Posts tagged FF XI

MMORPG.com Final Fantasy XI Correspondent Thomas Winkle writes this look at Final Fantasy from the eyes of a beginner, trying to clear up some of the confusion that might surround early stages of this unique MMO.

As a newcomer to the Final Fantasy series, I know as well as anyone that Final Fantasy XI can seem a little bit intimidating at first. Most avid MMORPGers are used to some sort of learning curve, maybe a tutorial to teach them about all of the different features that they’ll be using throughout the game. It could be a small storyline-based mission, similar to that of Star Wars Galaxies, or a more straight-forward tutorial, that teaches you exactly how to do what you’re going to be doing. Most MMO players are also used to quest markers appearing above NPC heads to tell us who exactly is needing what, and where to go. So, as you can imagine, dropping into a realm with no tutorial and no marked quests can be a little intimidating and even frightening for the regular MMOer.

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So you’ve unlocked your sub-jobs and you’ve leveled through the Valkurm Dunes in the jobs you wish to carry on with? Then it’s time to move on to the next areas. The previous part of this guide was focused on getting yourself acquainted with the partying and leveling system, unlocking sub-jobs, and generally getting used to the activities that you’ll be immersing yourself in for the rest of your life here in Vana’diel. This final installment will be focused on moving on to the different leveling areas, and should inform on the things one needs to do until they reach level 30, and many new doors are opened to you in the form of over a dozen new advanced jobs!

After getting out of the Valkurm Dunes, the next area most commonly used for partying is an area named Qufim Island, located right off of Jeuno. The tricky party here is reaching Jeuno without dying repeatedly. To get to Jeuno you’ll have to travel through one of three routes, depending on your starting country. If you’re from San d’Oria, you’ll go through the La Theine Plateau to the Northeast, and follow the road through Jugner Forest right into Batallia Downs. Once More >

MMORPG.com Final Fantasy XI Correspondent Malcom Calivar writes this overview of the conquest system in Square Enix’s contribution tot he MMO universe.

Vana’diel is a land torn by conflict. Concealed within its enchanting forests, arid deserts, and lush tropical jungles lies a threat too powerful for any one nation to combat alone. The Crystal War has ended, but the beastmen still wander the many regions of Vana’diel, posing a threat to travelers. The three main nations of Vana’diel seek to secure these regions, not just from wandering beastmen, but from each other, as well. Although technically allies, it is no secret that these nations seek to expand their own borders to grow in power and wealth. However, involving their respective armies in such a conflict could lead to a full blown-out war between these nations. Luckily, the nations have found a way to expand their borders and make it seem as nothing more than civil competition between their citizens. This is where you come in. Seeking to secure these regions without involving their own military forces, the three main nations of Vana’diel have enlisted the aid of adventurers to keep the beastmen population in check, and help them achieve ultimate conquest.

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MMORPG.com Correspondent Hebie Grate writes this article discussing recent changes to Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XI making it more accessible and less difficult.

Many reviews over the years have often described FFXI as “hardcore” or “time consuming.” Whether they are professional or amateur reviews, the consensus seems to be the same; Final Fantasy XI is demanding. Many players, even I on occasion, view this as a good thing. It is, after all, the FFXI tradition, and gives an individual a great sense of accomplishment upon achieving some sort of goal. Others would disagree, asserting that many in the gaming community are casual gamers, and often cite statistics that show players only sign on for a few hours a day. Regardless, things are changing in Vana’diel.

Read Is Simpler Always Better?

MMORPG.com’s Carolyn Koh presents this first part of a developer roundtable interview that she conducted while attending the recent Fan Festival. Today, we present Part Three, she tackles Game Systems & World Questions

This Developer Roundtable Q&A report combines a group session as well as exchanges I had with members of the media from other groups and a public Q&A session. Developers in attendance:

* Final Fantasy Team – Producer * Kouichi Ogawa – Director * Akihiko Matsui – Battle Director * Yoji Fujito – Planner * Mizuki Ito – Planner * Mitsutoshi Gondai – Planner * Sage Sundi – Global Onine Producer (Community)

Read the Developer Roundtable Q&A, Part Three