The Chains of Promantia!

[FreakinRican]

http://www.1up.com/article2/0,2053,1573732,00.asp


Though Square Enix's trademark applications let the news slip some time back, this week's Famitsu Weekly contains the first details on Square Enix's next expansion for Final Fantasy XI. Chains of Promathia -- that's its English title, while the Japanese translates to something like "Curse of Promathia" -- will add swaths of new real estate and other features to Square Enix's MMORPG when it arrives in Japan this fall.
Chains of Promathia is separate from the previous expansion, Rise of the Zilart, and doesn't require players to have installed the first expansion (although this obviously won't be an issue for American gamers, who received the first expansion as part of the complete game package). It adds its own original story elements, unconnected to earlier developments.


The new expansion's additions mainly consist of new areas, more than 40 of them, including more three-dimensional areas stretching up to great heights. Some of the areas shown include "Moblupolis," a city where the Goblin race lives, and the Tabnesia Archipelago, a cluster of islands full of ancient ruins.

The focus is not on adding new jobs and character skills, and the expansion won't involve an increase in the existing level cap. However, it will feature the addition of new items to allow players to explore the new areas, like portable rafts for getting around on the water.

We'll likely get a first look at Chains of Promathia just before E3. An American release date has yet to be announced, but given Square Enix's rapid localization of regular updates to the game, it may come out at the same time as the Japanese version -- we'll find out next month

[Autumn]

Ahh .. great.. I can't wait! :0) Kinda sad about the lack of a new job ... but like the idea of new places to go. :0) :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Xyphere]

Funkified

[UltimaWeapon]

Portable rafts? Ooo, i always wanted to explore the seas of Vana'diel!

[Macht]

Hmm, protable rafts....Be funny as hell to see someone on it fishing and ends up fishing out the Sea Horror.

EDIT:

Assuming the rafts are small in size and carries a limited small number of players.

[Aurege]

square said in an interveiw with IGN.com that future expansions would release in Japan and US at the same time. i dont feel like looking in up, but check IGN's FFXI preveiws page.

[Vaiyo]

Where are the dragons!? I wanna see more dragons!!!

lol Or more monster models ... seeing Tunnel Worm, Stone Eater, Tape Worm, Uber Worm, Really really tough worm in Qufim, Cave Worm is really getting old :sweat:

And wow, 40 new zones? :biggrin: I cannot wait!

[Jroggy]

Originally posted by Vaiyo
And wow, 40 new zones? :biggrin: I cannot wait!
30 of which will be barely visited :/ i hope square come up with some way so these new areas are all visited and not just rarely.

[Macht]

Originally posted by Aurege
square said in an interveiw with IGN.com that future expansions would release in Japan and US at the same time. i dont feel like looking in up, but check IGN's FFXI preveiws page.


Now that you mention it I do recall an Interview on IGN were they stated that.

[Rakhir]

Portable rafts, eh? I'll lead a force of Tarutaru pirates yet.

[UltimaWeapon]

40 new areas does not exaclty mean "40 new towns" or something like that. An 'area' could simply be a new BCNM fight or to an extreme, a brand new country.

[TMPikachu]

or to another extreme, a 40 story tower

with rivers. :eek:

[Nexus]

mainly consist of new areas, more than 40 of them, including more three-dimensional areas stretching up to great heights. Some of the areas shown include "Moblupolis," a city where the Goblin race lives, and the Tabnesia Archipelago, a cluster of islands full of ancient ruins.


Tabnesia Archipelago!!! Thats the city in the opening city!!!
Its true! We will see the wartorn village!

[Ayakino]

Imagine... you're rafting across the high seas of Vana'diel... suddenly... PRIATES ATTACK!!! AHHHH!!!

[Stormfalcon]

Originally posted by TMPikachu
or to another extreme, a 40 story tower

with rivers. :eek:

Don't forget the psychotic all-powerful clown bent on world oblivion on top! :biggrin:

[UltimaWeapon]

Originally posted by Ayakino
Imagine... you're rafting across the high seas of Vana'diel... suddenly... PRIATES ATTACK!!! AHHHH!!!

Me: Pirates?! Aiie! Stay away from my feeble raft, you stupid pirates! *panics and falls off the raft* T_T

[LampShade]

big news

http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/promathia/

Tavnazia is the place referred to in the Prologue and also the WHM AF quests. i believe the cursed residents of it are the Kas/Dark Stalkers found in Eldieme, too... or something like that.

[Nerv]

:handsdown:

http://mypage.bluewin.ch/a-z/FFXI/oha.jpg
http://mypage.bluewin.ch/a-z/FFXI/NERVNERVNERV.jpg
http://mypage.bluewin.ch/a-z/FFXI/NERVNERV.jpg

[CoalChamber]

Portable rafts!! I call dibs on the puddles in North Gustaberg. Avast ye mateys, we wage a sea battle against Leaping Lizzy!

------------------------EDIT---------------------------
The pictures weren't loading when I posted. Just saw them, oh my god Nrv, those are so friggen awesome! (>.<);

[Norelco]

Some of these screen shots are beautiful...

[vadrek]

i CANT wait!!!!!!!

[Outaru]

Damn I will never get my life back now I will be playing this game forever :spin:

[ssj2liger0]

those 40 new areas could also include the new Conflict games i think i probably heard about >_>;.

Hmm...portable rafts. finally we can invade Norg and force them to keep open that tunnel they use for chocobos!!! im sick of Sea Serpent Grotto.

[continues rambling]

[goudaba]

Time to put my though in the promised promethia
Right now, SE is VERY reserved as only the announcement of new areas are shown.

