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Bad first impressions...
Rallycart
Member UncommonPosts: 717
Now, before you read any further, please note that I have not even managed to play the game yet. this is my experience just trying to GET the game...
Anyway, I finally decided to give FFX! a try, and I heard that there was a 14 day trial. So, I went to their official website, and clicked the trial link. It took me straight to a Fileplanet download, and supplied me with no cd key or anything like that. I figured, ok, maybe it is in the download, or is done some other way. I download the 2gb trial that was linked to me, and start to install it. First off, for a 2gb game, this thing takes ages to install. Like, longer than AoC, which is 27 gigs.
Anyway, the game is installed, so I decied to load it up. I get to some Playonline thing, and start filling out all my information when it asks me for a cdkey... Odd... i didn't get one. So, i search around on the site, and then back to Fileplanet where I downloaded it from... nothing. So, I google "Final fantasy XI free trial", and after looking through a few links, find out that I need to get the cdkey from Playonline.com. Quite strange... Why was this not listed anywhere? And why didnt the official link provide me with this information, or at least a link? Oh well, forget it, lets start playing!
So, I put in my key, fill out even MORE information, do their survey, take screenshots of the username that THEY supply, since you cant choose your own, and then get to the FFXI top page. I click the "PLAY" button, and it comes up with a patcher. I think to myself, oh well, I will hit the bathroom, and it will be done when I get back. Boy was I wrong... i get back to an 8+ hour patch time, with over NINETEEN THOUSAND files to go... WTF.... What exactly was the point of downloading the small 2gig client? What is the point of even HAVING a trial client? It appears that I will need the full damn thing anyway! Yay for 8 more hours of waiting... Who knows what pain in the ass will be next...
If MMOs were not in such bad shape right now, I would have said screw this, but unfortunatly, I am actually desperate enough to wait for it anyway. I am sure the game is good, but CHRIST what a bad first impression... I feel bad for anyone that does not have English as their first language, or who is young...
Comments
And now you better start preparing your self to learn the controls. Center mouse button for menu. It will help you a lot.
Can't those be rebound though? And how are the controls? Are they responsive, and feel natural? Or are they clunky? I had high hopes for City of Heroes, but the controls were TERRIBLE. I also typically move by holding the left and right mouse keys when I am moving a short distance, and CoH was constantly locking me into running...
Ok... I see what you meant now... These controls are by far the worst I have ever had in any MMO. It feels like I am playing a playstation game on my PC with an Emulator. It is painfully obvious that the game was made with a controller in mind, and not a keyboard and mouse. Even worse, I have a fully programmable mouse, so my scroll wheel is not exactly set up for what the game wants. And walking with 8462? With the arrows for some other wierd camera movement or something? Good lord... I actually had to Ctrl Alt Del to even get out of the game, because GOD only knows how you are supposed to know that the - key is for the main menu...
Oh well, good luck to new people trying it out, and god bless to those that actually play it. Not my cup of tea just from the controls alone.
I do have to agree, the default key settings are atrocious. Simple remedy is to buy usb GamePad for the PC ( i prefer the one that resembles the PS1 controllers). Once you have this setup the controls are nothing. (If anyone needs help setting up the controls please let me know and I will be glad to assist you)
The controls are really easy to master...
- <-- thats a minus sign, it brings up the menu
+ <-- Thats a plus sign its right next to the minus key, it expands the chat log, then if you hit the enter key RIGHT below it you can make the chat log FULL SCREEN!!
8462 <-- These are movement keys, you can move y our character as if it were ASWD <--
7 <--- This is your auto run key, simply tap it while running forward and.. PRESTO!
* <--- This is the "lock on" key, if your ever wanting to lock onto a target or if you find yourself locked on to something you don't want to be, try hitting this. ALSO if your not targeting anything your character will rest to regain hit points and MP if you hit this button.
0 <--- This key tabs through targets! its right next to where your thumb should be.
You can do everything you need to do with JUST YOUR RIGHT HAND!!!
