Out with the OLD, IN with The NEW -- A Look Back to Epicness

[Renik]

The way you look at the world is different in FFXIV for a single reason, easy mode, in old MMOs like ffxi or everquest, you had to pay attention to the world surrounding you, because if you didn't you could be attacked by something dangerous or miss a hidden way or a quest, nostalgia is a factor too, but they way MMOs are designed nowadays make them lack immersion, and that's what makes a MOO feel epic.

So no, ffxiv will never feel that epic, even for new players, and for now there's not a single new MMO capable a causing that feeling.

[SirianGage]

The short answer is no. And the reason: This generation of MMO players is "Lazy" and would rather have everything handed to them. And to them anything that takes time or has any danger involved is a BAD thing because it makes the game too hard for them to beat in a single try. And if you don't believe me just look back at the forums for anything that took time to accomplish in this game.

[Airikay]

SE always has postponed stuff, XI to an even greater degree. And you can't say they "lied" to you because nothing was ever said about XI. This kind of stuff has a long running history with SE, its nothing new.

[Hyrist]

Back in my day we looked at those old folks telling us that playing outside was the best MMO of all time and we told them it was terrible and too too much time to do anything.

Now we got these 'lazy' kids running around ruining 'my' passtime. *waves cane*

[DefendPopPunk]

I played ffxi and had similar "epic moments" like you describe, along with the feelings of being in a brand new world that you have to discover. I got that same feeling with ffxiv though; when you first start, there's this whole world laid out before you to discover at your own pace. Maybe you got caught up in that whirlwind that I recall in early access where everyone was rushing through to get it all done so fast and missed it, I don't know. Either way, both games have their moments. It could use a little more danger in the open world. Sure, the cutscenes need some work to be a little more epic I guess, but it's still an immersive world that has a lot to appreciate if you look around.

[stardrifter]

The OP has a point, as well as other posts. FFXI's epic-ness is part nostalgia and part game systems done right IMO.
I feel FFXIV:ARR is going too heavy on the game part of Eorzea making things very convenient. I miss the days of working for spells, by either visiting a magic shop or needed to kill a monster for example.

Vanadiel felt more of a world, where Eorzea feels like an arcade game. I feel ARR could use alot more fluff and a little more work involved.

Of course most of FFXI's systems are out dated and would not be enjoyable. ARR could also pull some ideas from FFXI.

[Xatsh]

Vanadiel felt more of a world, where Eorzea feels like an arcade game. I feel ARR could use alot more fluff and a little more work involved.

This is the key in my eyes and how several people in my guild have said it as well.

It is just an arcade game.

World is small, has no danger at all. (Compair to an older mmo it would be like a lvl 50 fighting a lvl 30)
Content is extremely short lived.
It is designed that no one falls behind more then 2 patches.
There is no longterm content.

FFXIV is designed only for short burst of play. 100% of the content is casual based.

[Ilitsa]

And to me, nothing will ever match that feeling of killing Golden Thief Bug and seeing that card drop. Or completing a Valkyrie Helmet for the first time, getting my first Transcendent Class (Lord Knight FTW). I never played XI, but I can respect it's accomplishments. I went from Ragnarok Online to WoW to Phantasy Star Online, to this. Eorzea may be designed in a more "accessible" way than Vanadiel was, I don't know. but that doesn't mean it's not epic. Some of the things I've seen, and done here have been unlike anything in any other MMO I've played. the visuals in this game are just wonderful. The story after the main scenario is amazing as well.

[Zoeila]

i disagree with the people saying it's nostalgia or that it was your first mmo. my first MMO was Asheron's Call. i really enjoyed it but dont place it on a high pedastool. the fact of the matter is that FFXI zones were just better designed and more interesting. i mean beadraux alone is probally more interesting than any beastman stronghold in ARR...i mean you ctually see huts the qudav would of lived in. same goes for the orc stronghold. http://youtu.be/yDOADCy7o24?t=3m29s

[ExHeroKid]

i disagree with the people saying it's nostalgia or that it was your first mmo. my first MMO was Asheron's Call. i really enjoyed it but dont place it on a high pedastool. the fact of the matter is that FFXI zones were just better designed and more interesting. i mean beadraux alone is probally more interesting than any beastman stronghold in ARR...i mean you ctually see huts the qudav would of lived in. same goes for the orc stronghold. http://youtu.be/yDOADCy7o24?t=3m29s

I somewhat agree, while it is somewhat to do with Nostalgia, it's a bit more than JUST Nostalgia.
To quote the other thread of the 'JP Player's view on ARR'
“I was just playing with my friends and before I realized it years have gone by”

I find that because ARR is INSTANCED based it lacks the sort of 'Adventure' we all experienced in FFXI's Open World (I stopped @WoTG btw so idk anything afterwards)
I mean DF, you do instance, win and everyone leaves without a word to each other sometimes other than the 'Hello!' at the beginning.
That time sink you spent into XPing is what made some friendships, static XP parties, there was always a bit more communication during that 1-6+ hours you spend in an xp session

Also scripted fights, less interesting than reactive ones in FFXI, OR
the COMEBACK from RDM Chainspell + Raising people as the Tank kites the mob for 5-10 minutes while everyone else is getting raised and waiting for weakness to wear off and buffs to be replaced and holding your breath all the while now THAT was epic. Sure you can healer LB3 but even if you do, a wipe mechanic is still a wipe mechanic and there is no comeback.

Most area designs are boring, background scenery is nice but that's all there is to it, there is no depth, no sense for exploration nothing it's relatively flat (with some cliffs in Coerthas or Thanalan yeah yeah blah blah) there are areas in the zone that you have no need to ever visit unless its for: Hunts/Challenge log but that's it you go there once and never go back.

And yes some of those zones are indeed much more interesting, one of my favorites will always be Castle Zvahl Bailey (SP LOL BEEN TOO LONG) even though navigating it was hell.