Wow, a 4. That is pretty extreme. I wonder what this guy would've given Eve Online.
The pace is slow and it takes a bit of time and work to get anything done (like Eve), and certainly not everyone is going to like it, but a 4? Really?
90% of the review is on the map (???), interface and what you encounter during day 1. He spends a full paragraph lambasting the account system (which I had zero problems figuring out. I mean seriously). He says stuff like the following like it's a bad thing:
This leads to hours upon hours of unstructured gameplay in which you grind, join others on their quests, and craft.
I like unstructured playtime. My favorite thing about the game is not being held by the hand from task to task and spending my time developing my character the way I want to develop it.
Not that there's anything wrong with wanting to relax and play through a game going from quest to quest, but that's been done to death, and it really seems more of a matter of opinion than deciding this is the 3rd worst MMORPG in history.
Originally posted by holdenhamlet Wow, a 4. That is pretty extreme. I wonder what this guy would've given Eve Online. The pace is slow and it takes a bit of time and work to get anything done (like Eve), and certainly not everyone is going to like it, but a 4? Really?
That's what happens when a game isn't fun and adds masochistic and tedious mechanics on top of it.
I does read like someone overly frustrated with the experience (the tension is quite obvious lol).
I'd give FF14 at least a 6-7. I am enjoying it immensly but there is definitely a whole lot of issues holding it back (UI clunkiness to be the big one).
I still think its funny people are calling FF14 for the levequests. While they are meant to take the place of the "quests" you typically find in more recent MMOs, they also aren't wrapped up to be more than what they are (quick, digestable timesinks). I like this more than what we see in other MMOs because...
They're repeatable.
They provide you with "something to do".
There is a bit randomness and a bit of variety (while levequests rotate for each area, only certain ones become available).
Content wise, if you're just focused on leveling up and plowing through content, you may get bored as the more interesting "story" quests are spaced out to a degree - Note, these are actually interesting and meaty in narrative.
The game is very sandboxy - at least for my playstyle. Yesterday, I worked on some battle leves to finish off level 12 THA. Then I did some fishing leves and went fishing for specific materials I needed for recipes. I then used those mats to craft some items I then put on my retainer (which all had sold while I slept). In doing that, I did some crafting leves. All of these kept me occupied for 3-4 hours.
Today, if I login, my experience will be quite different. I want to travel to another city to gather some mats that I want to stock for my culinary profession. While I am there, I may do a variety of leves and what not. I may check out the fishing spots along the way.
Wow, I knew you guys were pretty desparate to slam the game, but hacking the web page of a major game site so a user review masquarades as an official one? Pretty impressive.
[Edit: no, after seeing there's an actual video associated with it, I guess not, despite the wierd way GameSpot distributes its content making it looks like the reviewer didn't even write this.]
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Anyway, the review its very spot on, but i think we all are doing wrong here, the game its just a very very bad MMO for the pc... but it will be the "best" ( lack competition ) MMO for the ps3 crowd, and i think that is what SE is aiming for, taking cash from the ps3 peeps, if this game were only released for pc then it will be doomed.
EVE is more about "doing" than "getting done". I don't know why, maybe the lack of levels make me not feel in a rush. Themeparks though are notorious for "hey wanna do ? oh wait you got to be 25 first". then when you're 25 "yeah, i've done it 10 imes already, not going there again". whereas in eve you can tag along in a crappy ship...because in an advanced player's hands that crappy ship can be some technical deathbringing monster. So the enemy has no clue you're just fying around trying to figure out what "soft allign' means.
in a themepark, they're 40, they see level 25, they swing once...dead.
it's unfair to compare a slow themepark with a slow sandbox. sandboxes just dont have an "endgame" for you to rush to or a "level required" to get into stuff.
The thing is, I don't feel rushed. I have 4 jobs at level 10 or more (yes I know it's easy to get to 7 or so but it normalizes after that and takes about a day per rank level afterwards) and I'm enjoying logging in and crafting, gathering, grouping and leveling. I'm not sure where everyone's going, but I like the scenery and the people in game and in my linkshell are fun to be around.
It's more of a social experience for me. I've stopped rushing to level cap in mmorpgs awhile back because besides games like WoW or Darkfall, there's usually not much there and I end up quitting.
Maybe I'm conditioned from FFXI and can just hang out with people for hours without a whole lot of structure or leveling up, but my fondest memories from that game and really mmorpgs in general were the fun and funny things that happened in groups in FFXI where I spent 6 hours with total strangers accomplishing not all that much tangibly, but having fun doing it.
I does read like someone overly frustrated with the experience (the tension is quite obvious lol).
I'd give FF14 at least a 6-7. I am enjoying it immensly but there is definitely a whole lot of issues holding it back (UI clunkiness to be the big one).
I still think its funny people are calling FF14 for the levequests. While they are meant to take the place of the "quests" you typically find in more recent MMOs, they also aren't wrapped up to be more than what they are (quick, digestable timesinks). I like this more than what we see in other MMOs because...
