[Jorginus]

I've continuously put off playing FFXI, but I really want to get back into the game. Unfortunately, 90% of the time, I put it off because I convince myself what a hassle it is to start the game on the PS2.

First I have to attach the HDD to the system, then plug in the Logitech Keyboard Controller. Then I have to remove my ethernet bridge from my PS3 and plug it to the PS2 (and then back again when using the PS3). Then there's the extra loading for the PS2 when the HDD is attached. After that, it's a long wait for PO to boot up, logging me in, and then further waiting when I log into FFXI.

The whole process takes a good 10 minutes, so that's why I keep putting off the game. But then I considered trying the PC version. It's dirt cheap right now ($15 gets you the game and all the expansion packs), I have a capable graphics card, and I can plug my PC to my 1080p LCD. So in theory, I could be getting a quicker and prettier experience rather than using my PS2.

I still have a few questions regarding the transition to PC before I decide, though.

1. Will the Logitech Keyboard controller work with the PC version (if I'm using a PS2/USB adaptor for the controller portion)? If so, do all the buttons work the same (or can I configure them)?

2. How is the loading/connecting/lagging compared to the PS2? Can I log in much quicker?

3. The custom resolution I use for my TV when plugging the PC to it is 1808x1012. Does FFXI let you customize resolutions? If that size makes the text too tiny, what's a recommended resolution?

4. How would the game run on my PC? My specs are:

Intel(R) Pentium (R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz
2.79GHz, 1.25gb of RAM

Graphics Card: Radeon 9600 Series

Sound Card: Soundmax Integrated Audio (included with PC)

5. Any other advantages/disadvantages to playing on PC vs PS2?

I appreciate the help.

[Feba]

you do realize you can run FFXI on PS3, right?

[Jorginus]

Yes, but that only eliminates a few of the hassles I mentioned. I'm told the logitech keyboard controller should work on the PS3, and I wouldn't have to swap HDDs or anything. But I would have to free up 10gb of space (and I have the 20gb version), and it doesn't boost the lag, speeds, or visuals in anyway.

So I'm looking at the PC option, see if it might be a better choice.

[Lunaryn]

Your system specs sound fine.

I can't speak to your keyboard device. I know that PS2 controllers work with the appropriate connector/driver, but I've never seen the PS2 keyboard devices.

As far as the login time, I'd say it takes me about 2-3 minutes to log into FFXI (including navigating through menus). I have auto-connect on my login ID and stored password on my desktop system, which make some difference in streamlining the connection. (I don't recommend stored password if physical security on the system is at all in question, i.e. roommates, computer lab, etc.)

FFXI will offer all resolutions that Windows detects are supported by both your video hardware and monitor (either standard modes or modes reported by EDID) as Overlay Resolution. It offers 256x256, 512x512, and 1024x1024 as Texture Resolutions, but you can go higher than that by editing the value in the registry. (1536x1536 looks quite nice on my new widescreen monitor, but lags my current system a bit too much to stick with...) There are some other settings you can tweak to improve either quality or performance as necessary.

You may want to download and run Vana'diel Bench 3 if you want to get a sense of how well your system will handle FFXI in terms of graphics. There should be a link on the POL website.

[Feba]

PC version isn't really going to have better graphics, except higher resolution. Your system isn't going to help you with lag or anything.

I think your PS3 can use a standard USB keyboard, which you can get for like 10$, if you can't afford one, you can't afford FFXI for PC anyway.

I doubt that cutting in on your hard drive space will kill you. I'm sure the PS3 will have an external HDD soon enough anyway.

[Jei]

PS2 is already a 7 year old console. I wouldn't recommend you get getting it right now for FFXI... unless you have tons of other PS2 games you wanna play too and don't wanna get PS3 for them.

[Jorginus]

Okay, I downloaded the Bench program, and it worked without a hitch. But is there a way to change the resolution on the Bench? It wouldn't display on my TV (the resolution wasn't supported).

[IfritnoItazura]

Originally Posted by Feba

PC version isn't really going to have better graphics, except higher resolution.

This is a somewhat misleading statement.

PC and xBox360 uses higher quality texture maps, meaning you will see more details when you zoom in on characters. Special effects (like all the lights shooting up from the ground when casting White Magic) were also improved during the PS2 -> PC porting process, and that carried over to xBox360. Of course, the characters and buildings still have the same polygons, so the "shapes" remain the same.

FFXI does looks noticeably better on a reasonably powerful PC (or xBox360), but the differences aren't earth shattering--you would recognize it easily as the same game.

[Xeion]

Originally Posted by Feba

you do realize you can run FFXI on PS3, right?

Sure in US Wanna play FFXI on my PAL PS3.

[Shadowneko]

Originally Posted by IfritnoItazura

This is a somewhat misleading statement.

