Letter from the Producer LIVE Part XXXII Digest (2016/12/13)

Greetings, everyone!

We’re pleased to present the full digest of the Letter from the Producer LIVE Part XXXII! If you missed the live stream, or if you just want to watch it again (and again), check it out below!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qmd4gfQ09gI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
http://sqex.to/KZj

* Don't forget to select the 720p option to watch the video in HD!

Patch 3.4 Special Part II

0:05:22
First, check out the Patch 3.4 Trailer.
(http://sqex.to/eEP)

0:15:09

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In the previous Letter from the Producer LIVE, we didn't mention anything about new crafted equipment, but various new gear will added!
* The video shows images of the new gear.

0:18:30

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* The video shows gameplay of the new trial, Sophia, the Goddess - Containment Bay P1T6.

In the video, you can see the character wearing a Chinese style outfit. This outfit will be added to the Optional Items lineup on the Mog Station after Patch 3.4 goes live, so be sure to check it out!

Since the new trial is a continuation of the Warring Triad series, the song used in the first half of the phase is “Battle to the Death,” and the second phase will feature a new song which you can hear in the Patch 3.4 trailer. Players will be fighting on a battlefield placed in a high location. In the trailer, you can see sections of the towers falling apart, and as most of you have guessed, the fence around the platform will break as well, so you could fall. However, this time you can be revived even if you fall! The only downside to this is that, well, let’s just say you can expect to fall off a lot. When we introduced Sephirot, we mentioned the theme of the battle was a big game of jump rope. For Sophia, the theme is "brain training." If one player out of the eight can figure out the puzzle, you should be able to clear it. While the difficulty is based on this brain training theme, if players aren’t aware of the mechanics, there may be a situation where all eight players fall off. However, the mechanic itself isn’t too hard to figure out, so depending on the person, it may feel easier than the Final Steps of Faith (Extreme). And of course, the difficulty for the normal version is set to where all players can enjoy and have fun.

0:24:47

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* The video shows gameplay of the new Dueling feature.

A new location named the Dueling Circle has been added to the Wolves’ Den Pier. While standing inside the Dueling Circle, players can target their desired opponent and select "Request a Duel" from the subcommand menu. Once the challenge has been accepted, the duel will commence. Once a player has been defeated, they are able to revive on the spot, and go for a rematch. The dueling feature will not incorporate item level sync; however, if we receive a lot of requests for an item level synced version of dueling, we'll consider implementing this option.

0:29:12

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A new spectator mode will be introduced to PvP in Patch 3.4. The spectator mode will allow players to see information for all the players on both teams. This includes information such as the players' current adrenaline gauge status, as well as the players' current recast time on the PvP skill Purify. Players can switch their view between eight cameras placed on the arena with the click of a button. Please note that the spectator mode being introduced in Patch 3.4 is set up to be used mainly for events. Players engaging in custom matches will need to invite a those who wish to spectate as a third party using the subcommand menu. We’re currently planning to make it possible to select a match from a list to spectate in the future, so please look forward to this!

* The video shows video of the spectator mode.

While using spectator mode, the controls are similar to moving your own character. Think of it as something similar to how you control your character while riding a flying mount. Spectators are able to view the match result screen as well, so this can be utilized in various ways, such as when broadcasting a PvP match, or as a reference tool for learning PvP. Also, for the two parties engaged in a custom match, they will be given the option to begin a new match with the same parties without leaving the instance for several matches. This can be useful in practice matches, so please give this feature a try as well.

0:36:25

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Apartments will be added to all residential districts. Each ward will have an apartment building which can house up to 90 tenants, with each room costing 500,000 gil. Players who already own a house, may purchase a room as well.

* The video shows gameplay of the apartment feature.

Each apartment building includes a chocobo stable which is shared with all tenants. Here players can change their chocobo’s color, and also assist in training other tenants’ chocobos. Each apartment building also contains a shared lobby space. Please use this area to socialize with other players.

0:40:40
Aquariums have also been added as a furnishing. We have received many comments from those who read the topics on the Lodestone that they were disappointed by the fact that players are limited to one aquarium per estate or apartment, as well as one per private chamber. This is due to the stress created from processing transparent objects. However, our testing shows it may be possible to place about three aquariums in an estate or private chamber. In Patch 3.4 we decided to start with a single aquarium, and once we can confirm that it won't cause processing issues, we'd like to increase the limit on how many aquariums players can have in their houses.