They're repeatable.
They provide you with "something to do".
There is a bit randomness and a bit of variety (while levequests rotate for each area, only certain ones become available).
Content wise, if you're just focused on leveling up and plowing through content, you may get bored as the more interesting "story" quests are spaced out to a degree - Note, these are actually interesting and meaty in narrative.
The game is very sandboxy - at least for my playstyle. Yesterday, I worked on some battle leves to finish off level 12 THA. Then I did some fishing leves and went fishing for specific materials I needed for recipes. I then used those mats to craft some items I then put on my retainer (which all had sold while I slept). In doing that, I did some crafting leves. All of these kept me occupied for 3-4 hours.
Today, if I login, my experience will be quite different. I want to travel to another city to gather some mats that I want to stock for my culinary profession. While I am there, I may do a variety of leves and what not. I may check out the fishing spots along the way.
Prepare for a big fat rating down for this blasphemous post!
Wow, a 4. That is pretty extreme. I wonder what this guy would've given Eve Online.
The pace is slow and it takes a bit of time and work to get anything done (like Eve), and certainly not everyone is going to like it, but a 4? Really?
90% of the review is on the map (???), interface and what you encounter during day 1. He spends a full paragraph lambasting the account system (which I had zero problems figuring out. I mean seriously). He says stuff like the following like it's a bad thing:
This leads to hours upon hours of unstructured gameplay in which you grind, join others on their quests, and craft.
I like unstructured playtime. My favorite thing about the game is not being held by the hand from task to task and spending my time developing my character the way I want to develop it.
Not that there's anything wrong with wanting to relax and play through a game going from quest to quest, but that's been done to death, and it really seems more of a matter of opinion than deciding this is the 3rd worst MMORPG in history.
I find it odd that such a strong minded group of folks like mmorpg players tend to feel like because they are given a quest they are having their "hands held" by a game. I have never played a game where when given a quest I was forced to do it, compelled by the desire to know the outcome and gaining the reward for doing so may help nudge me in that direction but where is the hand holding and leading? Games rarely come off as "work" unless they just don't offer you the option, in this game it seems you are forced to grind for weeks on end with no other choice and that is fun to folks, while a game like LOTRO and yes WOW gives you quests to avoid the endless weeks of grind but we hate them for it, while applauding games that give you only that one option?
The irony is that a game like this holds your hand and forces you more than the traditional mmorpgs you guys throw under the bus because again I can engage in quests or I can mind numbingly grind and try to make my own way in the world as folks are so fond of saying on here but I have the choice.
The sad thing is this game is simply going to rehash the tired "sandbox" vs "themepark" argument all over again for no other reason than stubborness. If one likes the game there is nothing wrong with subbing to it as is but still acknowledging the mistakes that are being made by the opinion of folks willing to try the game but unable to get into it.
Just about every review has mentioned the UI is horrible and a great many folks who enjoy the game even agreed with this, I have seen quite a few complaints on how the subs work (with subbing then buying slots why in the hell would I need a sub to the game with no characters?), and lack of direction it stands to reason if you are going to have a bunch of cut scenes you would have a rich story as well and by all indications this game is lacking in quests and stories.
SE has taken a very archaic path in developing this game that shows why so many old school gamers like it and new school gamers don't, alot of the "design" decisions smack of old school SOE with various timesinks thrown into the game like only being able to level a certain class to a certain point, I'm not saying it's a good or bad idea but anyone who doesn't think that some suit is more concerned with the fact that this will keep people playing longer over how well rounded a player is is fooling themselves. And let's not even get on the fact that during an interview they are saying that the lack of information is on purpose (I wonder how many more hours total we can get out of folks if they just have no clue what they are doing).
Alot of the "design decisions" are parlor tricks that will keep this game a very niche game, adding questing and direction doesn't even seem like it would change the game too much from what those who like it think of it as, hopefully SE will see things like this too if not this game will be as lonely as the last FF mmo turned out to be for lot's who loved it.
but yeah, to call this game Fantastic is like calling Twilight the Godfather of vampire movies....
If one likes the game there is nothing wrong with subbing to it as is but still acknowledging the mistakes that are being made by the opinion of folks willing to try the game but unable to get into it.
Ok, so I can enjoy the game (I'm allowed- thank you), but I have to acknowledge that SE made mistakes in how they designed the game?
I don't see it as "Old School" vs. "New School". What I do see is most mmorpgs made in the past 5 years have been WoW clones. I liked WoW and played it for like a year, but I have no desire to play WoW again or a game just like WoW. I for one (and there are others- I mean you know many of the people that troll these forums that don't play the game gave it all zeros so somebody besides me must be enjoying the game).
I never said FFXIV is perfect, but I have fun every time I log in. Once they get the UI lag fixed and work out the kinks in party mechanics, this game will be exactly what I'm looking for in an MMORPG. You make it seem like I should apologize for that or something lol.
