of pvp which will be explained in a minute) in this game and they're not just a tool of the "elitest" or such. It's a combat tactic used by those who want to excel at the game in any given situation. It's something players have to put thought into and work towards (through obtaining their gear and mixing/matching to get the best results) that lets them stand out from players who *don't* want to put in the extra effort. And with so many abilities and actions that are effected by certain stats, it would be an absolute waste to not allow players to switch gear.

This

As for why you can't do it in PvP, well you ever try to cast cure on a thf going into their SaTa gear? Now try casting offensive spells on someone who's constantly changing their equipment. You'll notice it just doesn't work. If you could gear swap in PvP, it would *destroy* all mages, including Rdm, because they wouldn't get any spells off. In PvP, SE is making you think about your gear, in both offensive and defensive stats, so you'll have to settle on the 'best' all around gear with no min/maxing, leaving PvP up to player's skill, not their gear.

. . . then this.

Why does it make sense to be able to have all the best gear readily available to you for every action, to the point where not seizing the opportunity to do so is considered a waste, or even gimp, and then in another situation, you're required to actually think about which gear set is over all the best for once? I mean, why can't it be the latter all the time, without being considered gimp?

Sure, the problem isn't the fact that we're allowed to gear-swap at all like good little munchkins, it's the fact that S-E doesn't let us do it well enough! Curse them for the PvP penalty and macro restrictions!

It has been made well the point that there would be great backlash for such an adjustment, but points have also been made on how it's not exactly a "cornerstone of the game," really only being needed by player standards.

I guess if almost everybody has the same standard, then said standard isn't elitest, no matter how ridiculous it seems on face value, right? So long as it's effective? So long as it's "efficient?" It's not being spoiled or elitest at all!

But, I digress. I already had tried to make a point earlier on on how continuing argument on this one point is off-topic at best. I will not argue this point further.

. . . Unless someone who isn't on my ignore list yet says something really stupid on the matter . . .



So, to get back on topic, here's another thing: S-E always romanticizes their non-combat systems in press releases, such as Crafting, H.E.L.M., and so on . . . seriously, look up Crafting on the Playonline official site. I'll give a direct quote later . . .

But, still, they are far too romanticized when, in reality, they're just gigantic, overly complex and frustrating time-and-gilsinks. Combat often really is the only way to go, even when it isn't.

{Ninja} Edit:

Crystal Synthesis:

Through crystal synthesis, players can create a fantastic variety of items, many of which are unavailable in shops. The system is flexible and lets players experiment to make the items they want.

Fishing:

There are many fine fishing spots scattered throughout Vana'diel. By increasing your fishing skill, you can catch valuable fish and other items. And, any fish you catch can be cooked into a variety of dishes!

Haven’t you ever thought “You know, it’d be really nice if I could do that”?




A special feature in FINAL FANTASY XI called “synthesis” can make these dreams come true.

Synthesis consists of a countless number of recipes where you combine several items with a crystal to make a new item.

Synthesis Procedures

All right. Let’s try out synthesis ourselves. First of all, we need to obtain the necessary materials for synthesis.

Crystal + Items → New Item

If you have enough skill and luck, you can synthesize higher-quality items than usual and, depending on the item, higher quantities of them with each synthesis.

Also, by using special crystals, you can even synthesize items engraved with your own character name.

Guilds

You will find a total of eight kinds of synthesis-and guilds corresponding to each discipline in all areas of Vana’diel.

Adventurers participating in synthesis can receive support from any of the available guilds.

You can receive the following benefits from the NPCs at each guild:
• Learn synthesis recipes
• Buy and sell materials and synthesized items
• Receive support to improve your synthesis success rate

Polish your synthesis skills and experience the joy of making items yourself!

* * *

• ”I’d like to try out synthesis for myself.”
• ”I’d like to give an item to a friend as a present.”
• ”I want to make money by selling items to people who need synthesis materials.”

