Clearing Confusion - MMORPG differentiation

[BruceyBruceyBangBang]

Whenever someone brings up FFXI people immediately thinks they want a clone of FFXI and that "Bawww FFXIV is supposed to be different go back to XI!!!!1".

The thing is, while FFXIV is supposed to be different, it almost died a month after released because it was trying to be different for the sake of being different. Before I go into examples here's the basic systems of FFXI for those that don't know:

-Search system
e.g /sea jennestia will bring up my character name, location and a search comment if I set it and also allow you to invite if lfg and in same region/send a tell/friend request.

The search system of FFXI was extremely basic though rarely even used in MMOs as they typically used a different type of search, however they also worked very fluidly.

-Linkshell Management
e.g kick/promote/set linkshell message etc. Basic foundation system.

-Client side interface.
Self Explanatory.

That's just a few things foundation wise that XIV could have benefited from, yet people go into a hissy fit simply because FFXI had it, which is basically the next "Why you gotta bring up WoW?" Since it's apparently too much to expect SE to remember the basics after 10 years from another Final Fantasy MMO they've done.

XIV's foundation lays as follows:

-Serverside interface
All this does is hinder the game's foundation.

-Linkshell management
Very Limited and will eventually expand.

-Recruit system/"new lfg system"
Some say it's better, but it's still restrictive in implementation, still no exact "Look at me I'm looking for a party!" like with XI yet.

Basically, they went with the route of a serverside interface which no other MMO has more than likely to try to curb RMT, however it also hinders progression of basic features.

Now, people say FFXIV is supposed to be a different game and that the only similarties to FFXI should end at the races, that's cool, however here are my examples of what it means to be "different":

I'm afraid if I say anything good about XI I'll be told my nostalgia goggles are on too tight.

You two are just reading into what people have been saying regarding that. I can only speak for myself, but when I address your nostalgia goggles, it's never in regards to systems like these.

I don't know why you are using an argument to your point that has nothing to do with what you're saying. These basic systems would be needed regardless of FFXI existing or not. They also do not set emotional attachments to the game. Just user friendliness that propel players to enjoy what the game offers having to do with it's lore and active content.

These are general systems. Of course it would be pulled from other games. Just like any other tool in life.