[dev1031] Truly "Hardcore-friendly" NMs. Make us HUNT them.

[gifthorse]

Eh, if we distrust their coders and their ability to create content in the future, we really have no reason to be here, or to even post proposals for evolution.

Even considering that they have to keep track of multiple footprints, that would just be a set of coordinates and a timer (for despawn of the track), per track. I doubt it's much of a problem, server-wise.

Well my distrust stems from the whole UI-lag and loading-in issues of other players and NPCs that was so rampant during the first few months, and I always got the feeling that SE were trying to milk their servers for all they were worth, going so far as to minimise sent-data wherever possible (and that might include unique NM pathing and whatever extra data such a feature would entail).

And sorry to rain on your parade, by the way. If I was in charge I would say "hang the servers, give me dynamic NM hunts at any cost."

Whats the point of having servers anyway if you dont have features that attract players?

[Abriael]

Well my distrust stems from the whole UI-lag and loading-in issues of other players and NPCs that was so rampant during the first few months, and I always got the feeling that SE were trying to milk their servers for all they were worth, going so far as to minimise sent-data wherever possible (and that might include unique NM pathing and whatever extra data such a feature would entail).

This is partly true, but now each area is made by multiple servers (separated by the "bottlenecks" in the maps), and I personally don't have any more UI lag, so I think that at the moment the problem is solved.

This might actually cause an issue as a mob would have to "migrate" between a server and the other as it passes the bottlenecks. But hey, it's their job to come up with a solution

I prefer to think that they can. Whatever is the ability level of their network engineers, they know better than me for sure, and have more experience.

[gifthorse]

This is partly true, but now each area is made by multiple servers (separated by the "bottlenecks" in the maps), and I personally don't have any more UI lag, so I think that at the moment the problem is solved.

This might actually cause an issue as a mob would have to "migrate" between a server and the other as it passes the bottlenecks. But hey, it's their job to come up with a solution

I prefer to think that they can. Whatever is the ability level of their network engineers, they know better than me for sure, and have more experience.

I'm sure they are capable, but they might weigh up the time-to-develop and decide they can't be bothered and just slap some more FFXI NMs in there. I hope they do go the extra mile though.

[Mishari]

I like this idea!
It reminds of Shikigami Weapon (FFXI NM) ^

[Physic]

this overall sounds like an interesting idea. thumvs up

[Cairdeas]

I like the idea, with one suggestion if it hasn't already been made. To attack the NM you have to have engaged his lair and tracked him down first, If not he doesn't even phase into the game world for you, though his older tracks would. Once you touch his lair he can be seen when you catch up to him but not before.

[gifthorse]

I like the idea, with one suggestion if it hasn't already been made. To attack the NM you have to have engaged his lair and tracked him down first, If not he doesn't even phase into the game world for you, though his older tracks would. Once you touch his lair he can be seen when you catch up to him but not before.

I guess that would probably make it more fun, even if slightly less realistic.

[Cairdeas]

I guess that would probably make it more fun, even if slightly less realistic.

It would prevent the mob from getting ganked by someone who isn't participating in the "hunting mechanic."

[Sorel]

It would prevent the mob from getting ganked by someone who isn't participating in the "hunting mechanic."

True, but we would lose the effect of non-hunter passerby players of being able to tip off hunting players on where the roaming NM went ... or to join in the hunt/posse/angry mob with pitchforks.

I added "posse" and "angry mob" because no one says what you hunt has to be an animal or monster. It could be an escaped prisoner, or a kidnapped victim. There are interesting possibilities.

Regardless, I like the core idea very very much. If SE can implement it, it would be a win-win as it would do two things.

1. Give players with the time and skill something to accomplish.
2. Make Eorzea feel more alive and dynamic for everyone playing.

[Arcell]

This is a great idea. Having them spawn anywhere on a map works great for La Noscea or Thanalan but I feel with The Black Shroud there's just way too much area to cover. You could spend hours looking around and not finding anything in there. Maybe have it choose one half of the map or something? lol. I mean it'd be okay either way, I just feel Black Shroud is obnoxiously large for an idea like this.