Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Don't you want me, FFXI?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/the-mog-log-dont-you-want-me-ffxi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/the-mog-log-dont-you-want-me-ffxi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/06/the-mog-log-dont-you-want-me-ffxi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DON'T YOU WANT ME, OHHH-WHOAAOH!
Final Fantasy XI has launched its fifth expansion, and yet I can't bring myself to be as excited as I should be. Longtime readers will recall that the account I've been playing on is younger and lacking in many of the higher-level conveniences such as airship passes and a white mage leveled enough to handle Sneak and Invisible. Put simply, I'm not in a place to just jump right into all of the content that Seekers of Adoulin has to offer right out of the gate.

On the plus side, I do have several conveniences that completely new players wouldn't have, not the least of which is an extensive knowledge of the game as a whole. A new player coming in straight would look at the game and just wind up baffled, and I can't blame him in the least. If you're starting fresh, the game is not welcoming you.

Longtime readers will also know that I've long been a proponent of making the game easier to get into. But is this even worth bothering with? Is the game for players starting at lower levels any more? Is there even a point to easing up the lower-level restrictions any longer?

Continue reading The Mog Log: Don't you want me, FFXI?

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Don't you want me, FFXI? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesexpansionfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-ximog-lognew-playersopinionSeekers-of-Adoulinsoaspeculationsquaresquare-enixsquenixstarting-experiencestarting-outthe-mog-logSat, 06 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin goes live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-goes-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-goes-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Final Fantasy XI Seekers of Adoulin goes live
Final Fantasy XI's fifth expansion, Seekers of Adoulin, is now running free in the video game wild. If you can catch the wily release, you'll be treated to a pair of new jobs, seven challenging bosses, and a new continent to explore.

While Seekers of Adoulin isn't available for PlayStation 2 players, PC and Xbox 360 gamers are encouraged to hop on board the chocobo train. Players looking to purchase it on Steam may have a little bit of a wait, however.

For more in-depth analysis and previews of the expansion, be sure to read up on the back issues of The Mog Log while FFXI updates.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin goes live originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionfantasyffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xilaunchplaystation-2releaseSeekers-of-Adoulinsoasquaresquare-enixsteamthe-mog-logxbox-360Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI expansion CE coming to Steam... eventually]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/final-fantasy-xi-expansion-ce-coming-to-steam-eventually/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/final-fantasy-xi-expansion-ce-coming-to-steam-eventually/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/final-fantasy-xi-expansion-ce-coming-to-steam-eventually/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Final Fantasy XI expansion CE coming to Steam eventually
Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin's collector's edition is making its way to Steam, although it might not get there in time for the official launch. Square-Enix announced the possible delay in a brief post today and promised an update on the situation soon.

"Knowing that there is a possibility that the Steam version will not be available for purchase on launch, we wanted to alert you as soon as we could," the studio said.

It's not all doom and gloom, however. There's a terrific three-minute trailer for Seekers of Adoulin after the jump, and don't forget that Massively recently got the skinny on the expansion classes so that you may be properly prepared!

Continue reading Final Fantasy XI expansion CE coming to Steam... eventually

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI expansion CE coming to Steam... eventually originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cecollectors-editiondelayexpansionfantasyffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiSeekers-of-Adoulinsoasquaresquare-enixsteamtrailervideoTue, 26 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: On the eve of seeking Adoulin in Final Fantasy XI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/the-mog-log-on-the-eve-of-seeking-adoulin-in-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/the-mog-log-on-the-eve-of-seeking-adoulin-in-final-fantasy-xi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/the-mog-log-on-the-eve-of-seeking-adoulin-in-final-fantasy-xi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This week's column has the subtle smoky flavor of hotel wi-fi.
A while back, I was upset that we hadn't gotten nearly enough information about Seekers of Adoulin. That's certainly not the case any more; we've gotten a fair bit of new information about the expansion, which is good considering that Final Fantasy XI players will be seeking the heck out of Adoulin on Tuesday.

Of course, there's still some air of mystery about the expansion, which is appropriate. Final Fantasy XI's expansions always contain a few new wrinkles that aren't really previewed, and I think players prefer it that way. But there's a lot to talk about, starting with something that I find very interesting insofar as it's launching in the wake of a new philosophy for the game as a whole.

Back in December I talked about how the game's future might be brighter than it has been for a long time. How Seekers of Adoulin works in practice will tell us a lot about whether or not that hopeful future will come to pass or not.

