FFXI Changes Discussion

[Nanapariri]

I was just wondering for all of you guys still playing how do you feel about the changes SE is making to FFXI?

 

I'm hoping the server merge will help me get some of the missions and things nobody is around to help with and maybe breathe a little life into the RP on Asura.

 

I'm not sure what to think about the cap raise yet without more info but I do like they will put in Endgame content you don't need a massive alliance and deal with a premadonna LS. Social groups and even RP groups could probably band together to do them.

 

Thoughts anyone?

 

Edit: Ok I suck at typing fast. Errors fixed.

[Eva]

Cautious optimism.

 

I think the double-whammy of doubling the server populations along with implementing a system where the already-topheavy populis is going to be supersaturating xp camps is going to result in a good deal of frustration.

 

I also want to know if they're going to change/fix the relic/mythic weapons so that they remain top notch. I know they'd talked about adding augments to them, but I guess I want more details.

 

The job-specific emotes sound great though!! It's kind of a bummer that RP on Sylph fizzled out. I'm hoping for some kind of an emote where the dragoon can roughhouse with his wyvern. Wishful thinking I'm sure, though.

 

I'm also curious if all of the endgame stuff that's been set up to date is going to be relatively moot? Who wants level 75 Homam/Nashira when you'll be able to get some uberleet lv.99 gear instead? Are they planning to keep Dynamis/Limbus/etc. level-capped at 75, thus maintaining a need for such gear?

 

I'm hopeful. But skeptical at the same time.

[Brynhilde]

I'm keeping quiet faith in SE. This is certainly a bold move, but they've stated that they're going to put careful consideration into camp options post-75.

 

The raised cap does mean a need to re-level your subs an extra 12 levels, as well as possible new subjob options, so we'll also see a much-needed improvement in lower-level activity.

 

I can't imagine SE would let relic/mythic weapons and Salvage gear go obsolete. I suspect we'll be able to upgrade them via drops in Abbysea, not unlike the AF+1 system in Limbus.

[Keir]

I'm a little curious about Merits myself. Do you stop earning Merits after 75 now? Or will you have an option?

[Durandal]

Who cares about all that. I'm just excited as shit to level my parry skill to the new 375 Cap!

[Keir]

Who cares about all that. I'm just excited as shit to level my parry skill to the new 375 Cap!

 

.. liar.

[Nanapariri]

I just thought I'd post what they actually said they were thinking about from the Bluegatr recap thread:

 

Anyway you nervous WHM may want to note that "Besides being an expert healer, White Mage may receive some tweaks to allow it some bonuses for fulfilling this purpose" and us poor RDM they have no clue how to not let you guys outshine us just yet. Like I said I'm far more nervous about the fuure of my favorite job than what I've read about the others. I do have some hope for RDM though because later in the post its quoted Specifically, Red Mages were mentioned, and promised that while Jobs could sub Refresh, an extra potent Refresh would become available at a higher level.

 

Warrior was designed as the orthodox attacker-type Job. They can equip the widest variety of weapons and armor, and have both offensive and defensive Abilities. Going forward, the developers want to enhance a Warrior's role as the point-man, leading the attack and maintaining party cohesiveness. To that end, they may receive a new Ability that aids them in tanking.

 

Monk has a number of Abilities that focus on the character itself, but the developers want to add more outwardly focused Abilities based on timing. These techniques would be most effective based of the condition of the monster or the party. One example was an Abilitiy that, with the right timing, could hinder the enemy's movement.

 

White Mage is a Job that has received several adjustments over the past year and now has many technical aspects in its role as a healer. Besides being an expert healer, White Mage may receive some tweaks to allow it some bonuses for fulfilling this purpose. For example, there could be an Ability that lets the White Mage fire off one attack spell at no MP cost after healing a certain total amount.

 

Black Mage was jokingly said to be the Job that keeps blasting away like crazy till it's swatted down and killed. Still, the developers realized this is the way people enjoy playing the Job, so they won't fight it. Black Mages itching to deal out the damage can look forward to learning Meteor as the Level Cap is rasied.

 

Red Mage came up on the screen, and the first thing Matsui said was, "Red Mage... is pretty strong..." which got some chuckles from the crowd. Still, they don't want to do anything to discourage people from leveling it to 99. As other Mage Jobs catch up to Red Mage with access to Convert and Refresh, Red Mage will continue to be balanced against them on the road ahead. Some ideas include giving Red Mages more free time during parties and improving their Enhancing prowess, but Matsui apologized saying they would have to play it by ear.

 

Thief employs a unique set of Abilities, but also relies on the party to bring out its full potential. This is the form Thief will retain, but expect new variations where instead of matching the pace of the party, the Thief will instead be able to direct the flow party through the use of its techniques. This will include new ways to manage Enmity, allowing the player to more freely raise and lower Enmity and avoid dangerous situations. For endgame content, the Thief may also be improved to deal out more damage. The Community Team Twitter also indicated an enhancement to Treasure Hunter and a new Steal Ability could be in the works.

