Final Fantasy XI: Wings of the Goddess Whirlwind Tour

Stradden · May 2008

MMORPG.com Managing Editor Jon Wood recently sat down with the folks from Square Enix for a whirlwind tour of the newest Final Fantasy XI expansion, Wings of the Goddess. Today, he posts this report.

Last week, I had my very first opportunity to log into Square Enix’s Final Fantasy XI. For some reason this has been, for quite some time, on my list of games to try, but I’ve just never found the time before. Well, an invitation from the SE folks to participate in a small tour of the new Wings of the Goddess expansion was enough to finally get me to try it out.
First of all, to those of you who may have been in the same boat as I have, I would suggest that at some point you try this game out. Folks who are clamouring for an MMO that doesn’t resemble WoW in terms of the UI and the way that the game is played should certainly take a look.

Read more here.

Actually they're called Jobs!

Extremely fun game though and well worth taking a look if you have the patience to have a good time and don't rely on instant gratification like newer MMOs provide at every turn!

War_Eagle · May 2008

I WANT to like this game soooo much. I bought it and played it and could see a lot of cool things, but the pace was just too frustrating.

I like it better than WoW or DDO or whatever, but in those games I can jump on and play for an hour and do something. My schedule and commitments in life usually only allow me that much time at once to play. I wonder how people get so much time just to play games like this.

Katashi-kun · May 2008

Originally posted by War_Eagle

I wonder how people get so much time just to play games like this.

Don't have so many time consuming commitments in real life! Keep those to a minimum and ur all set!

War_Eagle · May 2008

Originally posted by Katashi-kun

Originally posted by War_Eagle

I wonder how people get so much time just to play games like this.

Don't have so many time consuming commitments in real life! Keep those to a minimum and ur all set!

I'm in school right now studying to be a veterinarian. As much reward and entertainment as I get from playing games, I just can't see setting aside my future like that. I probably spend 80% of my waking time studying, 10% in class, 9% doing things to take care of myself, and 1% getting to play games. I think most people are like that.

HawksQuest · May 2008

I have played FFXI since its inception. There are times when that's all I do and there are times where I don't log in for a week or so. In terms of time spent, yes . . . this game does require a commitment and yes, it is a slow-paced game. But for intrigue, graphical experience, real-time gratification, events, strategy, PvP play, etc. . . this game has it all. It is by far my favorite MMORPG ever made.

I am not one of the younger gamers either, I am a 52-year old female who is, at times, a hard-core gamer. I grew up with turn-based games, I had my own Atari system and even programmed my own games. For all of you who enjoy a challenge and good time, this game is well worth the small cost of $13.95/mo (USD). This includes one character . . . I have 5, which rounds out to $17.95/mo. I can't go to the movies for less than that, and I have more fun with this.

And yes, before I'm asked . . . I have an extremely healthy social real-life. Try the game out.

darkomen999 · May 2008

You do have to be committed in this game to get anywhere but it is well worth the effort. Although finding partys with certain jobs i.e. dark knight for example can be quite frustrating to say the least but all in all its a fun game

kitsunegirl · May 2008

That dancer profession sounds really cool... makes me want to sign back up and see if my friends are still playing. >.>

brostyn · May 2008

How long did you spend lfg?

WSIMike · May 2008

WoTG is an amazing expansion, IMO. I love the story... I love the premise... and I love how you get to see many key characters from the present in the past and what role they played in the events of the Crystal War. They're so well developed in the game already that there's actually a sense of nostalgia seeing them as they were 20 years earlier.

Just like in the original story, each of the three nations has its own storyline in WoTG, so for me having started as a Mithra (Impossible to gauge!) in Windurst seeing Perih Vashai (the Mithran Chieftaness and NPC who gives you the Ranger job quest) before she was blind and kicking ass against the Yagudo, or how Ajido Marujido was stirring up trouble even when he was much younger... it's all just so cool.

Of course, seeing how the areas looked 20 years ago - fortresses and walls before they were knocked down and so forth...

And the storyline... Wow. Brilliant.

Yeah... FFXI is a MMO that, by all accounts, is slower and even harder to get into as a new player (I still believe they would do well to create a more interactive new player experience, at least for the first 3-5 levels)... its brilliance lies in its long-term play. If someone ever tells you FFXI is nothing but a shallow level grind... they weren't really playing the game... they were stuck on their own self-imposed treadmill. FFXI is immense beyond description.

wrongfeifong · May 2008

FFXI is one of the kind, for those people who just barge into the forum and complain "XXX game give no challenge" or " i am bored of XXX" should really try this game.

