The *ahem* OFFICIAL "FINAL FANTASY XIV Online" Thread of Ultimate Anticipation!

[Teknoman]

Re: The *ahem* OFFICIAL "FINAL FANTASY XIV Online" Thread of Ultimate Anticipation!

Man this is going to be amazing. Going to shoot for as many beta chances as possible (hopefully like FFXI with ATI, Nvidia, Sony themselves, etc.).

Im hoping for a 2009 closed beta since they want both closed and open to be longer than FFXI's beta test.

[Kurb]

Re: E3 Square Enix Press Conference about FFXIV

i wonnder what the syster requirments will be ><

[Murphie]

Re: E3 Square Enix Press Conference about FFXIV

Thankfully I'm due for a new PC anyway, so hopefully the system requirements won't be an issue.

[Kurb]

Re: E3 Square Enix Press Conference about FFXIV

lucky ><
I'll have to ask PC World what the story is regarding updating laptops with new graphics cards/ ram ect.
But thankfully it's 1.5-2 years away so if i put even 10 a month I'm pretty much sorted
better make that 10 euro a week

[Elwynn]

Re: E3 Square Enix Press Conference about FFXIV

Square Enix has also revealed to IGN that it is currently finding a solution that will let you transfer your character's names from FFXI to FFXIV.

How about log into FFXI, write name down on a piece of paper, log into FFXIV, go into character creation, type in name from sheet of paper when prompted?

If all that is being transferred is the name, there's no need for SE to automate the process. If someone has already taken the name on the server you're moving to, you'll still have to change it anyhow.

[Kurb]

Re: E3 Square Enix Press Conference about FFXIV

DIBS ON Kurb

[Aksannyi]

Re: E3 Square Enix Press Conference about FFXIV

How about log into FFXI, write name down on a piece of paper, log into FFXIV, go into character creation, type in name from sheet of paper when prompted?

If all that is being transferred is the name, there's no need for SE to automate the process. If someone has already taken the name on the server you're moving to, you'll still have to change it anyhow.

Because certain tools will take names of popular/wellknown players (Hmm, think ... Minidragon, Stanislav, Ryko) just to be douchebags and pretend they're that person, just for the sake of being an ass. I know I'd be really pissed off if some tardshit took my name to try to act like they were me. Or just to cockblock me from having my name. Would be stupid.

Nothing wrong of course if you want to change your name to something else, but for those of us who do not want to change at all, I appreciate SE doing this to protect against people being dicks. You know, because this is online and people suck.

[AutonomousMarkings]

Re: E3 Square Enix Press Conference about FFXIV

the name shouldn't really matter. I have a handful of handles across the wide internet and I'd suppose that most other people do too.

As for the UI, I assume that since its an ff, and designed around the controller being the primary means to interact w/ said UI its probably fair to assume that the ui, while likely different will still have a similar feeling, after all, 11 felt like the other ff games regardless of it being a transition step between <10 and 12.

[ShepardG]

Re: The *ahem* OFFICIAL &quot;FINAL FANTASY XIV Online&quot; Thread of Ultimate Anticipation!

How will a person, most likely, be able to sign up for their beta test?

[WishMaster3K]

Re: The *ahem* OFFICIAL &quot;FINAL FANTASY XIV Online&quot; Thread of Ultimate Anticipation!

Having a PS3 is probably a good bet.

Hopefully there will also be incentives sent out to people who already have the Security Token *crosses fingers on this one*

[Teknoman]

Re: The *ahem* OFFICIAL &quot;FINAL FANTASY XIV Online&quot; Thread of Ultimate Anticipation!

Wonder if the closed beta participants will get anything...like FFXI closed PS2 beta rewarded people with a retail copy of the game + HDD.

[Murasame]

Re: The *ahem* OFFICIAL &quot;FINAL FANTASY XIV Online&quot; Thread of Ultimate Anticipation!