1- I hope those new areas won't all be a al tu'lia, meaning only lv 70-75 players who have done x number of new missions could access/fight in.
We need an alternative for dunes/kazham/qufim

Maybe a third sub-job quest with the same difficulty as the selbina one.

Ok, with those 40 new areas, there is at least one city that you'll be able to access, so, wich country will have control of the Ah?? Maybe Jeuno(Argh, taxes)...

As for the new jobs/battle bonus/equipements/crafts/random things, NOTHING has been anounced yet, except if someone who have enough contacts among SE to get us more details...

But if this expansion is only area/more story oriented, there won't be any good reasons buy this expansion as the player base can content themself with what's already in place.

just my 2gils

[Khaunshar]

I dont think it takes rocket science to see the last expansion and its jobs were already redundant. Even more jobs for the 6 precious spots will just lead to more dragoons/samurai that are 2nd or 3rd choice for what they do.

The "useful" jobs all come from the basic game. So instead of seeing another wannabe tank, 2 more damage melee and maybe a random support mage that will struggle to find their niche, I'd prefer evening out the playing field as it is.

But of course, I"m playing a samurai as main , thus slightly biased :p

[Synbios]

Originally posted by goudaba
Time to put my though in the promised promethia
Right now, SE is VERY reserved as only the announcement of new areas are shown.

1- I hope those new areas won't all be a al tu'lia, meaning only lv 70-75 players who have done x number of new missions could access/fight in.
We need an alternative for dunes/kazham/qufim

Maybe a third sub-job quest with the same difficulty as the selbina one.

Ok, with those 40 new areas, there is at least one city that you'll be able to access, so, wich country will have control of the Ah?? Maybe Jeuno(Argh, taxes)...

As for the new jobs/battle bonus/equipements/crafts/random things, NOTHING has been anounced yet, except if someone who have enough contacts among SE to get us more details...

But if this expansion is only area/more story oriented, there won't be any good reasons buy this expansion as the player base can content themself with what's already in place.

just my 2gils The AH should be similiar to what they done in Rise of Zilart, Kazham Norg and Rabao each belong to Windurst Bastok and Sandoria, so most prolly they'll add another 3 little village and link them to each of the starting country's AH.

[lufia22]

The simle fact that you don't NEED this expansion makes me very unhyped about this expansion...

[Yarr]

every mmo says thats

oh you dont NEED the explantion. Its just a "bonus" but lets be honest here. Do you think you can go with out Rise of the Zilart? They said the same thing for that. You dont "need". God knows you would be hard pressed to xp outside of the kahzam area.

[vudoodoodoo]

Originally posted by TMPikachu
or to another extreme, a 40 story tower

with rivers. :eek:

rofl

[sagitta85]

They did a smart move to add a lot more areas and they better not make them for the higher levels. :mad:

[Netrus]

i bet some are alternatives like someone stated before we all know there should be an alternative to Yhoator Jungle :mad: i hope they r anyways but i think the expansion is due in the fall of 2004 for the ps2. from ign.com anyways. so ill be a higher lvl by then. i cant wait for the expansion. w00000000000t

[DarthWufei]

I smell Dynamis-Tavnazia and Dynamis-Movalpolos(ok maybe not, but hey, we need a gobbie Dynamis)

[perry]

OMFG!
OMFG!
OMFG!

/hurray
/cheer
/dance

[Cali]

No one mentioned....

Oh no, probably new GC to get...and more maps! ahh my gil....
By the way, the raft seem fragile, what if a storm hit, and my raft got hit, and I will drown...and lose exp? T-T Galka probably get boat, because they are too heavy for raft... and taru get a barrel...

[yuukei]

Originally posted by goudaba
1- I hope those new areas won't all be a al tu'lia, meaning only lv 70-75 players who have done x number of new missions could access/fight in.
We need an alternative for dunes/kazham/qufim



There's already an alternative to the Dunes. It's the same area around Mhuara. Bubumuri-whatever. o_o There's also an alternative to Quifim. It's called Korokola Tunnel x_x And Jugner x_x and pashow marshlands x_x and meriphtaud mountains. Those places can even suffice for a few Kazam-levels. And Batallia Downs is a good alternative for Kazam. So is Rolanberry Fields and Sauromungue. So...yeah. Please correct me if I'm wrong. But there are plenty of alternate leveling areas scattered about. It's just that no one cares.

[Ayakino]

Would Galka just sink to the bottom though and get eaten by the dreaded Sea Horror?

[Cali]

Nope, the galka will drown, then the sea horror will chew on his dead body...

[ElJoyo]

someone in one of my ls's saw a ffxi commercial on tv about the add-on...
he mentioned the 2 new areas and....
2 new jobs (1 mage class and 1 defender class) +
a new avatar but he couldnt tell more.
then he said that the beta will be out tomorrow in jp(wtf!?!?) and will try to get it ;_;
if its true then the 2 new jobs could be blue mage,knight and the new avatar bahamut maybe :D

[Norelco]

I never played EQ...what's a blue mage?

[Yarr]

ElJoyo your friend is full of it. Theres no way they would have a TV comercial for this add on before E3.

[navpops]

Originally posted by Norelco
I never played EQ...what's a blue mage?



EQ??!? blue mage is in Final Fantasys.. not EQ...

it learned its abilities from other monsters and uses them o.O

[EFigaro]

Originally posted by Norelco
I never played EQ...what's a blue mage?

Blue Mage is a Final Fantasy thing. It's a Mage job in which you absorb the attacks and special abilities of the monsters you fight when they use the effect on you. Imagine a Mage that after he's hit with Goblin Rush can spend MP to be able to turn around and use it on the same Goblin.