Continue reading The Mog Log: On the eve of seeking Adoulin in Final Fantasy XI

MassivelyThe Mog Log: On the eve of seeking Adoulin in Final Fantasy XI originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesconsoleconsolesexpansionfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xigame-mechanicsmechanicsmog-logopinionpreviewsSeekers-of-Adoulinsoasquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logupcoming-releasesSat, 23 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: An in-depth look at Final Fantasy XI's new jobs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/massively-exclusive-an-in-depth-look-at-final-fantasy-xis-new/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/massively-exclusive-an-in-depth-look-at-final-fantasy-xis-new/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/massively-exclusive-an-in-depth-look-at-final-fantasy-xis-new/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

LAAAAAAAAANDSHAAAAAAAARK
This year isn't quite as exciting for Final Fantasy XI as it is for Final Fantasy XIV, but it's still bringing a pretty big change to the status quo. Players have had years to get used to the game as it is, but now Seekers of Adoulin is on its way to completely rewrite matters, giving us two new jobs as well as a new region and new mechanics to deal with. In other words, it's going to be shaking things up.

So while I was out in San Francisco enjoying all that Final Fantasy XIV has to offer, I also had a chance to look into Final Fantasy XI's new expansion, specifically the new player jobs. Both the Rune Fencer and the Geomancer are bringing something new to the game, and while I didn't get to play around with either job extensively, I did get to see how both will play and check out their key abilities.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: An in-depth look at Final Fantasy XI's new jobs

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: An in-depth look at Final Fantasy XI's new jobs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiescharacter-abilitiesclass-previewdpsexclusiveexpansionfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xihands-onhealerjob-previewnew-classesnew-jobspreviewpreviewsrolesSeekers-of-Adoulinsoasquaresquare-enixsupporttanksThu, 21 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI gives more details on Adoulin for those who seek it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/final-fantasy-xi-gives-more-details-on-adoulin-for-those-who-see/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/final-fantasy-xi-gives-more-details-on-adoulin-for-those-who-see/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/final-fantasy-xi-gives-more-details-on-adoulin-for-those-who-see/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The more I look at the outfit on that elvaan in the back, the more I feel subtly uncomfortable about this.
Final Fantasy XI is encouraging players to go west. Specifically, it's encouraging players to head west of the game's familiar continents to the city of Adoulin in the appropriately titled Seekers of Adoulin expansion. So it's probably in the best interests of players to know more about what Adoulin is all about, something that the most recent post on the official site discusses in depth.

Adoulin as a name refers to both the city, more properly called the Sacred City of Adoulin, and the archipelago surrounding the main city. The city itself was originally the lynchpin of colonization efforts, but when attempts to colonize the main continent of Ulbuka were aborted two hundred years ago, the nation underwent several drastic changes to adapt to reduced living space and a need for mercantile expansion.

Now the colonization is starting up again, something that will most likely serve as the main source of conflict within the expansion proper. For more details, including racial demographics and a preview of some of the major sights in the city, take a look at the full rundown.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI gives more details on Adoulin for those who seek it originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorydemographicsexpansionfantasyffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiloreSeekers-of-Adoulinsettingsoasquaresquare-enixWed, 20 Feb 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin site details Geomancer abilities, Naakual bosses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-site-details-geomancer-abil/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-site-details-geomancer-abil/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/02/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-site-details-geomancer-abil/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin's Naakuals
Some new updates have hit the Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin official website, shining a light on the abilities of the new Geomancer job and on the Naakuals, seven of the fiercest creatures in Adoulin. The Geomancer will be bringing a number of nifty new mechanics to the table, though perhaps the most interesting of these is the job's use of luopans. Luopans are described as "geomantic catalysts" that "act as the epicenter for special spherical fields termed 'colures.'" The Geomancer can place a luopan anywhere on the ground and activate it to cast a geocolure spell, which can provide buffs to nearby allies or debuff nearby enemies.

And from the looks of things, players will need all the help they can get in order to take down the dreaded Naakuals, described as "the seven most bloodthirsty hellions that reign over the wilds surrounding Adoulin." Three of these Naakuals have been revealed on the expansion's site. The first is Tchakka, the Riptide Naakual, which takes the form of a nasty shark-like rockfin. There's also Achuka, the Firebrand Naakual, representing the dinosaur-esque gabbrath family, and Colkhab, the Matriarch Naakual, the most dangerous of the bee-like bztavian family. To have a look at these ferocious foes for yourself, head on over to the FFXI: Seekers of Adoulin official site.

