5 Things SWTOR can teach FFXIV (and 5 things FFXIV can teach SWTOR)

[deekapowski]

I know the flames will come, but at least read first then decide how "Anti-FFXIV" I am.
And I realize that FFXIV is already working on some of these things but when a game starts with 3-4 million pre-orders and a dozen rewards it's prudent to note the things people are talking about.

1. Give us choices that matter.
While Skyrim is the epitome of this, ToR at least takes the Infamous route and changes your character and the relationship with your companions according to decisions and statements you make. Not only does this allow for more customization, it gives the game at least twice the amount of story.

2. Make companions (pets, whatever you call them) more useful.
We get a partner, but they are only with us for roughly a half dozen quests. You don't feel a connection with them. They don't affect the story. It would almost be better not to have them at all. Not only do ToR companions help you in combat, they also assist with crafting and can be personalized to a reasonable degree.

3. More job/class centric quests.
This make you stand out more among the masses when you are doing your job/class quests. Lancer has 3 quests. Even if Dragoon has 5 it will still be less than a quarter of quests for one class in ToR.

4. The more voice acting the better.
Nuff' said.

5. Jump and swim/Use of environment
While ToR doesn't quite utilize underwater as well as WoW. These simple movements can be used smartly to add dimensions to the world. The best example i can think of in ToR is items you need to jump on top of boxes to reach. As far as use of terrain, the action not only takes place in caves and forest, but inside bustling cities and lavish estates (adding several layers of changing scenery and a good degree of immersion) ToR also has a solid cover system for it's more rogue like classes that I could certainly see archers using.

I like FFXIV and as much as I miss a good chunk of my straight line aoe, I can't deny ToR is going to give FFXIV (even V2) a serious run for it's money. Next is 5 general things that could help the game.

1. Allow multiple characters.
FFs class system lets you play every class, but you will still miss out on parts of the game as certain choices (your grand company in particular) mean you can not go back and try the other road. While this is realistic, it is not the most enjoyable and it cuts out a significant portion of the story.

2. Skill Trees.
Anything that allows for further customization/personalization is a good thing in my book. I'd imagine with the job system it would be possible. For example a dragoon could focus on a dragon familiar, more powerful jump techniques, or (seeing as they took it away) more skewer-type techniques.

3. Unlimited Travel
I think the simplest solution for FFXIV is to allow a way to acquire/buy anima.

4. Guilds/Linkshells
The no muss, no fuss works better than forcing people to meet in person to do any ls interactions.

5. Lore and Codex
An especially good way to keep track of persons of interest.


I look forward to the changes and improvements in FFXIV. (Joy of gaming. I play many games.)

Now 5 things FFXIV is getting right..

1. Cross-Class Skills

Once again, customization and in SW Universe, it would make sense.

2. Combo System

Although I'm hoping FFXIV will eventually have a cross class combo system to allow things like the fire arrow we saw in the intro video. I do like this new combat setup.

3. Graphics and Music

Nuff Said

4. Spiritbind/Materia System

While the "crafting" is more accessible in TOR, in FFXIV you can do more with it. It's a much deeper system.

5. Seasonal Events

Once we moved past the visit a pole events, the events have been really well done. Although I wonder will future players be able to get a santa suit or will it just be for the diehards who've been with the game from the beginning.

Well I think I put in enough to talk about. Have fun.