 

Paladin has received a number of upgrades to enhance its role as a tank, and the developers are looking to secure that position as Paladin makes the climb to level 99. As enemies get stronger and stronger, they need to be careful about balancing the defensive power of the Paladin as well. This Job is meant to lead the party, and so will receive other Abilities to protect its members, including ways to give the Cover Ability more usage (a Paladin trademark they feel doesn't see enough action).

 

Dark Knight has become a little too much of a self-destructing Job, in that it simply tears through enemies while destroying itself in the process. The feeling is the magical side is under-utilized, so expect some improvements to Absorb-type spells as well as a method of recovering MP.

 

Bard is a powerful Job that raises the base strength of the entire party, but there are still some issues present. First and foremost is the inability of a Bard to cast songs on themselves. Either you get what you cast on your party members, or you quickly overwrite anything song you had active on yourself before. A way to make songs on oneself immune to being overwritten is being discussed. Also, now that Bard pulling is common practice, they are looking for a way to increase a Bard's survivability during a long or tricky pull. To help manage instruments, the Magian system may allow for a single instrument to support bonuses on multiple song types.

 

Beastmaster will have the benefit of getting more to do with Call Beast. In the next Version Update, they want to soften the rarity and price of Call Beast items so Beastmasters can use them more freely. In future updates, pets from Call Beast could gain new traits like Subtle Blow, the ability to grow and improve like Wyverns and maybe even some unique attacks.

 

Ranger is set to focus around the theme of dealing damage while constantly assessing one's Enmity and distance from the enemy. In addition to its role as an attacker, the Ranger will gain more control over its own Enmity level. There were two examples of possible future Abilities: one was an Ability that, while active, would consume either 2 arrows or 2 bullets at the same time for double damage, and another Ability was one that when used at the proper distance, reduces damage slightly while decreasing Enmity.

 

Samurai , compared to most other jobs, is the most versatile and useful across a wide variety of situations. The plan is to maintain its position as a strong attacker, and let other Jobs play catch up on the way to level 99. Also, Samurai may be made more enticing as a Support Job by, for example, lowering the level of Sekkanoki to where it can be subbed.

 

Ninja has secured its spot as a tank, but the developers are considering the need for an Ability that allows them to sharply increase Enmity, akin to Provoke. However, rather than a simple spike of hate, they want it to entail more collaboration with the party itself, so there is still more discussion to be had before the Ability takes shape. Another consideration is Ninjutsu one can employ as backup when suddenly stripped of their Utsusemi shadows. Regarding Utsusemi, they are considering having the icon display your remaining shadows.

 

Dragoon has a style all its own, but the developers would like to remove the limitation that Healing Breath has in regards to being linked to only certain Support Jobs. However, they first have to consider how strong Healing Breath with each Support Job might be, and in the meantime may consider new breath attack as well. Matsui also commented a new Jump Ability might be in the works.

 

Summoner surely took home the gold in Tokyo, getting two brand new Avatars as part of its Job Adjustment package! Alexander and Odin, featured in the Treasures of Aht Urghan expansion, will arrive along with the March Version Update. These special Avatars can only be used with Astral Flow active, but contain some powerful abilities. Alexander uses "Perfect Defense," which gives all party members damage reduction and protection against status ailments. Odin has his trademark Zantestuken, which can instantly kill monsters within range. The accuracy of this attack is affected by the Summoner's MP and the amount of enemies in range. Against NMs, Zantetsuken will simply deal damage. As Summoner climbs towards the new Level Cap, all Avatars will be receiving new Blood Pacts.

 

Blue Mage gets, as the MC put it, "What else, but new Blue Magic!" The Job is expected to receive more spells and more Traits from the combination of said spells being equipped. There's also the possibility that Blue Mages could receive Dual Wield as a natural Trait.

 

Corsair is based on playing the odds and trying to get that lucky number 11. To that end, some extra bonuses could added to make reaching that 11 even more beneficial for the Roll's effect. Also, they are considering making the Corsair a stronger damage source for parties.

 

Puppetmaster will get some love in the March update, with the master's Hand-to-Hand skill being raised from C to A. While their offense goes up, the Automaton's defense is set to be boosted as well in an effort to increase their survivability in a fight. In case the Automaton still manages to fall, a reduction to the recast time for Activate is also being considered for farther in the future. Other possible future tweaks include making it easier to heal the Automaton and making the Valoredge more of a match when tanking enemies.

 

Dancer is being looked at for some detailed changes, such as being able to cast Waltz on players outside the party. This will help in particular with NPCs fighting alongside you in Campaign for instance. After testing out that change, the developers want to re-examine how Dancers become too ineffective without TP and find a solution. Another idea is to increase the effect time of Sambas and Steps to allow a Dancer more freedom in a party.