Oh how I love FFXI controls, I wish everything was that simple
I had about the same experience with FFXI that the OP had....it was a nightmare from teh get go.......Ive played abotu 25 MMos (probably more) before this and I thought FFXI was about the worst I had ever seen....I tried several different tweeks trying to make the grahics better and it was just awful.......I onyl played a couple of days before moving on to another game...... Some people can get into some games and some cant and this was one I jsut lost interest in immediately.....The first mob I fought took about half my life so I sat thinking my life would slowly regen......Nope didnt work......Asked in chat and about 10 minutes later someone finally answered and said you had to buy potions.......I asked how can you buy potions if you cant kill the mobs to get the money??....The ysaid that you usually have to group with others to kill very much and make any money.....So I sent out a few LFG messages....No one is in the starter area and no one responds......A nhour later I log......Tried again the next day still no one around and no responses so I said forget it.
I actually managed to play it for a short amount of time on the playstation way back when. The controls were definitely suited for a controller of some sort. Without it, you have to do some weird junk to just get the right spell to work. The entire set-up was made for some controller in the end, so if you really want to get over the control issues, you might have to get one for your computer.
As for the downloads, most MMOs out have some sort of annoyingly long download followed by a long patch (Which I don't understand why it's so hard to just update the original download with the new patches to save the annoyance.) Though Final Fantasy XI is a little overdone when it comes to it. 2gigs and the hella long patch is really killer for anyone that doesn't have a decent Internet downloading speed. The Playonline.com set-up gets annoying after time, you have to give them so much information you pretty much feel like you're selling your soul or something.
I can't say all bad things about the game. Though the time and controls can get frantic, it's a pretty good game when you get into it. The economy gets a little weird to understand at times, they jump randomly a lot (Though doesn't all economy?). I can't say give up on it once you've gotten down the patches from frustration. After gettin' used to it and accepting the fact you may just have to buy a controller, it's a fun game. Though don't expect too much from it because it's a big game.
Yeah I agree with the controls the dont work at all for me, and you cant change them i think either. Took me about a whole day to get the game down and install the updates and I have 40mbit internet. And another thing i hate is the registry thing, i DO NOT wanna listen to the music and there is not even a way to turn it of while you register. And then after 1 days work i get into the game I find out that the visual effects are from the PS2 console...... and after running around asking for help with the Retardusmaximus chat system and controls for 2 hours I quit and uninstalled the game.
Lets all calm down and stay on topic. There is also no need for the multiple reports, we see the first one and we'll check it out
Thread cleaned up.
Ok... I see what you meant now... These controls are by far the worst I have ever had in any MMO. It feels like I am playing a playstation game on my PC with an Emulator. It is painfully obvious that the game was made with a controller in mind, and not a keyboard and mouse. Even worse, I have a fully programmable mouse, so my scroll wheel is not exactly set up for what the game wants. And walking with 8462? With the arrows for some other wierd camera movement or something? Good lord... I actually had to Ctrl Alt Del to even get out of the game, because GOD only knows how you are supposed to know that the - key is for the main menu...
Oh well, good luck to new people trying it out, and god bless to those that actually play it. Not my cup of tea just from the controls alone.
Here is how you can use WASD controls, or redbind the keys to your liking.
All I had to do was enter "FFXI WASD" in to Google, and that above link was the first thing that came up.
Most of the stuff you had problems with could have been avoided had you of done a little research beforehand. Also, the game came out back in 2002, so yeah... there are going to be a few hundred patches to download.
Ok... I see what you meant now... These controls are by far the worst I have ever had in any MMO. It feels like I am playing a playstation game on my PC with an Emulator. It is painfully obvious that the game was made with a controller in mind, and not a keyboard and mouse. Even worse, I have a fully programmable mouse, so my scroll wheel is not exactly set up for what the game wants. And walking with 8462? With the arrows for some other wierd camera movement or something? Good lord... I actually had to Ctrl Alt Del to even get out of the game, because GOD only knows how you are supposed to know that the - key is for the main menu...