If one likes the game there is nothing wrong with subbing to it as is but still acknowledging the mistakes that are being made by the opinion of folks willing to try the game but unable to get into it.
Ok, so I can enjoy the game (I'm allowed- thank you), but I have to acknowledge that SE made mistakes in how they designed the game?
No you don't have to do anything I don't remember saying you did. Just pointing out that just because you don't have a problem with a function like the account creator that it doesn't mean they couldn't or shouldn't make it better and I think towards the end I also pointed out that things like this would only be in your best interest unless of course you want to play an mmorpg geared towards grouping with a low population, I certainly wouldn't but hey that's just me.
but yeah, to call this game Fantastic is like calling Twilight the Godfather of vampire movies....
If one likes the game there is nothing wrong with subbing to it as is but still acknowledging the mistakes that are being made by the opinion of folks willing to try the game but unable to get into it.
Ok, so I can enjoy the game (I'm allowed- thank you), but I have to acknowledge that SE made mistakes in how they designed the game?
exactly.
is that so hard?
eve's PI sucks. I still like the game.
Is what so hard? Not wearing blinders?
but yeah, to call this game Fantastic is like calling Twilight the Godfather of vampire movies....
If one likes the game there is nothing wrong with subbing to it as is but still acknowledging the mistakes that are being made by the opinion of folks willing to try the game but unable to get into it.
Ok, so I can enjoy the game (I'm allowed- thank you), but I have to acknowledge that SE made mistakes in how they designed the game?
Hmm, interesting question. But are you allowed to enjoy the game despite of the SE's game design decisions, or are you allowed to enjoy the game even because of SE's game design decisions?
And will people that dislike the game in the same way acknowledge that some of these perceived flaws and design mistakes might actually be enjoyable and work out for some people, or is it just a one-way thing?
The ease with which predictions are made on these forums: Fratman: "I'm saying Spring 2012 at the earliest [for TOR release]. Anyone still clinging to 2011 is deluding themself at this point."
Ok, I expected it to be bad but not quite that bad.
Yeah, they even gave it a 4.0. And I don't know how much it would affect SE's reputation.
the thing is, can anyone argue the gamespot review? I am a casual fan of the series and bought FF a week ago (I made a forum post questioning the game awhile back so I'm not just trolling the game) I really REAALLY REAAAAALLY tried to like it to the point of almost forcing myself to play it, but the reviewer is right it just isn't FUN at the end of the day. Yea it gives you alot of options for classes, and it is undoubtedly the most beautiful mmo on the market, but there is zero fun to be had. I spent the first week of the game almost forcing myself to log in, and no i'm not part of the WoW generation, I grew up on MUDs and old school MMO's that were a pain in the ass, so the big pain mechanic isn't what's killing the game for me. At the end of the day we play games for fun, and some people may luv the game and I won't knock them for their opinion, but in my opinion I agree with gamespot 100%. They can patch alot of things, but fun isn't something they can patch into a broken game. They built their game without thinking about 'fun' and making everything such a gigantic pain in the rearend, not to get things done, but to figure out what you're supposed to do. It's like square expected every fan to own the strategy guide and know where quest A-Z is, but to me it isn't fun. Fun is the name of the game and FF isn't fun, I personally think Square-enix has lost its way for half a decade now with FFX being the last game that shows quality fun and reviews across the board, I personally thought FF13 was one of the worst written stories and games I have ever played. You shouldn't ever have to start a mandatory cutscene thinking "I hope half of these charecter's never speak because their so fuckin bad!" Square enix, a company who's ego and inability to change will cost them big time here.
If one likes the game there is nothing wrong with subbing to it as is but still acknowledging the mistakes that are being made by the opinion of folks willing to try the game but unable to get into it.
Ok, so I can enjoy the game (I'm allowed- thank you), but I have to acknowledge that SE made mistakes in how they designed the game?
No you don't have to do anything I don't remember saying you did. Just pointing out that just because you don't have a problem with a function like the account creator that it doesn't mean they couldn't or shouldn't make it better and I think towards the end I also pointed out that things like this would only be in your best interest unless of course you want to play an mmorpg geared towards grouping with a low population, I certainly wouldn't but hey that's just me.
I just found the 2 paragraphs spent in the review focused on account creation to be a bit odd. First of all, I had zero problems using it. But more importantly, I'm not sure how that belongs in a game review.
I'm really not worried about the population. In game and in my linkshell, I rarely encounter anything like frustration, anger or resentment towards the game, and that's all I see outside the game, but usually it's by people who don't play it anymore.
If you want me to acknowledge that some people don't like the game, well, that seems pretty obvious lol. I've never seen such a vitriolic reaction to a new AAA MMORPG in my life on message boards.
If one likes the game there is nothing wrong with subbing to it as is but still acknowledging the mistakes that are being made by the opinion of folks willing to try the game but unable to get into it.
Ok, so I can enjoy the game (I'm allowed- thank you), but I have to acknowledge that SE made mistakes in how they designed the game?