Classic staple of Final Fantasies...question is, how do you add it and make it distinctive enough to get use? Problem with adding any job right now.

[SkullRobot]

I'd like to see a Blue Mage, or a Geomancer. But I don't see a point to adding a Knight... isn't a Knight sortof like a warrior or pld?

Still I'm looking forward to seeing the new areas.. even though I haven't seen all the areas that exist already...

[John Doe III]

Originally posted by Netrus
i bet some are alternatives like someone stated before we all know there should be an alternative to Yhoator Jungle

*cough* Batallia *cough*


And not this stupid crap about the jobs again ...-_-....I WANTZOR CHOCO KNIGHT!!!

[Pestilence]

The whole portable raft idea sounds awesome but I'd love to be able to ride my blue chocobo across the oceans again!


(for all those who didn't know, blue chocobos are from ff7)

[Lupin585]

I have a Strooooong feeling this is going to do with the Gods in the game, Altana (I dont know her damn name, I worship the stars, damnit :p) and Promantia. I know in one area in the game there is a statue of Promantia and she is bound in chains. Could be her awakening? Its so exciting :P

As for the "new Jobs" if there are any at all one better be a mage class ~.~ May it be Blue or Geomancer, whatever. :rolleyes:

[Abriael]

Anyway we got the final confirmation that the city seen in the game introduction is Tavnazia. If you go in POL and look at the illustration introducing the Tavnazian Archipelago you can easily identift the city in it.

[Norelco]

Thanks for the info. =)

The term "Blue Mage" was only used in 1 FF game from what I can tell.... FF V, and that was Japan only unless you got the game with FF Anthology.

[Norelco]

I would be a little disappointed if they didn't introduce at least 1 or 2 more jobs in this expansion. I wonder if BST/Blue Mage or Blue Mage / BST would be a good job combo.

[EFigaro]

http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/promathia/

For official stuff on the US end with some descriptions and screen shot.

And the term Blue Mage is used in other games as well. FFV, VI, VIII, IX, X, Tactics, Tactics-Advance all have Blue Mages either as a job or the character is a blue mage.

Strago, Quistis, Big things that eats the monsters (Don't remember his name) and the big beast thing (Never played the game) all were blue mages.

[Abriael]

I would love to see dancer as a new job, other than blue mage... probably as an heavy damager with zero defence. Just to make us paladin's job harder, while defending cute girls in a pink tutu ^_^

[KamaAina]

LOL....you guys don't read anything do you?

They said that there will NOT BE NEW JOBS, and there WILL NOT BE A LEVEL CAP RAISE . And somehow this thread has turned in to ....


- "OOooo OOooo I bet its gonna be a blue mage"

- " No a green mage"

- "They already said that chocobo knight was next!"

Hmmmm, so what part of no new jobs is so hard to understand.

They dont really need new jobs yet. They are adding more things for higher levels to do, and you can always level another job.

[Abriael]

Actually i didn't see any official word on the matter, it all seems speculation of one site on it and then the others got that word for given.
I had the famitsu article read by a japanese friend of mine and she said there's nothing about it, so i will wait and see, development is still long until fall.

[Manatra]

Alternative to the newbie areas? Plenty of them.

Valkurm Dunes alternative = Shakhrami and Buburimu

Then late Valkurm Dunes = Korroloka Tunnel

In your 20s you can to go Sauromogue and kill beetles in the early 20s, you can also stick in Korroloka Tunnel west altepa desert entrance and kill crabs somewhere around 23-25.

At 25, you can go to batallia instead of yuhtunga, then around 28-29 you can also try outside sea serpent grotto for massive exp until level 31.

At 31 you can go to Sauromogue and kill the weapons there (though, you need a SMN and a DRK) you can also go outside Norg, and some other places.

At 33 to avoid Garlaige you can still hang around outside Norg and go to Altepa.

There's plenty of spots to level, people just tend not to bother, I remember the other day inviting someone to party, they said ok, and as soon as I mentioned going to Kazham and then Norg to kill stuff they said no because they thought Garlaige ruled even though there were 3 PTs there and 0 PTs in Sea Serpent Grotto (prolly had to do with bad experiences in Yuhtunga/Yhoator... can't blame someone for hating those places).

[CloudFFVII]

So this is what bahumut and Hades will come with ...> EXcellent!!!

[Alucath]

Originally posted by KamaAina
LOL....you guys don't read anything do you?

They said that there will NOT BE NEW JOBS, and there WILL NOT BE A LEVEL CAP RAISE . And somehow this thread has turned in to ....


- "OOooo OOooo I bet its gonna be a blue mage"

- " No a green mage"

- "They already said that chocobo knight was next!"

Hmmmm, so what part of no new jobs is so hard to understand.

They dont really need new jobs yet. They are adding more things for higher levels to do, and you can always level another job.

Maybe you should read the posts a little better; it's all speculation.. seriously, all we're doing is expressing our wants. You don't have to come in here and say 'shuddap no 1 wil get wut u wan kthxbai'.. Chill out.

[Alucath]

Originally posted by KamaAina
LOL....you guys don't read anything do you?

They said that there will NOT BE NEW JOBS, and there WILL NOT BE A LEVEL CAP RAISE . And somehow this thread has turned in to ....


- "OOooo OOooo I bet its gonna be a blue mage"

- " No a green mage"

- "They already said that chocobo knight was next!"

Hmmmm, so what part of no new jobs is so hard to understand.

They dont really need new jobs yet. They are adding more things for higher levels to do, and you can always level another job.