Once an aquarium is placed, a special UI for the aquarium will be displayed. Players can choose to fill the tank with either freshwater or saltwater, and this will dictate which types of fish can be placed in the aquarium. You can't have freshwater fish and saltwater fish in the aquarium at the same time. Players can also customize the accessories placed inside these aquariums, and we'd like to add more in future updates.

Aquariums have a set capacity depending on their size. The largest aquarium has a capacity of 7 spaces. Fish have been categorized into four sizes: small sized fish will require 1 space, medium sized fish 2 spaces, large sized fish 4 spaces, and extra-large type fish 7 spaces. Players will be able to mix and match fish of varying sizes to fill the available space. We wanted to make sure aquariums are a decorative piece that's simple to setup and enjoy, so you won't be required feed the fish or change the water. We'd like to increase the types of fish that can be added into the aquariums, so please look forward to those.

And while we’re on the topic of housing, while this isn’t for apartments, we’ve added a new chocobo themed exterior for estates, so please look forward to this as well!

0:47:46

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Players will receive a request from the Grand Company to which they are enlisted to form an adventurer squadron. A personalized squadron barracks will be implemented within the Grand Company headquarters, and the squadron feature will begin with three new recruits awaiting to be enlisted to your squadron.

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A squadron cannot be formed until you have at least four members (not including the player). In order to add new recruits, players will need to complete at least one objective from their challenge log. By completing an objective, this may, or may not attract new recruits. A message will be displayed when new recruits arrive.

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As the squadron leader, players will need to increase the squadron’s overall attributes, and this can be done through training courses.

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Squadrons can be deployed to missions as long as they meet the level requirements; however, the squadron’s overall attributes will be key in determining if the mission ends in success or failure. If you'd like to undertake a specific mission, be sure to raise the attributes of squadron members accordingly before sending them out. You can recruit up to eight soldiers. Think of this as a simulation game, something similar to the Dispatch Missions from Final Fantasy Tactics. For future updates, we’re thinking of making it possible to enter dungeons together with squadrons. You'll also have the option to discharge a soldier from the squadron, so don't hesitate to add or remove members to make a squadron to your liking. Please note that it's also possible to place a hold on new recruits. Once this is done, however, it won’t be possible to review other recruits.

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You'll gain a lot of experience points from completing missions, so each squadron member will level up fairly quickly. With that said, you'll also need to increase the squadron's overall attributes. We suggest unlocking squadrons when Patch 3.4 goes live. Players can now be promoted to first lieutenant in their respective Grand Companies, but in order to do so you'll need to increase your squadron’s rank to two.

0:54:43

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Khloe Aliapoh has been creating stories to cheer up her troubled Miqo'te friend, but she fears her stories are starting to get stale, as they no longer seem to entertain like they used to. The quest begins with the Warriors of Light being asked to take up Khloe’s journal, the Wondrous Tails, and fill it with tales of their own adventures.

* The video shows gameplay of Wondrous Tails.

By opening the Wondrous Tails journal, you'll see a special UI which displays objectives that need to be completed on the left side. These objectives will change on a weekly basis. Upon completing the objectives, you'll receive a seal that's placed randomly in a four by four grid on the right side of the journal. Players can complete up to 9 objectives. You should be able to complete the journal by running through duties normally, and finishing off any remaining objectives on the weekend. You can complete these objectives utilizing the undersized party option, but it may also be good idea to invite others who have the same objectives. Raid content has not been included as part of the objectives, so please don't worry.

Players will receive rewards for obtaining nine seals, and additional rewards based on the number of lines they've completed in the journal. By completing three lines, players can receive rewards such as gear with five materia slots. These rewards won't be bound to your character, so they can be sold on the market. It's also worth nothing these rewards will change on a weekly basis. We'd like players to enjoy this and think of it as an extra reward for those who play on a regularly basis.

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Even by only completing one line, players will be rewarded with 60 Allagan tomestone of scripture, so I recommend unlocking Wondrous Tails once the patch goes live, before completing various duties.