-There will be more science fiction elements in Hadeln, similar to that seen in FINAL FANTASY X and XIII.

-The devteam has said that character growth is not based on experience. They've hinted that the basis for character development can be seen in the logo. (It's weapons)

A year away from release and we're already playing telephone.

I had read differently, based on quotes from Balfree and TheGrandMom in the E3 2009 thread. What I read was:

XIV will keep the fantasy theme and art style of XI while adding more elements of high technology, but not to the extent of XIII.

And the new logo was a hint towards the new battle system and not character growth, they stated plainly characters will grow through weapon choices.

I'll go pull up the posts I'm referencing in case I'm wrong.

[Aerex]

Re: E3 Square Enix Press Conference about FFXIV

Everyone -1 person.

"Everyone" might be an overesitmate... but 1 person is even more wrong. Every single person I know including me who ever played the game ( even the people like me who absolutely loved it despite it's flaws ) refer to the UI as clunky and retarded. A customizable UI like WoW's would be preferable. If they want to do something different that is fine but I think they should make it a bit easier to use. Perhaps make it so macros can be clicked on rather than just made into keybinds.

[DakAttack]

Re: The *ahem* OFFICIAL &quot;FINAL FANTASY XIV Online&quot; Thread of Ultimate Anticipation!

No experience? Chocobos not used as mounts?

We're definitely playing telephone.

[Murasame]

Who was phone!?

More tidbits!

IGN: E3 2009: Final Fantasy XIV - What We Know

What platforms is Final Fantasy XIV coming to?
Currently the game is confirmed for PlayStation 3 and Windows PC. An Xbox 360 version isn't official, but Square Enix is considering the possibility that it could.

What do we know about the setting and the story?
It takes place on an all-new Final Fantasy world known as "Eorzea." Though it does share some monsters and races from Final Fantasy XI, they're not direct representations and have been altered in multiple ways that make them unique to Eorzea. The similarities in races will allow experienced FFXI players to create a new FFXIV character that looks somewhat comparable.

Does it have a direct connection to Final Fantasy XI?
In some ways, yes it does. Not only does it share the same development team as the FF11, but the game will also allow players to create a character that is similar to their current Final Fantasy XI. Square Enix has also revealed to IGN that it is currently finding a solution that will let you transfer your character's names from FFXI to FFXIV.

On a related note, at the press conference, it was said that FFXI has another year of content planned. Does that mean that after that year is up that FFXI is done with?
No. To be specific, Square Enix has one year of content currently planned but has told us here at IGN that it isn't a mandated end for the series. If fans continue to support the game, then so will Square Enix.

What is the combat system like?
The development team won't say, but it did confirm to us that... Additionally, the heavy team-play aspect of FF11 has been deemphasized, and now exploration and battle is said to be more balanced between solo and team play.

How does the leveling system work?
Square Enix is cagey about how characters advance, but it has confirmed with IGN that growth is not based on experience and that it will work on a different system entirely.

What about jobs?
Jobs will return in Final Fantasy XIV, but they will be much different than the job system present in FFXI.

How important are the weapons?
Weapons are very important and have a heavy influence on your character and how they succeed in the game world. Square Enix says to look closely at the official FFXIV logo for hints and hidden meanings about how the game will work.

What hidden meanings?
Square Enix told us that when it approached Amano to do the logo art for FFXIV, that weapons were very important and to think of the concept of a "wheel." Specifically, a wheel of adventurers that has their weapon in front of them and an exposed backside -- which leaves each adventurer to rely heavily on their comrades and their friends. Let the speculation begin.

Square unveiled the game with a trailer at E3 2009.
Anything else about the weapons?
The team let slip to us that choosing weapons for specific tasks one day versus another could affect how your character develops.

How much of the first trailer is in-game versus pre-rendered?
The debut trailer is actually a mixture of real-time in-game footage and pre-rendered wizardry. The combat scene in particular was created using the in-game engine.

