Fan Service vs Originality

[Shurrikhan]

Would the question then be whether there is an an actual original concept available to FFXIV that could include these fan service pieces as to not seem out of place? I do honestly think that can be done, though it seems more trouble than it'd be worth.

What annoys me about this trend is that each of these pieces were meant to fit within the whole of another game, one whose world usually largely followed the sub-themes and overlying concepts of that particular game. These more or less organic connections of the components to the larger story is what, in my opinion at least, made Final Fantasy the positive description it's playing on here. To rip pieces out of old games and call that market-selection "Final Fantasy" is as close to the opposite as I can imagine.

That said, it will likely sell based on familiarity, much like a FF community site would sell if it merely offered addictive qualities of teamwork and progression in a world that allows you to play out (a few among) your topics of nostalgia.




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Tangential ----- Please don't tire yourself reading this unless you enjoy developmental strategy comparisons.

As it stands, Eorzea is a part of the world that plays at the mercy of gods as if children, never growing altogether tall or wise enough in their civilizations in time to avoid their destined falls, and all the while sustaining its magic based on the imbalance between its periods. The only ones who forsee these dangers, if only due to extended hindsight, are people not tied into petty liegences, and often also not tied to their own experiences alone -- through Echo. We still don't know the purpose for this. A world within a larger world, like a pendulum in some sort of larger machine, and people now within people -- walkers of the path of Twelve. What of the danger, as the Eorzeas see it, or the impurity in the view of the Garleans, of the Primals?

As it stands, we have plenty of plot paths to pick up from. The lack of such progression has left 1.x feeling almost like a slice-of-life story, not that that's especially a bad thing. But in Yoshi's push for more a more at-hands and pursuant game feel, I'd have thought the greater plot paths are the first thing he'd start with.
Yes, a lack of game industry standards hurts the game by simple comparison. That said, rather than carbon-copying first and editing later as sight expands, in the long run I think it serves a game better to know it's actual wanted extents and necessary breadth. But, the project is short on time; general rules cannot possibly absorb that condition completely.

Comparisons of Implementation:
Alright, this going to be a bit random, but... let's take when materia was added. It was put in place in order to grant additional use to crafter classes and act as a post-gear 'customizable stats' feature equable to jewelcrafting (WoW) or similar socket systems. In that sense we can call it a function-based copy. That said, this isn't meant especially to critique--wait a moment and you'll see.

Alternatively, assuming still no original ideas, we could have made a feature-based copy of FFVII materia, impairing much more visible use for the system than mere stats alone. However, try picturing this sort of materia, and the processes surrounding its acquisition. I'm sure that, given that we are taking a feature here, and the translation into actual function is still ambiguous, it could go many ways. Many of those could have been more interesting with a greater addition to the game's overall feeling than the system we received.

But now let's take a concept-based copy. Just for example, let's take Final Fantasy VIII, where power could be had through the use of Guardian Forces (essentially Aeons/Eidolans/Primals, though there are distinct differences between these archetypal renditions). With one's life experiences, memories, fading into the consciousness of the GF instead, you are, in balance, able to attach magic to things usually mundane, empowering yourself and your actions. Trade the face of the hero, the story of the hero, for the power of a hero.

That is probably a slightly over-smitten interpretation of the FFVIII archetype concept, but my point here is what thinking based on concept can do. It's general, it's unfixed, broad, and invigorating to the game when well-implemented.

None of these three examples would really be "true" to FFXIV. Something that would be would use the idea of the primals, of a sort of rag-tag set of nations, Echo, the primals, and maybe even some of the slice-of-life feel from before as background to a new impact where Dalamud and the Twelve both send this little world's inhabitants running.

TL;DR:
The game shouldn't feel like a solid core with no wheels. Or, perhaps a better metaphor -- development shouldn't work towards making a solid framework for a high-preforming car before considering whether their vehicle ought to fly.

A game that can make crafters and gatherers feel just as much a part of the adventurer world as combatants, a character feel uniquely legend based on archetypal parts (job abilities, etc), a world where the community, story, and the world itself intersect in something far greater than the sum -- none of these targets will likely be reached from individual pursuit.