[Thanks to zengarzombolt for the tip!]

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin site details Geomancer abilities, Naakual bosses originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionexpansionsfantasyffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xigeomancergeomancer-abilitiesnaakualnaakualsseekers-of-adoulinsquaresquare-enixSat, 02 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin announces official soundtrack release]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-announces-official-soundtra/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-announces-official-soundtra/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-announces-official-soundtra/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

If you're listening to the town music while wandering around your hometown, the Matrix has officially won.
Final Fantasy XI has always had wonderful soundtracks, and the upcoming of Seekers of Adoulin promises to be no different. We've heard a few of the tracks from the expansion that's due out at the end of March, but if you can't get enough of the songs from the game even before it launches, then we have good news. The official soundtrack album will be released on March 27th, complete with cover art by Yoshitaka Amano.

At this point, the album is confirmed for release only in Japan, meaning that game music lovers will have to jump through a few importing hoops to acquire it. All of the tracks on the album are composed by Naoshi Mizuta, who is also responsible for the arrangement and production on the final release. It's unlikely that this will see a full American release, but if you're willing to make the effort, you can have the in-game music follow you around as you like.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin announces official soundtrack release originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audioexpansionfantasyffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xigame-soundtracknaoshi-mizutaSeekers-of-Adoulinsoasoundtracksoundtrack-releasesquaresquare-enixupcoming-releaseSat, 26 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: 2013 for Final Fantasy XI and XIV]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/05/the-mog-log-2013-for-final-fantasy-xi-and-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/05/the-mog-log-2013-for-final-fantasy-xi-and-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/05/the-mog-log-2013-for-final-fantasy-xi-and-xiv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
I'd like to say that 2012 started out with a lot of promise, but it really didn't. Looking back at my predictions for Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV a year ago, I see they weren't perfectly accurate, but they certainly fit well within the margin of error. Very little happened over in Final Fantasy XI's development, and Final Fantasy XIV managed to continue not wowing anyone, albeit partly because of the several delays to version 2.0 that now have it releasing around the middle of this year.

If you haven't noticed a theme yet, here it is: I'm worried that by the time it does launch, no one will care any longer. But I'm getting ahead of myself.

While I've split things up between recaps and forecasts in the past, in this case it's virtually impossible to do so. A lot of what has been done this year is banking entirely on the strength of what will be happening next, so Square was selling 2013 in the midst of 2012. So let's look at the past year for both games and the year to come, with an extra helping of hope and speculation for 2013.

Continue reading The Mog Log: 2013 for Final Fantasy XI and XIV

MassivelyThe Mog Log: 2013 for Final Fantasy XI and XIV originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 05 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012-in-review2013-in-previewa-realm-rebornconsoleconsolesexpansionfantasyfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivffxiv-version-2.0final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivmog-logopinionprognosticationSeekers-of-Adoulinsoasquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logSat, 05 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist seals up 2012
As another gaming year spins to a close, we here at the Institute for Digital Interactive Entertainment have been holding our archaeological department hostage with a trained buffy-tufted marmoset until it delivered a final report. After hours of begging and infected monkey bites, the head of that department, Prof. Justin Olivetti, Ph.D., handed us a scrap of urine-soaked paper with the following article inscribed.

While the Institute strongly suggests that you ignore this report and instead work on your button-mashing exercises, the board of directors stated that all such papers must be posted for the public to see.

This report is presented in the Yetbari typeface and contains a sequential series of items that number between 11 and 13.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineaoasherons-callasherons-call-2blizzardblizzard-entertainmentcity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicscohcovcoxeaelectronic-artseqeq-maceq1eqmaceqoaeverquesteverquest-online-adventuresexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xifree-to-playfreedomfuncomgame-archaelogistlord-britishmeridian-59mythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftnostalgiaopinionparagonparagon-studiossandboxsci-fiSeekers-of-Adoulinshadowbanesoasoesonysony-online-entertainmentsquaresquare-enixsuperherosuperheroestelonthe-game-archaeologistturbineultimaultima onlineuovanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 29 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin releasing in late March]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/26/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-releasing-in-late-march/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/26/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-releasing-in-late-march/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/26/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-releasing-in-late-march/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Final Fantasy XI Seekers of Adoulin releasing late March
The long silence over Final Fantasy XI's newest expansion has been broken, as Square Enix has finally announced that Seekers of Adoulin will be coming out in late March of next year. The game's fifth expansion will go live on March 26th for North American players and on March 27th for European fans.

