Returning Player with a couple questions

[LunarGaze]

I played FFXI off and on for about 2 years. I bought it right after it came out in NA and made it to level 60 on my DRG. I eventually quit due to frustrations with the game. I came back two more times after that both as BLM which I took to 50 before quitting for WoW.

After some thinking about it a bit I have decided, along with my roommate (Former 52 WHM), to make my return to Vana'diel with the 2007 Collection DVD-ROM game. Before I actually make my character(s) there are some things I would like some help with (opinions,comments etc).

The economy when I left it was greatly inflated for various reasons but has that now calmed down? I hearing there is now deflation but is that serverwide or just a few select servers. If it's not too much trouble could I get some examples of how much?

I am a bit indecisive about which job to play, as such I have chosen hume(M) as my race/gender combination. If only I could figure out which job to play now...
Here's what I am thinking...

SAM/WAR: With the recent additions of Hasso,Seigun etc Samurai is seeming more desireable as a DD addition to a party. That is something that is important to me, as I don't want to have to wait long periods of time for invites. (Within reason i.e hours upon hours). I like their ability to skillchain with just about anyone and often as that is a favorite part of combat for me. I am just not sure as to how effective they are now with Hasso, could anyone shed some light on that?
Overall cost? (I plan to craft and farm for money, just trying to get a relative cost ratio or something to that effect)

WAR/NIN: Seemingly effective DDs and decent tank (especially at higher levels), only real drawback his is potential cost of ninja tools/sub and other essential gear. All of which is fine, I don't mind having to farm too much. (*Note* I would sub monk until around 48-50 as recommended)

COR/RNG: DD/Support role is fine with me. I mainly worry about the cost of ammunition and cards with this job. Can anyone give me an average for cards on their server? I would most likely try to craft my own but just in case. The luck factor is also fine with me. What concerns me, along with overall cost, is their ability to solo farm and endgame uses. I guess their endgame role hasn't been really defined. Not quite sure how I feel about ranged dmg after being a hunter in wow for so long.

RNG/NIN: DMG is Nice. Not sure on cost and ranged dmg. Usefull?

BLU/THF or BLU/NIN: Seems like an interesting job to play. It allows for travelling around to get abilities. (Something I could do with my roommate, he plans on going BLU/THF) I can SC and MB and do decent dmg (or so I think). Main concern is role in a party and usefullness to a party. From what I hear blue mages can solo or duo well in case I don't get invites quickly also. Can anyone confirm that for me?


Main idea with my class combo choices is, I want to be usefull (XP PT,HNM,BCNM,Missions etc), I want dmg (Don't have to have the "OMGWTFBBQ" numbers but decent dmg, and a relatively manageable cost (So i don't have to constantly farm just to stay a float).


Anyone have recommendations for servers/linkshells?

[Icemage]

Re: Returning Player with a couple questions

First, if you have not deleted your previous characters and still have your login information it may be possible to get your old character back by contacting PlayOnline Support. Given the length of time that has passed this may not be possible unless you wait for the Return to Vana'diel program which begins typically in February, when Square-Enix will entertain requests to restore formerly abandoned accounts.

If you'd rather start from scratch that's perfectly OK too.

Regarding deflation:
Seems to be happening across all servers. Square-Enix has done a good job in bringing the economy back into shape. If you're serious about coming back and enjoying good prices, do so before Christmas (which is when everyone is expecting a burst of money flooding the economy from "resents").

Regarding job choices:

SAM/WAR:
Samurai seem pretty effective now with Hasso and Seigan. SAM/WAR in particular is a very effective party member now. Overall cost is low to moderate.

WAR/NIN:
A perennial favorite. Moderately effective until level 74, when that second Utsusemi completes the package. Overall cost moderate to high, depending on how obsessive about good gear you are (since it's a popular job combination, you'll find that demand and prices for useful items for WAR/NIN is more than you might otherwise expect).

COR/RNG:
Very powerful combination, but the cost is steep. Not so much for the cards, which are fairly reasonable, but the fact that Corsairs are very limited in the ammunition they can use (bullets only), and those bullets are extremely expensive. End-game role is mostly undefined; most HNMLS aren't quite sure what to do with their Corsairs yet, but they do manage to pull their own weight.

RNG/NIN:
Was a so-so combination before the last update. RNG/NIN were heavily nerfed last year due to their out-of-control ranged damage. The last update restored some of their former glory, so they're now a fairly effective damage dealer with pretty good defensive options. Cost is very high, however, as you're burning both ammo and ninjutsu tool for offense and defense.

BLU/THF, BLU/NIN, BLU/WHM:
I mention these three together because you'll probably find yourself doing one or more of these at some point in your career as a blue mage. BLU is a decent damage dealer, a competent healer, and also serves as a very useful tank up through about level 40. Cost is moderate due to the current popularity of the job. End-game usage is a bit iffy. The ability to self-skillchain is powerful, but difficult to harness except by the most talented end-game linkshells.

Hope this helps!


Icemage

[LunarGaze]

Re: Returning Player with a couple questions

Thank you Icemage that was actually very helpful. I have already pre-ordered my Vana'diel Collection 2007 and prepaid with overnight shipping. I'll be in game before Christmas and try to make the best of the economy before the Christmas rush. Concerning my previous characters, I don't think I really want to play them. First one was Elvaan and the next series were Tarutaru (2x) and Mithra. This time around I want to be a Hume, and want to start over with my roommate. Thanks for reminding me about that though. Leveling Monk and Warrior won't kill me too bad. I think i'll avoid the dunes this time around though and go for BuBu Peninsula.

With your help I think I have picked a class in Sam/War. Maybe I'll mess around with others win I get samurai relatively high.

I was thinking Alchemy as a profession when my class choice was COR because I could make the cards and some bullets with the aid of smithing. Now that seems a bit pointless outside of potions and a few silent oils/prism powders. Would I be better off with something like Blacksmithing/Goldsmithing? Maybe someday I'll make Haubergeon+1 or something. Be nice if I could make one for myself but I probably won't have the money to take it that high along with the required clothcraft for it by 59.