FFXI itself is completely on another level compare with games that just trying to earn a quick satify for yourself. FFXI is all about long time achievement and success. Playing FFXI is like playing with life, you have to delicate time and know how to manage the time.

A successful player who is absolutely amazing in time managment and being productive can tell you, he can max out a single job level faster then someone hardcore gamer maxing out a WoW character.

FFXI is all about research, planning, taking the leader role and time managment, if you have those traits, it is easier to success.

The reward for this game is great oppose of those REAL time consuming games on the market. No games on the market can deliever you a story so amazing and tear breaking.

There is no other game on the market can give you the freedom of choice to what you can do or what you should do. The game itself is all about freedom, a job change system with no penalty, multiple Missions without time limits. Thousands of combination and strategies with endless possibilities.

Bosses doesn't "follow" a program pattern like WoW does, and monster roam freely according to their own wills.

What games really offer that ? seriously, FFXI is square enix's most master piece of master piece. But sadly, just like Arts, not every appreciate a master piece, while one man see it as gold, the other see it as trashs.

Beside, i don't see any games currently ever offer a 700 players seiges verus 700 monsters + a giant mega boss class monster every day for 2-3 times a day.

FFXI is truely a game can't be compare to any mmorpg even on the current market.

Wizardry · May 2008

Sticking to the topic of the wings expansion.I was not pleased with it all.At first the concept of past maps really intrigued me,but after i saw it all,it was a cop out.All they really did was use a simple formula to re use old game material.They added very little to each past map.If you notice most of the meshes added are re used in each past map[walls for example].

I also was not pleased with there decision on the two new jobs,i thought ok aanother healer is ok ,but most have treated dancer like a melee job rather than a healer.The game if adding a new mage needed to relive some of the RDM only XP spots.99% of all xp spots need a rdm for dispel,they should have fixed that ,but instewad added two new mages lol neither was needed.Everyone and i mean everyone realized we needed another form of a tank,perhaps they couldn't come up with any ideas so opted for 2 more mages[DNCR is a tp mage].

The few new mobs they added were also a weak effort as almost nobody ever fights them.

I hope in there next efforts they would find a new way to load there game information,because as of now everything is hacked.There is no effort in looking for new NM's or quest info,they simply hack the files[not really hack it's easier than that actually].

Even on my newer machine wich is pretty darn good,i get massive lag when there is a few too many mobs or players in campaign.Pings reach upward over 1k and on my older machine it's a total joke[lockup time 2500 pings].For a game that uses very low poly material,there should be smoother gameplay.I raise this concern only because after beseiged showed it's horrible lag flaws,i would have thought they learned something.Campaign can be near as laggy even when just 10 or so players whacking away at the fortification.I guess it's a price to pay ,since this game does make FAR better use of it's animations than just about all other games.There animations actually look realistic because they don't use 5-7 frames like cheap games out there.

All in all however i was not pleased with the wings expansion,IMO there was NOTHING in it the game needed.Players use campaign for the same reason they use beseiged,free XP,not because it's a good conecept ,and actually encourages solo play,to wich is against there design.

I think it shows the game is nearing an end as they didn't want to put out much effort on this latest expansion.They prolly have some unique ideas but are saving them for there next game.

WSIMike · May 2008

Originally posted by Wizardry

First, if you don't enjoy the expansion, that's fine. That's your own point-of-view and no one can take that away from you. However, some of your criticisms here I find to be either a bit on the ignorant side or otherwise questionable.

Sticking to the topic of the wings expansion.I was not pleased with it all.At first the concept of past maps really intrigued me,but after i saw it all,it was a cop out.All they really did was use a simple formula to re use old game material.They added very little to each past map.If you notice most of the meshes added are re used in each past map[walls for example].
All a cop-out? Re-used? Are you kidding me?
Every structure in Sauromugue Champaign is completely rebuilt; walls, fortresses, etc. Same in Batallia Downs. All of Garlaige Citadel has been cleaned up.. no more holes in the grounds, solid wooden walkways.
I didn't even recognize spots of Crawler's Nest when I went in there. I was in the present-day "sac room" for about 3 minutes before I realized what it was. Rolanberry fields has been cleaned and various spots of "local damage", like craters, and such pock-mark the area. Different plants are growing across each area and some new mobs are present.
There are entirely new zones added - such as the zone between Meriphataud Mts and W. Sarutabaruta (Fort something-or-other). That entire "in-between" realm where you first encounter Cait Sith is all new. Windurst Waters has a very different look with entire structures that are not in the present.
I could go on and on with the differences, both subtle and substantial - and I'd likely still forget a bunch. That doesn't even include what's been added in patches since the expansion was released. Point is... you are far from accurate in your assessment.

