Battle Command Design -PLEASE FIX IT

[Alcide]

In other MMOs with macro abilities you macro pretty much everything...don't think anyone there considers it stupid. By the way, every other MMO also has a lot of menus and pop up type menus for things..so I really don't see how it's "clunky" or any of the sort, other than personal distaste for it of course.

It isn't stupid to use macros, it's stupid to ask for a classic FF menu when then you'd be using macros even for a single action, coz then you wouldn't even see the battle UI but just the macro UI, which wouldn't be much different from the one we have now...

Seriousely, did anyone who played XI EVER used the battle menu? '>.>

[Ambuter]

It isn't stupid to use macros, it's stupid to ask for a classic FF menu when then you'd be using macros even for a single action, coz then you wouldn't even see the battle UI but just the macro UI, which wouldn't be much different from the one we have now...

Seriousely, did anyone who played XI EVER used the battle menu? '>.>

Macros + /recast for FFXI lol

Im an avid controller user even from FFXI(ps2). I haven't much issues with the action bar at all. Its basically like macros. I do wish some of the icons didn't look so similar though lol

[Brigandier]

Im an avid controller user even from FFXI(ps2). I haven't much issues with the action bar at all. Its basically like macros. I do wish some of the icons didn't look so similar though lol

This. The generic icons look too much alike and I find myself using them based off memorizing where I put them and not by seeing a name or accurate icon.

And I agree the action bar is already like the XI macro system, but the macro bar in XI (and XIV) has the advantage of custom labels and the fact that it will attempt to run a command regardless of if the game thinks a spell's recast is up or not. In both XI and XIV, the spells/abilities might be cooled down on the server but not at the client. Macros conveniently get around that by pushing the command to the server no matter what. With the action bar you can't even attempt to use it til it lights up, and that sucks when you have to select a target afterwards. With a macro you can have <stpc> and have them targeted and ready to cure exactly when that spell becomes available again.

The action bar wouldn't even be that bad if they gave you the option to just expand all 3 lines to be visible at once so you can see all your cooldowns, then move the macro bar someplace else so it doesn't cover. This way you could spam your Cure macro or whatever as you see the countdown hit 00:00.

[MeowyWowie]

Seriousely, did anyone who played XI EVER used the battle menu? '>.>

I did. It's much faster than using macros if you use shortcuts like ctrl+j or ctrl+m.

Macros tend to have their own delay on top of server delay, at least in XI.

[Allistar]

I'm having trouble understanding why no steps have been taken to adjust the UI (if that's what it would be considered) for Battle Commands, such as weapon skills, engaging in battle, initiating a ranged attack, choosing and casting spells, etc.

From the day FFs were released, they've ALWAYS been "console-based" games (maybe a handheld here and there too). And as far as I know, they've ALL clung to the same basic layout of the "Attack; Magic; Ability; Item" categorial design. So, why would they embrace a design that makes it so difficult for controller-using players (future console players) to access and use their battle commands.

I understand that developer's like "change," but this icon/slot crap is just awful. At the very least, I want to see the choice* to go back to the traditional "Attack; Magic; Ability; Item" design. I want a simple, categorized design of my battle commands, not some ridiculous, "oooo pretty," 40-mile-long bar of icons that rely, solely, on picture association to determine what command I would like to access or execute.

Does anyone else feel this way? or even know what I'm talking about? lol

Believe me I feel the same way...but its so hard sometimes to justify writing on the forums to suggest change when so many other people are demanding change instead of offering some equal positive alternative...but I do agree...I would rather have the menu based system for combat and interaction as opposed to the action bar...

[elreed]

I've been here since launch too and always used gamepad for this game, using the gamepad only is a bit difficult because all the lag the system has, but i dont have much trouble im ussually holding the gamepad in my left hand for moving and clicking on actions via keyboard and to toggle the other bars i use the gamepad, i feel like im using some kind of mouse lol, in FF XI i only used gamepad but that game was designed like that, if they improve the lag in the action bar and put the 3 bars visible would be better so u can see all the time what u have rdy without scrolling

[Altanas]

The present controller method is workable, but it does feel a bit bulky and when things get hectic a bit clumsy.

It would be nice if instead of 3 lengthy action bars, we could have a Secret of Mana ring style menu system. Unlikely to happen unless the UI add-ons go to the core:

Using ps controller as an example, press L1 to bring up a ring for attack and weaponskills, L2 for other abilties, R1 for magic, R2 for items.

Of course when you change to a magic class L1 could be offensive magic, R1 healing magic etc, basically tailor it to the class or let the player name the ring categories and fit in what actions they want entirely.

Make those rings smart to re-open on a favourited action or last used action.
Forget about macro bars, allow macros to be custom made and slotted into the rings.

On another note, there seems to be a lot of redundancy in the controller config: autorun button could simply be coded to be automatic if you hold forward for 2 seconds, theres overlap between micro menu and main menu (basically UI needs streamlining and is still being worked on...), and its a bit redundant to have a specific button to view what status effects are on your character after you've played the game for over 2 hours.

[Quesse]

A controller makes you slower. Even though you say you have 'no problem', using a controller is quite a bit slower than hitting keys.

There is one thing that could mitigate this. Efficient and fast macros.

But the macro system in FFXIV is .... indescribably bad. Sometimes I find it easier to just equip my gear myself instead of run my macro.

In FFXI I was always a bit slower using a controller but its macro system was so fast and nice, I didn't mind so much.

[Elexia]

A controller makes you slower. Even though you say you have 'no problem', using a controller is quite a bit slower than hitting keys.

Actually it takes quicker reflexes to use a controller..both takes some sort of dexerity to use properly. If anything you could say using a keyboard and mouse makes you slower, since it depends on the person in general.

Macro system with a PS2/3/360 controller = hit triggers/shoulder buttons hit your confirm key, bam macro fires.

[Xoo]

Actually it takes quicker reflexes to use a controller..both takes some sort of dexerity to use properly. If anything you could say using a keyboard and mouse makes you slower, since it depends on the person in general.

Macro system with a PS2/3/360 controller = hit triggers/shoulder buttons hit your confirm key, bam macro fires.

I have found there are upsides and downsides to keyboard vs. controller. On the keyboard side, I can perform actions faster than I can with a controller. If I need a macro, it's one deft flick of the wrist. However, maneuvering about with the keypad does take a lot of dexterity in the middle of something like Ifrit. Many times I've gotten caught in plumes just because I can't get to the keys fast enough to move out of the way.