Crafter and gatherer identity likely won't come just from making some infinitely more advanced node or synthesis system, or even going further than either system. It will likely have more to do with the world, and a general progression more akin to a life-pursuit of your character.

Whatever it is, it'll come from something bigger. And that something, core to the game, will take care of its own as long as there is continued competence and ingenuity, with foresight into tertiary implementation to avoid throwing off players.

Please don't try to compare this with Tanaka's vision. If this was his methodology, it would appear that he never got close to the first step, unless of course that quaint, almost slice-of-life communal feel of early 1.x, once rounded out, was his goal.

[bobbygunz]

Originality will always be better than fanservice. Im assuming SE will be reasonable and only include fan service elements where it remains in context with the game world, but at the same time, it kind of seems like they're just using it as a crutch so they can get away with making a crappy game again.

[RoxyLalonde]

Originality will always be better than fanservice. Im assuming SE will be reasonable and only include fan service elements where it remains in context with the game world, but at the same time, it kind of seems like they're just using it as a crutch so they can get away with making a crappy game again.

I think it will be fine mainly because the elements for those additions are already in the game... gambling and card games and games in general already exist in eorzea as you can see from Uldah's story line. Plus the platinum mirage is pretty much a rich man's golden saucer. Magitek is visible with the garleans. I think it's becoming less of a crutch then when they first thought it up and becoming more of an immersible experience. They are adding in the details that make a world unique.

[xXHalloweenTrixXx]

Fan Service elements would definitely attract other players (which is their aim).

But I dislike that this mmo will be known as a "fan service mmorpg" it makes it seem like the game will be a bit cheesy (Not saying that it will). Like for instance... Fan service anime... I hate those as it lack any proper story than simply to please the eyes for the moment, then it becomes stale and irritating after a while.

But I know SE would somehow make these elements their own and attach the proper lore as to why it came to be into the world.

[Yrusama]

I think in terms of fan service, Yoshi-P is mostly showing us the big guns in terms of concept art and screenshots. These are things like Dragoon, Titan, Crystals, Chocobos, etc. He's also shown us a revamped version of the Yellow Dragon from IV, as well as Demon Wall from various games (starting from IV). I'm sure once the game is actually in motion we'll start to see more of the original ideas.

I do remember hearing he's interested in concluding 1.0's original story.

[Babydoll]

Yeah Molly brings up a good point. People have been asking for fan service for a long time now! Now that SE finally listens, people complain about it? >.>

I look forward to seeing the fan service stuff in the game...if done correctly it could turn out epic I still am hoping for Gilgamesh to make a real appearance with the battle on the big bridge..with his theme song haha

[Molly_Millions]

Yeah Molly brings up a good point. People have been asking for fan service for a long time now! Now that SE finally listens, people complain about it? >.>

In addition, I think the best type of game to do that with is an MMO, if for no other reason that we can share the joy in real-time with other FF fans. Honestly, what could be better for a fan of the series?

Crystal Tower, (hopefully) Tetra Master-like card game, Golden Saucer, Magitek Armor, Materia, Epic Sommons, Chocobo Raising, these are all things that make the FF series great. I'll be overjoyed to see them all in a single game.

[Starlord]

Epic Sommons

I agree with all your points Molly, but this one made me giggle a little , I love the way it spelled! I Sommon thee! =). Anyways, I agree Molly that If any place a Fan service title should be in an MMO where everyone can share the joy of us being fans together! .

[Bowen]

Hey Luc where ya been ? Hurry up and get to 50, and enter my art contest. I'm giving away all my gill before 2.0.

On it! (o_o)7

[Molly_Millions]

Perfect example where a few things were brought over, but not all.

One thing I didn't mention was steller graphics. That's something the FF series has been known for, and was arguably lacking from IX. Materia was also lacking from IX. Yeah it was a bit of a fan service title, but I don't think it went far enough. Personally, it was my least favorite of the series. The one thing it really had going for it was Tetra Master.

I Sommon thee! =).

lol, no spell check on this pc. :P