What languages will the game available in?
The same as Final Fantasy XI: Japanese, English, French and German. FFXIV will also be released simultaneously in all regions that use those languages.

Will the PlayOnline service be used for FFXIV?
No. Square Enix told us that the reason it is ditching the PlayOnline system is because it was originally meant as an all-in-one solution to house multiple content types. But as PlayOnline has offered less content over the years, the need for the next online Final Fantasy to us PO is moot. Whatever new service (if any) is used, PC and PlayStation 3 users will still be able to play with each other on the same servers, and Square Enix also confirmed with IGN that you can sign in with a universal ID on either system to pick up where you left off if you own both.

Who's Working on the Game?
It is produced by Hiromichi Tanaka (Final Fantasy I, II, III, and IX) and directed by Nobuaki Komoto (Final Fantasy IX, XI), with art direction by Akihiko Yoshida (Vagrant Story, Final Fantasy XII) and a musical score from Nobuo Uematsu (Most Final Fantasies ever). Yoshitaka Amano has designed the logo and is pulling additional art duties as well.

Uematsu only did a few tracks in FFXI, how much is he doing for XIV?
Square Enix revealed to IGN that Uematsu will be doing all the music for Final Fantasy XIV and that it will be composed in a range of different styles and genres.

What modern day MMOs have influenced the design and direction of FFXIV?
In addition to the team's original work on Final Fantasy XI, World of Warcraft, Age of Conan and Warhammer Online have been three recent games that have had some pull, but the FFXI community's feedback has been the most important factor in its design.

Are Chocobos back?
Yes, they will return. But Square Enix has told IGN that it is looking at using them in a completely different way than they were used in Final Fantasy XI (where they were used as riding steeds).

When is it coming out and when is the beta?
The game will come out in 2010, and after Final Fantasy XIII which is scheduled for spring of the same year. Beta plans are still being finalized, but that the plan is to have a longer beta period than that of FFXI (which had a beta of about 3-4 months).

Yet mawr info!!! (Courtesy of Elmer the pointy; we love you man)





Allakhazam.com: Final Fantasy XI: FFXIV NEWS - Tanaka & Komoto Interview

This land will be blessed with high technology, but not to the point of more sci-fi themed worlds found in Final Fantasy XIII or Final Fantasy X.

Announcement at the beginning was about what systems the game would be on.

FFXIV will be coming to the PS3 & PC. They are currently considering other hardware (including Microsoft hardware!)



Q: What are the ties to Final Fantasy XI, if any?

A: While you may have noticed that some of the same type of races appeared in the trailer, the world of FFXIV is different from FFXI. The reason that we made the races similar to the FFXI races is so FFXI players could choose a similar type of race in the new game. For example, in movies, you might have an actor that plays many different roles. Please, think of it that way.



Q: What happens to Final Fantasy XI now that we're moving to FFXIV? Are you going to phase it out or continue to publish new content for XI? How will the development team be split?

A: The development for FFXIV started 4 or 5 years ago with primary ideas. Development started a few years ago, while FFXI was still being supported. FFXI will continue to be supported. There is another year of content planned. There are no plans for the near future to stop development on FFXI.



Q: What influence have games like World of WarCraft have on the development of FFXIV?

A:As with WoW, we want to aim a bit for the casual user. However, we don't want to make a copy of WoW. We believe we will have things that are unique and will stand out from that game.



Q: Will combat be more action oriented or turn-based?

A: We cannot talk about the battle system at this time.



Q: FFXI has evolved a lot over the years, especially in the areas of player accessibility and the ability to solo. Will you carry over features like level sync and other features to FFXIV?

A: Yes. All of the knowledge and experience we gained from FFXI will be used in the development of FFXIV. At the launch, we intend to have content for solo players as well as large-scale battles. We want a wide-variety from the start.



Q: Are you planning a simultaneous worldwide release or will it be released in Japan first?

