I seriously have no idea why people here complain about the map. I haven't tried it on PS3 but on PC it works great. Everything is crystal clear. Not sure what there is to complain about... And the UI doesn't feel clunky at all. You want to see clunky? Download Age of Wushu. THAT is one clunky UI. FFXIV has an orderly, clean, simple UI that is easy to figure out and use.
It also annoyed me that there was so much text in all the quests. I am hoping those chat bubbles mean it will be voiced, because otherwise it should just be presented as a solid text block
That was my impression as well. The way the text is broken up would only make sense to me if they were planning to voice-over them.
The worst thing I found was being unable to skip the intro cutscene and subsequent wagon ride. I created 4 different toons over the course of this beta and it was mindnumbingly boring that I had to spend 10 minutes on the same crap every time. - I could not skip untill the very last bit which was the shortest anyway.
I guess you were trying them out for looks, to see how all the races are in practice?
I did 3 dungeons, and found them to be fun, and a few even had some interesting mechanics. Pleasently surprised there, and frankly it is the group stuff that makes me consider purchasing the game. The average quest faire wasnt that much fun.
From some interviews and things they've done they started the dungeons as the most basic of tank and spank, and then start adding in additional mechanics. by the third one I was seeing some interesting stuff, and I've heard some good things about later dungeons.
I actually like the pace AND the cut scenes AND the fact that you actually have to READ something...
Gluttonous instant gratification has made all the newer games just a flash in the pan with no substance. Players don't appreciate the things they don't have to work at and earn (just like people in general). You will feel like you accomplished something GREAT the first time you use your chocobo whistle, I assure you... you worked for it!
I didnt have problems with the maps once I got used to how it worked.
But it did annoy me that I wasnt able to start leatherworking at lvl 10 because I needed to be further in my main storyline to obtain the airpass to go to the town where I could learn that class. - It felt restrictive to say the least, and convoluted.
You could run there. In the last beta the boat to LL was broken but they fixed it.
Originally posted by Rinna I actually like the pace AND the cut scenes AND the fact that you actually have to READ something... Gluttonous instant gratification has made all the newer games just a flash in the pan with no substance. Players don't appreciate the things they don't have to work at and earn (just like people in general). You will feel like you accomplished something GREAT the first time you use your chocobo whistle, I assure you... you worked for it!
I don't think my complaints fall under the glutinous instant gratification category. Navigating the map and all of its buttons and sub menus is cumbersome with a ps3 controller imho. I think that its important to plan ahead your initial starting area and classes because if you end up not enjoying your starting class or area, you either drudge through stuff you don't like for a few hours or rerolling. Its not a deal breaker by a longshot, but its not exactly top notch game design either.
I am most likely purchasing this game at launch. I enjoy it for the most part. Great crafting, sound, graphics, classes, story, setting. However, there are two tings that really kill this game for me.
As I cannot agree with this entirely, I would say the Crafting, Sound, Graphics and Settings are all quite nice. Although, the terrain and grass/trees/leaves look very choppy and stand out a lot. They do not blend together or give the feel that it's a real environment, they just look like someone taped leaves onto a tree or stuck a pile of grass on the ground. Perhaps it can be fixed with SweetFX? I don't think I will buy buying this game and subbing too it. Unless some one wants to buy it for me, I'll play with you
The map system is probably one of the worst I've ever seen in any video game period. Maps are broken down into their areas with little green arrows leading to other map areas. You cant create a waypoint. Multiple leveled buildings are barely visible ie first floor is beige, second floor is beige tinted maybe 1% lighter if you're lucky. In your quest log, you can click on a map button to show where you need to go. However, most of the time, if you are not in the same area as your destination, you just get a generic marker for the entire region, which will help you get lost more than anything. The starter cities have multiple sections all with their own load screens which means there are multiple maps for a relatively small area. Picked up a quest in Uldah to talk to some npc who was located in Uldah. Sounds simple? Nope. Map shows his location as a blip on the entire world. His icon would not show up even at point blank range because he was upstairs in a different section of the same building i was in which happened to be a separate loading zone. Really frustrating.
I cannot agree more. The map in this game makes me want to shoot myself in the face. I couldn't have said it better myself. Map = utter trash. I want to go into detail about how bad the map is, but mentioning the map only gives glory to the map, which map is undeserving of.
The second crappy game design imo is the forced questing for hours before you can actually do what you want and go where you want. You choose a starting class, and over the next several hours, you are forced to run errands for people, navigating your way through a counter intuitive map, killing hundreds of mobs with only about 2-3 useful abilities. You cannot craft, or gather, or try a new class until you complete your chosen class' main questline up through level ten.