Hmm, interesting question. But are you allowed to enjoy the game despite of the SE's game design decisions, or are you allowed to enjoy the game even because of SE's game design decisions?
And will people that dislike the game in the same way acknowledge that some of these perceived flaws and design mistakes might actually be enjoyable and work out for some people, or is it just a one-way thing?
Just wondering
I think you're allowed to enjoy the game, but you have to acknowledge that it sucks.
If one likes the game there is nothing wrong with subbing to it as is but still acknowledging the mistakes that are being made by the opinion of folks willing to try the game but unable to get into it. Ok, so I can enjoy the game (I'm allowed- thank you), but I have to acknowledge that SE made mistakes in how they designed the game?
No you don't have to do anything I don't remember saying you did. Just pointing out that just because you don't have a problem with a function like the account creator that it doesn't mean they couldn't or shouldn't make it better and I think towards the end I also pointed out that things like this would only be in your best interest unless of course you want to play an mmorpg geared towards grouping with a low population, I certainly wouldn't but hey that's just me.
I just found the 2 paragraphs spent in the review focused on account creation to be a bit odd. First of all, I had zero problems using it. But more importantly, I'm not sure how that belongs in a game review. I'm really not worried about the population. In game and in my linkshell, I rarely encounter anything like frustration, anger or resentment towards the game, and that's all I see outside the game, but usually it's by people who don't play it anymore. If you want me to acknowledge that some people don't like the game, well, that seems pretty obvious lol. I've never seen such a vitriolic reaction to a new AAA MMORPG in my life on message boards.
Lies. You have seen it all in STO forums and even actively participated in it. Bad games have no defense and good games need no defense. Its pretty much true for both STO and FFXIV.
Also, acknowledging flaws of game doesn't mean it sucks. it means you are aware of shortcomings and you would help in improving game by providing feedback and make SE aware of those flaws. Unless, you think game is perfect in its current condition.
Heso o kamedomo oyobanu -- Don't cut off your nose to spite your face.
with FFX being the last game that shows quality fun and reviews across the board
Not completely true, you might personally find FFX better, but FFXII was actually the one that was received as one of the best in the FF series, and certainly not as one of the mediocre and lower quality numbers of the series.
The ease with which predictions are made on these forums: Fratman: "I'm saying Spring 2012 at the earliest [for TOR release]. Anyone still clinging to 2011 is deluding themself at this point."
If one likes the game there is nothing wrong with subbing to it as is but still acknowledging the mistakes that are being made by the opinion of folks willing to try the game but unable to get into it.
Ok, so I can enjoy the game (I'm allowed- thank you), but I have to acknowledge that SE made mistakes in how they designed the game?
Hmm, interesting question. But are you allowed to enjoy the game despite of the SE's game design decisions, or are you allowed to enjoy the game even because of SE's game design decisions?
And will people that dislike the game in the same way acknowledge that some of these perceived flaws and design mistakes might actually be enjoyable and work out for some people, or is it just a one-way thing?
Just wondering
I think you're allowed to enjoy the game, but you have to acknowledge that it sucks.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and game choice. FF has problems and is deserving of the low rating in my opinion, but if you are having fun with it who gives a rats ass what a review score says? Keep enjoying the game guys, hopefully SE keeps you fans happy with plenty of updates before the ps3 release.
The thing about FFIV is the same thing with FFXI (and most older MMOs). You have to be semi-masochistic to play. It's not a nice easy theme park like WoW or EQ2. You actually have to use your brain, plan things out, and execute. You just don't tab attack everything in sight. I love FFIV, the only problem I've had with it is in large groups of people the game lags some, but so does every other game. As for the menus, get a gamepad. I used a gamepad in FFXI, using one in FFIV, it makes things alot better.
If one likes the game there is nothing wrong with subbing to it as is but still acknowledging the mistakes that are being made by the opinion of folks willing to try the game but unable to get into it.
Ok, so I can enjoy the game (I'm allowed- thank you), but I have to acknowledge that SE made mistakes in how they designed the game?
Hmm, interesting question. But are you allowed to enjoy the game despite of the SE's game design decisions, or are you allowed to enjoy the game even because of SE's game design decisions?
And will people that dislike the game in the same way acknowledge that some of these perceived flaws and design mistakes might actually be enjoyable and work out for some people, or is it just a one-way thing?
Just wondering
I think you're allowed to enjoy the game, but you have to acknowledge that it sucks.
Weird stuff. i think you can't deny that the UI is clunky and hindering, atleast from a PC perspective. However, that fact stopping you from enjoying the game is rather relative.
There really is no good answer for that question, lol.
with FFX being the last game that shows quality fun and reviews across the board
Not completely true, you might personally find FFX better, but FFXII was actually the one that was received as one of the best in the FF series, and certainly not as one of the mediocre and lower quality numbers of the series.