Maybe you should read the posts a little better; it's all speculation.. seriously, all we're doing is expressing our wants. You don't have to come in here and say 'shuddap no 1 wil get wut u wan kthxbai'.. Chill out.

[Gen]

Its all really quite exciting. Ive been on an extended break from the game and think ill start up again tonight...hope my ls is still around..

[Deedlit]

They said that there will NOT BE NEW JOBS, and there WILL NOT BE A LEVEL CAP RAISE .

Who is this "they" people keep referring to? I haven't heard anything official, either for or against new jobs/level cap raise.

Anyway - WOW! That peninsula looks gorgeous~

[christophe]

no pink mage job?

j/k:biggrin:

sorry; ;

[Cube]

Originally posted by Norelco
Thanks for the info. =)

The term "Blue Mage" was only used in 1 FF game from what I can tell.... FF V, and that was Japan only unless you got the game with FF Anthology.

Hmm, it's true that the actual term "Blue Mage" isn't used throughout the series, but "Blue Magic" is. In both FF8 and 10, Quistis' and Kimari's limit breaks are referred to as "Blue Magic". Also, in FF9 Quina has access to the actual "Blue Magic" through his Blu command.

So, yeah. The blue mage job (In name) has actually only been in a FF game once, but blue magic has been in every game since FFV (And Quina could be considered a blue mage, like how Garnet is a white mage/summoner but the term is never really used).

Considering the past trends though (That Blue magic has been in every single FF game since 5) I'd say Blue Magic is bound to show up at some point, if not in this expansion. To me, it would be an FF game missing a little special something that I've always liked :sweat: .

[perry]

Originally posted by KamaAina
LOL....you guys don't read anything do you?
......
They dont really need new jobs yet. They are adding more things for higher levels to do, and you can always level another job.

Ummmm. Maybe you dont read anything. I have read everything I can about this expansion, and I didnt see any indication that they are specifically adding new areas for higher levels.

Shut your pie hole and quit ruining everyones fun.

Naysayer.

[Pai Pai Master]

In a Developers Interview some time ago, multiple Square Enix representatives explained that at the time, they did not intend to add any new jobs in the 2004 Expansion.

However, it could be interpreted in different ways.

Final Fantasy XI: Online came with 1 job that wasn't available until Rise of the Zilart came out: the Summoner. This could mean that Zilart added jobs that haven't been activated as yet. Or, they decided in the end to add new jobs.

Nothing has been officially announced by Square Enix as yet, except the actual announcement of the expansion and a few of its features. We'll learn more, with E3 being a little over 2 weeks away.

[KamaAina]

Originally posted by FreakinRican
http://www.1up.com/article2/0,2053,1573732,00.asp

"The focus is not on adding new jobs and character skills, and the expansion won't involve an increase in the existing level cap. However, it will feature the addition of new items to allow players to explore the new areas, like portable rafts for getting around on the water.
"

It will not focus on new jobs, or raising the level cap. Out of all the new areas I am sure that some will provide something for higher levels to do, but not all.

And they didn't say outright that there will be absolutley no chance for new jobs or a level cap raise.... and maybe they just want us to be suprised...but my point was lets not take a thread talking about what we do know about the expansion and turn it into another one of the thousands of threads dealing with new jobs.

I am excited about the stuff that was announced, I mean real estate!!! Rafts!! NEW AREAS!! What is that not good enough that you have to focus on the one area that they said was not going to be the focus of the next expansion.

- The focus is not on adding new jobs and character skills, and the expansion won't involve an increase in the existing level cap. (so could we please talk about something other then what the "new jobs will be"


EDIT: This thread stayed on topic for about 3 1/2 pages...and then I am guessing people stop reading the first post.

BTW in an effort to change the topic back.....how do you think portable rafts will work. Do you think you can control them? Can you take a whole party on it and have a captian and stuff? In the Goblin city, are they hostile (probobly not they are probobly like the merchants in Jeuno).

BTW I thought those screenshots were great! I can't wait. (I think that probobly a good number of these areas will be for high levels not ALL but the high end of the game is what really needs work I mean at level 30 you haven't expierienced everything that is already in the game....at least I haven't

[Alucath]

Some of us just want to talk about possible new jobs more than we do the other things. Deal with it.

[neighbortaru]

erm, why talk about it if it says there will be no new jobs in the expansion?

[Alucath]

Originally posted by neighbortaru
erm, why talk about it if it says there will be no new jobs in the expansion?
>.> That's the point, it doesn't say that there won't be new jobs.. It just says it won't be the focus. o.o.

[neighbortaru]

eh, personally I think you guys are grasping at straws, but proceed if it makes you happy. :)

[Ayakino]

I'm starting to get the feeling Square-Enix has some tricks up their sleeves and they want to surprise us and make us panic like Tarutaru for it. ^^

[Norelco]

Where does "it" say there will be no new jobs? And the Super Mod said "In a Developers Interview some time ago"...

Some time ago...hrmmm...things don't change? Maybe they changed their minds and added something? Who knows...but it's fun to speculate.

Or maybe the developers just lied in the interview. They don't have to tell you everything that's on their plate, why ruin the surprise?

[tekrebel]

0o00o0o I hope I can someday be a dragon master!

Maybe there wont be any new jobs... but what if they fix up some of the old ones. Like give beastmaster some Beast balls so they can capture mobs and keep them in containers. And when they want to battle they just they just bring out their Beast balls and /tell "I Choose you Desert Sand Hare, Might Kick Attack!"

