I think I just had a nerdgasm. O_O

[Rhianu]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...FFXIVnewUI.png

OMG, yes, yes, YES!

This is exactly what I've been wanting to see! This is what an MMO is supposed to look like!

Plus there's also this little gem from the System and Content List:

User Interface --
Global standard for MMO UI when using mouse/keyboard to navigate in-game windows. Will not require a manual for explanation.

I've been trying to tell FFXI players for years that a good UI shouldn't require an instruction manual in order to be understood, but they always retort that if you don't do research on the game before you play it then that's your own fault. But to be quite honest, that's an absolutely neurotic and ignorant stance -- a game should be intuitive and user-friendly enough that it can be understood on its own. If any outside research or reading is required prior to starting the game, that's a huge problem. That Square-Enix understands this fact (even if some of the ignorant fanboys don't) makes me extremely happy.

The new maps also look amazing. I'm a bit disappointed that SE couldn't figure out a way to retain the seamless world while also making the environments unique (Blizzard manages it just fine, why can't SE?), but I suppose a few loading screens here and there really aren't that big an issue. Just so long as the environments are full of engaging and enjoyable content, and there isn't a lot of unused dead space like there is now, I'll be happy.

As for the monthly fee, I personally believe that SE shouldn't start charging until after the version 2.0 update hits and the new PC client is available on store shelves, but I suppose I can understand if they need to start bringing in money right away. The game has been free for over a year now, and I'm sure that can't have been cheap for SE.

My interest in FFXIV has slowly been dwindling over the past few months to the point where I had almost completely lost all interest in the game, but this new info has completely revitalized my hope for the future, and I'm gonna stay on through it because of the one-time quests that they're going to have during the transition period. Yes, I know that'll mean paying the monthly fee, but it's worth it for getting see unique quests that won't be available in the future and no one will ever be able to see or do again.

Version 2.0 can't come soon enough! <3