PC and xBox360 uses higher quality texture maps, meaning you will see more details when you zoom in on characters. Special effects (like all the lights shooting up from the ground when casting White Magic) were also improved during the PS2 -> PC porting process, and that carried over to xBox360. Of course, the characters and buildings still have the same polygons, so the "shapes" remain the same.

FFXI does looks noticeably better on a reasonably powerful PC (or xBox360), but the differences aren't earth shattering--you would recognize it easily as the same game.

My point exactly against "The PC looks better" argument....it just looks the same to me(gamewise) even if I max out the resolution! The only thing I really wana say about trying to get the PS2 Edition now is this:

It's dead hard to track down copies of the install disks....even if you have a PS3 to install them on finding CoP and Taou...even used...it's still very hard. I wouldn't say it's imposible but I'll say that as soon as Gamestop starts taking preorders for Wings of the Goddess I'll be the first in line as I never would have gotten TAOU without a preorder the last time. I wish SE would just release a full set of the PS2 install disks but there's no real evidence that they will....I did howver take something to be a hint that they might in the 1up interview about WOTG....

[InuTrunks]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Final-Fantasy-XI...QQcmdZViewItem

5 seconds to track down. Completely registerable.

[Jorginus]

I bought the PC version at Best Buy using a coupon, totaling $15. I'm giving it a try, then returning it later if I'm not satisfied. Just a couple of questions before I get started.

1. What are the best settings to display the highest resolution/graphics possible? This includes any mods or patches made by fans.

2. What are some programs that SE is very strict about using? I've heard of programs that display PT member's TP and whatnot, but I haven't kept up on SE's banning policy.

3. When using the logitech keyboard controller, can I just plug it in and it'll work, or will I have to manually change some settings in order to get the same controls as the PS2 version?

[Amele]

1. you'll want to edit the registry. if you've never done this before, be *VERY* careful doing it. there's a guide stickied in this forum section about it.

you'll want to use double your overlay res as your background res (or triple if you like a lower overlay res) I recommend going to at least your normal desktop resolution for the overlay res. (native monitor res for an lcd, etc).

optionally, there's several additional character skin and monster skin mods / animations, etc available from a couple websites (go to the modding section of the forums here if you're interested).

2. anything except the base program (and fraps, through special dispensation) are against SE's terms of service. currently that means you aren't able to alt+tab out of the game without it crashing (which is why most people use a windowing tool) SE is currently working on making their own optional tool that will 'officially' window the game.

3. I don't know anything about the keyboard controller, there is a gamepad configuration setup to use in association with the game configuration options. you can certainly use, *just* a keyboard to run the game. (most pc players use either just a keyboard or a regular gamepad + keyboard)

[Jorginus]

So I gave the game a good run (as in 3 hours) after messing around with the resolution and mapping my logitech keyboard controller. I was very pleased by the results. The game played very smoothly, the higher resolution was a beautiful plus, and it's much easier to log into the game (the speed to connecting to POL is about twice as fast, and the loading between areas is a bit faster too).

I just have a few questions as I work toward getting the max out of my PC performance.

1. For the resolution, I tried using POLUtils and set the GUI and 3D resolution both to 1808x1012. After doing this, I go check on FFXI Config (available in Start Menu) and go to Screen Size. From there, the Overlay Graphics resolution is listed as 1808x1012, while the Background Resolution is blank.

The actual game certainly looks nice and wide (in fact, the world looks bigger than ever), but the info button on my remote says it's 1920x1080i.

So did I do everything right? Does the FFXI config have to match what I put on POLUtils, or do I only have to manipulate the latter program to get the resolution I want?

2. And what about additional effects to enhance the graphics? On the effects menu in FFXI Config, I checked Bump Mapping, and set Weather Effects to smooth. So far the only minor graphic problems I have is some very minor screen tearing (think God of War) and a gridboard effect on the sky when it's cloudy. What are some recommended settings? You mentioned doubling/tripling the overlay res. How do I do that?

3. And are there any mods out there that add additional effects and textures, like with Oblivion? I'm not looking for anything that merely alters the look of the game, but enhances it.

4. I was able to map my Logitech Keyboard Controller exactly, all the buttons corresponding to the PS2 controls. There are only two differences:

A) I get no vibration, even when I enable it on the menu. Is it possible to get vibration, via a patch or anything?

B) You know how you partially type a word, then scroll down at the available shortcut choices (ex: Type "He" and pick either [Hello!] or [Helldive])? On PS2, I could scroll down those choices with the D Pad, but on PC I can only use the keyboard arrow keys. What do I have to change so I can scroll with the D Pad?

5. Is there a way to make the text or menus bigger?

6. Does that old Airship glitch still work, or did SE fix it (and just before I jump to PC)?

7. What's the quickest and easiest way to change the music in the game? I'm interested in replacing some of the more monotonous music with choices of my own, so long as it's easy enough to switch back to the original music.

8. Is there a way to view saved pictures without logging into POL (this is if you're using the default method to take pics)?