Yeah, I agree. That was rather infuriating. "You aren't level 10 yet, so you can't learn to blacksmith or mine."
What? That doesn't even make sense though!
By the time I finished, i was completely burnt on combat and my starting area. So finally I get to try out different classes and i really started to enjoy the game's crafting and gathering systems. However, you soon discover that certain crafting and gathering classes are only available to train in certain specific starting areas. Sounds fair enough, lets just hop on an airship to the next major city. Nope. The ability to do that is locked behind another required minimum 5 levels and the completed set of storyline quests up through level 15. Welp, put your crafting and gathering on hold and go back to your combat class. I tried to do just the story lines but they are not enough xp so you are forced to grind out more kill quests just to have the opportunity to try out all the other things you can do in the game. You can travel by foot to the other starting areas, but it is more of a hassle in the long run than just grinding out 5 more combat levels. You have to navigate though high level mobs that will one shot you. If you die along the way your only option is to rez back at your starting area. You are basically running blind, too, since your map is just a blank canvas.
My god you are spot on with everything I have thought so far. I found myself at times unable to aqcuire my next Class/Story quest, as I wasn't the appropriate level. I didn't skip out on any quests, I accepted and completed them all. I even did a few LeveQuests and blasted through a few FATE's on the way, whilst completing every hunting log I had available. They really need to fix that frankenstein of a map. They really need to add Gravestones or Aetherite Crystals that you can resurrect from, rather than Dying all the way across the world and then having to res at your "Home point."
Once you get all of this out of the way, the game finally opens up and you really feel like you can do whatever you want and explore the entire world. But those first 6-10 hours are just awful. Dull, repetitive, constricting, limited and just overall a bad video gaming experience. I can see how they wanted to help people who have never played an mmo before. But they are doing the genre an injustice in those first 15 levels. Its long enough to be a burden and it really hurts an otherwise great mmo.
I totally agree... All though i have quite a few things too say about this game in addition to what you have said, I agree with everything. Once you hit level 20 and join a Grand Company, the beta ends. And once you hit level 20, I wasn't able to find a level 20ish zone. I ran around for hours trying to find level 20-23 mobs, and I couldnt. I often would be running passed level 8-12 mobs, and suddenly things are level 42-44. So I would Die, and then rage, and get pissed off.
The map isn't as bad as it seems. Some people don't know that you can click on the blue text indicating a zone and it will show that zone.
When trying to find where to go for a quest. Clicking the quest brings up the broad map which indicates the zone. Clicking on the zone name will bring up the detailed map, which shows where you need to go. I like it personally.
The map is pretty straight forward. The icons are easy to understand. It is interactive. It shows quest way points. If the quest way point is outside the current zone you are in you simply click the location through the quest log and it shows you exactly where to go. You can resize the map. The map becomes transparent when you walk if you need additional assistance locating a way point.
What is the issue again? The only additional thing that would be nice as mentioned before would be custom way points.
Originally posted by Waldoe The map is pretty straight forward. The icons are easy to understand. It is interactive. It shows quest way points. If the quest way point is outside the current zone you are in you simply click the location through the quest log and it shows you exactly where to go. You can resize the map. The map becomes transparent when you walk if you need additional assistance locating a way point. What is the issue again? The only additional thing that would be nice as mentioned before would be custom way points.
Maybe its just the ps3 version then. I can't do things like click on the blue name to go to a location. And the map button on the quest log doesn't always show the location. I can't resize the map, only zoom in and out.
Originally posted by Waldoe The map is pretty straight forward. The icons are easy to understand. It is interactive. It shows quest way points. If the quest way point is outside the current zone you are in you simply click the location through the quest log and it shows you exactly where to go. You can resize the map. The map becomes transparent when you walk if you need additional assistance locating a way point. What is the issue again? The only additional thing that would be nice as mentioned before would be custom way points.
Maybe its just the ps3 version then. I can't do things like click on the blue name to go to a location. And the map button on the quest log doesn't always show the location. I can't resize the map, only zoom in and out.
On the PS3 it should be the R1 button (maybe L1) to click zone names, not the X button. You have to center the crosshairs over the text since there is no cursor. Other than that I'm sure there are things that the PC can do that PS3 can't. This shouldn't be one of them.
My god, I long for the times when you actually had to make your own personal god damn map on your notebook. It is not so hard to use brain and eyes to memorize shit.