I don't know what you expected of the areas that exist in the present to feel so "let down" by it? You expect Sauromugue Champaign, Ronfaure, Sarutabaruta and so forth to be completely re-designed with entirely new geography... just for the sake of being different? It wouldn't happen.
I also was not pleased with there decision on the two new jobs,i thought ok aanother healer is ok ,but most have treated dancer like a melee job rather than a healer.The game if adding a new mage needed to relive some of the RDM only XP spots.99% of all xp spots need a rdm for dispel,they should have fixed that ,but instewad added two new mages lol neither was needed.Everyone and i mean everyone realized we needed another form of a tank,perhaps they couldn't come up with any ideas so opted for 2 more mages[DNCR is a tp mage].
Well, first you're trying to apply an absolute role definition to Dancer... which is common in FFXI and results in a lot of the misconceptions people develop about certain classes and people having this strict "template"'mentality to many jobs. They assume "job X is specifically for Y role. Since job Z does that role better than job X, job X is useless". Simply not true. I've seen DNCs act as DD's, as buffers/debuffers and as healers. They perform as necessary under the circumstances.
In other words... if it's beneficial to play DNC as a healer... you can. If you want to treat DNC as melee (which is kinda necessary seeing as how their moves are TP powered) then you can. If you want to use them as a buffer, de-buffer, great. They can do a variety of things.
As far as 99% of the areas "needing" RDM for dispel... They don't "need" it. Players discovered the usefulness of it and so the *players* determine that it's mandatory. You can get by in those areas without a RDM. Every area I've leveled through has been in parties both with and without RDM... as long as the party members knew what they were doing and were on the ball, we did fine every time.
The few new mobs they added were also a weak effort as almost nobody ever fights them.
Players don't use many of the areas that have been in the game since launch... but they're there nonetheless.. How does a player choosing not to use content make it "weak". That makes no sense.
And anyway, I've been in several xp parties in the WoTG zones, xp'ing on those "weak effort" mobs... so people absolutely do xp on them. Because you or others you know don't or haven't doesn't mean no one else does.
I hope in there next efforts they would find a new way to load there game information,because as of now everything is hacked.There is no effort in looking for new NM's or quest info,they simply hack the files[not really hack it's easier than that actually].
If you say so... Maybe you should go to SE and "show them how it's done" since they can only "hack" it.
Even on my newer machine wich is pretty darn good,i get massive lag when there is a few too many mobs or players in campaign.Pings reach upward over 1k and on my older machine it's a total joke[lockup time 2500 pings].For a game that uses very low poly material,there should be smoother gameplay.I raise this concern only because after beseiged showed it's horrible lag flaws,i would have thought they learned something.Campaign can be near as laggy even when just 10 or so players whacking away at the fortification.I guess it's a price to pay ,since this game does make FAR better use of it's animations than just about all other games.There animations actually look realistic because they don't use 5-7 frames like cheap games out there.
I've been in huge campaign battles... easily 20+ mobs attacking and at least 30+ players all around the area - in Rolanberry S or in Jugner S, for example - and while it does get choppy at times, it's not a constant thing and it's still quite playable. But again, I don't know what your machine config is like, so I can't say. All I know is I've never felt it was unplayable, even at its most crowded.
All in all however i was not pleased with the wings expansion,IMO there was NOTHING in it the game needed.Players use campaign for the same reason they use beseiged,free XP,not because it's a good conecept ,and actually encourages solo play,to wich is against there design.
Well, for those who think they're going to level up to 75 doing campaign... they're in for a rude awakening when they realize their skills are way under-powered, since you don't skill-up in Campaign. Sure you can go out there, not tag-up and kill the mobs... just don't die. Campaign is great for xp... but it's not intended to replace normal xp parties, or even Besieged.
I think it shows the game is nearing an end as they didn't want to put out much effort on this latest expansion.They prolly have some unique ideas but are saving them for there next game.
People said this after CoP, they said it after ToAU and now they're saying it after WoTG. Guaranteed they'll be saying it after the next expansion.

So many people have this conceit and think their own opinion of it is somehow a gauge of how well the game or its developer is doing. "I don't like it, so obviously the game is near its end and the company has given up on it".

FFXI is a very profitable game for SE and I'm quite sure they aren't done with it yet...

wrongfeifong · May 2008

WSImike is my hero.

SE does make more money on FFXI then any other games they release in reality. If you think clearly, let's say their best sellers was still FFVI with 9.5 millions copies sold worldwide according some source.

