Raistlin
11-11-2012, 11:57 PM
37981
After last night’s finale (http://home.eyesonff.com/content/2088-s-end-world-we-know.html), Final Fantasy XIV producer Naoki Yoshida sat down on a live Youtube video feed to answer some player questions about A Realm Reborn. The official video is not up yet, but it was all in Japanese anyway; instead, you can find a full list of the questions and answers here (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/57667-Letter-from-the-Producer-LIVE-Part-IV-Q-A-Updates). Here are some highlights:
With regards to the ongoing development, the first stage of the alpha test has been completed, and if all things go according to plan, the global alpha test will start on November 26, 2012. According to Yoshi-P, this development is behind schedule, but quality is the first concern above rushing to get things done, which I would certainly hope so after the original debacle. Currently, the hope is that the beta test will start in late January/early February. A new development roadmap will be released in late November/early December.
Yoshi-P also detailed more information about two new dungeons: the Crystal Tower and the Great Labyrinth of Bahamut (the latter of whom was a highlight of the 1.x finale!). The Crystal Tower will be a raid encompassing an alliance, which consists of three parties. In the Great Labyrinth, players can find out why Bahamut was trapped in Dalamud and more about the key-like object that fell to the ground. Both dungeons will consist of multiple stages.
ARR will also feature a content finder system which allows players to select what they want to do and to find parties with similar goals. In response to a player question on this system, Yoshi-P seemed to indicate that the content finder will allow players from different worlds will be able to play together through this system, though did not offer any information on how this will be implemented.
Regarding new content, Yoshi-P also stressed that there will be plenty of new content for all types of gamers and all types of groups. Raids will still focus on the full 8-person party, though there will also be instanced dungeons for 4-person parties. There will also be more “casual content” for solo players or small groups, though Yoshi-P did not elaborate. The high-level content will continue to be heavily focused on parties.
For those people awaiting news on whether they’ll be able to play FFXIV: ARR: the first PC benchmark will be released during the beta test phase; a new benchmark will be released at the launch of ARR.
Quick hits:
• It is likely that existing players will be able to change their characters’ names on ARR.
• There are currently plans for a new coeurl mount!
• The entire market system is being revamped, including the implementation of an auction house.
• The “main attribute” for all classes and jobs will be completely changed, to go along with the revamped battle system.
• Yes, the new enlarged breasts will be bouncy. Cue all the 13-year-olds making female characters with the biggest boobs possible.
• In ARR’s PvP system, there are plans in the works to allow players to fight against members of the development team. Too much lag? Just beat on a developer!
• There will be cathedrals to allow marriages, but no same-sex marriage for now, which is pretty lame, but not surprising.
That’s it for now, but there should be plenty more information released later this month as the alpha test is expanded and a new development roadmap is released. Be sure to keep an eye out for more updates!
After last night’s finale (http://home.eyesonff.com/content/2088-s-end-world-we-know.html), Final Fantasy XIV producer Naoki Yoshida sat down on a live Youtube video feed to answer some player questions about A Realm Reborn. The official video is not up yet, but it was all in Japanese anyway; instead, you can find a full list of the questions and answers here (http://forum.square-enix.com/ffxiv/threads/57667-Letter-from-the-Producer-LIVE-Part-IV-Q-A-Updates). Here are some highlights:
With regards to the ongoing development, the first stage of the alpha test has been completed, and if all things go according to plan, the global alpha test will start on November 26, 2012. According to Yoshi-P, this development is behind schedule, but quality is the first concern above rushing to get things done, which I would certainly hope so after the original debacle. Currently, the hope is that the beta test will start in late January/early February. A new development roadmap will be released in late November/early December.
Yoshi-P also detailed more information about two new dungeons: the Crystal Tower and the Great Labyrinth of Bahamut (the latter of whom was a highlight of the 1.x finale!). The Crystal Tower will be a raid encompassing an alliance, which consists of three parties. In the Great Labyrinth, players can find out why Bahamut was trapped in Dalamud and more about the key-like object that fell to the ground. Both dungeons will consist of multiple stages.
ARR will also feature a content finder system which allows players to select what they want to do and to find parties with similar goals. In response to a player question on this system, Yoshi-P seemed to indicate that the content finder will allow players from different worlds will be able to play together through this system, though did not offer any information on how this will be implemented.
Regarding new content, Yoshi-P also stressed that there will be plenty of new content for all types of gamers and all types of groups. Raids will still focus on the full 8-person party, though there will also be instanced dungeons for 4-person parties. There will also be more “casual content” for solo players or small groups, though Yoshi-P did not elaborate. The high-level content will continue to be heavily focused on parties.
For those people awaiting news on whether they’ll be able to play FFXIV: ARR: the first PC benchmark will be released during the beta test phase; a new benchmark will be released at the launch of ARR.
Quick hits:
• It is likely that existing players will be able to change their characters’ names on ARR.
• There are currently plans for a new coeurl mount!
• The entire market system is being revamped, including the implementation of an auction house.
• The “main attribute” for all classes and jobs will be completely changed, to go along with the revamped battle system.
• Yes, the new enlarged breasts will be bouncy. Cue all the 13-year-olds making female characters with the biggest boobs possible.
• In ARR’s PvP system, there are plans in the works to allow players to fight against members of the development team. Too much lag? Just beat on a developer!
• There will be cathedrals to allow marriages, but no same-sex marriage for now, which is pretty lame, but not surprising.
That’s it for now, but there should be plenty more information released later this month as the alpha test is expanded and a new development roadmap is released. Be sure to keep an eye out for more updates!