Thread: FFXIV 2.0 impression

Well, it would be a major disappointment if the lv 1-49 gameplay wasn't completely revamped and filled with content. I think the game can only succeed by providing an amazing experience for the lower and mid levels.

Secondly, there are improvements needed in combat because it doesn't have the fluidity or complexity needed to make it a great combat system. I often tout black mage as lacking complexity and bard having an awkward downtime period of about 10-15 seconds at certain portions during combat. Both of these things take away from the combat system, and each problem has different solutions. Black mage needs more BLM/THM skills that add different mechanics to their damage dealing gameplay, as well as an improvement in their elemental type gameplay, while bards may need simple tuning of damage and cool down timers to eradicate its deficiencies [although it would be nice to see another bard ability added that would help distinguish it more from an archer].

Two mistakes I think the developers have made in the combat system is giving each class/job too few abilities, and too heavy of a reliance on the TP mechanic. I realize TP is a holdover from FFXI, but the game could really benefit from resource systems outside of TP and MP to change the feel of each class.

Additionally, I think it's very necessary to make sure damage is applied at the end of an animation, rather than the beginning of an animation, so that animation lock can be eliminated.

Finally, we have to remember we're getting building blocks of 2.0 already. So some people will have to consider that, but at the same time the changes that 2.0 should, and likely will bring to the game will feel enormous. 2.0 is all about the new player and those who left FFXIV, make no mistake about it, and it's the correct decision for them to pursue. If a few of the people who adore the current system get upset and leave, that's okay, because everyone who is playing right now is a minority compared to the throngs who aren't playing, but had interest in the initial game.

Things that could disappointment not related to combat:

Not having a sufficient story experience from 1-50 that has a high level of quality and constantly makes players feel like they're part of an adventure. The quality control issues with the story, and the storyline inconsistencies and dead ends that were introduced as part of 1.0 were jarring and felt both rushed and incomplete, but occasionally showed glimmers of true presentation. I really think FFXIV's niche is going to be in doing better storytelling than say SWTOR, and I think that's what a lot of passive Final Fantasy players really expect from an FFMMO title - not a stationary grind.

Raising the level cap:
If they raise the level cap to 55, 60, or whatever, they're just creating unnecessary burden when there isn't content saturation at 50 anyhow. Any raise in the level cap would mean designing an additional section of content, and taking away focus from core systems and gameplay experiences for those levels that do exist now. So for me, that would be extremely disappointing.

Failure to sufficiently provide customer support:
FFXIV's customer support is horrendous; players expect better service, and this has to be done well.

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This is only a scratching the surface post, but there's no use continuing to delve further into it. Everything is completely in motion right now for the development of their vision of 2.0, and they're going to be on a tight schedule. There won't be much deviation in their course now, so what players suggest right now for 2.0 release likely has less impact than it did a few months ago.

Originally Posted by Platinumstorm

Well, it would be a major disappointment if the lv 1-49 gameplay wasn't completely revamped and filled with content. I think the game can only succeed by providing an amazing experience for the lower and mid levels.

Secondly, there are improvements needed in combat because it doesn't have the fluidity or complexity needed to make it a great combat system.

[SNIP]

Two mistakes I think the developers have made in the combat system is giving each class/job too few abilities, and too heavy of a reliance on the TP mechanic. I realize TP is a holdover from FFXI, but the game could really benefit from resource systems outside of TP and MP to change the feel of each class.

Additionally, I think it's very necessary to make sure damage is applied at the end of an animation, rather than the beginning of an animation, so that animation lock can be eliminated.

[SNIP]

Things that could disappointment not related to combat:

Not having a sufficient story experience from 1-50 that has a high level of quality and constantly makes players feel like they're part of an adventure. The quality control issues with the story, and the storyline inconsistencies and dead ends that were introduced as part of 1.0 were jarring and felt both rushed and incomplete, but occasionally showed glimmers of true presentation. I really think FFXIV's niche is going to be in doing better storytelling than say SWTOR, and I think that's what a lot of passive Final Fantasy players really expect from an FFMMO title - not a stationary grind.

Raising the level cap:
If they raise the level cap to 55, 60, or whatever, they're just creating unnecessary burden when there isn't content saturation at 50 anyhow. Any raise in the level cap would mean designing an additional section of content, and taking away focus from core systems and gameplay experiences for those levels that do exist now. So for me, that would be extremely disappointing.

Amazing post, Platinumstorm. I highlighted what I most agree with.

I feel two of FFXIV's biggest core problems are with the battle system and lack of story-driven gameplay, things that I'm still concerned will not change on a significant enough level in 2.0.

In regards to combat, I like the combo system itself. But I also feel it was a mistake to make melee abilities so heavily TP-based. The way it was implemented only serves to makes battle feel less fluid and less interactive. As you suggested, there needs to be something to fill in the gaps between abilities (I would personally rather see smaller non-TP based attack abilities than a third resource to juggle, but either way, something needs to happen).

I'm also concerned about the leveling model getting enough of a redesign. Simply put, there is too much naked grind in this game. Final Fantasy excels at storytelling, but instead of a story-driven journey, the majority of leveling is done through mindless grinding with some story on the side like an afterthought. It's really a letdown when you consider what this franchise is capable of.

To answer the OP, no, if this game was ported as-is to the new engine, servers and maps, it would not be enough. Combat still needs work, the leveling model needs work, plus the new UI redesign, linkshell administration, delivery system, market ward reform, PvP... there's still a long way to go.

Originally Posted by Onidemon

How would you feel if they show XIV 2.0 at E3, trailer + playable demo and all. Then what you see is the exact same game we have now, plays the same, feels the same.... but with new redesigned areas, new features, new spells+spell animations and dungeons+raid. But the gameplay itself feels 100% the same and would look only like you stumbled into a new area but not a new redesigned game. The game would also have no more lag.

Would that be enough to please you or would that be a huge disappointment?

What are you expecting 2.0 to be? Just a an improved, patched up XIV or a completely different experience?

Battle system and stuff will be same. Maybe little different feel with bit different UI but fundamentals wont really change.
I'm just expecting major content expansion, that's really all I want aside of fixing lag issues and some job tweaks.