Did patch 1.18 make the game more appealing to new customers and potential customers?

[Shai]

They are expected to group up and play it like a mmo.

If they refuse to group up and pull in 20-30k /hr it is of their own choice.

Where do you get 20-30k per hour at Rank 33-44 if I may be so bold?

[Dreadnought]

i think of potential costumers and new players as those looking for specific things that are generally offered in most MMOs.

the action bar system is almost nothing like any other MMO. think of it as a modern version of Diablo II's "action bar".
mages are not used for direct damage dealing, theyre for enfeebling bosses and buffing/curing the group.
there will not be a que system for dungeons.
the over all pace of battles is slower than most MMOs.
you get an experience reduction if you kill more than one monster at a time which is the opposite of other MMOs.
repairing to 100% is only done by crafters not by the NPC guy.
questing is not designed for solo players to gain levels which is the opposite of other MMOs.
so far the new dungeons are also not intended for groups to gain levels which is the opposite of other MMOs.

it seems in order to save the game they are taking a direct FFXI old approach of pick up group field grinding to appeal to already dedicated SE subscribers.

[LuxLex]

Impossible to say? you mean impossible to stay?

What do you expect them to do mate? Solo grind?

No, they are supposed to join all those parties which won't have healers cause they nerfed mages so much almost no one outside of a hardcore LS is going to want to play them.

[LuxLex]

It just make FFXI fanboys get excite

attract to new players? NO

No way. I love XI.

a) the boards there are actually civil and you can talk about things you would like changed without people hurling insults at you

b) the game has been moving in the exact polar opposite of this one - towards more flexibility in party set ups and greater ability to solo (if you want) partying made way more fun, painless exp (even outside of abyssea), more balancing of classes (vs the nerf bat), mages getting to actually have fun instead of sitting around waiting for mp

c) SO MUCH CONTENT! SO MANY GEAR OPTIONS! COOL LOOKING STUFF!

I'm sorry, but this game is like the polar opposite of the XI of today. So, if it is appealing to "XI fanboys" it is only to those who haven't played the game in at least two years/those who think masochism is the epitome of fun

[Malakhim]

...a) the boards there are actually civil and you can talk about things you would like changed without people hurling insults at you...

Now I haven't been to the FFXI boards, but I know that this is impossible on the internet.

[LuxLex]

Now I haven't been to the FFXI boards, but I know that this is impossible on the internet.

Well, there are a few people who don't understand civility, but after this snake pit everything looks civil. Rate up for you sir, for the excellent logic, however.

[Wynn]

Now I haven't been to the FFXI boards, but I know that this is impossible on the internet.

It is certainly false, anyone who goes to the FFXI boards can tell you that it is more of the same over there too.

[LuxLex]

I dunno, when I post about things I don't like and want changed people there don't tell me I should quit the game... and that game, unlike this one, could live with a few fewer players.

They might strongly disagree with me, or even say "urdoinitwrong" but no one tells me to leave the game/boards

[Payadopa]

1.18 is a step in the right direction for me. I like all the changes (being a CON), but one thing still annoys me as hell.
No ability/gear save function upon class swapping (yet).

Along with more and more content the dev team really needs to focus on that. Changing classes for a party invite could be fun, but at the moment it's nowhere near worth the hassle.

[LuxLex]

worse than that is the stat points, honestly. Especially for anyone playing mage. If you have to take points out of EVERYTHING to load up on mind you're going to be boned by the restat timer.