Augest 19th 2009, the opening day of GamesCom video game conference and trade show in Cologne Germany. And with it brought a swell of new information on FFXIV. The most exciting of which, would be something that no one even expected. Playable Demo's! That's right, they had demo's setup for certain privileged to partake in. With this, came several video's showing the game play elements and aspects of FFXIV. Now, keep in mind, Square Enix admitted themselves this is the "Alpha" version of the game, so not everything will be perfect (camera angles, certain animations, GUI, etc).
There were not only videos but pictures as well, released from GamesCom. Below are the videos, and below them will be the pictures with a personal writeup on my thoughts about them.
I take no credit for these videos. These videos have been provided by 1up and GameTrailers. All rights are reserved to them, and of course, all pictures and videos shown here are reserved rights of Square Enix, co, LTD. The pictures have come from varying sources, one of which is FFXIVcore. If there are any parties I am missing, please forgive my lack of credit being given.
Video #1:
Video #2
Video #3: (Character Emote Animations)
Video #4:
There is also a 5th video done by Dengaki Magazine, which can be found here. Unfortunately, there is no option to embed it, so you'll have to go to that address yourself. It is worth it though, as it shows how amazingly realistic the weather effects will be in FFXIV.
So, what do these video's tell us? So much, yet so little. Once again, these are videos of the game in Alpha Production, which isn't even in Beta Production. I've heard rumors that this is even a old Alpha at that and there are many changes that have already been made. So let's go off what we know?
The graphics are simply beautiful and stunning, no one can deny that. The world itself looks very beautiful, and has such a rich sense to it. The character animations seem to look very "Alpha" to me, as you can see missing frames here and there, as well as the actions being very clunky. Things like remaining engaged, and the movements seeming choppy. Even at that, take note of the detail the characters take when they change direction, come to a stop, or start to move. Very realistic indeed!
As far as the background music goes, which you care barely even hear, it's hard to say if it's more "Alpha" or if it's the finished product. If I had to guess, I would say it doesn't really sound like the Music Director, Nobou Uemetsu's work.
The GUI (User Interface) seems pretty nice to me, although Square Enix told everyone to take note, that it was not the final product, and that it would be more streamlined when the game was actually released (or perhaps in Beta).
One of the biggest concerns is about the attack speed. When asked about this, Square Enix commented that the game would revolve more on using many skills, than simply engaging and auto attacking, although it is guessed that the auto attack speed won't be much slower than FFXI, but this is just speculation and going off of what they have said concerning Alpha.
But before we go on further, and I end up jabbering off all day, let's take a look at some exclusive pictures. If I'm not mistaken these were taken by Kyuu of FFXIVcore.
Here we see a few small pictures of the new world of Eorzea. Hard to focus in on, but it's a nice little teaser.
Compass Information: Tip: use the compass during your quest to find the squirrels. The squirrels appear at point A. When there's one squirrel left, it's fleeling to point B, so chase the squirrel to point B!
Gladiator information:
Attached Image
1st: Swordslash: Powerfull Attack
2nd: Swordslash: Precise (meaning of Accuracy) Attack
3rd: Shield Block: damage Minimizing
4th (red one): Ranged Attack: Great Distance
Drawing
5th: Provoking: Distraction
6th (red): roundabout slash: AOE damage
7th (red) Red Lotus: huge damage
So far, the jobs shown, from left to right are confirmed to be:
Master of the Great Axe, Master of the Bow, Master of the Fist, and Tailor.
The exact translations are not completely sure, but from what I've heard and deduced these are the correct names. But don't hold me to it!
It seems the folks at FFXIVcore were able to compile a quick list of things they found out at GamesCom on Day one, here is that list of what we know so far, as well as some elements Kyuu from FFXIVcore was able to deduce from playing a quick trial of the game.
* Currently you can't jump, but a developer told me they are considering to add it
* I wasn't able to find water just yet, so not sure if you can swim
* I will have an interview up tomorrow Thursday
* The combat system is interesting, reminds you of FFXI, you select a target with TAB, then take up your weapon with F and X locks on it. Then use the numbers from your hotbars to use abilities. The first two abilities I had generated combat points to use the AOE attacks etc, I'll get back on what class I played later
* Game is polished, very smooth combat and performance
* It was played on a PC (I think), with mouse and keyboard
* I did a kill mob quest, kill 6 peacock-like creatures, they were very easy to kill
* Square Enix points out several times that the game is in alpha, so keep this in mind. For being in alpha, the game has come very far and I'm quite impressed. Check back for a write up later.
* I tried running off further on the map and met many invisible walls.
* You could move around using WSAD
So, my current thoughts in summary is this:
I'm a bit worried about the control system. I do not like absolutely having to use a keyboard + mouse for control. In FFXI you could do everything in the game perfectly efficient without ever touching the mouse. If the option is there for people, that is good, but I hope we are not forced to constantly use the mouse.
Another thing that concerns me, is the camera angle. In FFXI it follows you in a very natural way. If you are indeed using a keyboard + mouse, having to adjust the camera angle at the same time could get very tiresome.
But, keep in mind, this is just a Alpha version of the game. Square Enix keeps telling people at GamesCom that this is not the complete product, and there will still be changes made. So here's hoping!
Stay tuned for more info everyone!
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