Unlike blizzard, SE is more a 1 character one account basis so, having 800k players means having 800 subscriptions. If each pay roughly 14$ USD per month which come out to so 188$ per years for a single user. It is roughly 150 millions dollar per year of income just subscription alone.

Now you have to count that 800k copies are sold... i am not even counting players that brought it and quit. With 800k X ( 50 USD + (39 US X3 ) ) roughly 133 millions here.

Now adding together the 5 years of FFXI (its almost 6 but japanese release 1 year ahead), so roughly 888 millions incomes so far.

FFVI with 9.5 millions copy worldwide only made 475 millions assuming the average prices is 50$.

This is all just an estimated.. assuming the costs are not accounted for yet. But you can even when FFXI's cost is 50% of its income, it would come close or even beat FFVI which is their most sold works.

FFXI might be the most profitable game in their company history, that is why SE only focus on making MMO instead of consoles.

WSIMike · May 2008

Originally posted by wrongfeifong

WSImike is my hero.
SE does make more money on FFXI then any other games they release in reality. If you think clearly, let's say their best sellers was still FFVI with 9.5 millions copies sold worldwide according some source.
Unlike blizzard, SE is more a 1 character one account basis so, having 800k players means having 800 subscriptions. If each pay roughly 14$ USD per month which come out to so 188$ per years for a single user. It is roughly 150 millions dollar per year of income just subscription alone.
Now you have to count that 800k copies are sold... i am not even counting players that brought it and quit. With 800k X ( 50 USD + (39 US X3 ) ) roughly 133 millions here.
Now adding together the 5 years of FFXI (its almost 6 but japanese release 1 year ahead), so roughly 888 millions incomes so far.
FFVI with 9.5 millions copy worldwide only made 475 millions assuming the average prices is 50$.
This is all just an estimated.. assuming the costs are not accounted for yet. But you can even when FFXI's cost is 50% of its income, it would come close or even beat FFVI which is their most sold works.

FFXI might be the most profitable game in their company history, that is why SE only focus on making MMO instead of consoles.

lol! Well thank you Wrongfei... not sure I'm deserving of a "hero" status though . I just call it as I see it. Flattered nonetheless.

SE has reported ~500k subscribers consistently for the past few years at least... Despite all the big name titles coming out - including WoW - FFXI's sub numbers have barely budged. I think it's attributable to the fact that FFXI is such a different MMO from most all of what's out there (increasingly so as MMOs become more and more about a faster pace, become more soloable and have more focus on end-game) that the people who are playing FFXI do so specifically *because* of how it's set up. It's different enough in its setup that there really is no direct competitor to FFXI out there for someone looking for its style of play.

It's a niche MMO, sure... but it has a very loyal and dedicated player base, by and large, who simply are happy with the game and don't want to play anything else. You don't find many MMO-hoppers in FFXI, or those "waiting for the next big thing", and I think that's a big reason behind its steady sub numbers over the course of some years now.

That said... though FFXI does have the setup where all you really need is one character for your *main* gameplay, many do have alts, or "mules" for backup storage, access to items in different nations or the ability to do different crafts.

All said, even with only the single character, 500k accounts still comes out to $6.5 million, or 78 million per year on sub fees alone; not including new box sales. That's a lot of money and I know it's been noted that FFXI is one of SE's main cash-cows. So... as long as people are playing and paying and showing interest... SE will continue to support the game.

Bane82 · May 2008

Having played FFXI for a while (I haven't logged back since the expansion before WoTG) yes I will say that honestly, no MMO out there can compare to FFXI, heck, even LOTRO's instanced story events is just another form of FFXI's story telling events. (in other words, FFXI came up with it first.) and while it had great story telling, after a while, I honestly couldn't handle it. Maybe it was my server (I was in Ifrit) but after a while, something happened and I was having a hard time finding groups committed to do the story quests. Most groups didn't even want to hear "lets do holla" -I think that's what it was called) because they required a lot of time and actual strategy to beat the bosses there, and it didn't stop there, I always seemed to have a problem getting groups to do any other major story arc quests because most of the groups I found only wanted to grind, grind, grind. Which was a real shame. Don't even get me started on RMT farmers and how they completely ruined the economy in that game.

Yes, FFXI is indeed and excellent game, it is in fact completely different from a lot of the WoW copy cats out there right now. But to be honestly, I just wish it had turned a little bit more friendly towards casual friendly players who, like myself, after college, we no longer have the same amount of time to play as we used to.

On a side note, I always loved their spin on the season festivals (spring festival, halloween, X-mas etc. etc.) as well. Sadly, the only thing I remember actually having is the bamboo sword that's just for show heh. oh well.

