One to Fifty, One Zone - Long OP

[Rowyne]

It's kinda sad that we are actually discussing about sacrifices we would make to have a diversed world that gives us a sense of adventure when really in this era of online gaming this should not even be a discussion

Pretty much this right here. We're willing to make concessions because we hunger so badly for the adventure that we're missing. We realize how this will affect our time in this game in the longterm. Honestly, we shouldn't have to make those sacrifices.

But, honestly, I just don't buy the excuse that was given in the interview. No diversity because it would take terabytes of memory? Fine, so we can't compare the quality of graphics to WoW. What about Aion? Atreia is a large and beautiful world, with new things to look at everywhere you turn, with proper progression and variety. I remember when that game pushed the limits of many PCs, but my computer doesn't even break a sweat now running that game compared to FFXIV. If SE's game engine wasn't up to the task, they should have found another way.

And, as others have said, it's not even just the lack of subzone diversity or new music. It's also monster placement and progression. It's clear there was a huge lack of planning when designing Eorzea.

As it's been said before, I think the silence stems from the fact they don't really know how to answer us yet.

[Perrin_Aybarra]

Pretty much this right here. We're willing to make concessions because we hunger so badly for the adventure that we're missing. We realize how this will affect our time in this game in the longterm. Honestly, we shouldn't have to make those sacrifices.

But, honestly, I just don't buy the excuse that was given in the interview. No diversity because it would take terabytes of memory? Fine, so we can't compare the quality of graphics to WoW. What about Aion? I remember when that game pushed the limits of many PCs (funny how my computer doesn't even break a sweat now running that game compared to FFXIV). If their engine wasn't up to the task, they should have found another way.

And, as others have said, it's not even just the lack of subzone diversity or new music. It's also monster placement and progression. It's clear there was a huge lack of planning when designing Eorzea.

As it's been said before, I think the silence stems from the fact they don't really know how to answer us yet.

I agree with you as well. I really think what was given as an excuse of an answer in the interview is just a make up story to cover up lazyness or rushed work. A lot of recent games are just as stunning and does not turn PC's or consoles into flaming torches. I am not a programmer nor am I a development, but I still don't believe that story. Not today with all these othe games on the market. I know it all comes down to bad programming on the engine side (from what I read) and I hope this is something that can be updated and worked on because if all we can expect from this WONDERFUL crystal tool engine is those huge bland flavorless zones, then I don't know how it will keep people hooked much longer.

[Perrin_Aybarra]

Yeah I agree Charlie, still how can a big gaming company like SE not be able to hire the top of the line programmers if they wanted to create their own engine?

[Anathiel]

I finally took the time to fullr read this thread and all I can say is the OP hit the nail on the head. I would just like to hear some feedback on whether they planned on cganing the zones at all, or they're good as is. Just curious.

[Akubikumo]

Speaking as a new player and one who never really played XI, I totally agree with the OP. A lot of the gripes I hear from XI vets makes me roll my eyes, but this is one area where we definitely share an opinion. There's a few really beautiful spots, like Casseopiea or that marshy bit in Thanalan on the way to the ferry but I feel like its a closed-loop system. wheres the brackets? the stages of advancement? I know Im new and all but its sad to me to think i've got 30+ ranks to go on several jobs and its ALL gonna happen right here where im standing, doing the same exact things....Dont get me wrong, I actually kinda love this game, for some reason or other. Sort of like that pathetic friend that has a good heart but is stubborn and wont pull their shit together. you can see the potential, but is the swamp I've got to wade through with them worth it? Are they just using me to help carry their baggage? Oh SE, I dont know why can't I quit you.

[Daedae]

I've seen troll threads get Dev posts faster than this. Nearly 70 pages, and not even a nod? Great work here everyone, we're the elephant in the room, and this elephant is only getting bigger.

It's silly to wait till ishgard to have an actual adventure, and if thats their plan to open up diversity, then a lot of new players will be turned off trying to get 50 once the ps3 version is released. Here's to hoping we get a response, and another /bump towards a fix.

[kurokawa]

Maintenance tomorrow for patch 1.17c .

Wonder what that's all about?

[Perrin_Aybarra]

Maintenance tomorrow for patch 1.17c .

Wonder what that's all about?

Either a targeting fix or maybe the start of a summer event? but nothing in regards to this thread

[Kafeen]

Maintenance tomorrow for patch 1.17c .

Wonder what that's all about?

Well is isn't going to be redesigned zones.

[Siobu]

Thanks, everyone! Reaching this many pages and views without a crown... It's truly a feat.

Over the last week of posting, we've been sharing our concerns that our current world offers no sense of adventure, progression, advancement, diversity, milestones, or unique experiences. We're running back and forth, from one to fifty, from one corner of the zone to the other. We're fighting right outside the city walls, running past new recruits.

This thread calls for change. But more importantly, it calls for an answer. Clarity. Hope. Closure.

Do they believe adding some camps/hubs to gaps in our current maps will solve the issue of a complete lack of true diversity and atmosphere?

We can level from 1 to 99 in our current zones. Zones which largely never change. Zones which are connected thoughtlessly by seams anyway. Zones in which the music never alternates. Zones which don't take us far away. Zones which don't offer a new 'M'ap. Zones which offer such little reward as we grow stronger and stronger.

We will ever see snow? Will it be for ranks 99 to 150? Because as it stands, we don't need more zones. I love having several choices of zones to choose from, but they've limited themselves by adding multiple zones the size of regions which take us from 1 to 50 to 99.

We've kept this thread alive for a week. We stayed on focus, we maintained the peace. We're not asking for anything strange or controversial or cutting-edge. We're sharing our concerns about a true adventure from 1 to 50 and beyond. We're asking for an answer as to whether or not we can expect any changes. I personally feel that if they don't care about the the current state of Eorzea, how can they expect others to?

I can't thank everyone enough for sticking it out through this monster of 70 pages, 600+ responses, 24,000+ views later. Your agreement and support has been mind-blowing. I'm genuinely glad to be in the company of others who also long for a journey, who want to leave home.

I hope this post doesn't come off to some as being too negative or forceful. I truly share my feelings with the rest of you that we brought this so far, but have yet to be acknowledged.

Here's to a true world for all of us. Here's to an answer, soon!