Originally posted by TwoThreeFour My god, I long for the times when you actually had to make your own personal god damn map on your notebook. It is not so hard to use brain and eyes to memorize shit.
It also annoyed me that there was so much text in all the quests. I am hoping those chat bubbles mean it will be voiced, because otherwise it should just be presented as a solid text block
That was my impression as well. The way the text is broken up would only make sense to me if they were planning to voice-over them.
The worst thing I found was being unable to skip the intro cutscene and subsequent wagon ride. I created 4 different toons over the course of this beta and it was mindnumbingly boring that I had to spend 10 minutes on the same crap every time. - I could not skip untill the very last bit which was the shortest anyway.
I guess you were trying them out for looks, to see how all the races are in practice?
I did 3 dungeons, and found them to be fun, and a few even had some interesting mechanics. Pleasently surprised there, and frankly it is the group stuff that makes me consider purchasing the game. The average quest faire wasnt that much fun.
From some interviews and things they've done they started the dungeons as the most basic of tank and spank, and then start adding in additional mechanics. by the third one I was seeing some interesting stuff, and I've heard some good things about later dungeons.
comments in red.
Yes I was just trying characters and races out, for the various classes and just to get a general feeling for them all. I realise now that the lack of options to skip the intro's would probably not be as annoying in retail when I will go longer between creating characters. Still I think it would be a normal addition to most mmo's that the player can skip the introduction sequences if they want to do so. - Btw, I was also completely unable to go outside of town to just kill stuff before I had spoken to the barkeeper. I liked that I lost controll of my toon and how he stuttered backwards and turned when the guard told him off. - I suppose that is a bit themeparky tbh, and I understand why you'd want to help players get to the adventurers guild etc, but it felt funny very much like having a stern nanny correct my ways.
Originally posted by Brynn Well, I agree 100% with the OP.
Same here, not a deal breaker really, but I agree. The map is horrible but I got used to it eventually. Still not good for players trying out the game. I do wish I couldve started crafting earlier (like level 5 so I can make my own gear!) and do remember wanting to try out new classes way before level 10 ... but again, not a deal breaker, and eventually a non-issue.
Originally posted by Kayo45 Originally posted by BrynnWell, I agree 100% with the OP.
Same here, not a deal breaker really, but I agree. The map is horrible but I got used to it eventually. Still not good for players trying out the game. I do wish I couldve started crafting earlier (like level 5 so I can make my own gear!) and do remember wanting to try out new classes way before level 10 ... but again, not a deal breaker, and eventually a non-issue. thats basically what I was saying in my OP.
Ive decided to purchase the pc version for myself and the ps3 version for my partner. Ive been told in this thread that the pc map navigation is much better and also as a crafter, I would prefer the mouse kb setup. The menu cursor is "on rails" so to speak on the ps3 version and it feels slow and restrictive.
All I really gotta decide is which crafting/gathering profs I want to start on first, then choose the appropriate combat class that starts in the same city. Then its trudge through some uninteresting content for about 8 hours till I have full class and airship access. Small price to pay for an mmo with a decent set of non combat activities.
I'd agree on the forced questing but it's more about forced anything. All I did in 1.00 was craft and I will continue in ARR but I plan to level at least a single combat (Marauder I think) to harvest hides and stuff.
Map I drag the bottom right until it's a full screen. I find it's easier to work with that way.
I actually like the pace AND the cut scenes AND the fact that you actually have to READ something...
Gluttonous instant gratification has made all the newer games just a flash in the pan with no substance. Players don't appreciate the things they don't have to work at and earn (just like people in general). You will feel like you accomplished something GREAT the first time you use your chocobo whistle, I assure you... you worked for it!
Still remember the feeling of getting to Jueno on foot....it was really an adventure...which then leads to our first Chocobo. By today's standard, gamers would had complaint that it was too hard. For me, it was a time well spent with online friends that I met in game...and the sense of achievement and joy....all those were missing in the new gen mmo.
Comments
comments in red.
I actually like the pace AND the cut scenes AND the fact that you actually have to READ something...
Gluttonous instant gratification has made all the newer games just a flash in the pan with no substance. Players don't appreciate the things they don't have to work at and earn (just like people in general). You will feel like you accomplished something GREAT the first time you use your chocobo whistle, I assure you... you worked for it!
No bitchers.
You could run there. In the last beta the boat to LL was broken but they fixed it.