Oh well, good luck to new people trying it out, and god bless to those that actually play it. Not my cup of tea just from the controls alone.
Here is how you can use WASD controls, or redbind the keys to your liking.
All I had to do was enter "FFXI WASD" in to Google, and that above link was the first thing that came up.
Most of the stuff you had problems with could have been avoided had you of done a little research beforehand. Also, the game came out back in 2002, so yeah... there are going to be a few hundred patches to download.
Awesome. I will check out that link.
As for the patches, that was not an issue. Obviously every game needs to patch up. My issue was the fact that they have a trial client, which is not actually a trial client. With many games, the trial client is very small, because it does not need all of the other information. You then have the option to download all of the other files. That is the whole point of a trial client, or else they could have just supplied the full client.
However, the trial client is forced into patching to the full game, which i found odd. It is also a bad touch when you spend 45 mins downloading the game, and think you just have another maybe 30-45 mins to patch a few patch files just to find out that it is going to take 8-9 hours, and is going to quadrupal the size of the game.
FFXI was originally designed for the PS2, and was later ported to the PC, thus why the interface and controls seem best suited to a gamepad and a bit awkward (at first) on the keyboard. That's the only way I played it for a long time.
I'd say it's the easiest and most intuitive setup to learn the game with.
That said...
The keyboard controls are actually quite intuitive and "transparent" once you get the basics down. I personally use "Compact" keyboard mode. It allows for movement with WASD, and I use the arrow keys to rotate the camera. Unlike the default setup where most is done with your right hand, with the Compact setup it seems like most everything is on the left hand.
Ctrl and Alt are right nearby to activate macros.
The menus are contextual. When you have a mob selected and press 'Enter' (or the gamepad equivalent), the default actions are going to be more combat oriented... attack, magic, check, etc..
If you have a NPC or another target selected and press 'Enter' (or the gamepad equivalent), likewise, a menu shows up containing relevant actions for them.
I can honestly say that the only thing I ever have to stop and think about when playing is which macro I set up for what ability/attack/spell/etc; particularly after switching between jobs. But that's nothing to do with the interface, that's just trying to remember my own setup :-p
For new players, I would recommend visiting Limit Break Radio and listening to their podcasts, in particular, Episode 27, ""LBR's Gigantious Beginners Guide to Vana'diel" (that's literally the name of it). Click Here, and scroll down 'til you find the episode, then click on the play button. It's a very helpful podcast. Aside from that, I'd recommend scrolling through the pages of episodes and listening to which ever ones sound interesting; it's a very well-done show.
So, while I won't deny the controls and interface can be a pain in the ass to get used to, especially when your'e used to the common interface used in other MMOs... I would also urge you to not give up on it. Find a setup that works for you, and stick with it. The game has tons to offer and before long, you won't even be thinking about the controls or interface anymore... You'll just fly through the menus, macros, etc... Trust me, I speak from experience
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Anyways... Welcome to Vana'diel and hope ya stick around!
and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
Menus are accessed using the mouse click on screen.A second click to access the second menu,nothing hard about it what so ever.
The keypad offers a great addition to eh controls because everything is so close and compact,no need for remembering WASD and the nearby letters QRAFZXC,much easier using the num. pad.
For me i cannot think of a better setup,i find the setup VERY comfortable,and yes i have a fully programmable mouse,i cant stand modern day laser mice,but i can handle it on this game no problem.
I will agree the download is a joke,no way a game should release a demo/trial and make you download again after you already spent time D/L from file planet.Normally i would think the large download maybe caused the site to ask for the smallest possible solution to save bandwidth,but for Fileplanet,they are HUGE so i doubt it would bother them.In contrast,i had to go through the exact same thing when i went back to EQ2,because they allowed access to ALL the content,so i had to D/L it even after an initial lengthy D/L ,it took me about 8-12 hours to get that game in working order.