If you’ve been thinking any of the above, feel free to use the following information to help in your search for materials!

Mining

Use a pickaxe at the Mining Points or Excavation Points that are scattered throughout mines or caverns to obtain ores and minerals. Items obtained through mining are generally used as materials in smithing, goldsmithing, alchemy, and bonecrafting.

Harvesting

Use a sickle at Harvesting Points found in fields to obtain plants and other greenery. Items obtained through harvesting are generally used as materials in cooking and clothcraft.

Lumbering

Use a hatchet at Logging Points found at the base of trees to obtain lumber. Items obtained through lumbering are generally used as materials in woodworking.

Gardening

In your Mog House, you can garden using potted plants, crystals, seeds, and seedlings. Many items may be obtained depending on your combination of plants, crystals, seeds, and seedlings. You can obtain anything from synthesis materials to chocobo feed.

Fishing

As long as you have a fishing rod and bait, you can fish anywhere there is water. Fishing rods and the bait required will differ depending on whether you’re fishing in freshwater or seawater, as well as the type of fish you are attempting to catch. Your catches are generally used as materials in cooking and alchemy, but you may obtain things other than fish, such as items found in fishes’ bellies.

Chocobo Digging

By carrying Gysahl Greens and riding on a chocobo, you can make your chocobo dig into the ground. One bunch of Gysahl Greens will be used each time you make your chocobo dig. Items obtained greatly differ from area to area.

Combat

You can also obtain materials for synthesis by defeating monsters. Be sure to think about which monsters or beastmen you will have to defeat to obtain the items you want and then select your main and sub-jobs accordingly.

As long as you have the drive and willpower, you can easily collect materials.

All right! Let’s get started!

. . .

You get the idea.

[Malacite]

Re: The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

I'm still waiting for that Canoe they promised with CoP >_>p


And Synthesis & H.E.L.M. update {Can I have it?}

[Caspian]

Re: The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

Its elitest to expect a 75 RDM to have the appropriate staves to stick Slow and Paralyze, to have an hMP set to decrease downtime, and some healing gear for when they main or backup heal?
So am I also elitest about myself because I macro'd my af1 legs for activating sharpshot? And expecting myself to remember to put af2 feet on for fighting after macroing out to trotter's for movement?
This isn't about expecting people to macro in nothing but HQ's. RDM was made to do well at several different aspects, expecting a rmd in my party to not half-ass what they do is the same as expecting a party member not to half-ass it when they're leveling their sub. If you want to do something, do it well.

The system is flexible and lets players experiment to make the items they want.

Misleading at best. I know what they mean, but they are trying to make it sound infinitely more complicated than it is. (Though the idea of being able to tweak a recipe to give it some added stats does sound pretty cool)

[Omgwtfbbqkitten]

Re: The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

B) Not able to input Japanese on NA client, while JP client users can freely type in English.

I think we all know why we don't have this option on the NA client.

If you don't, I'll just point how stupidly the NA players use the translator as of right now.

[May][Bee].

-------------------------------------------------

Back to YM:

I think SE's intention behind ballista rejecting gear swaps is because its more of a leisure activity and tries to encompass as many players of varied experience levels as it can, otherwise the main form of Ballista would never have level caps. Swaps also break target locks. And since a newbie level 30 player isn't going to have things like CoP rings going for them, the players that do have it are forced to decide between thier favorite gear or thier other equipment gear.

I don't agree with that decision, because once you get past 60 caps, the logic of that balancing is pretty weak, given how jobs like RDM and BLU can just rape about anything even if they were half-naked. Uncapped PvP in this game is hideously unbalanced and the denial of gear swaps is a large part of it.

If they want to make this fair, at the very least, penalize VISUAL armor/weapon swaps and not accessory/ammo swaps. Accessory swaps are the most common swaps and players won't break target-locks for doing them. This also gives most jobs a better fighting chance. Its not a 100% perfect fix, but it would be a start.