Or since this is now square-ENIX, how bout they bring back the metal slimes and metal babbles! 1000xp per kill with evasion and defense maxed out! O0o0o0o

=)

[KamaAina]

Originally posted by Norelco
Where does "it" say there will be no new jobs? And the Super Mod said "In a Developers Interview some time ago"...

Some time ago...hrmmm...things don't change? Maybe they changed their minds and added something? Who knows...but it's fun to speculate.

Or maybe the developers just lied in the interview. They don't have to tell you everything that's on their plate, why ruin the surprise?

They didn't say it just a long time ago they said it in the interview that this thread is about as well. What they are doing is saying that there will be no new jobs (but they are being careful not to back themselves into a corner in case they change their mind).

The point that me and my good friend neighbortaru ;) are trying to make is why not focus on the things that ARE going to be the expansion. You know like the first three pages of this thread were about. I mean they didn't say that they weren't going to add new jobs in the Emergency maintenance patch that is coming up so......... I HOPE ITS A CHOCOBO KNIGHT!!!

[Cloud Tiamat]

Originally posted by KamaAina


They said that there will NOT BE NEW JOBS, and there WILL NOT BE A LEVEL CAP RAISE .

I never read anything from Square Enix that said point-blank "There will be no new jobs" or "the level cap will never go beyond L75".

All I've heard is second-hand information from other people CLAIMING it's Square Enix's official word.

- "OOooo OOooo I bet its gonna be a blue mage"

Considering Blue Magic has been in every FF since FF5, it would be almost sacriledge to not have it in FFXI. :)

I was quite disappointed when I learned it wasn't in the game.

- "They already said that chocobo knight was next!"

Eh, I'd rather they add Chocobo Breeding ala FF7.

Hmmmm, so what part of no new jobs is so hard to understand.

The part where it's supposively "official."

They dont really need new jobs yet. They are adding more things for higher levels to do, and you can always level another job.

Suppose I did level up Bard or Summoner up to 75 as well as Black Mage. Then what? The other jobs I really don't want to play?

Increasing level cap = more playtime

Sooner or later the new missions & Dynamis are going to run out of content, and if you can't go past L75...........

[tekrebel]

All speculation aside... lemme introduce to you a concept we use in the real world of business.

"If you announce, proclaim, or literally state a concept or executable term of progressive movement, in which the found statement was considered to be false, legal action by parties directly affected will ensue thereafter."

I. E. If I say there will be a new job in FFXI at the beginning of the project, decide to change my mind midway through the project and dump the idea, by the time of launch if the new job is not integrated into the game, I just lied to the masses which is a big no no.

As opposed to declining all speculation to new jobs. Changing my mind mid way through the project. And by launch time adding a beneficial feature to the game... well lets just say no one in the history of business has sued for getting more than what they paid for.

Keep in mind that the launch is still about 5 months away. CHANGES CAN BE MADE. That's why theres such a thing called an "update." If I were them I'd wait till closer to launch date before I release anything set in stone... which is what theyre doing.

[KamaAina]

Originally posted by tekrebel
All speculation aside... lemme introduce to you a concept we use in the real world of business.

"If you announce, proclaim, or literally state a concept or executable term of progressive movement, in which the found statement was considered to be false, legal action by parties directly affected will ensue thereafter."

I. E. If I say there will be a new job in FFXI at the beginning of the project, decide to change my mind midway through the project and dump the idea, by the time of launch if the new job is not integrated into the game, I just lied to the masses which is a big no no.

As opposed to declining all speculation to new jobs. Changing my mind mid way through the project. And by launch time adding a beneficial feature to the game... well lets just say no one in the history of business has sued for getting more than what they paid for.

Keep in mind that the launch is still about 5 months away. CHANGES CAN BE MADE. That's why theres such a thing called an "update." If I were them I'd wait till closer to launch date before I release anything set in stone... which is what theyre doing.


LOL um......

Sorry but companies are allowed to change plans. For instance you could not pursue legal action agianst Square Enix if they said.....

We are planning 10 new jobs to be introduced in the next expansion blah blah blah.

And then later come out and said something like : Due to problems with balancing the jobs, and negative feedback during play testing we have decided that there will be no new jobs introduced in this expansion.

You know what maybe what they are trying to say is exactly what they have been saying which is that they currently have no plans to add new jobs.

I dont know what world you live in buddy but companies make and break promises all the time. S-E could drop this whole expansion and FFXI and you couldn't hold all their plans agianst them. Plans are allowed to change that is why they never flat out come and say it. But that doesn't mean that they probobly are adding new jobs they just dont want to get in trouble.

The focus of the expansions is not on new jobs THAT is what they are saying.

I am not in the bussiness of advertisement I work at a development firm but if one of our tenants puts up a sign advertising plans for a new location complete with a slip n' slide, ice cream bar, and the world's largest chocolate rabbit. But then have to abandon the project due to cost restraints and say can only make the world's second largest chocolate rabbit they are not held legally responsible because thousands of children were so looking forward to that gigantic chocolate rabbit.

Now however if they put up a sign outside advertising 2 for 1 deals on their gingerbread cookies (and there was no fine print saying otherwise) but gave no such discount well then that would be false advertisement.

Do you see the difference? That is just something from us over here in the "Real World"

[moonglo]

I guess I'm excited. The new areas should be fun to explore (I haven't even seen all of the current ones..) and the beaches and ice-covered areas look beautiful, but I'm not too excited to pay for another expansion after 7 or so months. Oh well.

How is this 'portable raft' thing going to work? People buy a raft and sail around wherever they want? I sort of hope not... think bumper boats.

[Dragon Ghost]

O_O *twitchs*

[tekrebel]

Ok pardon my use of simplicity in my previous post.

