Simplicity over complexity, time to change.

[Gardes]

Game just gets better and better with every patch and i see more and more returnee to it

That's what you see. Of the other 7 in my previous static that disbanded and stopped playing before 2.2, only 3 came back to try 2.3. From what I can tell, only 1 is somewhat satisfied. I see way less people in mor dhona, I see way less combat activity in PF. Almost half of it is just merchant advertisement and coil static recruitment. Hunt is garbage tier content that the majority are doing because they're forced into it. Of the 3 people I mentioned before, none of them were happy when they found out what it entailed. Out of 20 or so in my current FC, only 2 people managed to get enough seals for 1 sand before they abandoned.

[Zantetsuken]

SE can always push the game in an interesting direction. There are some good parts in the game as well as bad parts so I don't think the game is in a "dying" state right now. I honestly hope it doesn't die (I want that story to continue), but I do hope it get's more interesting. Remember that FFXI started with just Shadow Lord and not much to do, with Zilart and CoP really getting the ball rolling. They can inject a lot of new things into the expansion.


As well, they have thrown a bone here and there like the animus/novus quests and some flutters of horizontal progression (sanded/oiled soldiery and High Allagan gear can be mixed and matched).

This may indeed turn out to be the case. ARR is more of an evolving game than FFXI ever was. I think the live events in 1.23 and the live changes to Revenant's Toll in ARR the nerfing of content every patch, etc.. are indicative that the devs consider the world to be far more fluid and malleable than FFXI ever was. This has it's drawbacks as well, as changing experiences result in a less immersive world.

But considering where we are now, it's the lesser of two evils.

[Jubez187]

I'm not a big fan of builds and customization because we'll all become one best build anyways. But I think the game is a little too lenient on things, especially enmity. I wish enmity generation was cut in half, and that bosses reset aggro more. I think just that one simple gesture would increase the depth of combat by 10 fold.

[ErBear]

I'm not a big fan of builds and customization because we'll all become one best build anyways. But I think the game is a little too lenient on things, especially enmity. I wish enmity generation was cut in half, and that bosses reset aggro more. I think just that one simple gesture would increase the depth of combat by 10 fold.

Not true, for example I refused to do Thf/nin because to me it was a waste of stat bonuses just for shadows.

[Tolmos]

I love love love love love love builds and customization... but I get that itch scratched elsewhere. To be honest, I would not like to see it in this game. One of the selling points for me was not the simplicity (that does bug me a little), but rather what the simplicity offers- balance. It is MUCH easier for the devs to balance these simple little cookie cutter builds than a mass of customized builds that people like me would min/max to perfection (and then watch it get nerfed).

[Shadex]

I like it how it is. Go find another game.

And they will, believe me, and they will be no more heartbroken to leave than you were they are gone. In time populations will dwindle, server merges will occur, and 14 will find a comfortable spot next to 11... existing. Square made an interesting move with 14.2. They took one of the longest running, deep, complex, fascinating worlds gaming has ever known and slapped it on the front of a lunchbox.

They have marketed it successfully to an entire generation of silver spoon gamers that might have never tried a FF game before this one. I just wonder what they believe will be the result of all the long term fans that they have essentially turned their back on with this one. Will they be inclined to purchase another Square title? No one really knows I suppose but no one can deny that Square did make a conscious decision to turn their backs on their dedicated fan base in favor of a new one and whether you agree with them or not is irrelevant. They will voice it, their feelings will be valid, and they will leave. Question will always be does Square care. Time will tell.

[Taruranto]

I rather carry 10 different elemental rods with me to cast one spell for them each *eyes roll*. While you might focus on one primary stat, you have multiple secondary stats to consider, hence all the BiS guides. Already explained that elemental weaknesses make jobs like BLM OP or useless, already creating situations where said jobs won't be wanted in content (look at both FFXI and FFXIV 1.xx as proof). I am almost always communicating with my team to get the harder content down. In Ramuh EX himself we communicate with each other to know when it is safe to grab the buffs and know who has a shock available for people with terror.

"Multiple secondary stats"... right. Please, you probably don't even believe it yourself. FFXIV terrible gear progression and boring stats distribution is particularly infamous at this point.

[Zantetsuken]

snip

You may be right.

I once thought FF immune to this, but it looks as though 'Final Fantasy' will follow in the footsteps of every great AAA franchise that sacrificed artistry and vision on the altar of marketing, gimmicks, and "summer blockbuster popularity". (I'm looking at YOU, Resident Evil, Castlevania, Silent Hill, Tomb Raider, Tony Hawk, Sonic, Metroid, God of War, etc, etc... )


SE has already shown that they are appallingly dense when it comes to this. Upon discovering that 'Bravely Default' has become a surprise international hit, CEO Yosuke Matsuda exclaimed:

“[...] we weren’t able to see this clearly up until now, but fans of JRPGs are really spread around the world,”

Which is good to hear, but should also cause anyone with even a shred of historical knowledge to immediately:




Maybe we'll see a Bravely Default MMO someday... That'd be nice.

/sigh

[BlackHaloJT]

Omg all you ppl that played FFXI and the 1.0 version do is complaint, if you like FFXI so much go play it. Just stop the Bitching, it's always the same story with " FFXI was so much better", or" 1.0 was so much better". This game is a sucess, 1.0 wasn't, it failed hard. I wish something were different, like the maps weren't so intanced with a bunch of loading screens, I wish it had some sandbox elements. But do I come here on the forums to make a new post about it everyday? No! Enjoy the game for what it is or pack your stuff and leave.

Games are supposed to be fun. Want challenging? Go do a math problem or study Physics.

Congrats a whopping 0 likes.

[BlackHaloJT]

To OP I already knew this thread was coming ever since the relaunch it was just a matter of time. The devs/Yoshi have a double edge sword at this point in time. Can you cater to the broad player base without pissing them off? I have said my opinions in many past posts and I am happy to see some the player base is re thinking what they really want from this game. It has all the potential in the world to be the best but in its current state it will run out of gas. Many of us like myself have been waiting since 2010 through the nightmare launch of V1 to the end of 1.23b which turned out to be a starting foundation. All that magical wind that built up those 2 years after 1.23b then into 2.0 crashed my hopes. Why do these topics keep popping up people ask? Because people are tired of waiting for empty promises.

To dev/Yoshi I feel like I am Morpheus from the Matrix. No matter how much I dislike the current state of game you have a choice. Even if you do not understand that choice you have a chance to make this the greatest MMO of all time.

Many of us on these forums believe that is why we are here. Complaints, feedback, opinions, in some way or form are messages for your team Yoshi to understand that your way isn't always the best way. Think outside the box and give us something to believe in.