Meh FF12 wasn't my favorite, but compared to 13 i'd play it for eternity. I think their best days were in the 90's and the company kinda just operates like it's out of touch with it's western fanbase now. 13 was an utter disaster with in game movie scenes that were written by 8 yrs olds, for 4 yr olds (IF I SEE ONE MORE FLASHBACK TO THE PORT CITY OF FLOSHAM... /sigh). FF needs to regain it's cutting edge on the market if it wants to really reclaim its throne. Right now, I don't see the company regaining it's former glory until it stumbles on it's face big time, they are just way too stuck in a rut and in an endless repetitive loop that grew old 10 yrs ago.
If one likes the game there is nothing wrong with subbing to it as is but still acknowledging the mistakes that are being made by the opinion of folks willing to try the game but unable to get into it.
Ok, so I can enjoy the game (I'm allowed- thank you), but I have to acknowledge that SE made mistakes in how they designed the game?
No you don't have to do anything I don't remember saying you did. Just pointing out that just because you don't have a problem with a function like the account creator that it doesn't mean they couldn't or shouldn't make it better and I think towards the end I also pointed out that things like this would only be in your best interest unless of course you want to play an mmorpg geared towards grouping with a low population, I certainly wouldn't but hey that's just me.
I just found the 2 paragraphs spent in the review focused on account creation to be a bit odd. First of all, I had zero problems using it. But more importantly, I'm not sure how that belongs in a game review.
I'm really not worried about the population. In game and in my linkshell, I rarely encounter anything like frustration, anger or resentment towards the game, and that's all I see outside the game, but usually it's by people who don't play it anymore.
If you want me to acknowledge that some people don't like the game, well, that seems pretty obvious lol. I've never seen such a vitriolic reaction to a new AAA MMORPG in my life on message boards.
Lies. You have seen it all in STO forums and even actively participated in it. Bad games have no defense and good games need no defense. Its pretty much true for both STO and FFXIV.
Also, acknowledging flaws of game doesn't mean it sucks. it means you are aware of shortcomings and you would help in improving game by providing feedback and make aware SE of those flaws.
But the only flaws I see are the UI lag and wonky party mechincs. I really like everything about how the game plays and the way it's set up.
I know I must sound like I'm from another planet compared to most people that post here, but that really is my opinion.
I constantly acknowledge that the game (quite obviously) isn't for everyone, but I also know for a fact that it's really great for at least one person (me).
As for STO, that game worked for some people. I personally thought it sucked, and expressed my opinion openly, but I always realized it was my opinion.
If one likes the game there is nothing wrong with subbing to it as is but still acknowledging the mistakes that are being made by the opinion of folks willing to try the game but unable to get into it.
Ok, so I can enjoy the game (I'm allowed- thank you), but I have to acknowledge that SE made mistakes in how they designed the game?
No you don't have to do anything I don't remember saying you did. Just pointing out that just because you don't have a problem with a function like the account creator that it doesn't mean they couldn't or shouldn't make it better and I think towards the end I also pointed out that things like this would only be in your best interest unless of course you want to play an mmorpg geared towards grouping with a low population, I certainly wouldn't but hey that's just me.
I just found the 2 paragraphs spent in the review focused on account creation to be a bit odd. First of all, I had zero problems using it. But more importantly, I'm not sure how that belongs in a game review.
I'm really not worried about the population. In game and in my linkshell, I rarely encounter anything like frustration, anger or resentment towards the game, and that's all I see outside the game, but usually it's by people who don't play it anymore.
If you want me to acknowledge that some people don't like the game, well, that seems pretty obvious lol. I've never seen such a vitriolic reaction to a new AAA MMORPG in my life on message boards.
Umm if I recall correctly you were here for the launch of STO and I was here for the launched of WAR,Vanguard and AOC so I've seen it before it's called a game launching and failing to meet the expectations of it's first market and that is not a good sign. If not even half the people who had an initial interest in your game don't continue to play it where and how does it grow?
I think it reasonable that he touched on the account creator because I have seen a few posts mention that they had problems with it, my friend you are a Vulcan Obama you are going to be infinitely more intelligent than we are and as such will be one of those who didn't have a problem with it.
Maybe it's just the connection I feel to the name Final Fantasy that makes me care but my only concern is I'd prefer to not see the game fail and as such have spent most of my posts hoping to get those who enjoy the game to see that the people who don't like it have some (not all) very reasonable complaints and maybe if you were all to lend a voice for those people these issues can be addressed and the game can be healthier for it.
This game isn't a month old and even then the people who complain rarely log in to do it they just stop logging in, and while it may not be a problem for you now I refer you to the message boards for the last FF mmo and the myriad of posts I read through the years where people just wish they had more folks to play with.
but yeah, to call this game Fantastic is like calling Twilight the Godfather of vampire movies....
I'm not sure why you seem to think my opinion matters or like I have some sort of pull with SE or something lol.
