Worth Trying on the Xbox 360?

[d3moliti0n]

Hi there

Well I played FFXI Online on the PC about a year ago, I got the starter pack version which had the game and all the expansions at the time but didn't allow you to play the expansions because you had to buy them or something. Anyways, on the PC I didn't enjoy it that much and only played for the free 30 days as I had a few technical problems with the game and getting it running properly and I am now willing to give it another try on the 360.

Would it be worth buying the game now considering it has been out a long time? What are the numbers like these days, are there many players still? I will probably wait until that new Final Fantasy XI 2008 Edition comes out toward the end of May if I'm going to buy it as it has the original game and all expansions which would seem the best thing to do so any input on whether or not I should buy it and the good/bad things about the game are much appreciated.

Thanks for your help and time.

[Kailea]

honestly its better to play it on PC.....

the PS2 resolution is not to my taste atleast and the 360 version seems to have issues with large group events

[TheGrandMom]

I play on the 360 on occasion and I attend Dynamis, do JOL, etc and I have absolutely no issues with large group events.

As for should you play, thats only a question you can ask yourself. FFXI is a HUGE time sink and you'll need at least 2-3 hours to play when you log on especially once you start partying. You can solo in FFXI but it sloooooooow and annoying, so getting into parties eventually is the preferred method of leveling for the majority of people.

Do a lot of people still play? Yes. You can go here FINAL FANTASY XI Official Web Site (http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml) and read a lot about the game. This is also a good website to look up things FFXIclopedia (http://wiki.ffxiclopedia.org/wiki/Main_Page) . On Midgard there is 2k people on when its slow and of course more in the peak times and thats just one server. There are 30 servers I believe.

[Kailea]

really TGM? .... odd my 360 and a few other people I know, cant do Besieged on their 360, because they freeze up about 90% of the time. They all have the older 360, and I have the newer one, with the new motherboard. *shrugs*

[Nandito]

Also, if you have an HDTV, it'll look WAY better than what the PS2 can muster.

Highly recommend if PC is giving you trouble. Controller + Keyboard is fun anyway.

[TheGrandMom]

really TGM? .... odd my 360 and a few other people I know, cant do Besieged on their 360, because they freeze up about 90% of the time. They all have the older 360, and I have the newer one, with the new motherboard. *shrugs*

Yep no issues on either of my 360's. The downstairs one I got on release day and my upstairs one is a Falcon that I got a month ago. Not really playing FFXI on them anymore though because GTA4 is my crack of choice at the moment! LOL

[Murphie]

A few of my friends play on the 360 and they haven't had any problems with group events.

[Dymlos]

I can't do Besieged because my 360 freezes up. I'm not sure what's the main cause of it, bad coding or the system can't handle that much influx of data and goes ape shit crazy and blows its brains out since it can't handle the stress. -_-

[Shadowneko]

I've played the PS2 edition for years...it's not bad and I've seen the PC edition on 800 by 600(my best PC will only handle it this high) and I don't see what the big deal is. It's abit smoother but that's it...you get the same game and eveything looks about the same to me...

As for the OP playing FFXI...well you should probabaly be asking if you want to put the time in to actually play a hardcore MMORPG. The community is usually nice and helpfull but you still must level with other players and ask people to assist you on missions.

Why to I play FFXI? Personally I love the mission storylines and the ability to swap your class on the fly. Most MMORPGs stick you with your starting class and you can't change it unless you start a new character. FFXI allows you to pick from over 20 jobs and keeps track of all the levels you've gained for each one. The only thing is that all jobs start on lvl 1(but if you gaim lvls on it you keep those so you can be lvl 30 warrior and lvl 30 BLM on the same character)

[Kailea]

I've played the PS2 edition for years...it's not bad and I've seen the PC edition on 800 by 600(my best PC will only handle it this high) and I don't see what the big deal is. It's abit smoother but that's it...you get the same game and eveything looks about the same to me...

As for the OP playing FFXI...well you should probabaly be asking if you want to put the time in to actually play a hardcore MMORPG. The community is usually nice and helpfull but you still must level with other players and ask people to assist you on missions.

Why to I play FFXI? Personally I love the mission storylines and the ability to swap your class on the fly. Most MMORPGs stick you with your starting class and you can't change it unless you start a new character. FFXI allows you to pick from over 20 jobs and keeps track of all the levels you've gained for each one. The only thing is that all jobs start on lvl 1(but if you gaim lvls on it you keep those so you can be lvl 30 warrior and lvl 30 BLM on the same character)


thats because you played it in 800x600 ;p if you did it in 1280x720 with background set to 1440x900 and bitmapping set at 4, you would see the diffrence

[Shadowneko]

thats because you played it in 800x600 ;p if you did it in 1280x720 with background set to 1440x900 and bitmapping set at 4, you would see the diffrence

the lolPC I currently have won't do that but I do have the background up to 1024X1024

If I do anything else it starts lagging so no I can't set it that high...and I still fail to see what the big deal is really because everything still looks about the same. It's like the difference between the PS1 edition of FF7 and the PC edition of FF7...it just smooted out abit...