 

Scholar uses its array of Abilities to manipulate magic with skill and finesse. The developers are happy with this role, but want to be careful not to add too many Abilities and over-complicate the Job. To avoid this, they want to focus on adding new spells rather than Abilities after the Level Cap is raised. These spells will still be designed to keep with the "strategist" theme of a Scholar.

[Nanapariri]

After rereading the above the statement I'm most nervous about on RDM is being given "more free time in parties" which could signal major nerf. I mean I'd like more time to be a enhance debuff specialist and not a "pink mage" in parties but I don't want to sit there and be able to do nothing.

[Aveline]

The new changes are interesting to me because it's S-E basically saying "OK this game is now for the level 75+ characters only."

 

They're removing level caps from the CoP zones, which at least enabled players with highest levels of 30, 40, 50 and 60 to participate in quests/leveling with other players, they're focusing ALL the new content on levels 75 and up, and all the new areas are for higher levels.

 

I know that lowbies have Fields of Valor to make soloing (a little) easier, but unless they drastically change some aspects of the hike from 1-75 (level cap quests, mission ranks, etc.), they've just made the game even more unwelcoming to new players. Granted, I think that's what FFXIV is supposed to be for, but it's still interesting, nonetheless.

[Eva]

Dragoon has a style all its own, but the developers would like to remove the limitation that Healing Breath has in regards to being linked to only certain Support Jobs. However, they first have to consider how strong Healing Breath with each Support Job might be, and in the meantime may consider new breath attack as well. Matsui also commented a new Jump Ability might be in the works.

This makes me a little nervous. New breath attack I like. I figure if they're going to make PUP attack stronger, it would be nice to see them do something to amp up the wyverns a bit.

 

My favorite aspect of this update is that up to now I have been trapped into going BLM to various events for endgame stuff since I leveled it to be helpful. :roll: Now I have the opportunity to NOT level black mage any further and reassert myself as the job I enjoy the most - dragoon of course.

[happybyday]

The changes almost.. almost make me want to re-activate. Except, not in the traditional sense ... yes, I already have two level 75's I could continue (not much for 6 years investment, but I always enjoyed helping others more than leveling for my own benefit, I think that's where my time-investment really went), or numerous other jobs of a lesser level ...

 

But honestly, I think if I went back, I'd want to start from scratch. 100% ground-up, break all ties with the crap from the pats (I had a bit of an addiction problem at one point in my life to FFXI and when I think about my current account, all that negativity really does come back with it, so I'd prefer to burn it all and start again) ... starting over like that is both terrifying and exciting in a challenging sense.

 

What would make up my mind at the end of the day is the very changes themselves. And unfortunately as Mythis mentioned, the game is now seemingly being geared toward 75+ rather than anyone who would be starting off at a low level. And as much as the changes make me want to give it a crack from square one all over again just for the fun of it -- the changes also put me off from doing it at the same time. Kind of a walking contradiction.

 

The changes themselves seem inviting on the surface, but the nature of the changes makes the entire prospect of returning as a low-level fairly distasteful.

 

 

Edit: I'm guilty of re-activating. Sigh... lol

[Kylin]

I too am guilty of reactivating my account :lol:

 

I didn't do it because of the alpha/beta chance but rather due to excitement from the upcoming version updates. I plan to try leveling to 80 after this next update so I can try soloing a few things I never managed to complete from my wish list. I never got as much OOC closure as I did IC. As of now, I'm pretty bored though and just standing around WG like I used to >.>. I doubt I'll keep my account active longer than 2-3 months though. Five years of playing exhausted me enough as is, and the death of RP in Vana'diel doesn't exactly make me want to stick around either.

 

I may not even make it to level 80. Can't stand merit parties so I'm probably going to despise getting 5 more levels at this point.

[Eva]

If you're looking for a new, if temporary, home for Zarik, you can join a few of us on Sylph in Oracles. Deufraubiont and a few others are there with me and there's some good non-RP folk too.

[Eva]

Wasn't sure whether to post this here or in the funny youtube vids area, but it seems more relevent here.

 

Enjoy!

 

[Merri]

Wasn't sure whether to post this here or in the funny youtube vids area, but it seems more relevent here.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

The Denali Bonnet bit had me cracking up.

 

Those parody videos never get old.

[Brynhilde]

Wasn't sure whether to post this here or in the funny youtube vids area, but it seems more relevent here.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

The Denali Bonnet bit had me cracking up.

 

Those parody videos never get old.

 

Aaahaha! Bonnet bit got me, too.

[Eva]

Yeah, that was definitely the part of the vid that had me rolling. :lol:

 

Also when he orders everyone without a relic, mythic, or maat's cap out of the room. I lol'd.

[Smiling River]

The very last line... brilliant. Love how it synced up to the video.