A: Yes. At the launch, this will be a worldwide simultaneous launch on PS3 and Windows PC. English, Japanese, German, and French versions released at launch.



Q: Will all servers be worldwide or split by territory?

A: The current plans are to have worldwide servers that are cross-platform and cross-region. We will do a beta test and look at the balance and player experience. We want to look for a good balance between region and cross-region play.



Q: Will you be taking feedback from your FFXI users?

A: Yes, we still get a lot of feedback from our FFXI players and will continue to take feedback as we move into beta. The game will change as it goes.



Q: Will you try to move players from XI to XIV or will they be separate communities?

A: It's up to the community themselves. We envision users that will hopefully play XI one day and XIV another. They will be independent, but users are free to play both.



Q: Are there plans to localize the game in Spanish?

A: Currently, there is no Spanish version in development. We'll consider it if enough Spanish-speaking users demand it from us. Getting good translators in Japan is hard, but if there's enough demand we will consider it.



Q: How can users transmit this demand?

A: We will conduct marketing research.




Q: Is there any special element in the MMO genre that you will improve with this game?

A: Our plan from the beginning was to make the best Final Fantasy game available. That is our vision for XIV. Then we thought, how can we make the best FF game and we came to the conclusion that it would be an MMORPG. It was decided to make the best FF first, then led to the decision to make it an MMORG and use that genre.

A: However, we are trying to implement a lot of new systems that other MMO's haven't used in the past



Q: I've been seeing information that the title is free to play, is this true?

A: No pricing has been decided at this time. It is still TBD.


Q: Why did you decide to make a new game rather than continue to evolve FFXI?

A: It all comes down to, originally, FFXI was designed for the PS2. It then moved to PC and Xbox 360. A lot of people have asked for a port to the PS3. With an MMORPG of this size, you have to develop new content. Porting to a new technology would take a lot of effort. Instead, we decided to use that time to make something new.



Q: Yesterday's trailer that was shown, was that running of a console or was it pre-rendered?

A: There were parts that were pre-rendered and parts that were running on the in-game engine.



Q: Is that the quality you're aiming for? The scene with the Galka fighting, is that what you're aiming for?

A: Yes, that is the part that was running in-engine.



Q: In that scene, we saw many parties and many enemies. Is this the new focus: many parties fighting many enemies?

A: I cannot say too much, but we hope to have battles that are many vs. many and many vs. one.



Q: What would you like to emphasize with this game? What is different from FFXI?

A: For FFXIV, the keyword that we've been using is "The Growth and Development of the Character." We will have the same type of storytelling and high-quality graphics. We also want to expand and create new in-game systems. The player can grow & develop in a more natural way without putting too much weight on the player. We will expand the job system to make it fairly different from the one in FFXI.

A: Another very important concept that takes a different direction from FFXI, for FFXIV we want to make it so the player can choose to play solo, in a party, 40 minutes, all-day... there will be content for ALL of those play styles and systems for all of those play styles.



Q: On the beta process, will current XI players get in?

A: As with the actual release date of the game, we don't have a concrete beta schedule yet. We will have a beta and look forward to more information about then shortly.



Q: Will FFXI characters be portable to XIV in any way?

A: The game is completely different. There will not be any XI character transfers to XIV. However, the character design is familiar and XI players will be able to create a similar character.

A: We will NOT be using PlayOnline, but friend lists will transfer over.



Q: If I'm new to the MMO genre, why would I choose FFXIV over other games?

A: We believe that players will fall in love with the world & story that we have created.


Q: I've been seeing information that the title is free to play, is this true?

A: No pricing has been decided at this time. It is still TBD.

So it says the logo has hidden meanings to how the game will work. I took that to mean clues to the battle system, Pai Pai Master took that to mean clues to weapon growth. I guess it's open to interpretation. I'm really glad Pai Pai Master started this thread but lets fact check as we try to consolidate info.