I work in the world of technology advertisement. Once a printed declaration is visible to the consumer, it is in STONE. If I advertise a 40 gig hd for 40 bucks with a 20 dollar mail in rebate, when someone gets to the store, thats what they expect. If you change the advertisement in the store inadvertantly, guess what, thats false advertisement. You cant expect them to come into the store for a 20 gig at 40 bucks no mail in rebate and not cause a tirade over the situation.

But then again thats advertisement...

What if you did this in development with a respectable title such as Final Fantasy. What if someone released a statement with "New Jobs in upcoming expansion," and at the time of release have something other than what they previously stated? Not only do you lose money and customers, but youve also defamed the name. Yes one might be able to turn the situation but thats easier said then done. It's like trying to sell someone beach front property in colorado...

[Caspian]

I agree, it may not be something that squenix can get sued for, but this is their nest egg. Final Fantasy is a big name and would be nearly as big of a problem to recant on something they wanted to be in as it would to be sued by gamers. I'm not in any sort of advertising firm or really any related business, but it seems like it would just be smarter to only release information that you are fully confident in. I'm not saying that there will be new jobs in the expansion, but it is more likely that they would say that they're wont be any and then add them than it would to say there will be and then not have them. After saying all that though, I'm not expecting any new jobs in the expansion...but if there happen to be some then so much the better. I'm gonna wait till atleast E3 maybe even till a month or two before the release before I really start keeping my ear to the ground. A lot of "official" stuff gets said about video games only for the really official stuff to say the exact opposite. Just take Halo2 according to some "official" statements it should have been out 6 months ago. LOL

[kitzkozan]

:biggrin: I can't wait for this new expansion.

It will only be oriented toward adding landmass and load of content.Huh,wait? There is already a load of content in this game,and we have bi-monthly update which constantly add new quest,mission and new feature(ballista,garrison,dynamis).

By the time we have this new expansion,we will have a crapload of content available to us.So far,there is a load of content for nearly all the level range.Yes,even in the high level you have mission for higher rank and the zilart mission.Of course,once you are done with this there isn't much to do except go on HNM hunting and dynamis.You can also test your skills in ballista against level 75 players :spin: Hmmm,well it's way more that what was available back in October when I started the game.

I can just imagine the content which will now be available to us.I already have plenty of content which I didn't experience,I cannot imagine what's it going to be by adding this new expansion :eek: Those raft simply look cool and the new area are amazing.I'm especially interested by what seem like an underwater area.Could this mean we can now swim?Or explore underwater ruins?

The only thing in which I am dissapointed is that I was sure this was going to be like The plane of power expansion for Everquest.I was sure this was the final expansion in which we go on and kill this goddess which hate us :p I wanted to rise in power and become a god slayer.It seem this expansion is optional and only show us new area which we can explore.The storyline is a side part just like the rise of the zilart.I hope there is one new expansion which is required so we can face the final boss and definitively be done with the storyline.

[Huckster]

Screenshots from Playonline Viewer:

http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/tavnazian1.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/tavnazian2.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/tavnazian3.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/tavnazian4.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/tavnazian5.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/other1.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/other2.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/other3.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/other4.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/other5.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/other6.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/other7.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/other8.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/movalpolos1.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/movalpolos2.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/movalpolos3.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/movalpolos4.jpg
http://gnu.univ.gda.pl/~huckster/ff11/movalpolos5.jpg

[Norelco]

"Eh, I'd rather they add Chocobo Breeding ala FF7. "


Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

[Gattsu25]

Blue Mage? a BST with "Sic" is basically a gimped Blue Mage already




also, the new areas look GREAT. just hoping that they all aren't level 50+ areas

[Patchinko]

Square said their focus wouldn't be on new jobs and skills, but on expanded missions, quests and areas. That doesn't mean that there won't be any new jobs or skills, necessarily. It's just a statement to cover their ass. :sweat:

I guess they could add another couple jobs (maybe another tank and another mixed mage or solo-focus job), but if you think about it, there's not that much left.

(Of course, I'm a blue mage fanboy, so I would hope for that addition regardless. :spin: )

[neighbortaru]

hmm... another solo job would be interesting... ack, focus neighbortaru, focus!

[Arximiro]

Well i read every post X.X . I think adding a new job and making it perform evenly and balancing everything must be hard as hell. There was those 2 mysterious Afs back in the New af pics if i do recall, Nowone ever explained those i dont think and if they did i missed it.

[Paul]

Someone posted a link to a website that said there is no new jobs or level cap raise. You can't take stuff posted on internet sites as fact. With internet you got to remember anyone can post their opinions, but it souldn't be taken as a fact, unless it comes from Square-Enix's website.

My guess is they will raise the level cap, because they want to keep the high level players playing, give them something to do. Whats the point in adding 40 new areas if you can't even get any more exp?

[FreakinRican]

When it comes out this fall I remember you all and make one topic. That topic will say I told you so. http://hoxdna.org/~kimaru/pennyarcaders/images/smiles/winky.gif

[Trell]

In keeping with the not being able to avoid going off topic and turning YET ANOTHER thread into a job wishlist, I would like to see a bigger variety of PIES in this game. Make us a Pie-master job, damn it!

Hmm...Pie...

[Patchinko]

Originally posted by Paul
Someone posted a link to a website that said there is no new jobs or level cap raise. You can't take stuff posted on internet sites as fact. With internet you got to remember anyone can post their opinions, but it souldn't be taken as a fact, unless it comes from Square-Enix's website.