In addition to the release date news, the studio unveiled an updated website full of Seekers of Adoulin information. The expansion will include a virgin continent, additional enemy types, and two new classes: the Rune Fencer and Geomancer.

Seekers of Adoulin will be sold on both PC and XBox 360. Fans will pay $29.99 for Seekers of Adoulin alone or $39.99 for the core game and every expansion and content pack to date. There's also a two-minute trailer for the expansion; consume it after the jump!

Continue reading Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin releasing in late March

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin releasing in late March originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Dec 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>expansionfantasyffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xilaunchlaunch-datepricingreleaserelease-dateSeekers-of-Adoulinsoaspecssquaresquare-enixtrailervideoWed, 26 Dec 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XI's future might just be bright]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/15/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xis-future-might-just-be-bright/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/15/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xis-future-might-just-be-bright/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/15/the-mog-log-final-fantasy-xis-future-might-just-be-bright/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
We might not have another roadmap for Final Fantasy XI just yet, but we have the next best thing: a letter from producer Akihiko Matsui talking about what's at least being gingerly planned for the next year. More accurately, it's about delays in the existing roadmap, the state of the game, and what Matsui plans to do about it in the near future.

While the letter itself is a little old at the moment, I'm going to be honest and say that I keep re-reading it amidst a mixture of disbelief and hope. I've been getting up on the same soapbox for almost three years regarding Final Fantasy XI's biggest problems, and Matsui's dispatch by and large seems to indicate that the team in charge of the game right now is aware of exactly these issues and actively wants to correct them.

This is kind of staggering. It's the good sort of staggering, but it's the sort of thing you don't expect to see, especially not from a game with a lot invested in gleefully ignoring the rest of the world. But this could mean that despite FFXI's age, next year could be the best one for the game in a long while.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Final Fantasy XI's future might just be bright

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Final Fantasy XI's future might just be bright originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akihiko-matsuibarriersconsoleconsolescontentcontent-barrierscontent-challengecontent-polishexpansionfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xifuture-updatesimpedimentsleveling-barriersmog-logopinionSeekers-of-Adoulinsoasquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logSat, 15 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Where in the world is Seekers of Adoulin?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/the-mog-log-where-in-the-world-is-seekers-of-adoulin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/the-mog-log-where-in-the-world-is-seekers-of-adoulin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/13/the-mog-log-where-in-the-world-is-seekers-of-adoulin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
Square-Enix has long had a very different approach to MMOs compared to the rest of the world. In some ways, this is understandable; I know that every company operates in its own way. But where American and European companies are playing the electric guitar and Korean companies are playing keytar/acoustic duets, Square seems to be bringing out the xylophone to do a heartfelt rendition of Long Distance Runaround. (For those of you not willing to click the link, that song is not normally played with a xylophone.)

As a result, on one level I'm not surprised that we know virtually nothing about Final Fantasy XI's next expansion beyond the upcoming jobs and the fact that it's not going to be released for the PlayStation 2 here in America. I am also completely baffled that in the time since the expansion's announcement we have heard nothing about it. We first found out that the expansion existed in any form back in June, and we've learned pretty much nothing new since... and that's not a good sign.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Where in the world is Seekers of Adoulin?

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Where in the world is Seekers of Adoulin? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolescuriositydeveloper-attitudedeveloper-demeanorexpansionfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xilack-of-newsmog-logopinionSeekers-of-Adoulinsoasquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logSat, 13 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Distinct linked games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/14/the-mog-log-distinct-linked-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/14/the-mog-log-distinct-linked-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/14/the-mog-log-distinct-linked-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header by A. Fienemann
By early next year, the environment will be an interesting one for both Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV. Both games will have a major update out, whether that update is a large-scale revamp or a trim new expansion. (Speculation on that last one, yes; munch on a grain of salt as we proceed.) They'll both be poised for players to enjoy, each with its own distinct flavor... possibly.

See, there's a definite problem with all of the coming updates in the online Final Fantasy space. Both games need a distinct identity, and yet they're also both overlapping in several core areas. Square-Enix clearly wants players to be able to enjoy Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV as two different experiences, but is that really possible?

