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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Proof of concept]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/the-mog-log-proof-of-concept/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/the-mog-log-proof-of-concept/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/23/the-mog-log-proof-of-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Final Fantasy XIV's last major patch was back in March, when 1.16 brought out the first iteration of the game's quests. Sure, we've had updates since then, but even 1.17 didn't really have the appeal and the energy that you'd expect from a major patch. And 1.16 was something of a disappointment at the time -- not bad, but not nearly what the game needed. There was an awful lot missing there, stuff that seemed basic. I wasn't happy, in other words.

Well, here we are now, at 1.18. Any better?

In a word, yes. A lot of the stuff that needed to be fixed has been, and a lot of the improvements the game has needed have come through. I've unfortunately only had a little time to play around with the update, but what I've played has been pretty uniformly positive. Positive except for the notable issues that the game was having with the login server right after the patch, but who actually expects patch day to go smoothly? (Other than me, I mean.)

Continue reading The Mog Log: Proof of concept

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Proof of concept originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-attackbattle-mechanicscolumnfeaturedffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.18final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-mechanicsgrand-companiesimprovementsinterfacelevelinglevelsloreopinionpatchpatchesskill-pointsskillssquaresquare-enixstorylinethe-mog-logupdatesSat, 23 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV launches patch 1.18]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/final-fantasy-xiv-launches-patch-1-18/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/final-fantasy-xiv-launches-patch-1-18/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/final-fantasy-xiv-launches-patch-1-18/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Final Fantasy XIV players have been waiting for patch 1.18 to drop for quite some time, but the wait is finally over. Players can finally access the variety of updates and improvements that the newest patch has promised, including a large overhaul to the combat system that ushers in auto-attack functionality and the addition of the new Grand Companies. While the former is just the first step toward making a more thorough overhaul of the game's combat engine, the latter will give players rank 22 and up new missions to participate in while attempting to safeguard Eorzea.

Other improvements include a streamlining of the enmity system complete with in-game warnings, improvements to repair functionality, and a general streamlining and adjustment of the guildleve system. All told, it's quite a large change to the existing elements of the game, something that Final Fantasy XIV players will no doubt want to devote a fair chunk of time to exploring.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV launches patch 1.18 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adjustmentsattackauto-attackbalance-adjustmentscombat-systemsffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.18final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-mechanicsgrand-companiesguildleveslevequestsmechanicsnew-systemsnewspatchessquaresquare-enixupdatesThu, 21 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV outlines attack plans for patch 1.18]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/final-fantasy-xiv-outlines-attack-plans-for-patch-1-18/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/final-fantasy-xiv-outlines-attack-plans-for-patch-1-18/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/final-fantasy-xiv-outlines-attack-plans-for-patch-1-18/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Final Fantasy XIV's next major patch doesn't currently have an announced date beyond the ever-ambiguous "soon," but two of the central features will be the reworking of the battle system and the implementation of the auto-attack system. Considering the game's current balance around the Stamina gauge, players knew that there would be some rather significant gameplay changes for battle. A good portion of those changes have been outlined in a recent preview post, complete with promises about future updates to the system.

The three biggest abilities being changed are those whose functions depended on the Stamina gauge -- Speed Surge, Ambidexterity, and Chainspell. Speed Surge will be shifted into a straight haste effect for auto-attacks, Ambidexterity will allow for increased blocking chance rather than reduced action cost, and Chainspell will simply have its Stamina-reducing properties removed. There will also be changes to the various basic attacks that are purchased via guild marks, with recasts adjusted to make these attacks still relevant and useful. Final Fantasy XIV players should check out the newest preview to get a clearer picture of what the game will look like after patch 1.18 drops in the near future.

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV outlines attack plans for patch 1.18 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abilitiesability-changesauto-attackffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.18final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfunctiona-changesgame-mechanicsnewsresource-changessquaresquare-enixupdatesFri, 01 Jul 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Mog Log: Full auto]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/18/the-mog-log-full-auto/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/18/the-mog-log-full-auto/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/18/the-mog-log-full-auto/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

For this week's installment of The Mog Log, despite my hints last week, I'm going to do something fairly conventional. I'm going to type at about 500 words a minute. More accurately, I'm going to discuss the two-minute preview we received earlier this week regarding the game's combat with auto-attack, and at the usual length of this column that winds up at right about... yeah, you got the joke.

Of course, it's not just the video preview that's interesting in the producer's letter. The preview is nice, don't get me wrong, and it gives a good idea of what sort of things we can expect to see when 1.18 launches... but we also have more specific information given on exactly what players can expect from the system changes. And there are some pretty big ones mixed in there, either stated or implied by the video, which ties into the state of Final Fantasy XIV at the moment and where it's going to be in the future.

