My Perception of the game so far.

[Kinori]

I want to start this off by saying I love this game. I started with the CE launch and soon became disappointed with the game. This was mainly due to lag issues. Through frustration, I ended up quitting in October. I just recently came back about a week ago, after finding out the game's been free to play ever since I left. I have to say, seeing all the work that's been put into the game since then really gives me high hopes. However, there's a few things that have been giving me nothing but headaches. I have to admit this is mostly in regards to how I think the PS3's compatibility is holding the game back in its current state. I feel as though the PS3-friendly controls are ultimately punishing PC players.

The first issue I have is with the UI. I've been playing MMORPG's since Everquest and I feel like I've played enough MMORPG's to understand the basics of what a UI should have. Both FFXI and FFXIV have had the only UI I could actually complain about. To be fair, FFXI came out when MMORPG's were relatively fresh; between the times of Everquest and World of Warcraft. So, I can definitely understand the UI and controls for FFXI being justifiably bare. My main problem is simply navigating through it. I'm extremely relieved the lag that was here at launch is virtually gone. But, it seems very awkward having to go in and open every window by default. I've tried editing the hotkeys. Every time I open my Journal, which I have hotkeyed to ‘J’, it moves my camera down for no apparent reason. I assume this is because that's what ‘J’ was previously bound to.

I find it irritating that I have such little button choices for spells and abilities. I'd love to be able to assign more buttons than just 1-0 for spells. I'd like to be able to assign spells to Alt+1-0 and Ctrl+1-0 and assign macros to the normal 1-0. While on the subject of spells and abilities, I'd like to talk about the targeting system. I think the tab-targeting in this game is absolutely terrible. This is the first MMO I've played where 'tabbing' cycles through players as well as monsters. This makes it almost impossible to find your target and makes F8 a near necessity. A newer player wouldn't know that the F8 command existed, unless they were told. Additionally, I hate having to confirm that my current target is the one I want to cast on by hit enter. It honestly feels clunky and unneeded.

The lag. I've been told the reason there's the terrible FFXI-esque lag in the game is because of the engine it's running on. Specifically how it's been designed to be capable of running on both the PC and PS3. While I understand this technically, I feel its state is bad enough that it's keeping some newer players from playing the game. For example, I can't tell how many times I've moved behind the Dodo or Puk on my screen but still get hit by their frontal cone attacks. I tested the lag while watching a friend's screen and it takes about 2-3 seconds to see my character actually start to move.

The Fatigue system. I have mixed feelings on this one. I completely understand why it was put in the game. However, I don't really think it's needed anymore with the SP boost given (I believe on November 25th). At the same time, I could see it being useful whenever a new level cap is presented, as a means of preventing players of hitting the new end-game too soon. I've found it rather frustrating to be able to hit it on every Disciple of War and Magic classes in the same week. I'm not a big fan of crafting and I doubt I'm alone in this. So, what I'm trying to get at is that I run out of things to do. I guess I should just push through the fatigue? At least we have the reduced SP gain.

The monster engagement system. Definitely not the top on my list, but frustrating none-the-less. I really dislike only being able to engage one group of enemies at a time. I can't tell you how many times my Behest group has lost countless SP because people were either AoE'ing additional quest mobs or simply targeting the non-red named ones. It's become very aggravating. I don't have much more to say on this topic.

I hope I'm not coming across as being too negative. As I said before, I love this game and really want to see it do well. The handful of friends I actually convinced to play the game with me at launch ended up quitting, mostly because of the issues I've addressed in this post. I think the game has too many problems. Especially when looking at today's MMO standards. It feels like the game is falling flat. These are just some suggestions I had that could, in my eyes, vastly improve the game for newer players looking to get into it.

[toshimoog]

I like this game too, and I can agree with most of your post.

I kind of like the main menu of the game; it kind of feels like the menus from other Final Fantasy games and I think that adds charm to the game. The thing I REALLY hate, however, is the battle UI. I was totally fine with the battle UI of FFXI, but this one is kind of irritating. Especially playing as a conjurer, I don't like AP limitations and action-bar limitations. In the case of having lots of spells (I can't even use them all!?), I think a battle menu is kind of needed, or at least bigger action bars with more buttons to click for mouse users (or both options available at the same time, depending on personal control preference).

As far as claiming monsters, I think that each monster that gets hit by your party should turn red, and not just one at a time, since hitting the second monster that isn't red seems to give you zero SP/EXP. It's kind of bothersome the way it is now, and should definitely be looked into.

[Kaedan]

The first issue I have is with the UI. I've been playing MMORPG's since Everquest and I feel like I've played enough MMORPG's to understand the basics of what a UI should have. Both FFXI and FFXIV have had the only UI I could actually complain about. To be fair, FFXI came out when MMORPG's were relatively fresh; between the times of Everquest and World of Warcraft. So, I can definitely understand the UI and controls for FFXI being justifiably bare. My main problem is simply navigating through it. I'm extremely relieved the lag that was here at launch is virtually gone. But, it seems very awkward having to go in and open every window by default. I've tried editing the hotkeys. Every time I open my Journal, which I have hotkeyed to ‘J’, it moves my camera down for no apparent reason. I assume this is because that's what ‘J’ was previously bound to.

