[dev1001] Side Quests - A discussion of the current state and how to improve them

[Sephr]

It doesn't seem there's been much talk of these (perhaps because they arent *really* a priority right now), but I think we should have an ongoing topic about it considering we know they're going to be continuously added, for better or worse.

Now can I just say, please don't degrade this into a whine-fest that it's not everything you dreamed, FFXIV isn't exactly how you wanted it, it's taking too long, etc etc. If we could keep it constructive that's the best way of helping the long-term goals of the game.

I know a lot of people (myself included) were somewhat let down by the current side-quest implementation. It's a good idea, and obviously we've only seen 1 wave of early quests that were probably never going to be ground-breaking. However, I think that considering there needs to be a greater distinction between a leve and a side-quest.
When the community said they wanted side-quests, I don't think anyone meant more generic kill orders. We want the interesting and unique adventures that FFXI had, that really, no other MMO I've encountered captured as well. These quests included backstories for various interesting characters (such as the serpent generals), as well as a level of immersion in the world that isn't currently felt in FFXIV. The elaborate cutscenes included in some of these side-quests were just fantastic, too.
The thing is, this is the kind of content that has stuck with me since I stopped playing FFXI 2 years ago, and which is making me actually want to start playing again now! If FFXIV could recapture that I think it would go a long way to attracting players from FFXI too.

So that's my opinion on the subject, I know cutscenes and elaborate quests are much more taxing and difficult to implement but we're in this for the long-haul. So I'd like to know what kind of quests you would all like to see? Are there any characters and stories you'd like to be implemented etc? How important do you view it in relation to the future of the game?

I suppose the TLR would be; Pretty cutscenes good, Guild leves with a different name bad.

EDIT: To add! I totally acknowledge that FFXI included a whole load of quests akin to what we have now too, but my intention was more to discuss the ways in which they can be improved from the base that we have. Also, what do people think of a fame system for side-quests? Do you think it adds anything to the game?

[Betelgeuzah]

Less quests, with better quality.

If they implemented 20 quests in a month, they can easily drop it to 6 and make all of them matter more instead.

Honestly, if you ask me- the quantity is not an issue. The quests will pile up and by the end of the year even at 5 quests per patch there should be quite a few of them for us to do. It is sidecontent after all.

[Munba]

Hope to see more variety in sidequests. Some could have some riddles to solve, for example. Not only killing stuff around.. And some with cut-scene would be nice.

[Sephr]

A quick youtube search of FFXI quests yielded this as an example:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOFk4WIiTKU

Bar the awful track someone's slapped over it, you can see the old team was really able to do a lot with FFXI's archaic engine, it would be great to see more of what can be done on XIV's, especially considering how great some of the story cutscenes already are.

I agree with quality over quantity too, not sure why they felt the need to introduce loads of somewhat bland quests rather than make a few great ones.

[Kilta_Firelotus]

not to be mean but not every ffxi quest had a massive story or well any story to it. Like the repeat quests for rabbit hides or bat wings. Byrids quests didn't have much story either. Only one that had a nice story was the star onion brigade. But the reason for that was it was linked to windursts story line. (the joker was linked with the hero who was the first summoner to try and control fenrir only to have his mental psyce broken which killed him, rivival of the joker help revive him in a sence)

I think you guys dissapointed with the side quests didn't do a ton of ffxi quests. ffxi had tons of genaric quests. Some repeatable, some not. Due to not getting parties alot i did mostly ffxi quests. I think people also didn't read what the quest npc said due to there wasn't a CS (not that 1 was actually needed) I saw a side quest on youtube and the npc talk a good bit. Not every quest needs to have massive story or cs.

[kanjitai]

It doesn't seem there's been much talk of these (perhaps because they arent *really* a priority right now), but I think we should have an ongoing topic about it considering we know they're going to be continuously added, for better or worse.

Now can I just say, please don't degrade this into a whine-fest that it's not everything you dreamed, FFXIV isn't exactly how you wanted it, it's taking too long, etc etc. If we could keep it constructive that's the best way of helping the long-term goals of the game.

I know a lot of people (myself included) were somewhat let down by the current side-quest implementation. It's a good idea, and obviously we've only seen 1 wave of early quests that were probably never going to be ground-breaking. However, I think that considering there needs to be a greater distinction between a leve and a side-quest.
When the community said they wanted side-quests, I don't think anyone meant more generic kill orders. We want the interesting and unique adventures that FFXI had, that really, no other MMO I've encountered captured as well. These quests included backstories for various interesting characters (such as the serpent generals), as well as a level of immersion in the world that isn't currently felt in FFXIV. The elaborate cutscenes included in some of these side-quests were just fantastic, too.
The thing is, this is the kind of content that has stuck with me since I stopped playing FFXI 2 years ago, and which is making me actually want to start playing again now! If FFXIV could recapture that I think it would go a long way to attracting players from FFXI too.

So that's my opinion on the subject, I know cutscenes and elaborate quests are much more taxing and difficult to implement but we're in this for the long-haul. So I'd like to know what kind of quests you would all like to see? Are there any characters and stories you'd like to be implemented etc? How important do you view it in relation to the future of the game?

I suppose the TLR would be; Pretty cutscenes good, Guild leves with a different name bad.

I like most would like to see more content added. I like to see quests and quest chains. One of the ones I really liked in XI was the NPC fellow chain.

[Sephr]

not to be mean but not every ffxi quest had a massive story or well any story to it. Like the repeat quests for rabbit hides or bat wings. Byrids quests didn't have much story either. Only one that had a nice story was the star onion brigade. But the reason for that was it was linked to windursts story line. (the joker was linked with the hero who was the first summoner to try and control fenrir only to have his mental psyce broken which killed him, rivival of the joker help revive him in a sence)

I think you guys dissapointed with the side quests didn't do a ton of ffxi quests. ffxi had tons of genaric quests. Some repeatable, some not. Due to not getting parties alot i did mostly ffxi quests. I think people also didn't read what the quest npc said due to there wasn't a CS (not that 1 was actually needed) I saw a side quest on youtube and the npc talk a good bit. Not every quest needs to have massive story or cs.

Hah, I did actually just think that I should come back to the post and make a comment on this. FFXI did certainly have a whole lot of generic filler quests too, but they are sort of forgotten due to the amount of high-quality quests thrown in too.
I should qualify that I think it's totally acceptable for them to add smaller scale quests for small rewards etc the way they are too, I more wanted to discuss the structure and style that people would like to see to improve upon the base we have now.

EDIT: I added that to the opening, and also mentioned fame systems. Do you guys think they're worth including? Perhaps it would be a good idea as a long-term addition to completing side quests. City states could have quartermasters that give novelty items etc as you progress? Could be a neat addition.

[kanjitai]

I don't know about adding a fame system. I think having a rank requirement is ok. with the more rewarding quests being higher ranked that way RMT won't abuse it as much.

[Kilta_Firelotus]

Its going to be a while befor we get epic quests. Just don't hate on them for being filler atm. All a quest is suppose to do is give you something to do maybe a way to make some gil or get an item you may use or sell. Or even trade in for another quest for a better item. I would be upset if all the quests had long cs that take up so much time. I love cs. but I do like getting alot of stuff done when i play.

I like fame just as long as it isn't tied to import things... like utsumi. More similar to WoW fane where you earn rights to by bounded spcial items or gear from the various factions in the game. fame is a big part of the rpg tbh. what would the point of making quests if you don't earn fame from them.

[Cairdeas]

http://www.eorzeapedia.com/2010/12/2...-to-the-world/ I voiced my opinion over at Eorzeapedia.

It was a great article.