The outrage was audible all the way from my hovel south of Johannesburg as the next Final Fantasy was titled a MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game). I am here to tell you why you should care.
For some scope I decided to briefly look at its forerunner, FFXI Online.
Whaa… I just died!?
FFXI Online was released initially on May 16 2002 for PS2, then to the PC that November. Only much later an Xbox 360 version was released. Given its age it is still going strong today, maintaining last I heard, a solid 500k population.
The world of Vana'diel and the story laced behind its world shaping events were truly fantastic. Compared to many a newly-fledged MMO, FFXI Online challenged its players. Vana’diel was a harsh and varied world, and a thrilling one for it.
FFXI Online was unforgiving in its difficulty. One was required to group early, and from there on out it just got harder. Death meant experience loss, and that loss could even lead to de-leveling!
A lowly innocuous rabbit, never mind some of the more epic denizens, were more than likely to lead to your swift demise. This was a good reason never to go at it alone (it is a MMO right?). All of this set it apart from most of the newer MMORPG’s.
While many MMORPG’s are content with a handful of classes, FFXI Online to date sports a whopping twenty classes (called jobs). These jobs could be paired combining skills and abilities, and then changed as desired. Best of all, this could all be done on one, yes I said one, character! By far the best class system I have encountered to date.
Emergence - Final Fantasy XIV Online
Due for simultaneous release in 2010 for the PC and PS3 (history suggests an Xbox 360 version perhaps later); populations from both platforms will be merged. So the comfy-couch console players will mix it up with the PC diehards. This time around PlayOnline will not be used - thank the lords and all the gods for this fact! PlayOnline was one clunky beast to say the least.
Beta testing is likely to happen soon on PC, followed shortly by the PS3. Here is the Beta signup link if interested: FFXIV EU Beta.
The game will take place in the world of Hydaelyn. The world will ring true to many high fantasy standards, but is to include forms of technological advancements unseen in FFXI Online.
The game is to ship with 18 jobs, seven of which will be combat based, 3 will be gatherers, and the other 8 will be crafters.
There will be five playable races which are:
• Hyur – Basically Humans.
• Elezen – A lithe Elf like race.
• Lalafell – Small adorable and cutesy doll-like people (which I am confident will make the best mages).
• Roegadyn – Hulk SMASH! A large and physical humanoid race.
• Miqo'te – Female only Feline race - for all you furry lovers (I know you’re out there).
FFXIV Online will be using a skills based progression system whereby wielding different weapons and crafting tools which allow the player to take on certain jobs, and thereby progress in them. So basically hold a sword and you may be a Gladiator, hold a Staff and you become a Conjurer. Being able to play numerous jobs on one character will make a welcome return because of this system.
Your character will also have a ‘core’ level, which will advance in a typical RPG fashion - likely after smacking some “poor” and “helpless” fauna (see the poor rabbit above).
Final Fantasy XIV Classes
Jobs
• Gladiator
• Marauder
• Pugilist
• Archer
• Lancer
• Thaumaturge
• Conjurer
Gathering
• Fisher
• Botanist
• Miner
Crafting
• Carpenter
• Blacksmith
• Armorer
• Goldsmith
• Tanner
• Weaver
• Alchemist
• Culinarian
To adapt to a new standard FFXIV Online will be plucking a feather from World of Warcraft’s hat, allowing for a degree of solo-play. The Developers do however say that it will be balanced with group content. I am glad for this shift in flexibility.
Needless to say in the looks department, FFXIV Online is no slouch. Just check out some of the videos on YouTube. There are also plans to attempt 3D at launch. Could this be the first MMO using supported 3D?
For an idea on PC Specifications here is the PC FFXIV Benchmark Tool.
Channel your inner Chocobo – Kweh!
This game is unlikely to be another World of Warcraft clone. Sqaure-Enix did a sterling job in their previous foray into MMO’s, and they are known for quality, specifically in their home brand – Final Fantasy. Also note, all you console fans out there, you will finally have that chance to try a AAA MMORPG on console from the comfort of your couch – I know I will want in on this action.
So get some Phoenix Down’s ready, spike up your hair, this should be great ride!
