I really want to go back in this game but...

Zhanglo

I was wondering if it still took a really long time to get groups going.  That's why I left in the first place.  Since then, I've played lots of other mmo's, but I cant forget the fun I had playing this...before the whole waiting for hours to get a group going.  Thanks ahead for the help... 

thobaw

I reactivated last summer and played through Christmas after getting the urge to play again. Sure, there may have been some slow nights, but for the most part I was able to get into a party pretty quick. I can recommend the Asura, Bahamut, and Odin servers, as they are likely to have the highest populations. As an aside, Bahamut and Odin are likely to have a higher Japanese population than Asura due to them being around since the game launched in Japan back in 2002. Also, for what it's worth, the economy is much healthier now across all servers. Much of the inflation seen at launch and during the months following has been done away with thanks to Square-Enix's crackdown on RMT(Real Money Trade) activities.

If you are looking for some quality PvE gameplay with storylines rivaling those of some single-player FF games, I highly suggest you give this game another go. I'll be honest, pacing can be slow even when you are able to get groups, as you may already know. If you can meet some fun, interesting folks in your travels, you'll be golden.

Wish you the best.

 

Suplyndmnd

Originally posted by Zhanglo


I was wondering if it still took a really long time to get groups going.  That's why I left in the first place.  Since then, I've played lots of other mmo's, but I cant forget the fun I had playing this...before the whole waiting for hours to get a group going.  Thanks ahead for the help... 

One of the drawbacks to this game isn't just the learning curve. It's what i call "The Party Curve". When i first started i had times I'd Look for Party (LFP) for up to and including 7 hours, with no invite. Then, for some reason, i started getting faster and faster invites to the point where i'd get invites even when not LFP.

 

I call it "The Party Curve" because people learn who you are. If you have a pleasant personality along with knowing how to play you will start to make a wealth of friends who want you to party with them. This makes finding a party much much easier.  Another thing that can help with finding a party is playing a job in high demand. Paladin and White Mage is almost assured a party on demand and Red Mage after 41 is crazy at getting parties (I have RDM 53 and I actually have had numerous instances where I had people willing to pay me to come party, that's how crazy it is).

 

And, i have to put in my two cents about Bismarck as a server. It has great people, i have so many friends on it and would highly recommend it.  It's the busiest around 10:00am EDT (3500 people at the moment) and generally levels out to about 2000 as the day goes on. We have about a 45/35/20 mixture of Japanese/US/Euro players (respectively).

Zhanglo

Thanks for the replys.  My only other question is about the time put in.  I read on one of the other forums that to really go anywhere in the game, one has to average at least 4hrs a day.  Working retail, being married with kids; I don't know if that is possible.  Should I give this dream up then?  I love MMOs and have tried alot (WOW, Guild Wars, COV, COH, Lineage, PSU).  Please help!!!

thobaw

It really depends on the type of player you are and what gives you a feeling of enjoyment/accomplishment. Certainly though, having 3-4 hour chunks of playtime can help with leveling. I won't say it's necessary though. For some, an hour a night with a few more on weekends may be all they need. Log on, craft a bit, maybe gain a skill point or two. Chat with LS mates and check on that baby chocobo, then log and head to bed. Leave leveling for weekends. For others, that scenario would just make them feel like they were spinning their wheels. I would say you just have to try it for yourself and see what you think.