You can bind keys. So if you want to bind the Journal to a key, you can.

I find it irritating that I have such little button choices for spells and abilities. I'd love to be able to assign more buttons than just 1-0 for spells. I'd like to be able to assign spells to Alt+1-0 and Ctrl+1-0 and assign macros to the normal 1-0. While on the subject of spells and abilities, I'd like to talk about the targeting system. I think the tab-targeting in this game is absolutely terrible. This is the first MMO I've played where 'tabbing' cycles through players as well as monsters. This makes it almost impossible to find your target and makes F8 a near necessity. A newer player wouldn't know that the F8 command existed, unless they were told. Additionally, I hate having to confirm that my current target is the one I want to cast on by hit enter. It honestly feels clunky and unneeded.

You can use Ctrl + 1-0 and Alt +1-0. Use macros. Under "Configurations", select macros.

You can switch to target mode B. Pressing UP/DOWN will change the "group" you want to target. So if you only want to target enemies, switch to enemy group. Also, in Target mode A, you can press UP/DOWN to select party members from the list to the right and target them. Also, while using spells, the targeting reticle only targets enemies or allies, depending on if it's a nuke or healing/buffing.

The lag. I've been told the reason there's the terrible FFXI-esque lag in the game is because of the engine it's running on. Specifically how it's been designed to be capable of running on both the PC and PS3. While I understand this technically, I feel its state is bad enough that it's keeping some newer players from playing the game. For example, I can't tell how many times I've moved behind the Dodo or Puk on my screen but still get hit by their frontal cone attacks. I tested the lag while watching a friend's screen and it takes about 2-3 seconds to see my character actually start to move.

This is the fault of either your (and your friend's) ISP or your computer. I do not have this lag you're talking about. Also, if you wait too long to move behind a monster after it's started a TP attack, you'll still get hit.

The Fatigue system. I have mixed feelings on this one. I completely understand why it was put in the game. However, I don't really think it's needed anymore with the SP boost given (I believe on November 25th). At the same time, I could see it being useful whenever a new level cap is presented, as a means of preventing players of hitting the new end-game too soon. I've found it rather frustrating to be able to hit it on every Disciple of War and Magic classes in the same week. I'm not a big fan of crafting and I doubt I'm alone in this. So, what I'm trying to get at is that I run out of things to do. I guess I should just push through the fatigue? At least we have the reduced SP gain.

You hit Orange or Red Fatigue with every DoW/DoM class in one week? Sorry, you're over-exaggerating here (unless you play many, many hours a day). And besides, if you hit Orange or Red Fatigue with Glad, then switched to Lancer and hit it with that, then you'd be out of it if you had switched back to Glad.

I can see why a Hardcore player might be upset with this mechanic, but it's not as bad as you're claiming. It was designed so that Casuals didn't fall as far behind as they did in FFXI, and I have to say I can see a good point there. Additionally, the system was designed to encourage the leveling of other jobs, since the point of the Armory system is learn a variety of skills.

[Kinori]

You can bind keys. So if you want to bind the Journal to a key, you can.

As I said in my post, I've tried binding the key before. It successfully opens up the window I bound it to, however for no reason it also moves my camera, which is kind of irritating.

You can use Ctrl + 1-0 and Alt +1-0. Use macros. Under "Configurations", select macros.

Again, I can and do use macros. Though it's a terrible system compared to other games I've played. I simply want the ability to be able to not be limited to the 1-0 buttons. Also being able to put macros to 1-0 would be good as well, as I hate having to click for example 4 for Provoke, then enter to execute it. I'd like using keys like '~' and 'G' for example to cast certain types of spells and abilities.

You can switch to target mode B. Pressing UP/DOWN will change the "group" you want to target. So if you only want to target enemies, switch to enemy group. Also, in Target mode A, you can press UP/DOWN to select party members from the list to the right and target them. Also, while using spells, the targeting reticle only targets enemies or allies, depending on if it's a nuke or healing/buffing.

I have to admit I remember hearing about this change, then looking up the specific slash command up on the lodestone and reading the description and honestly disregarded the whole thing. It just seems like a bad fix in my opinion. However I'd be happy if this also affected tab-targeting, but if it already does I apologize.

This is the fault of either your (and your friend's) ISP or your computer. I do not have this lag you're talking about. Also, if you wait too long to move behind a monster after it's started a TP attack, you'll still get hit.

Sorry but it isn't. I'm not the only one in my linkshell to have the same problems. I've tested my upload / download before to see if that was the cause, but it wasn't. As well, programs like Ventrilo and Firefox were having no latency issues at all.

You hit Orange or Red Fatigue with every DoW/DoM class in one week? Sorry, you're over-exaggerating here (unless you play many, many hours a day). And besides, if you hit Orange or Red Fatigue with Glad, then switched to Lancer and hit it with that, then you'd be out of it if you had switched back to Glad.