I know for myself ,i am the same way i look at a game by the INITIAL start up and dont want any fuss or hassle,it turns me off.So i think your gripe about the D/l was legit,but the controls for some reason are frowned upon by many new players,i think more so because they are not ready to accept change,because like i said ,the controls are VERY simple and well laid out.If i had a choice,the ONLY control i would change is to perhaps have hold R-click for free look,but the game does not need it,so no biggie.FFXI is NOT a Z-AXIS game that is why free look is not needed.
Never forget 3 mile Island and never trust a government official or company spokesman.
This discussion reminded me of my first time playing FFXI and I tried playing the game with a mouse. I actually spent about 20 minutes trying to learn how to move around before I realized that everything can be done with just the keyboard.
I readed the book :-p. Also it is a similar movement scheme to FFVII for PC which I original had since I didn't buy a PS1 [until] its wanning years. Made for an easy easy transtion. Using the mouse never entered into my head.
FFXI Online is a Wonderful Game... one of the best out there. That being said the setup process and configuring is by far the worst out of every MMO... hence 500,000 subs and not 5 million. (Which i'm totally fine with WoW taking the less intelligent that couldn't get through the setup process)
Setup... be patient and go through all the PlayOnline crap.
The game graphics in default mode will make you want to throw up... its set to 640x480 on def and the config utility will improve the graphics drastically. Furthermore, the config utility hasn't been updated since release. Google FFXI Online Registry tweaks. You can improve the resolution beyond the config utility to make it the best looking game created for its time.
Once you get past the learning curve it is the best MMO out there, but that learning curve is rather steep...
I played FFXI for a short period of time, having to quit due to real life issues and when I went to go back I realized how hard it was to recover an account, especially if you forgot the info. And have trouble finding CDs like me.
Anyways, after cranking up the resolution, doing all the graphics tweaks, downloading a pretty slick black UI (looked great), and downloaded a new sound pack (replaced some of the music and all the UI sounds), it gave the game a completely different atmosphere and vibe than the game comes stock. Was beautiful, and up there with most of the newer MMOs in how good it looked, regardless of the engine restrictions.
The learning curve was quite steep, I finally started really catching on around level 13 and started grouping in Dunes, so it was great from then on. POL sucked, really bad.
I've thought about going back while I wait for Aion. Really debating it since it's so cheap and there's nothing else I'm really interested in playing.
Okay, just realize POL is there because there is more than just FFXI out there that is POL compatable. Thre are at least 2 other games in Japan that use POL, it is nothing more than a portal to open up these other games as well as a chat room and email service. With only one game in the states it seems like a giant hassle, but in Japan where it all started it makes sense. Kinda like a extra app for the Station on SoE games (if they don't already have that ... i kinda forget).
Everyone talks about a steep learning curve and I can see the same type of thing happening in WoW. In FFXI you start of in your noob zone, learn what your job can so as you are soloing or experiment with all 6 jobs to figure out what is best for you. Eventually you will hit a spot (about level 10-13) when you start with the groups and the whole idea of the game shifts and you need to take what you learned and apply it to this new party thing. In WoW you are in a similar spot. You run around the noob zone doing quests, learning what your abilites do and such. Eventually you will hit a spot and need to zone into a new area. You will see "Contested Zone." The though that will go through your mind will be "hey I wonder what a contes.." and about that is how far you get into your sentense before you are anally raped by some maxed level jack off who like to sit at the zone to and pick off low levels. Again, you now need to take what you learned and apply the new expereicne to advance in the game. The only difference is in FFXI you go from solo to party and in WoW you go from one set of enemies to two. I guess you can add an extra level of difficulty because you aren't mindlessly clicking your mouse to use your abilies?
I don't think that's the learning curve most people are talking about. Since the game is available on consoles, the UI is completely different from anything most people have seen. Just running out of the town and figuring out how to cast a spell is a completely different experience than it is in most games.