As I cannot agree with this entirely, I would say the Crafting, Sound, Graphics and Settings are all quite nice. Although, the terrain and grass/trees/leaves look very choppy and stand out a lot. They do not blend together or give the feel that it's a real environment, they just look like someone taped leaves onto a tree or stuck a pile of grass on the ground. Perhaps it can be fixed with SweetFX? I don't think I will buy buying this game and subbing too it. Unless some one wants to buy it for me, I'll play with you
I cannot agree more. The map in this game makes me want to shoot myself in the face. I couldn't have said it better myself. Map = utter trash. I want to go into detail about how bad the map is, but mentioning the map only gives glory to the map, which map is undeserving of.
Yeah, I agree. That was rather infuriating. "You aren't level 10 yet, so you can't learn to blacksmith or mine."
What? That doesn't even make sense though!
My god you are spot on with everything I have thought so far. I found myself at times unable to aqcuire my next Class/Story quest, as I wasn't the appropriate level. I didn't skip out on any quests, I accepted and completed them all. I even did a few LeveQuests and blasted through a few FATE's on the way, whilst completing every hunting log I had available. They really need to fix that frankenstein of a map. They really need to add Gravestones or Aetherite Crystals that you can resurrect from, rather than Dying all the way across the world and then having to res at your "Home point."
I totally agree... All though i have quite a few things too say about this game in addition to what you have said, I agree with everything. Once you hit level 20 and join a Grand Company, the beta ends. And once you hit level 20, I wasn't able to find a level 20ish zone. I ran around for hours trying to find level 20-23 mobs, and I couldnt. I often would be running passed level 8-12 mobs, and suddenly things are level 42-44. So I would Die, and then rage, and get pissed off.
The map isn't as bad as it seems. Some people don't know that you can click on the blue text indicating a zone and it will show that zone.
When trying to find where to go for a quest. Clicking the quest brings up the broad map which indicates the zone. Clicking on the zone name will bring up the detailed map, which shows where you need to go. I like it personally.
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On the PS3 it should be the R1 button (maybe L1) to click zone names, not the X button. You have to center the crosshairs over the text since there is no cursor. Other than that I'm sure there are things that the PC can do that PS3 can't. This shouldn't be one of them.
You get used to the map.
They definitely are making the first 5-10 levels for non-MMO players. Which is fine.
The decision to do that was probably made because of the PS3 launch.
Yes I was just trying characters and races out, for the various classes and just to get a general feeling for them all. I realise now that the lack of options to skip the intro's would probably not be as annoying in retail when I will go longer between creating characters. Still I think it would be a normal addition to most mmo's that the player can skip the introduction sequences if they want to do so. - Btw, I was also completely unable to go outside of town to just kill stuff before I had spoken to the barkeeper. I liked that I lost controll of my toon and how he stuttered backwards and turned when the guard told him off. - I suppose that is a bit themeparky tbh, and I understand why you'd want to help players get to the adventurers guild etc, but it felt funny
very much like having a stern nanny correct my ways.
The 3rd dungeon had more interesting mechanics than the first two.
I can def. see a lot of people not paying any attention and wiping to the bombs / big slime.
PS - All mammals have nipples.
Get over it already.
Beta - no voice over yet :P
PS - All mammals have nipples.
Get over it already.
Same here, not a deal breaker really, but I agree. The map is horrible but I got used to it eventually. Still not good for players trying out the game. I do wish I couldve started crafting earlier (like level 5 so I can make my own gear!) and do remember wanting to try out new classes way before level 10 ... but again, not a deal breaker, and eventually a non-issue.
thats basically what I was saying in my OP.
Ive decided to purchase the pc version for myself and the ps3 version for my partner. Ive been told in this thread that the pc map navigation is much better and also as a crafter, I would prefer the mouse kb setup. The menu cursor is "on rails" so to speak on the ps3 version and it feels slow and restrictive.
All I really gotta decide is which crafting/gathering profs I want to start on first, then choose the appropriate combat class that starts in the same city. Then its trudge through some uninteresting content for about 8 hours till I have full class and airship access. Small price to pay for an mmo with a decent set of non combat activities.
I'd agree on the forced questing but it's more about forced anything. All I did in 1.00 was craft and I will continue in ARR but I plan to level at least a single combat (Marauder I think) to harvest hides and stuff.
Map I drag the bottom right until it's a full screen. I find it's easier to work with that way.
Still remember the feeling of getting to Jueno on foot....it was really an adventure...which then leads to our first Chocobo. By today's standard, gamers would had complaint that it was too hard. For me, it was a time well spent with online friends that I met in game...and the sense of achievement and joy....all those were missing in the new gen mmo.