All I know was that every single one of my adventuring classes' SP bars were I assume orange - the first 'tier' I guess it would be. It only took me maybe 4 days or so to do so.

[Kaedan]

As I said in my post, I've tried binding the key before. It successfully opens up the window I bound it to, however for no reason it also moves my camera, which is kind of irritating.

That's because the camera controls are permanently bound to JKLI, unless you switch keyboard styles.

Again, I can and do use macros. Though it's a terrible system compared to other games I've played. I simply want the ability to be able to not be limited to the 1-0 buttons. Also being able to put macros to 1-0 would be good as well, as I hate having to click for example 4 for Provoke, then enter to execute it. I'd like using keys like '~' and 'G' for example to cast certain types of spells and abilities.

What keys would you like to use for skills besides 1-0, Ctrl+1-0, and Alt+1-0? Because you can change their bindings too.

Though I do agree with you that it would be nice to be able to macro 1-0.

I have to admit I remember hearing about this change, then looking up the specific slash command up on the lodestone and reading the description and honestly disregarded the whole thing. It just seems like a bad fix in my opinion. However I'd be happy if this also affected tab-targeting, but if it already does I apologize.

Yes, it affects tab targeting (in Target mode B).

Sorry but it isn't. I'm not the only one in my linkshell to have the same problems. I've tested my upload / download before to see if that was the cause, but it wasn't. As well, programs like Ventrilo and Firefox were having no latency issues at all.

Well, this is the problem with computers and internet connection. There are hundreds and thousands of variables that can cause problems, and it can be really hard to narrow it down. I can tell you honestly that I have no lag like you are describing. So my point is that it is not the "games" fault, beyond computer spec/internet requirements.

i7 930
6 GB DDR3 RAM
Nvidia 260GTX with updated drivers
40 Mb ADSL internet connection

Those are the specs of my computer. Not sure what my config settings for the game are off the top of my head, but I can post those later if you want.

All I know was that every single one of my adventuring classes' SP bars were I assume orange - the first 'tier' I guess it would be. It only took me maybe 4 days or so to do so.

The first tier of Fatigue is Yellow. But the penalty to SP is so minor that it doesn't matter.
Only when Fatigue hits Orange and Red does the SP penalty get more significant. It's probably possible to get all DoW/M jobs to Yellow Fatigue in one week if you play a LOT. I would suggest that if you do play that much, keep playing through Fatigue until you hit Orange, then switch to another job.

[Xatsh]

The lag is the same as in FFXI if you have a decent connection and you are not nuking your FPS by having the graphics up to high. This is simply due to the servers being in Japan. In XI if you duel boxed you could move 1 character and you would see it on another character like 1-2 secs later. Wasn't considered game breaking then, and didn't stop anyone from enjoying that game the whole time I played it. It has higher latency then region specific games, and unless the internet is changed probably always will. The lag is not engine generated for the most part, if you are getting 60fps you are getting 60 fps it does not matter which engine it is, now FFXIV engine is over taxing and using more resources then it should but that is not the reason for the lag.

And people raging over surplus stage 1 is pure stupid, it would be like people rage quitting in WoW/Rift when your rested bonus worse off because sp dropped by 50%, in fact you can level for 7 days strait 6hrs a day on 1 class before hitting that point. Once again a pointless argument when you sit down and thing about it... Surplus and fatigue are bad in sound only, if you actually analyze how other mmos work you will realize the penalty is alot less in FFXIV (10% with it increasing gradually with each surplus rank) then in most Mainstream games (25-50% drop in xp(sp in ffxiv)all at once in about 30mins of gameplay)

UI I agree it needs to be more refined, but I find the current one completely usable although not the best.

[Kilta_Firelotus]

good news everyone

they are changing the battle system and most likely the UI with it.

But honestly watch what you say about ps3 >.> some of us are waiting on it and don't need to be treated like dirt cuz ps3 is "limiting your game"

[Vackashken]

The only thing I have to say is nonetheless is one word.

Oh, and I actually enjoyed reading your post

[Kinori]

good news everyone

they are changing the battle system and most likely the UI with it.

But honestly watch what you say about ps3 >.> some of us are waiting on it and don't need to be treated like dirt cuz ps3 is "limiting your game"

I'm sorry to come across so harsh against PS3 users. I personally can't wait for the PS3 release as it means my best friend will be able to play with me. But what I feel is they should make the game the best it can be for both systems, not start out by limiting one side based on the other.

[Loth]

You can use Ctrl + 1-0 and Alt +1-0. Use macros. Under "Configurations", select macros.

The issue Kinori, I and many others have with this system, is that you only see 1 hotbar on screen at a time, and using the two macro hotbars does not display cooldowns of abilities.
I currently have it set up where I use hotbar ctrl and alt just as if they were normal hotbars, but as said, it has its limitations, and could do with some changes.
I can do without having it display hotbar ctrl and alt, though it would be preferred, but the inability to see cooldowns is very annoying.
The addition of adding macros to the primary hotbar would be a welcomed change as well.