Edit to add: I do kinda miss that you can't swim, jump, fly or climb like in WoW or EQ (yes, you can climb walls in EQ2) which I think can take away from the immersion factor. My personal opinion anyway. If SE does end up making another MMO, I hope they do end up finding a way to add these things that, even though they are minute details, they just add a little more to the world. They could definetely increase their animated emotes as well. If they do this, and make the game a little more casual friendly for those of us that have to work long hours ofr a living. I'll be more than happy to return or buy their new MMO

WSIMike · May 2008

Originally posted by Bane82

Having played FFXI for a while (I haven't logged back since the expansion before WoTG) yes I will say that honestly, no MMO out there can compare to FFXI, heck, even LOTRO's instanced story events is just another form of FFXI's story telling events. (in other words, FFXI came up with it first.) and while it had great story telling, after a while, I honestly couldn't handle it. Maybe it was my server (I was in Ifrit) but after a while, something happened and I was having a hard time finding groups committed to do the story quests. Most groups didn't even want to hear "lets do holla" -I think that's what it was called) because they required a lot of time and actual strategy to beat the bosses there, and it didn't stop there, I always seemed to have a problem getting groups to do any other major story arc quests because most of the groups I found only wanted to grind, grind, grind. Which was a real shame.
Despite how much I love FFXI and consider it my favorite MMO, hands-down, *that* is what drives me to take breaks every couple months... sheer aggravation at the amount of greed, impatience and opportunistic attitudes by so many players.
If they already have a mission, or Promy or anything done, and there's nothing in it for them, many can't be bothered to help someone else complete it - even though they were helped themselves. Now... not everyone is like this, thankfully. I have some friends who are consistently eager to help when they can. But they are few and far between.
People are both FFXI's strength because of the community they comprise... and its weakness because of the self-centered, impatient and greedy attitude of so many of them. As such behavior is a major pet-peeve of mine in people overall, it really grates on my nerves after a while and I need to get it out of my system. After a time, I miss the game and go back with a fresh perspective.
Seems there are three ways I've seen people get things done the most reliably...

A. Join or form a static party who sticks together and completes everything as a group

B. Shout for a group in Jeuno or Whitegate and hope you get a decent enough PUG to get through at least a couple missions.

C. Have good enough standing in a LS, or be part of a clique within it that will help get things done.
FFXI is designed around a sense of comraderie and fellowship that is simply not present in much of FFXI's population - at least not the NA portion of it, where the predominant mantra seems to be "Me, me, me"

Don't even get me started on RMT farmers and how they completely ruined the economy in that game.
Actually, the RMT has come *wayyy* under control. The economy is lower now than it's been in years - at least since the NA PC release when I started. Prices are incredibly low now. SE's been kicking ass on the RMT front.
Yes, FFXI is indeed and excellent game, it is in fact completely different from a lot of the WoW copy cats out there right now. But to be honestly, I just wish it had turned a little bit more friendly towards casual friendly players who, like myself, after college, we no longer have the same amount of time to play as we used to.
That's the point where, I think, one needs to adjust their expectations if they want to continue playing. Good friend of mine used to play constantly... 'til he got married. He then had to cut back considerably. He now has a wife, a child and a full-time job... but still finds time to play and get things done. He led a static group through all of CoP, up to and including Apocalypse Nigh.
So.. it *is* do-able to succeed in FFXI with a busy schedule. Just have to realize it's going to take longer to get things done.
On a side note, I always loved their spin on the season festivals (spring festival, halloween, X-mas etc. etc.) as well. Sadly, the only thing I remember actually having is the bamboo sword that's just for show heh. oh well.
Heheh yeah, they do a great job with the holidays. One of my favorites was some time back where you had to team up with someone of another race/sex and you'd each be teleported into some high level area, with your level reduced to 1 and stripped of all gear. You each had to find a goal point (one of those ?) and then meet up. You were given a perma Sneak/Invis/Deodorize for the duration so you could avoid aggro. I remember two in particular that I went through... Ifrit's Cauldron and Den of Rancor... both *such* fun places even at high levels lol.

Wizardry · May 2008

YEs there re used maps were a cop out and a very cheap way to add new content.Adding a few new meshes[structures] that are re used over several of the maps btw and covering a few holes in the floor with a 1 unit thick texture do NOT justify as being pay worthy content.Adding a few spotty mobs that are not used is again nothing to call content.Blocking off sections of maps like the access to jueno for one shows they didn't even re work the maps,just put a gate there lol.Why would there be a gate there if nothing is on the other side?..lol.cheap effort like i said.They could have blocked that area with say a mountain because perhaps in the past there was no jueno,but plopping down a re used structure[mesh]takes like 10 seconds and is much faster.