[Rothy]

I play it on the 360 and I find it much better then sitting at a computer or whatnot. I enjoy being able to just sit on the couch or lay in bed, grab my keyboard and control and farm for abit if there is no one on, maybe do some fishing. Not to mention I love being able to get up and check on something with my wireless controller in hand if I'm doing something ingame.

[TheGrandMom]

I can NOT play FFXI on my PS2 or 360 if we are HNM camping. I fall asleep. >< I know its odd but thats why I don't like playing on the consoles, I get too comfortable.

[Rothy]

I fall asleep. >< I know its odd but thats why I don't like playing on the consoles, I get too comfortable.

nothing like waking up to find yourself face down in the dirt deleveled.

But thats about the only badside of playing on 360 for me.

[The Mauva Syndicate]

We both play on 360's (me and hubby) and we have them both on HDTV's with HDMI connectors at max 360 resolution - and its GORGEOUS!!

Haven't had any large event issues either.

[Feba]

TGM, please, your excuse for not playing on consoles is because you fall asleep HNM camping?

I've fallen asleep, using a computer, while I was in the middle of a party. Woke up with a bad case of keyboard face.

[TheGrandMom]

Well....how do I put this delicately. LOL You know how computer chairs, for the most part, don't have a lot of padding? Add to that the point that my own behind doesn't have a lot too. Now put those together and you get UNCOMFORTABLE! LOL So I don't get comfortable enough to actually fall asleep unless I'm so dog dead tired I can't keep my eyes open. If I'm that tired though I usually go to bed. LOL

My couch/chairs on the other hand are soft supple Italian leather and overstuffed and padded with goose down. As you can imagine, you can get quite comfortable and easily fall asleep.............and I DO!

[Murphie]

I wish I could fall asleep on my couch, but it's too short.

I would buy a larger couch, but my living room isn't very large.

[Feba]

sofabed?

[Murphie]

I'm not a hobo.

[Ellipses]

One time, when my boyfriend's siblings were visiting, we found a dead mouse in the sofabed. We unfolded it, and there it was, in the middle of the mattress, squashed entirely flat. There was no blood or anything, either, which was the truly creepy part.

So, obviously, a sofabed is a bad idea.

[Murphie]

Sofabed = Rodent Vampire.

[Temagori]

I personally play FFXI mainly on my 360 and I don't have the freezing issues, but my friend has one and he got his before I did and his does freeze during Besieged.

I played FFXI on my PS2 but after going through 3 different adapters I said screw it and upgraded to my 360. I couldn't play it on the comp simply cuz I am too much in love with my controller/keyboard set up.

I don't honestly know how to play FFXI completely on the keybarod although I do know how to do it on a basic level.

I have 3 T.V.'s sitting side by side in my living room so my wife can watch t.v. in the same room that I play my games and I sit in a recliner chair. HNM's are just nap times waiting to happen with my gaming set up lol.

My saving grace is the t.v. next to mine where I can play another game, my DS, or my computer that I have next to my recliner chair. Before you think it's all extravagant let me tell you my t.v.s and computer are all at least 5 years old lol.

I've woken up many a time to realize the HNM had popped and we didn't claim lol. Especially those ones at crazy hours. Work all day then have to camp at 2 a.m. just to go to work at 6 a.m. lol yeah... no more.

[Murphie]

I'm looking forward to seeing how well I do with a controller once I get my 360, but I'll probably still default to the keyboard most of the time.

[Rothy]

I'm looking forward to seeing how well I do with a controller once I get my 360, but I'll probably still default to the keyboard most of the time.

The controller is very easy and I find more fun to use. If it's late at night I just put my keyboard down and use my controller to fish, farm or whatever. Much easy.

[Murphie]

I've been playing this game for years on the keyboard though. Old habits are hard to break.

[Mhurron]

I've been playing this game for years on the keyboard though. Old habits are hard to break.
http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/en/images/thumb/9/91/ScottyTalksToMac.jpg/500px-ScottyTalksToMac.jpg

[Murphie]

How quaint.

[Sevv]

I wish I could fall asleep on my couch, but it's too short.

I would buy a larger couch, but my living room isn't very large.

dunno but i laughed at this coming from a taru

[Ellipses]

I've been playing this game for years on the keyboard though. Old habits are hard to break.
When I originally switched to PC, I took a gamepad with me. Tried to learn keyboard-only, but I always just switched back when things got twitchy. This time around, left the gamepad unplugged and forced myself to learn the keyboard.