My guess is they will raise the level cap, because they want to keep the high level players playing, give them something to do. Whats the point in adding 40 new areas if you can't even get any more exp?
If you're talking about the article I posted on the news item on the main page, it's pretty legit--it's by the same company that makes EGM, OPM, etc. Regardless, Square has yet to say there will be no new jobs, simply that they won't be a focus of the new expansion.

As for raising the level cap, if it's raised to 80, it'll kill a lot of the lvl40 skills that make certain jobs specific. That said, going beyond 80 would only continue to do that moreso, so I think it's a bad idea.

[Cloud Tiamat]

Originally posted by Patchinko

If you're talking about the article I posted on the news item on the main page, it's pretty legit--it's by the same company that makes EGM, OPM, etc. Regardless, Square has yet to say there will be no new jobs, simply that they won't be a focus of the new expansion.

As for raising the level cap, if it's raised to 80, it'll kill a lot of the lvl40 skills that make certain jobs specific. That said, going beyond 80 would only continue to do that moreso, so I think it's a bad idea.

So to preserve the individually of jobs, the game should stagnate? (never mind the fact they can just ADD new things)

[pagodaman02]

Originally posted by Arximiro
There was those 2 mysterious Afs back in the New af pics if i do recall, Nowone ever explained those i dont think and if they did i missed it.

They were't new AFs, people assumed that. One's the Scorpian Breastplate (I believe....just a palette shift from Carapice Harness), and the other is a newly released Lvl 50 Summoner outfit thats craftable. Cant remember the name of it, look @ nearest AH.

[TMPikachu]

Originally posted by Cloud Tiamat


So to preserve the individually of jobs, the game should stagnate? (never mind the fact they can just ADD new things)

Coconuts are good, so are oranges, watermelon, bananas, strawberries, and mangos.

but throw them all in a blender, and you end up with a semi-sweet slush with none of the flavour.

[Arli]

Hopefully, this will help clarify some of the confusion over the new job issue. Here is a C&P of the press release I received from Square Enix this week regarding their official annoucement regarding the expansion pack.

SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES FINAL FANTASY® XI EXPANSION
– CHAINS OF PROMATHIA™ –
500,000 Players Await the Latest Expansion, Scheduled For Simultaneous Release In Japan and North America This Fall

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (April 28, 2004) – Square Enix U.S.A., Inc. (“Square Enix U.S.A.�), the publisher of Square Enix™ interactive products in North America, today announced the newest expansion to its fast-growing massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), FINAL FANTASY® XI, titled “Chains of Promathia.� With a community of 500,000 players and 1.2 million active characters from Japan and North America combined, this FINAL FANTASY XI expansion promises to bring more exciting adventures for all levels of gamers. Chains of Promathia is scheduled for release this fall in both Japan and North America.

The first cross-platform, cross-continent MMORPG, FINAL FANTASY XI, allows gamers to connect to the same exact world regardless of whether they are playing on a personal computer (PC) or PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and whether they are playing in North America or Japan. In Japan, FINAL FANTASY XI for the PlayStation 2 and for Windows® were released in May and November 2002, respectively. Approximately a year later in October 2003, FINAL FANTASY XI for Windows® launched in North America, followed by the PlayStation 2 version in March 2004. This first online title in the world-renowned series has quickly become one of most popular MMORPGs to date.

About FINAL FANTASY XI
FINAL FANTASY XI blends sorcery and technology. The once peaceful world of Vana’diel® stands at the brink of war as a power struggle slowly emerges among the three nations. The struggle focuses on the control of sacred crystals: an essential source of all creation. An unknown malevolent force rises in Vana’diel with a passion for the energy within the crystals.

In FINAL FANTASY XI, players will undertake multiple adventures through vast environments in the world of Vana’diel, a persistent world that has more than 100 areas to explore, including mountains, forests, ice plains, deserts, oceans, rivers, castles, and dungeons. The brand new gaming universe contains the award-winning visual content, innovative gameplay and deep storyline seen throughout the FINAL FANTASY series. FINAL FANTASY XI allows players to create their alter ego that will exist in the world of Vana’diel, choosing from a variety of races, facial features, hairstyles and colors. They will be able to play at their own pace and form parties by utilizing the various communication tools that have been incorporated into FINAL FANTASY XI, including easy-to-use chat and messaging systems. The inclusion of the “Rise of the Zilart� expansion pack expands the storyline and opens up a variety of higher-level skills and abilities.

The soon to be released expansion “Chains of Promathia� brings a new chapter to the story of Vana’diel. Expanding the world of Vana’diel, new areas never before seen in maps will surface and towns, which have been spoken of but never seen, will emerge. Fabled legends will also be realized in Chains of Promathia. As some of the mysteries of Vana’diel are unraveled, additional secrets will be discovered in the intricately designed expansion, Chains of Promathia. The expansion will be available on CD-ROM and will not be available for download.

Availability and Pricing

Published by Square Enix U.S.A., Inc., FINAL FANTASY XI for Windows® is available for a suggested retail price of $49.99 (USD). FINAL FANTASY XI for the PlayStation 2, published by Sony Computer Entertainment America and pre-installed on the internal Hard Disk Drive is available for a suggested retail price of $99 (USD). Subscribers will receive their first 30 days of access without charge. Aside from Internet service provider access charges, the free trial period will begin on the date players create their first Content ID or character. Any additional Content IDs purchased are also available without charge until the end of the free trial period. After 30 days, players can continue to play FINAL FANTASY XI by paying a monthly fee of $12.95 (USD) for one FINAL FANTASY XI character and can create up to 15 additional characters for an additional charge of $1.00 (USD) per character, per month. Tetra Master®, the online version of the wildly popular and addictive mini-game from FINAL FANTASY IX, is also included in the package and is available for $1.00 (USD) per month. Payment for monthly access charges must be made by credit card only (restrictions apply).