Learning all the tricks of the game, how the UI works, and all that is really the learning curve. We know the typical progression pattern of an MMO, the details, the intricate things, are the "steep learning curve."
I don't think that's the learning curve most people are talking about. Since the game is available on consoles, the UI is completely different from anything most people have seen. Just running out of the town and figuring out how to cast a spell is a completely different experience than it is in most games.
Learning all the tricks of the game, how the UI works, and all that is really the learning curve. We know the typical progression pattern of an MMO, the details, the intricate things, are the "steep learning curve."
I think this game shouldnt even been released on PC it should stay on PS2 and they should make a new one for the PC and PS3 plus the Xbox. I spent 1 whole day installing and updating the game and registerd and I uninstalled it after being in game for 1 hour.
Too bad for you. Missed out on something amazing because of ignorance.
To be the best, you must help each other become the best.
FFXI Character: Satimasu
FFXI Server: Valefor
FFXIV Character: Tamorae Fonteil
I don't think that's the learning curve most people are talking about. Since the game is available on consoles, the UI is completely different from anything most people have seen. Just running out of the town and figuring out how to cast a spell is a completely different experience than it is in most games.
Learning all the tricks of the game, how the UI works, and all that is really the learning curve. We know the typical progression pattern of an MMO, the details, the intricate things, are the "steep learning curve."
I think this game shouldnt even been released on PC it should stay on PS2 and they should make a new one for the PC and PS3 plus the Xbox. I spent 1 whole day installing and updating the game and registerd and I uninstalled it after being in game for 1 hour.
The ~500k people playing the game, many since its US launch 6+ years ago disagree with you.
Does it have more of a learning curve and different control scheme than other MMOs? Sure. No denying that.
However, If you actually *try* to learn it, and bother to do a little bit of research - maybe even ask questions here, which we would have been glad to help you with - it's every bit as playable as any other MMO. There are tons of resources for FFXI out there that will tell you everything you need to know.
I will give you one point though... The game was originally designed for PS2. SE ported it to the PC, which explains the very "console-like" menu system. Good news is... You can play with a gamepad on the PC. Or, you can learn to play with the keyboard entirely, as I and others do. Took me an hour to get the basics down to "reflex" on the keyboard, and within a day I wasn't even thinking about it anymore.
That said, if you give up before even figuring out the basics... then my guess is you probably wouldn't enjoy the game overall. There's a lot in FFXI that requires time and patience to learn, understand and master. Much of it isn't obvious and requires trial and error - or some research - to get down. It's a part of why those of us who play the game love it. It's part of why those who have tried the game don't. You seem to fall into the latter group.
and the cash shop selling asphalt..." - Mimzel on F2P/Cash Shops
I don't think that's the learning curve most people are talking about. Since the game is available on consoles, the UI is completely different from anything most people have seen. Just running out of the town and figuring out how to cast a spell is a completely different experience than it is in most games.
Learning all the tricks of the game, how the UI works, and all that is really the learning curve. We know the typical progression pattern of an MMO, the details, the intricate things, are the "steep learning curve."
I think this game shouldnt even been released on PC it should stay on PS2 and they should make a new one for the PC and PS3 plus the Xbox. I spent 1 whole day installing and updating the game and registerd and I uninstalled it after being in game for 1 hour.
I will give you one point though... The game was originally designed for PS2. SE ported it to the PC, which explains the very "console-like" menu system. Good news is... You can play with a gamepad on the PC. Or, you can learn to play with the keyboard entirely, as I and others do. Took me an hour to get the basics down to "reflex" on the keyboard, and within a day I wasn't even thinking about it anymore.
After a few days ingame and getting everything how I wanted it, and getting a feel for the controls, I actually really liked them. I didn't have to use my mouse at all in the game, everything was straight from the keyboard and once you learned the general layout and function of the UI, it was great.
As a hardcore FFXI player back in the day... I can tell you all you had to do was make macros for your skills and the problem would be solved as far as the controls for combat.