Continue reading The Mog Log: Full auto

MassivelyThe Mog Log: Full auto originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-attackcolumnfeaturedffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.18final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-mechanicsmajor-patchesmechanics-changesopinionpatchespreviewssquaresquare-enixthe-mog-logSat, 18 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIV's latest producer's letter shows off auto-attacks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/final-fantasy-xivs-latest-producers-letter-shows-off-auto-atta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/final-fantasy-xivs-latest-producers-letter-shows-off-auto-atta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/final-fantasy-xivs-latest-producers-letter-shows-off-auto-atta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

It probably feels like it's past time for another Final Fantasy XIV letter from producer Naoki Yoshida, but the wait is finally over. In the latest installment of what's become a regular dispatch from the company to the fans, Yoshida discusses the upcoming changes and additions due for patch 1.18. But rather than waste space describing what the updates to the game's battle system will be like with the inclusion of auto-attack, Yoshida instead opts to show players with a short video demonstrating the system in action.

The one piece of bad news in the letter is that the patch is going to run a bit later due to the extra balance issues introduced, overshooting the previously stated window of mid to late June. Yoshida estimates a roughly two-week delay, putting the patch in early July. Still, Final Fantasy XIV players should be happy with the contents of the letter, especially the preview of auto-attack combat (embedded just past the break).

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIV's latest producer's letter shows off auto-attacks

MassivelyFinal Fantasy XIV's latest producer's letter shows off auto-attacks originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-attackbattle-systemdelaysffff14ffxivffxiv-patch-1.18final-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-mechanicspatch-delayspatchessquaresquare-enixupdatesTue, 14 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Girdle of Anarchy: My expedition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-girdle-of-anarchy-my-expedition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-girdle-of-anarchy-my-expedition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-girdle-of-anarchy-my-expedition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I have a confession to make: Returning to Anarchy Online was the driving force behind starting The Game Archaeologist. Oh sure, I pretended to be all business-like when I approached my boss and said, "You know, Señor Schuster, we are doing a disservice to some of the older MMOs and their fans by not covering these games, and I think, nay, insist we remedy that immediately." But of course, what I was thinking was, "Pay me to engage in hardcore nostalgia, dude!"

It worked. *cue rubbing hands together and laughing maniacally*

You see, Anarchy Online was my very first MMO. It wasn't my first MMO love, mind you -- that was City of Heroes. But AO holds a special place in my heart as the game that introduced me to the wonderful world of online RPGs. It was tough, near-incomprehensible, and quite buggy at the start, but I've never lost affection for the world of Rubi-Ka.

So after my looking back at Anarchy Online's history, asking you to share your stories, and talking with Funcom's devs, it was time for me to return and see if this world still holds magic... or if it has lost its way.

Gallery: Anarchy Online

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Girdle of Anarchy: My expedition

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Girdle of Anarchy: My expedition originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoauto-attackcity-of-heroescoheee-pcfeaturedfuncomgimpguild-warsgwhands-oninterviewipadleetmusicnetbookrubi-kascoreshadowlandssparkleflutter-the-supa-destroyerthe-game-archaeologistworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 28 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO MMOnkey: Comparing active attack and auto attack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/mmo-mmonkey-comparing-active-attack-and-auto-attack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/mmo-mmonkey-comparing-active-attack-and-auto-attack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/10/mmo-mmonkey-comparing-active-attack-and-auto-attack/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In the opening sentence of a previous column I compared Age of Conan's active style of combat in which the player must instigate every attack with a keypress to the auto-attack combat common to most MMOs. I characterized auto attack as a go-make-a-cup-of-coffee type of combat which, as one commenter pointed out, was a bit of hyperbole designed to accentuate the difference between active and auto attack but which offended several other people who thought their combat skills were being denigrated.

The earlier column had nothing to do with styles of combat but all the combat-related comments got me thinking about some of the differences between active and auto attack. The two types of combat appear to have few, if any, important differences for the experienced player at the operational level (deployment of unit or squads in raids) or the strategic level (player-controlled access to important game resources as in EVE Online, Dark Age of Camelot and possibly Warhammer Online). When we look at game mechanics and individual unit tactics, however, important and potentially interesting differences begin to emerge.

Continue reading MMO MMOnkey: Comparing active attack and auto attack

MassivelyMMO MMOnkey: Comparing active attack and auto attack originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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