I'd like to think it is. I think that both games can deliver a rich experience for players of all stripes without becoming mirrors of one another, even disregarding superficial elements like jumping. I think both games also need to come together on certain points of common ground, so players of either can enjoy certain shared features that would otherwise be taken for granted.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Distinct linked games

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Distinct linked games originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesexpansionfantasyfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivffxiv-version-2.0final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivfinal-fantasy-xiv-2.0future-updatesmog-logopinionprognosticationSeekers-of-Adoulinsoasquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logupdatesSat, 14 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Unabashedly squealing about Seekers of Adoulin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/30/the-mog-log-unabashedly-squealing-about-seekers-of-adoulin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/30/the-mog-log-unabashedly-squealing-about-seekers-of-adoulin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/30/the-mog-log-unabashedly-squealing-about-seekers-of-adoulin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Mog Log header image by A. Fienemann
It seems almost unbelievable, but it's here. It's coming. Seekers of Adoulin is the fifth expansion for Final Fantasy XI, the first one in what seems like an eternity, a genuinely new experience for players above and beyond the many recycled bits that have dominated the game for years now. It's a new region, a new set of challenges, all sorts of new. It's what players have been asking for for years on end, and as surreal as it seems, this is a reality. That it's not coming until next year almost seems like a footnote.

Needless to say, I'm excited. I think that if handled correctly, this is a great opportunity for Square-Enix to revitalize Final Fantasy XI in the wake of Final Fantasy XIV's relaunch later this year. It's a chance to give the game a new audience and let players come back to enjoy it on their own terms. Most of all, it's a chance to show how much life the older game really has, possibly to players who would never have seen it otherwise.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Unabashedly squealing about Seekers of Adoulin

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Unabashedly squealing about Seekers of Adoulin originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesexpansionexpansionsfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxiffxi-seekers-of-adoulinfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-ximog-logopinionseekers-of-adoulinsoasquaresquare-enixsquenixthe-mog-logSat, 30 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin not on PS2 outside of Japan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-not-on-ps2-outside-of-japan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-not-on-ps2-outside-of-japan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/27/final-fantasy-xi-seekers-of-adoulin-not-on-ps2-outside-of-japan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

On the plus side, you can probably get a PC that can run the game for the price of a hamburger.
If you're a Final Fantasy XI player still playing the game on the PlayStation 2, it looks like you're in for a disappointment. After the surprising announcement that the game was getting a new boxed expansion, it was noted that the official site didn't list PS2 support. According to community representative Matt "Baryohne" Hilton, that wasn't an accident: Seekers of Adoulin will not be available for PS2 players in North American and European markets.

Japanese players on the console will still be receiving the expansion, likely due to the higher percentage of console subscribers in Japan compared to other regions. Hilton was quick to point out that support would still be offered to PS2 players, but that's cold comfort to any console players left out of the upcoming expansion. There's been no word yet on whether or not the game will begin phasing out console support entirely, but if you consider the age of the PS2, it's entirely within the realm of possibility.

[Thanks to FusionX for the tip!]

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI: Seekers of Adoulin not on PS2 outside of Japan originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively Speaking Episode 206 Expanding our minds
It's expansion week here on Massively Speaking, as we tackle numerous additions to our favorite games (as well as a brand-new one launching this week)! Bree's back with her acerbic charm, and Justin's positively bouncing with the desire to relay all of this in a giant showtunes number. The MMO news train stops for nobody, so hop aboard and pull that whistle!

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 206: Tear harvesters

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 206: Tear harvesters originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I looked on the chair, I looked on the table. Tried to find the answer to fifty million fables. They call me the seeker...
Final Fantasy XI players have been waiting and hoping for a new expansion for more than half a decade now. All of those hopes have come true at last with the announcement of Seekers of Adoulin, a new expansion taking players to the far western shores of Vana'diel.

Seekers of Adoulin promises players new areas, new adventures, and of course new jobs. The only known new job at this time is Geomancer, which appears to be a support-style mage job with a variety of enfeebling and buffing abilities. Notably, its buffs appear to be centered on specific locations, and its enfeebling effects cannot be resisted by enemies, a trait that would make the job extremely powerful in the current environment.

A short trailer has also been released with the announcement. Curiously, the official site does not list the PlayStation 2 among the expansion's supported platforms. That shouldn't stop longtime players on every system from regarding the new trailer with excitement -- it's the cap to an announcement that's been a very long time coming indeed.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Continue reading Final Fantasy XI's fifth expansion, Seekers of Adoulin, announced

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XI's fifth expansion, Seekers of Adoulin, announced originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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