9. Any other fun programs I should use, ones that SE either won't detect or won't really make a fuss over?

That's about it. I'm very pleased by the results, and I feel that I'll finally start getting active in the game again. I even finished 9-1 last night.

[Amele]

Originally Posted by Jorginus

I just have a few questions as I work toward getting the max out of my PC performance.
1. For the resolution, I tried using POLUtils and set the GUI and 3D resolution both to 1808x1012. After doing this, I go check on FFXI Config (available in Start Menu) and go to Screen Size. From there, the Overlay Graphics resolution is listed as 1808x1012, while the Background Resolution is blank.
The actual game certainly looks nice and wide (in fact, the world looks bigger than ever), but the info button on my remote says it's 1920x1080i.
So did I do everything right? Does the FFXI config have to match what I put on POLUtils, or do I only have to manipulate the latter program to get the resolution I want?

you did it right (in that all you need is pol utils) but I would set your overlay resolution to 1920x1080 if that's the native res of the screen you play on (that's a big screen btw..) *attempt* to use a 3D resolution of 3840x2160 if polutils will let you go that high, if the game screen 'breaks' when you try to run at this resolution, drop it back down. what this does is "force" a sort of anti-aliasing on the 3D textures via oversampling (this will make jagged edges smoother).

2. And what about additional effects to enhance the graphics? On the effects menu in FFXI Config, I checked Bump Mapping, and set Weather Effects to smooth. So far the only minor graphic problems I have is some very minor screen tearing (think God of War) and a gridboard effect on the sky when it's cloudy. What are some recommended settings? You mentioned doubling/tripling the overlay res. How do I do that?

ah. the gridboard effect. that's an SE problem, the texture isn't well drawn. (they actually mentioned this as a regret in the recent fan panel at the fifth anniversary celebration) this is worst in the early bastok areas - it gets much better in newer expansion areas and/or with 'clear' weather.

minor screen tearing has to do with your framerate vs. the refresh rate of your screen, try enabling VSync (vertical sync) on your graphics card if you can; this should improve it slightly. it won't ever be perfect, because SE wrote it for 30 fps interlaced and ported it that way, (most modern monitors refresh at 60,75,80+)

consider adding mip-mapping, although apparently SE has some problems with it in the middle distance (you should do this from the polutils config if it's available) if you feel comfortable making direct registry edits, I can walk through that process in a later post if you'd like.

double/triple the overlay res as detailed above: set the 3D res as a multiple higher than the overlay resolution to "force" a sort of anti-aliasing effect on the graphics, to smooth edges.

3. And are there any mods out there that add additional effects and textures, like with Oblivion? I'm not looking for anything that merely alters the look of the game, but enhances it.

not quite. there's a small project going on somewhere to upgrade to higher resolution textures on most of the models, but it's very very far from complete (I've seen only one set modded like this) there's several mods available to improve the quality of the interface (clearer/cleaner fonts, prettier icons, etc) however. check brandson.livejournal.com for a popular one.

5. Is there a way to make the text or menus bigger?

use a lower overlay resolution ^^:

6. Does that old Airship glitch still work, or did SE fix it (and just before I jump to PC)?

it is as far as I know (it's been a long time since I rode an airship).

7. What's the quickest and easiest way to change the music in the game? I'm interested in replacing some of the more monotonous music with choices of my own, so long as it's easy enough to switch back to the original music.

the easiest way is to set a media player (I like winamp!) on a long playlist in the background before you start the game, then turn the ingame sound off.

more complicated methods involve re-ripping the song of your choice into a .bgm, I don't really do this myself (never been interested enough to bother) so I'll leave it to others to describe the process. consider crossposting this to the mod forum secion

8. Is there a way to view saved pictures without logging into POL (this is if you're using the default method to take pics)?
9. Any other fun programs I should use, ones that SE either won't detect or won't really make a fuss over?

there sure is, just gotta hunt them down in the POL folder structure. (they save just like regular image files). I highly recommend using fraps instead though, these will take at full resolution, instead of postcard scale.

other than fraps SE doesn't approve of any programs that run while the game is in use.

other utilities that are fun when not in game are the FFXI modelviewer and (possibly) vanahand or a similar out of game macro editor. SE has no official stance on these, although I suspect they frown a little bit on the vanahand (this is a text editor like interface for editing your macros).

another tool to look into would be tazzyparser (the successor to the old spyle's parser) since this just runs in the background culling information from .text files rather than the game's memory space.

dvsparse is better but is technically against the terms of service, since it involves interacting directly with the memory space of the application. that said, I don't believe anyone has been banned for the use of dvsparse (yet) and it's about as harmless as you can get for 'third party apps'.

anything more specific than I've already been is really kind of against the tos of this board, so unless a mod comes in and says 'go ahead' I'll have to leave it at that

That's about it. I'm very pleased by the results, and I feel that I'll finally start getting active in the game again. I even finished 9-1 last night.

glad you like it! and welcome to the pc-user dark side