News

[bullethell]

Japanese title: ファイナルファンタジーXIV
Genre: MMORPG
Release: 2010



News about the next gen Final Fantasy MMORPG of Square Enix can be found today (Jun 3, 2009) in many Japanese gaming blogs and sites. More details soon.

Source: http://www.4gamer.net/games/092/G009287/20090603008/

[bullethell]

According to the E3 it seems that the player characters' races will be the same as FFXI. Also the game will be more solo-friendly (FFXI solo play was a nightmare and nearly non-existent). There will be an offline growth system of some attributes of your character, possibly you can earn experience points to spend to level up some skills while you are offline. This system it reminds me of the sci-fi MMORPG EVE Online and its real world time-based skill training.

E3 Trailer Video: http://www.gametrailers.com/video/e3-09 ... tasy/50331

[bullethell]

Official Japanese website:
http://jp.finalfantasyxiv.com/

Official European website:
http://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/

Note that art director is Akihiko Yoshida, known from the Vagrant Story and FFXII.

[another Riposte]

Official North American website: http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/

A large amount of information about the game was added to the official website. It now shows some details about the setting, races, class system, and events. The Armory System allows players to freely switch their class based on their equipment.

In general, there is a fourfold classification of adventurers based on disciplinary paths to which they devote themselves: Disciples of War, masters of arms who live for the call of combat; Disciples of Magic, erudite researchers of all things esoteric; Disciples of the Land, gatherers of material resources and students of the natural order; and Disciples of the Hand, crafters who invest their creative ingenuity in synthesis and industry.

Players may opt to specialize in one discipline, excelling in a single skill, or they may take a more general approach, making free use of the Armory. The choice is yours.

There will also be a Guild system that will provide quests that players can customize with crystal cards called Guildleves. This sounds like an expanded version of Final Fantasy XI's Moblin Maze Mongers system. Considering the same team is behind both it probably wasn't by coincidence.

When issuing tasks or quests, guilds will often provide adventurers with these plates, allowing their bearers "leave" to take whatever steps necessary to complete the jobs, including entry into normally restricted areas, hunting, or harvesting on private lands, the confiscation of goods, even negotiations with those considered enemies of the city-states. Guildleves also grant use of aetheryte portals, ensuring quick travel about the region.

By coordinating the leves of multiple party members, adventurers can even plan grand campaigns built around several different quests.

Whether you have an hour or a whole day, are alone or with friends, seeking battle or bounty, guildleves give you the ability to forge your own adventures. The possibilities are endless!

[another Riposte]

A translator's notes can be found here:
http://ffxiv.zam.com/story.html?story=19138

[danjiro]

Video showing some of the new job actions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2RghB8r4tA