FFXIV 2.0 impression

[Platinumstorm]

Well, it would be a major disappointment if the lv 1-49 gameplay wasn't completely revamped and filled with content. I think the game can only succeed by providing an amazing experience for the lower and mid levels.

Secondly, there are improvements needed in combat because it doesn't have the fluidity or complexity needed to make it a great combat system. I often tout black mage as lacking complexity and bard having an awkward downtime period of about 10-15 seconds at certain portions during combat. Both of these things take away from the combat system, and each problem has different solutions. Black mage needs more BLM/THM skills that add different mechanics to their damage dealing gameplay, as well as an improvement in their elemental type gameplay, while bards may need simple tuning of damage and cool down timers to eradicate its deficiencies [although it would be nice to see another bard ability added that would help distinguish it more from an archer].

Two mistakes I think the developers have made in the combat system is giving each class/job too few abilities, and too heavy of a reliance on the TP mechanic. I realize TP is a holdover from FFXI, but the game could really benefit from resource systems outside of TP and MP to change the feel of each class.

Additionally, I think it's very necessary to make sure damage is applied at the end of an animation, rather than the beginning of an animation, so that animation lock can be eliminated.

Finally, we have to remember we're getting building blocks of 2.0 already. So some people will have to consider that, but at the same time the changes that 2.0 should, and likely will bring to the game will feel enormous. 2.0 is all about the new player and those who left FFXIV, make no mistake about it, and it's the correct decision for them to pursue. If a few of the people who adore the current system get upset and leave, that's okay, because everyone who is playing right now is a minority compared to the throngs who aren't playing, but had interest in the initial game.

Things that could disappointment not related to combat:

Not having a sufficient story experience from 1-50 that has a high level of quality and constantly makes players feel like they're part of an adventure. The quality control issues with the story, and the storyline inconsistencies and dead ends that were introduced as part of 1.0 were jarring and felt both rushed and incomplete, but occasionally showed glimmers of true presentation. I really think FFXIV's niche is going to be in doing better storytelling than say SWTOR, and I think that's what a lot of passive Final Fantasy players really expect from an FFMMO title - not a stationary grind.

Raising the level cap:
If they raise the level cap to 55, 60, or whatever, they're just creating unnecessary burden when there isn't content saturation at 50 anyhow. Any raise in the level cap would mean designing an additional section of content, and taking away focus from core systems and gameplay experiences for those levels that do exist now. So for me, that would be extremely disappointing.

Failure to sufficiently provide customer support:
FFXIV's customer support is horrendous; players expect better service, and this has to be done well.

-------------

This is only a scratching the surface post, but there's no use continuing to delve further into it. Everything is completely in motion right now for the development of their vision of 2.0, and they're going to be on a tight schedule. There won't be much deviation in their course now, so what players suggest right now for 2.0 release likely has less impact than it did a few months ago.