RDM IS needed for MANY XP mobs because fact is fact ,stoneskin/defence up abilties slow down your progress and can completely nullify a weapon skill,not to mention hitting for 0/0/0/0/0/0 is a waste of time.So YES we could have used another job/role to aleviate it.I stand by waht i said DNCR and scholar were two jobs the game did NOT need.If they wanted DNCR to be a tank they wouldn't wait untill level 20 to give them there first weak version provoke/flourish/hate tool.As a melee it's stats/weapon ratings do not lend it as a very good melee either.The game needed another tank job and another dispel job and didn't have to be a mage.

Yes lag is real and for those, who may be many still playing on there original PC's from when the game first came out,it's horrible lag.My original PC hits over 2k pings in campaign,beseiged is outa the question and even my stronger new PC hits over 1k pings[300 is considered playable lag].

You can say whatever about not getting skill ups in campaign,but it's still a fact players are using it SOLELY for Free Xp/merits NO other reason.90% in every campaign you will see players standing beside the allied tag giver just casting barspells over and over,not even playing the campaign.It is also like i said encouraging solo play.I also know a few players who took dancr from 50-75 solely in campaign.Reason is becauase many are using DNCR solely as a sub job for it's TP healing[never need to rest mp]and for its sneak invis.You don't need to raise any skills to do that with DNCR as a sub job.They don't even need there weapon skills up because the majority of players in game already have most weapons skilled up.

As far as people saying the game is dead before ,I was NOT one of them.I only bring it up because ,like i said this expansion was a VERY weak effort and i am a FFXI fan and have been playing since day 1.I have grown to expect a certain effort from SQUAre to wich i have seen even in TOAU,but NOT in WINGS.

IMO this WOTG should have been a freebie effort,because IMO it SHOULD have taken VERY little effort to complete.It should have been given just to keep there loyal paying customers happy with something,but like i said IMO it wasn't pay worthy content.I will admit the DNCR ands scholar took some thinking to design but we didn't need either job.You do realize they didn't even have AF gear for the two jobs until later.I got the gut feeling especially from DNCR that the devs who also play the game were designing it to be a sub job for there personal flavour.,not because they felt the game needed a DNCR type class.If they truly had there heart and sole set into a 75 DNCR for all,they would have at minimum had the AF gear setup .

WSIMike · May 2008

Originally posted by Wizardry

YEs there re used maps were a cop out and a very cheap way to add new content.Adding a few new meshes[structures] that are re used over several of the maps btw and covering a few holes in the floor with a 1 unit thick texture do NOT justify as being pay worthy content.
Okay... first, as someone who is a 3D enthusiast and tinkers around with it, I can tell you what they did in Garlaige alone is considerably more than a "1 unit thick texture". Please do not opine on things you clearly know very little about; stick to what you know.

They did *not* merely revamp a few existing areas... They revised and reworked *several* areas... And not just re-using assets. *Look more closely* at the areas.. there are all kinds of differences - small and large.
They've created and added entire new areas. They've created entire new mobs. They've created entire new gameplay systems, they've added a *ton* of new things to the game in WoTG.
I mean, anyone who's spent any time in the WoTG areas will know as soon as they read your post that you are completely 110% wrong. "They only changed a few things". Who are you trying to kid?
It's very obvious.. you don't like the expansion. That's fine. You're entitled to your opinion. But to blatantly exaggerate and selectively ignore all but a few bits of content, and then level a scathing review based on it, as though those that represents the entire expansion... and further, to think those of us who also play won't call BS on it? Come on.

The only thing you say that can be verified is no you can't go into Jeuno yet... You can't go into Windurst Woods yet, either.... Or N. Sandy, and many other places.

And?

This might burst your bubble, but it's not a problem simply because you say it is. SE is expanding the storyline/areas based on *their* goals for it... not your personal quips. Or in other words - because you think it should be there doesn't mean it's a flaw that it isn't. Get over yourself.

Beyond that... What do you expect them to do with the areas they renewed, like Sauromugue or Batallia? Yes... the walls and buildings being intact would be the only notable difference because those are *man-made structures*... they can be readily destroyed. The environment - the terrain and such... can be slightly altered, as per small bomb craters... but by and large it's going to be the same area. What are you expecting... the entire geography to be completely different?
I don't often call people out this bluntly, but you are talking completely out your rear on this entire thing, you are blatantly misrepresenting things that are readily proven wrong, and you are flat, dead wrong from the word go.
Adding a few spotty mobs that are not used is again nothing to call content.
Once again... If mobs aren't used - in *any* area of the game, not just the WoTG areas, it's because the *players* choose not to use them. And once again, I and others I know have been in XP parties in those areas leveling on them. Just because *you* haven't doesn't mean no one else has. Comprende?