As for STO, the only thing the two games have in common was the initial reaction on the internet was very bad. One game I hated and the other one I love. One game I found simplistic, using a rehashed engine and stolen game mechanics, and the other I find beautiful, complex and inventive.
BTW, for the record, all of my trolling of the STO boards had zero influence on Cryptic changing the game, despite my best efforts.
Comments
But but... the game is just not for everybody! It is meant as a niche!
The site was hacked! (priceless)
Gamespot will have to do a rereview when they see everyone else with glowing reviews!
Well, I don't listen to reviews anyway!
Umm, there might be a miracle patch still!
Am I doing it right?
Wow, a 4. That is pretty extreme. I wonder what this guy would've given Eve Online.
The pace is slow and it takes a bit of time and work to get anything done (like Eve), and certainly not everyone is going to like it, but a 4? Really?
90% of the review is on the map (???), interface and what you encounter during day 1. He spends a full paragraph lambasting the account system (which I had zero problems figuring out. I mean seriously). He says stuff like the following like it's a bad thing:
This leads to hours upon hours of unstructured gameplay in which you grind, join others on their quests, and craft.
I like unstructured playtime. My favorite thing about the game is not being held by the hand from task to task and spending my time developing my character the way I want to develop it.
Not that there's anything wrong with wanting to relax and play through a game going from quest to quest, but that's been done to death, and it really seems more of a matter of opinion than deciding this is the 3rd worst MMORPG in history.
That's what happens when a game isn't fun and adds masochistic and tedious mechanics on top of it.
http://eu.blizzard.com/en-gb/company/press/pressreleases.html?101007
I cant describe how much ffxiv is a better game then WoW. FFXIV FOR LYFE.
I think the points are spot on.
I does read like someone overly frustrated with the experience (the tension is quite obvious lol).
I'd give FF14 at least a 6-7. I am enjoying it immensly but there is definitely a whole lot of issues holding it back (UI clunkiness to be the big one).
I still think its funny people are calling FF14 for the levequests. While they are meant to take the place of the "quests" you typically find in more recent MMOs, they also aren't wrapped up to be more than what they are (quick, digestable timesinks). I like this more than what we see in other MMOs because...
They're repeatable.
They provide you with "something to do".
There is a bit randomness and a bit of variety (while levequests rotate for each area, only certain ones become available).
Content wise, if you're just focused on leveling up and plowing through content, you may get bored as the more interesting "story" quests are spaced out to a degree - Note, these are actually interesting and meaty in narrative.
The game is very sandboxy - at least for my playstyle. Yesterday, I worked on some battle leves to finish off level 12 THA. Then I did some fishing leves and went fishing for specific materials I needed for recipes. I then used those mats to craft some items I then put on my retainer (which all had sold while I slept). In doing that, I did some crafting leves. All of these kept me occupied for 3-4 hours.
Today, if I login, my experience will be quite different. I want to travel to another city to gather some mats that I want to stock for my culinary profession. While I am there, I may do a variety of leves and what not. I may check out the fishing spots along the way.
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Anyway, the review its very spot on, but i think we all are doing wrong here, the game its just a very very bad MMO for the pc... but it will be the "best" ( lack competition ) MMO for the ps3 crowd, and i think that is what SE is aiming for, taking cash from the ps3 peeps, if this game were only released for pc then it will be doomed.
The thing is, I don't feel rushed. I have 4 jobs at level 10 or more (yes I know it's easy to get to 7 or so but it normalizes after that and takes about a day per rank level afterwards) and I'm enjoying logging in and crafting, gathering, grouping and leveling. I'm not sure where everyone's going, but I like the scenery and the people in game and in my linkshell are fun to be around.
It's more of a social experience for me. I've stopped rushing to level cap in mmorpgs awhile back because besides games like WoW or Darkfall, there's usually not much there and I end up quitting.
Maybe I'm conditioned from FFXI and can just hang out with people for hours without a whole lot of structure or leveling up, but my fondest memories from that game and really mmorpgs in general were the fun and funny things that happened in groups in FFXI where I spent 6 hours with total strangers accomplishing not all that much tangibly, but having fun doing it.
Prepare for a big fat rating down for this blasphemous post!
I find it odd that such a strong minded group of folks like mmorpg players tend to feel like because they are given a quest they are having their "hands held" by a game. I have never played a game where when given a quest I was forced to do it, compelled by the desire to know the outcome and gaining the reward for doing so may help nudge me in that direction but where is the hand holding and leading? Games rarely come off as "work" unless they just don't offer you the option, in this game it seems you are forced to grind for weeks on end with no other choice and that is fun to folks, while a game like LOTRO and yes WOW gives you quests to avoid the endless weeks of grind but we hate them for it, while applauding games that give you only that one option?
The irony is that a game like this holds your hand and forces you more than the traditional mmorpgs you guys throw under the bus because again I can engage in quests or I can mind numbingly grind and try to make my own way in the world as folks are so fond of saying on here but I have the choice.