PlayOnlineâ„¢

FINAL FANTASY XI is a multiplayer online game in which players play via the Internet, and is playable via broadband or dial-up connection on both the PC and PlayStation 2. FINAL FANTASY XI is accessible only through the PlayOnline network service, a network service created by Square Enix. PlayOnline provides a wide range of online services and entertainment including games, entertainment and communication. Thus, PlayOnline not only serves as a portal to the world of FINAL FANTASY XI, but also a gateway to several other applications including communication tools such as email, messaging, a “Friend List,� games, support, downloadable files and audiovisual customization. Players will create personalized PlayOnline identities or “handles� that allow other players to communicate with each other, no matter where they are on the PlayOnline network. These basic services on the PlayOnline network will be free of charge. For more information on PlayOnline, FINAL FANTASY XI and Tetra Master, please visit the official Web site at http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml.

FINAL FANTASY XI for Windows® System Requirements
The minimum system requirements for FINAL FANTASY XI for Windows are as follows: Windows 98/98 SE/Me/2000/XP, Intel® Pentium® III 800Mhz or higher, 128MB RAM, 6GB of hard drive space, DirectX® 8.1 compatible sound card, CD-ROM drive, keyboard, 56K or faster Internet connection, and either the ATI® Radeon™ 9000 series or NVIDIA® GeForce™ series video card with 32MB of RAM.


FINAL FANTASY XI for PlayStation 2/Hard Disk Drive (40GB) (for PlayStation®2) Specifications

Published by Sony Computer Entertainment America, FINAL FANTASY XI for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system comes pre-installed on the Hard Disk Drive (40GB)(for PlayStation®2). The Hard Disk Drive attaches to the Network Adaptor (Ethernet/modem) (for PlayStation®2), which connects to both broadband and dial-up networks and rests in the expansion bay of the PlayStation 2 console. The launch of the Hard Disk Drive opens a new world for gamers by enabling the possibility of new entertainment experiences utilizing 40GB of storage capacity. Additional product features include faster caching times and in the near future, the ability to download content for online games such as new tracks, stadiums and characters.

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated FINAL FANTASY XI “T� for Teen. For more information about the ESRB, visit http://www.esrb.org.

About Square Enix Co. Ltd. and Square Enix U.S.A., Inc.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Square Enix Co., Ltd. (Square Enix) develops, publishes and distributes entertainment content including interactive entertainment software and publications in Japan, North America, Europe and Asia. Square Enix brings two of Japan’s best-selling franchises – FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 49 million units worldwide and DRAGON QUEST (DRAGON WARRIOR® in North America) which has sold over 31 million units worldwide – under one roof. Square Enix is one of the most influential providers of digital entertainment content in the world and continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Square Enix U.S.A. Inc., located in Los Angeles, Calif., handles operations in North America including localization, marketing and publishing of Square Enix titles. More information on Square Enix U.S.A. can be found on the Internet at http://www.square-enix-usa.com.



Please note that there's no information about them adding, or not adding new jobs etc. This is very early in the public relations stages of their hype machine for the expansion, and showing all their cards with so many months before retail would be a mistake. Usually more information about the release will be available as Square Enix deems necesary to keep interest in the game going. Also, like many things in the industry, things can change. Release dates can be moved forward and back and content can be added, removed and/or revised within a few weeks time. Granted, with a Fall 2004 release, the expansion is probably already well on its way to completion with internal beta testing already begun or soon to begin.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to what they have to offer. It looks like they've gone even further into getting the most out of their graphics engine. I just hope they work on some of the lag caused by some of the more dramatic environmental effects.

[megax11]

Did you guys notice in the last big update, they added a file called "Dancer.enc"

Wonder why they did that, and what it means.

[Angelhelix]

WOAh. These new areas sound very awesome. Can't wait.

[DM337]

Originally posted by Cloud Tiamat


So to preserve the individually of jobs, the game should stagnate? (never mind the fact they can just ADD new things)

Who's to say that the only way for the game to change is to add new jobs? The game can be kept fresh and new with new quests, equipment, weapons, missions, areas, and enemies just like it has been for quite some time.

[Nodoka]

>Did you guys notice in the last big update, they added a file called "Dancer.enc"

That was also said somewhere else... There was always a dancer file.

[Cloud Tiamat]

Originally posted by DM337


Who's to say that the only way for the game to change is to add new jobs? The game can be kept fresh and new with new quests, equipment, weapons, missions, areas, and enemies just like it has been for quite some time.

I was referring to the level cap. If it never goes beyond 75, it will get boring after awhile because you'll have nothing to look to at that point.

[Cali]

Not really, unless you are only interested in one job and lvling.... I am having plenty of fun capping myself at 52(meaning, I haven't lvl since forever)... I play my mages, I play other newbie jobs, I go camp crappy NM for no reason etc... but everything is fun...

Anyway, since some of us notice the problem of unbalanced jobs if opening new cap, we might as well disguss what we think should be added to keep the balance? >_>;
ie -Utsusemi: SAN
-Refresh II

[Rusk]

I'm just hoping we see a lot of new and interesting models for monsters. You know, stuff like Iron Giants, Chimera, and other familiar Final Fantasy monsters (and hopefully some new ones). I would be very pleased if the new expansion didn't have a single crab :p

As far as levels go, I don't think you need to raise the level cap to keep people interested. As long as there is a lot of new, challenging content for high level players, there will be something to keep them busy.