Blocking off sections of maps like the access to jueno for one shows they didn't even re work the maps,just put a gate there lol. Why would there be a gate there if nothing is on the other side?
Because there's no reason in the story for the player to go into Jeuno in the past yet. Seems like common sense to me.

You're beginning to grasp at straws here.
..lol.cheap effort like i said.They could have blocked that area with say a mountain because perhaps in the past there was no jueno,but plopping down a re used structure[mesh]takes like 10 seconds and is much faster.

Yep... definitely grasping at straws.
Okay... how about reading the lore and catching up on your Vana'diel History a bit before coming into forums and making ridiculous statements like that past paragraph.
Jeuno was *there* already during the Crystal War. That's why there's a gate, and not a mountain.

Why you can't get in to Jeuno is readily explained, right in one of the early cut-scenes... As I remember it, civilian entrance to Jeuno is not allowed and is for military only... You have no business in Jeuno, per the storyline. *That's* why you can't get in. It's not just some arbitrary decision... it actually follows the storyline.

Beyond that, you *do* realize they are adding new areas as they expand the story right?
How about putting more of that energy you're using to complain about what isn't there into paying more attention to what is?

RDM IS needed for MANY XP mobs because fact is fact ,stoneskin/defence up abilties slow down your progress and can completely nullify a weapon skill,not to mention hitting for 0/0/0/0/0/0 is a waste of time.So YES we could have used another job/role to aleviate it.I stand by waht i said DNCR and scholar were two jobs the game did NOT need.If they wanted DNCR to be a tank they wouldn't wait untill level 20 to give them there first weak version provoke/flourish/hate tool.As a melee it's stats/weapon ratings do not lend it as a very good melee either.The game needed another tank job and another dispel job and didn't have to be a mage.
In my experience, if we didn't have a RDM in the party that could dispel mobs' self-buffs, or a class that could still do damage, we didn't fight those types of mobs. It's called picking targets ideal for the party setup. Kind of common sense. Perhaps you just haven't been so fortunate.

Yes lag is real and for those, who may be many still playing on there original PC's from when the game first came out,it's horrible lag.My original PC hits over 2k pings in campaign,beseiged is outa the question and even my stronger new PC hits over 1k pings[300 is considered playable lag].
Again... it's a problem for you. It's a problem for some others. It's not a problem for everyone.
You can say whatever about not getting skill ups in campaign,but it's still a fact players are using it SOLELY for Free Xp/merits NO other reason.90% in every campaign you will see players standing beside the allied tag giver just casting barspells over and over,not even playing the campaign.
And that's their choice. If they want to spend more of their time partying or meriting in Campaign, that's their right. They pay their monthly sub just like you do. They're not obligated to play the game the way you think they should. As for those who just stand next to the NPC and cast buffs... -shrug- I see that too... but I see plenty more out in the thick of battle getting involved.
Despite that.. I've still been able to get parties at those levels with no more trouble than before Campaign was added - because people who can't yet earn Merits still need normal parties to get their skills up. And.. I've still known of plenty of people to form merit parties and do it "the old fashioned way". Many people don't even *like* Campaign and avoid it.

You're damning an entire system based on how a relative handful of people choose to spend their time because it's not what you want them to do.
It is also like i said encouraging solo play.I also know a few players who took dancr from 50-75 solely in campaign.Reason is becauase many are using DNCR solely as a sub job for it's TP healing[never need to rest mp]and for its sneak invis.
Again... their subscription... Their business. You don't like the way they play DNC.. don't invite them to your parties.
Seems to me your ultimate problem is that people don't play the way you think they should. Frankly, sucks to be you. If it bothers you that much... *don't go into Campaign*.