[Feba]

Re: The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

I think we all know why we don't have this option on the NA client.

If you don't, I'll just point how stupidly the NA players use the translator as of right now.

Ugh.


At least now I know what kind of idiots vote for victimless crime laws.

[Murphie]

Re: The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

I prefer finding a victim for each crime. I don't like it when things aren't matched up.

[Yellow Mage]

Re: The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

ammo swaps

They aren't penalized, nor do I think they should be, given the nature of ammo. According to FFXIclopedia on Ballista . . .

Swapping ammo is allowed, unequipping ammo is penalized.

Other than that, the rest is your opinion.

[ItazuraNhomango]

Re: The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

I think we all know why we don't have this option on the NA client.

If you don't, I'll just point how stupidly the NA players use the translator as of right now.

[May][Bee].

I don't really get it. So there are idiots in United States who have no concept that homophones typically cannot be translated into a different language--so what? That has nothing to do with my need for a Japanese input system.

>_>

There are Japanese fools who utterly failed to recognize what they took as a jumble of English letters on their screen are actually transliteration of Japanese language sentences. I need to be able to type in real Japanese script to communicate with them.

Stupid people exist on both side of Pacific, as far as I can tell.

[Omgwtfbbqkitten]

Re: The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

It was already corrected several pages back by another user, it got lost in the storm of replies to one of your claims about gear swaps. Thanks for playing.

Stuff

Have [Poison][San'doria Residential Area][Water] or [Skill][Up][child][Synthesis][Help me out!] never come accross your screen?

There are Japanese fools who utterly failed to recognize what they took as a jumble of English letters on their screen are actually transliteration of Japanese language sentences. I need to be able to type in real Japanese script to communicate with them.

Stupid people exist on both side of Pacific, as far as I can tell.

JPs seem to hate being /checked, but the /check filter has been in the game since the beginning. I'm not saying they're intellectually superior, because they're not, on the newer jobs they've not only been completely behind the curve , they have thier share of idiots to boot.

What I'm saying is, NAs generally have a lower cultural maturity in most situations (see: 300 quotes every Beseiged). Hell, most German and Australian players I've encountered act more mature in general than most I've player with in FFXI.

I don't blame SE for the omission. The solution to the omission is rather simple - install the JP client.

[Feba]

Re: The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

Have [Poison][San'doria Residential Area][Water] or [Skill][Up][child][Synthesis][Help me out!] never come accross your screen?

Completely and totally irrelevant.

You have, twice, within the past two or three pages, said that SE should NOT ADD A FEATURE because (and solely because) someone might be annoying with it. This is the most asinine reasoning you could think of to reject an idea.

[dirtyclown]

Re: The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

Completely and totally irrelevant.

You have, twice, within the past two or three pages, said that SE should NOT ADD A FEATURE because (and solely because) someone might be annoying with it. This is the most asinine reasoning you could think of to reject an idea.

But of course, that was the entire point of the thread. Bbq (hereafter referred to as Dave) only wanted people to post ideas that he wanted to see implemented, to turn this entire thread into one massive circle jerk of agreement and like-minded posting.

[Feba]

Re: The issues with FFXI that we don't often discuss

What I'm saying is, NAs generally have a lower cultural maturity in most situations (see: 300 quotes every Beseiged)

Why not take the /shout function out of NA clients, too? They're just going to use it to be annoying.

I don't blame SE for the omission. The solution to the omission is rather simple - install the JP client.

Except there are three problems with that: It's not that easy to obtain (or to install/run alongside the NA client), this doesn't do shit for PS2/360 players, and not everyone wants to read everything in Japanese. Being able to speak enough of a language to get by in an EXP party and being able to speak enough to play the entire game (including cutscenes!) are two very different things. Some of us only want IME to be able to practice some Japanese with friends-- the official client would be not only overkill there, but incredibly daunting in the linguistic challenges alone.