We learned a few days ago thatFinal Fantasy XIVwouldn’t have a traditional experience point system, which sounds to me like just the wake up call the genre needs. Today we spotted some scanned Famitsu screens over atBlueGartrand a ton of new information about the game (go there to see many more pictures). Here’s what the info presented seems to shape up to so far:
- The difference in ability between races is said to be less severe than that of Final Fantasy XI* Battles progress in real-time, but are not action-oriented, i.e. There is more to consider during battle that simply targeting the enemy and wailing away on it* The Armory System allows for job changing anywhere, so inventory space is of great importance. Therefore, ways to change armor quickly and easily are being considered* Currently investigating whether to allow all skills to be mastered, or have a see-saw style system like crafting in Final Fantasy XI* “Guild Leave” will be a system of quests that include monster hunting, skilling up and a myriad of other activities. Players will obtain items to allow them to travel instantly to their required destination. There seems to be a lot about this system in the article as well, but we’ll save that until it’s fully visible.* There will be weather effects and night/day transitions. One game day is one Earth hour.* Final Fantasy XIV will be casual enough that even playing one hour a day is sufficient to enjoy the game.* The game currency will be gil.
So far there are five confirmed races, but there always could be more before the game is launched. I do like the idea of changing the way gamers gain experience, but looking at the screens this just looks like aFinal Fantasy XIsequel to me, and I’m not interested in that. That’s mostly because I steer clear of MMO’s, though. What do you guys think of this new info?