The sad thing is this game is simply going to rehash the tired "sandbox" vs "themepark" argument all over again for no other reason than stubborness. If one likes the game there is nothing wrong with subbing to it as is but still acknowledging the mistakes that are being made by the opinion of folks willing to try the game but unable to get into it.
Just about every review has mentioned the UI is horrible and a great many folks who enjoy the game even agreed with this, I have seen quite a few complaints on how the subs work (with subbing then buying slots why in the hell would I need a sub to the game with no characters?), and lack of direction it stands to reason if you are going to have a bunch of cut scenes you would have a rich story as well and by all indications this game is lacking in quests and stories.
SE has taken a very archaic path in developing this game that shows why so many old school gamers like it and new school gamers don't, alot of the "design" decisions smack of old school SOE with various timesinks thrown into the game like only being able to level a certain class to a certain point, I'm not saying it's a good or bad idea but anyone who doesn't think that some suit is more concerned with the fact that this will keep people playing longer over how well rounded a player is is fooling themselves. And let's not even get on the fact that during an interview they are saying that the lack of information is on purpose (I wonder how many more hours total we can get out of folks if they just have no clue what they are doing).
Alot of the "design decisions" are parlor tricks that will keep this game a very niche game, adding questing and direction doesn't even seem like it would change the game too much from what those who like it think of it as, hopefully SE will see things like this too if not this game will be as lonely as the last FF mmo turned out to be for lot's who loved it.
but yeah, to call this game Fantastic is like calling Twilight the Godfather of vampire movies....
If one likes the game there is nothing wrong with subbing to it as is but still acknowledging the mistakes that are being made by the opinion of folks willing to try the game but unable to get into it.
Ok, so I can enjoy the game (I'm allowed- thank you), but I have to acknowledge that SE made mistakes in how they designed the game?
I don't see it as "Old School" vs. "New School". What I do see is most mmorpgs made in the past 5 years have been WoW clones. I liked WoW and played it for like a year, but I have no desire to play WoW again or a game just like WoW. I for one (and there are others- I mean you know many of the people that troll these forums that don't play the game gave it all zeros so somebody besides me must be enjoying the game).
I never said FFXIV is perfect, but I have fun every time I log in. Once they get the UI lag fixed and work out the kinks in party mechanics, this game will be exactly what I'm looking for in an MMORPG. You make it seem like I should apologize for that or something lol.
No you don't have to do anything I don't remember saying you did. Just pointing out that just because you don't have a problem with a function like the account creator that it doesn't mean they couldn't or shouldn't make it better and I think towards the end I also pointed out that things like this would only be in your best interest unless of course you want to play an mmorpg geared towards grouping with a low population, I certainly wouldn't but hey that's just me.
but yeah, to call this game Fantastic is like calling Twilight the Godfather of vampire movies....
Is what so hard? Not wearing blinders?
but yeah, to call this game Fantastic is like calling Twilight the Godfather of vampire movies....
Hmm, interesting question. But are you allowed to enjoy the game despite of the SE's game design decisions, or are you allowed to enjoy the game even because of SE's game design decisions?
And will people that dislike the game in the same way acknowledge that some of these perceived flaws and design mistakes might actually be enjoyable and work out for some people, or is it just a one-way thing?
Just wondering
The ACTUAL size of MMORPG worlds: a comparison list between MMO's
The ease with which predictions are made on these forums:
Fratman: "I'm saying Spring 2012 at the earliest [for TOR release]. Anyone still clinging to 2011 is deluding themself at this point."
the thing is, can anyone argue the gamespot review? I am a casual fan of the series and bought FF a week ago (I made a forum post questioning the game awhile back so I'm not just trolling the game) I really REAALLY REAAAAALLY tried to like it to the point of almost forcing myself to play it, but the reviewer is right it just isn't FUN at the end of the day. Yea it gives you alot of options for classes, and it is undoubtedly the most beautiful mmo on the market, but there is zero fun to be had. I spent the first week of the game almost forcing myself to log in, and no i'm not part of the WoW generation, I grew up on MUDs and old school MMO's that were a pain in the ass, so the big pain mechanic isn't what's killing the game for me. At the end of the day we play games for fun, and some people may luv the game and I won't knock them for their opinion, but in my opinion I agree with gamespot 100%. They can patch alot of things, but fun isn't something they can patch into a broken game. They built their game without thinking about 'fun' and making everything such a gigantic pain in the rearend, not to get things done, but to figure out what you're supposed to do. It's like square expected every fan to own the strategy guide and know where quest A-Z is, but to me it isn't fun. Fun is the name of the game and FF isn't fun, I personally think Square-enix has lost its way for half a decade now with FFX being the last game that shows quality fun and reviews across the board, I personally thought FF13 was one of the worst written stories and games I have ever played. You shouldn't ever have to start a mandatory cutscene thinking "I hope half of these charecter's never speak because their so fuckin bad!" Square enix, a company who's ego and inability to change will cost them big time here.
