How does FFXIV differ from other Japanese MMOs?

[MirielleLavandre]

I played FFXI for 8 years since it launched in NA -- got my AF3 +2 and all for WHM and NIN in Abyssea (hated how it made leveling so easy, esp. once people got some good atmas). However, even the 'ease' of Abyssea would be too difficult, I think, for most of the FF14 player base. I can't imagine people these days farming mats just to pop bosses that took 20 mins to fight and maybe losing to, after taking 40 mins or more to form the alliance - therefore getting no reward and no loot. God forbid trying to get a necessary atma (skill) using the correct elemental debuff in order to proc the correct light or using a slashing or blunt attack at the right time of the day....

I would LOVE for the concept of elemental weaknesses, debuffs, skill chains, and that kind of complexity to come back, but I doubt it would work with how FF14 is setup. I mean, most every difficult fight in this game is learning mechanics that never change, not working with your party to find the best strategy for taking out the bosses. Once you know the fight (memorize the mechanics), you can win. Just look at what happens when real teamwork is required (looking at Steps of Faith).

I can see why JPN feel FF14 is to Westernized because,to be honest, it is. Japanese like working together towards a common goal and working as a team to achieve victory, not just memorizing as a means to win. This is also why they would have preferred DF be server only, much like finding parties was in FFXI. It makes for an actual server community and people are more accountable for their 'reputation'.

[Forte]

Snip.

I agree with you 100% Ive played both 11 and 14 from NA launch in both games I have always gone back to 11 because it is fun it has danger and unknown, I havnt even completed all of 2.1 yet in 14 because it just seems to much like a job and lacks any fun or bonding with groups that I do things with. I miss so many elements of 11 but I love how 14 looks and feel just seems it has lost so much. I have no idea why from 1.0 to 2.0 alot of good things vanished I want my magic weakness back makes no since how i can spam fire on fish and it does same damage as if i would zap it with thunder..... every FF game has had elemental weakness why the hell is this one have to change something that has worked for YEARS