What really matters for ARR?

[Sleverin]

I wanted to learn more on the server infrastructure. Since we are all moving to yet another server I would like to know more about this significant change. Well, we have a couple of months to go. I think most of the answers we want will be answered soon. I am still curious on why they even commented on the boobs... Kind of a strange question to answer.

Yeah, as a male player it might seem odd but...I'm so freaking tired of hearing about boobs, boobs, boobs. Ok guys we get it, you like boobs but most of the players, in fact all the ones I personally know, are over 21 and I have to wonder why the boob slider is almost all anyone can talk about. What about I dunno, content, planned or implemented? The FATE system sounded nifty and I can't wait for the full subtitled version of the letter to pour over every juicy detail. They talked about town invasions and defending against them, using what sounded like the FATE system, allowing for ease of transition in and out of it so we're not locked in an instance. I was (and have been) interested in the war effort since I returned to this game. Are we going to do campaign operations, i.e. more stuff like breaking into Castrum Novum or maybe taking out airships? I loved the Lunar Transmitter mission but I would really love more stuff in that area. This is a large scale war effort, choice strike teams like highly trained adventurers would be a great asset and make for great missions. Maybe it's just me, but I just love striking fear and disharmony unto the ranks of the Garleans.

[Tsubarta]

The boobs aren't even that nice in FFXIV - Scorpion Harness sideboob is about as good as it ever got. When they talk about adding jigglebones to them, that's like...wow. A whole lot of movement for the modest chests in XIV, gonna look goofy.

Anyhow, the most important thing about ARR is the speed and ease of movement/combat/menus. In a word, the mechanical aspects. If it's even as fast and responsive as FFXI, it'll be fine. If it's as fast and responsive as WoW, excellent, they've done 90% of their work.

What hurt FFXIV more than anything was being comically sluggish and unresponsive; there is no game to be had in that.

[Sleverin]

True, the 10-15 second wait time to get my gear menu up was painful. It looks far faster now, even the president noted that in the last Letter from the Producer (number III). Also, I like that Wada seems not only interested as a company manager/head, but also as a player. He seems really genuine in his interest towards this game.

[Dzian]

I can kinda agree with the op, but the combat system isn't really high on my personal list of importance. I'd rate the reward system higher and one of the things i was hoping to see more info on. really just an assurance that we'd not see anything like drop rates of 1.0. i know they guarantee 2-3 rares but thats still vague. could it work like hamlet where your guaranteed a hat, will drop rates be equalled for example the dol heads and various leg armors never dropped but robes cuirass gauntlets etc were fairly common. technically the system does guarantee rare loot or "unique" at least with the hats.

that aside my other big concerrn is lag. mostly in terms of ui. it takes like 3 minutes to put 20 items on or off a retainer which is a ball ache and the reason i spent so much time carrying gear for all the jobs i played all the time. other lag issues like the infamous eruption dodging also. it's not to frustrating to screw up and get hit by eruptions, it is incredibly frustrating to get hit by them when you're halfway accross eorzea.

there probably my main issues. being able to play relatively lag free enjoy the game and feel like i've accomplished something a tthe end of the day when i log off. be it for myself or someone in my shell.

also the gear dying looks promising he didn't answer about yellow/green gear, explorers, militia etc but he did say types so i'm hopefull. also being able to dye af in the future would be cool. vanity may not be a huge concern but it adds to enjoyment personally when i think my charactor looks cool more immersion etc.

[Xakery]

The "fancy" stuff is cool and can keep us busy, I just hope the most emphasis is on infrastructure and back bone mechanics. I'm pretty sure it will be but ya never know. >.>

[Mardel]

The "fancy" stuff is cool and can keep us busy, I just hope the most emphasis is on infrastructure and back bone mechanics. I'm pretty sure it will be but ya never know. >.>

I'm usually not a white knight but...

Of course the back bone mechanics are important. If it wasn't they would be rushing the game out the door... yet again or even worse, left us with the old clunky system. Even the CEO of SE stakes a personal interest in trying to ensure they get the game to be successful because another failure on 14 and it would make him feel ashamed. The producers even admit they were playing OTHER MMOs just see how they work and what people like in order to make FFXIV better.

[Cichy]

Abriael hit the nail on the head. Bottom line is they will answer questions that they are ready to answer or feel like answering.