As far as people saying the game is dead before ,I was NOT one of them.I only bring it up because ,like i said this expansion was a VERY weak effort and i am a FFXI fan and have been playing since day 1.I have grown to expect a certain effort from SQUAre to wich i have seen even in TOAU,but NOT in WINGS.
First of all.. I was not speaking directly about you.. I was speaking in general... That after every expansion there are people insisting that the game is dying. You just happened to be one of them this time around. It's still your opinion and, I'm quite confident in saying, there will be other people saying it after the next expansion.
Again, you are demonstrating exactly what I said... That conceit some people have that because an expansion doesn't please them personally - even while it pleases many others - it means the devs have dropped the ball.
Like I've said to others with that kind of outlook... Get over yourself. The game doesn't revolve around you and your expectations.
IMO this WOTG should have been a freebie effort,because IMO it SHOULD have taken VERY little effort to complete.It should have been given just to keep there loyal paying customers happy with something,but like i said IMO it wasn't pay worthy content.I will admit the DNCR ands scholar took some thinking to design but we didn't need either job.You do realize they didn't even have AF gear for the two jobs until later.I got the gut feeling especially from DNCR that the devs who also play the game were designing it to be a sub job for there personal flavour.,not because they felt the game needed a DNCR type class.If they truly had there heart and sole set into a 75 DNCR for all,they would have at minimum had the AF gear setup .
All opinion or baseless supposition. In other words.. Blah Blah Blah. In short, you sound like every other person who's ever complained about any expansion in any other MMO when it wasn't specifically what they wanted.

wrongfeifong · May 2008

One thing i like to stress alot is that,

Some of us are not playing games that is "GIVEN" or "Handed it to us"

SE respected that, seriously Blizzard is JUST another company that want your pocket money, while Square Enix might also aim for your money but most of their works is Truely a masterpiece that trying to deliver something.

FFXI followed the long serie of final fantasy, and it have many rights to carry the brand "final fantasy"

FF series was always trying to deliver a theme of "the world is corrupted and near destruction, and a PARTY of heros arises to save it". This has and still the core of all Final fantasy.

FFXI respected that and follows it, every expansion is about something trying to destroy the world or the empire. Every expansion consist of parties of HEROS and your own party to rescue it.

FFXI is hard, but which FF in the serie isn't at least hard? Square Enix respect the players by not giving the game to them but make them work hard for it. That is also the "JAPANESE" way of life.

Just because many lazy North American and European like things given to them doesn't mean everyone is. And you can see that in many Asian MMORPG, they don't LIKE things given to them... no "rest XP" or no "free travel to everywhere in 1 sec".

I respect the developpers at square Enix not only their works are always high standards, but also they respects the true gamers who works for what they get. These bold people doesn't care about what you guys want, all they care is what they "WANT" to deliever.

I really hate the blizzard developpers because they enjoy listen to what players want and give whatever to the publics demands, while lacks the true quality of a game developper and story writer.

Its like you tell the author of a book to publish a book base on what everyone want in it instead of a work all base on his own idea and imagination. It doesn't work that way, not in asia.

Ozmodan · May 2008

Let's face it, you have to have NO LIFE to play this game. Seriously those recommending it need to reexamine their priorities.

This game is a solid no play for anyone with any kind sanity.

WSIMike · May 2008

Originally posted by Ozmodan

Let's face it, you have to have NO LIFE to play this game. Seriously those recommending it need to reexamine their priorities.
This game is a solid no play for anyone with any kind sanity.

Another person who assumes because they're unable to prioritize their time, everyone else must be as well?

Personal RL friend of mine.. Married, with a child and holds a full-time job. Plays, at most, a few nights a week for a few hours each time, only after his child and wife have gone to bed. He plays sometimes a little more on the weekends when nothing else is going on and time allows. He has done this since he started playing the day after FFXI came out in the US on PC over 4 years ago. He has 3 level 75 jobs, has completed all storylines except WoTG and is doing quite a bit of the end-game content.

He's only one example.

You absolutely can have a life and play this game - if you set your expectations realistically and use your time wisely.

Perhaps *you* wouldn't be able to have a life and still play FFXI... please do not assume others suffer the same problem.

wrongfeifong · May 2008

Originally posted by Ozmodan

Let's face it, you have to have NO LIFE to play this game. Seriously those recommending it need to reexamine their priorities.
This game is a solid no play for anyone with any kind sanity.

Let's face it, you have NO LIFE trolling on this board anyway, Seruoisly, you are one of those people who spend 5 hour a day going into a gaming board giving out negative comments and reading games news.

Having a 5 start hardcore membership that posted 600+ post within 1 year can tell us that you spend a lot of time on these boards. I don't want to hear someone have NO LIFE tell someone else they have NO LIFE.

Someone like you can spend that time into playing a game, while someone might spend time on doing something more productive. You can also say that to those people who watch TV 3 hour a day after coming back home from work have NO LIFE, i am sure that is what your parent did as they bring you up and i see they succeed bringing you up to that age of yours, So does watching TV for 3 hour and while playing a game for 3 hour each day is NO LIFE? What is the differences?

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