by Ashander
What Did the Beta Teach us?
So here we are. first release of FFXIV already the community is filling with impressions, videos, reviews and information regarding the newest incarnation of out most beloved Final Fantasy series.
So what are the impressions? Let's start from the top.
First off, true to the Final Fantasy style, XIV has done everything it can to maintain it's individuality. It differs from XI at every possible opportunity from it's crafting to it's leveling, and even the looks and feel of the characters and mobs.
They say that the game is non-leveling, but this is not entirely true. Your progression is based on improvements over time, and your comprehension of skills is based around two tiers.
Your physical tier is your common trait. This is your base character level, and it increases through every action you do.
The second tier is you customization tier. These are your job skills, weapon specializations, spells, etc. It allows for a great deal of customization, and unlimited replayability. To get good with that sword will take more than just adding strength points... it will actually take upping a skill to use it right. The skill is upped by using the weapon, or activating your 'job' before a battle.
Customization skills are not just limited to weapons, however. This is also where you find your crafting and farming skills, as well as your health and mana bonuses. The options for customization truly are endless.
The leveling of these skills is done through tactical points. The more you use that sword, or craft that item, the better your character will get. Compare this, for all you older school players, to Runescape. The leveling system is markedly similar.
What this will mean, however, is that the game has high-grind potential as you catch a skill up later in the game. After all, you can't take on a level 50 boss with a weapon you've only skilled to level 1. Back to the starter areas you go.
In this case, however, tactical point increases have been buffed from Final Fantasy XI, making the grind much less daunting.
This leads use directly into the next focus: Combat.
Final Fantasy XIV fighting is done in real time... sort of. Participants have a stamina bar. When that stamina bar is full, the player can perform an action. Attack, cast, etc. How fast you recharge, and how hard you hit is determined by your weapon or spell skill level, as much as the myriad of other skills available within the game.
This, of course, is my proficencies are so important for the players. Pick up a bow and DON'T PUT IT DOWN until it's maxed out. Period. It'll be tempting to use that epic axe, but don't. Always always always have a weapon of choice, or you will find yourself a jack of all trades, master of none. Not a good place in a game this customizable. Note in the above video that the player has foregone weapons in favour of fists?
There is a reason for that, and reason is in the skills it has leveled.
If it seems complicated, it is. It will be very easy to find your character without the necessary skills, and grind out the tech points needed to catch up. To avoid this, tap into the knowledge of those who played the beta by checking out the bottom of this page.
So how does it look?
Delightful. Beautiful. Fantastic. Incredible. Want more?
Vibrant. Incredible. The textures, camera motion, follow cam and combat animations are flawless. The progression from the early days to now is incredible. Kudos to the artists that put this together. You have outdone yourselves.
Crafting
Possibly the most important part of any MMORPG, aside from the combat, is the crafting system it employs. We've already covered technical points and skills above so I'll forgo those. This system, however deserves a section of it's own because THIS is where you'll make you money. And, as we all know, money makes the world go around.
Crafting is best done by a class called Discipline of the Land. This class is able to locate and farm needed mats through their map, and possess an innate skill to make farming those mats easier. They also have the ability to increase the drop rates on certain mobs, making your trek through the crafting ranks that much easier. Personally, I'm expecting this to create a steady stream of alt characters, and for good reason.
This market is going to be huge.
To start crafting, choose a specialty. Armor, herbalism, weapons, it doesn't matter. Choose one to specialize in, and level it as fast as possible. The goal, as always, is to be able to craft your own, and everyone elses gear faster and at higher levels than your competitors.
There are those who were in the beta who already mastered this. They have compiled their knowledge, and are offering it here, in the first wave of strategy guides for FFXIV. This guide will get you caught up almost instantly, and makes things very simple. I would suggest checking out the site and, if you're planning on hitting up Final Fintasy XIV for any length of time, and get it in your possession.
How to Get Up to Speed
The key to mastering any MMORPG, without exception, is getting ahead early. Chrono: The Final Fantasy 14 Online Mastery Guide offers exactly that. With a wealth of knowledge on everything from early leveling to endgame proficiency levels, it's a worthy addition to your online gaming library.
Note also that, as is becoming common in the world of Online game guides, it's purchase also comes with a membership, meaning you'll always be up to date on the latest that Final Fantasy XIV has to offer. From forums to newsletters, you'll be the guru everyone turns to for their FFXIV information. Get it at http://bae9f-77m9k61u58iezk2ydzf1.hop.clickbank.net/.
Looking Towards Release
The Windows version of FFXIV released September, 2010. There is a planned PS3 release for March 31st 2011. No matter which platform you play on, this one promises to be amazing.
About the Author
Still getting my feet wet in the world of Gaming and accessory reviews, I look to offer a wide range of both free and sub based options to my readers to sate their gaming habits.
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