I just found the 2 paragraphs spent in the review focused on account creation to be a bit odd. First of all, I had zero problems using it. But more importantly, I'm not sure how that belongs in a game review.
I'm really not worried about the population. In game and in my linkshell, I rarely encounter anything like frustration, anger or resentment towards the game, and that's all I see outside the game, but usually it's by people who don't play it anymore.
If you want me to acknowledge that some people don't like the game, well, that seems pretty obvious lol. I've never seen such a vitriolic reaction to a new AAA MMORPG in my life on message boards.
I think you're allowed to enjoy the game, but you have to acknowledge that it sucks.
Lies. You have seen it all in STO forums and even actively participated in it. Bad games have no defense and good games need no defense. Its pretty much true for both STO and FFXIV.
Also, acknowledging flaws of game doesn't mean it sucks. it means you are aware of shortcomings and you would help in improving game by providing feedback and make SE aware of those flaws. Unless, you think game is perfect in its current condition.
Heso o kamedomo oyobanu -- Don't cut off your nose to spite your face.
Not completely true, you might personally find FFX better, but FFXII was actually the one that was received as one of the best in the FF series, and certainly not as one of the mediocre and lower quality numbers of the series.
The ACTUAL size of MMORPG worlds: a comparison list between MMO's
The ease with which predictions are made on these forums:
Fratman: "I'm saying Spring 2012 at the earliest [for TOR release]. Anyone still clinging to 2011 is deluding themself at this point."
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and game choice. FF has problems and is deserving of the low rating in my opinion, but if you are having fun with it who gives a rats ass what a review score says? Keep enjoying the game guys, hopefully SE keeps you fans happy with plenty of updates before the ps3 release.
The thing about FFIV is the same thing with FFXI (and most older MMOs). You have to be semi-masochistic to play. It's not a nice easy theme park like WoW or EQ2. You actually have to use your brain, plan things out, and execute. You just don't tab attack everything in sight. I love FFIV, the only problem I've had with it is in large groups of people the game lags some, but so does every other game. As for the menus, get a gamepad. I used a gamepad in FFXI, using one in FFIV, it makes things alot better.
Weird stuff. i think you can't deny that the UI is clunky and hindering, atleast from a PC perspective. However, that fact stopping you from enjoying the game is rather relative.
There really is no good answer for that question, lol.
Meh FF12 wasn't my favorite, but compared to 13 i'd play it for eternity. I think their best days were in the 90's and the company kinda just operates like it's out of touch with it's western fanbase now. 13 was an utter disaster with in game movie scenes that were written by 8 yrs olds, for 4 yr olds (IF I SEE ONE MORE FLASHBACK TO THE PORT CITY OF FLOSHAM... /sigh). FF needs to regain it's cutting edge on the market if it wants to really reclaim its throne. Right now, I don't see the company regaining it's former glory until it stumbles on it's face big time, they are just way too stuck in a rut and in an endless repetitive loop that grew old 10 yrs ago.
But the only flaws I see are the UI lag and wonky party mechincs. I really like everything about how the game plays and the way it's set up.
I know I must sound like I'm from another planet compared to most people that post here, but that really is my opinion.
I constantly acknowledge that the game (quite obviously) isn't for everyone, but I also know for a fact that it's really great for at least one person (me).
As for STO, that game worked for some people. I personally thought it sucked, and expressed my opinion openly, but I always realized it was my opinion.
Umm if I recall correctly you were here for the launch of STO and I was here for the launched of WAR,Vanguard and AOC so I've seen it before it's called a game launching and failing to meet the expectations of it's first market and that is not a good sign. If not even half the people who had an initial interest in your game don't continue to play it where and how does it grow?
I think it reasonable that he touched on the account creator because I have seen a few posts mention that they had problems with it, my friend you are a Vulcan Obama you are going to be infinitely more intelligent than we are and as such will be one of those who didn't have a problem with it.
Maybe it's just the connection I feel to the name Final Fantasy that makes me care but my only concern is I'd prefer to not see the game fail and as such have spent most of my posts hoping to get those who enjoy the game to see that the people who don't like it have some (not all) very reasonable complaints and maybe if you were all to lend a voice for those people these issues can be addressed and the game can be healthier for it.
This game isn't a month old and even then the people who complain rarely log in to do it they just stop logging in, and while it may not be a problem for you now I refer you to the message boards for the last FF mmo and the myriad of posts I read through the years where people just wish they had more folks to play with.
but yeah, to call this game Fantastic is like calling Twilight the Godfather of vampire movies....
I'm not sure why you seem to think my opinion matters or like I have some sort of pull with SE or something lol.
As for STO, the only thing the two games have in common was the initial reaction on the internet was very bad. One game I hated and the other one I love. One game I found simplistic, using a rehashed engine and stolen game mechanics, and the other I find beautiful, complex and inventive.
BTW, for the record, all of my trolling of the STO boards had zero influence on Cryptic changing the game, despite my best efforts.