It probably won't work so well the other way, though, since leaving the keyboard unplugged would make you one of those people.

[Murphie]

I don't have anyone to talk to anyway.

/wrists

[Rothy]

I don't have anyone to talk to anyway.

/wrists

pfft, most of the people in parties I join are annoying anyway. Talking to them is like slamming my head on a keyboard.. except more painful.

[The Mauva Syndicate]

I'm looking forward to seeing how well I do with a controller once I get my 360, but I'll probably still default to the keyboard most of the time.

Betcha won't! Once you get used to the speed and flexibility of the controller - especially with macros and paging through macro books (now that we have a macro command to change books) and the ease af access to submenu's and such, you'll love the controller set up.

[TheGrandMom]

My son started with the keyboard and eventually ended up with the controller. He plays CS, UT, and other PC games so he's very keyboard/mouse savvy but he prefers the controller. He started with a PS2 controller but now he uses the 360 controller on his PC. He's constantly bothering me to change to a 360 controller too. LOL

[Rothy]

My son started with the keyboard and eventually ended up with the controller. He plays CS, UT, and other PC games so he's very keyboard/mouse savvy but he prefers the controller. He started with a PS2 controller but now he uses the 360 controller on his PC. He's constantly bothering me to change to a 360 controller too. LOL

I find the 360 controller alot faster when it comes to macros and such, and flicking through menus, targeting people and so on.

[Ellipses]

Betcha won't! Once you get used to the speed and flexibility of the controller - especially with macros and paging through macro books (now that we have a macro command to change books) and the ease af access to submenu's and such, you'll love the controller set up.
Personally, I have had exactly the opposite experience going from controller to keyboard. Especially with /macro, the controller makes me feel clumsy and slow re: macros. Though it is a hell of a lot more comfortable.

[Feba]

The biggest problem with the controller, for me, is that you're constantly switching back and forth between that and your keyboard anyway. With the keyboard, you never have to move your hands to anything else (not even the mouse), which allows you to stay focused and have better reaction time. It's also significantly easier to rest your hands on a keyboard than it is with a gamepad, while still having control over it.

If you focus just on inputting macros, movement, and targeting, the controller might give you a bit of an advantage-- but if you ever have to type in a command on the fly, communicate for some reason, that advantage is lost extremely quickly.

[Temagori]

I see the advantages of the keyboard, but I guess I just can't stray from my beloved controller. It's comfortable and if I have to say something I wait til the heat goes down or I'm in the middle of casting something with a long cast time lol.

[Feba]

That might work for you, but when you need to say "JUST USE <ability, item, etc.> NOW!" or give some other urgent command to your party mates, that doesn't work out so well. Or if you're in a situation where you don't have something macro'd, and you need to use it quickly, it's a helluva lot easier to type /ma "Status Cure" Name than it is to go through your menus, find it, target them, cast it, and hope they're still alive.

[Temagori]

I don't argue your logic lol Your right. ^^ I just have gotten in the habit of doing most on controller through macroes or manually scrolling through the menus fast. I do have my keyboard in my lap most of the time so I haven't had too many instances where it caused any problems. Too bad I am too stubborn to force myself to become keyboard self-reliant lol.

[TheGrandMom]

Well with the new macro sets there is no reason not to have all the urgent commands macro'd. I never have the need to have to type something out or look in my spell list.

One way to avoid any issue with typing is to have your keyboard in your lap. You'd be surprised at how quickly you can switch back and forth. If you are super paranoid though, here is a great setup. This is my prefered controller to use.

Logitech PlayStation 2 Net Play Keyboard Controller **FREE SHIPPING** (http://store.circuslinkinc.com/lopl2netplke.html)

[Kittyneko]

Well with the new macro sets there is no reason not to have all the urgent commands macro'd. I never have the need to have to type something out or look in my spell list.

One way to avoid any issue with typing is to have your keyboard in your lap. You'd be surprised at how quickly you can switch back and forth. If you are super paranoid though, here is a great setup. This is my prefered controller to use.

Logitech PlayStation 2 Net Play Keyboard Controller **FREE SHIPPING** (http://store.circuslinkinc.com/lopl2netplke.html)

XD :rofl:

That's such a funny controller!

[TheGrandMom]

Works like a charm. It's not too bulky and just the right width to have your arms comfortably at your sides. I have a bit of arthritis and sometimes my arms cramp using a controller because you have to have them angled in to use a controller. The width of the NetPlay helps significantly with that since my arms are straight and resting on the armrests of my chair.

[Feba]

Well with the new macro sets there is no reason not to have all the urgent commands macro'd.
Yes there is. It takes time to write macros, test them, cycle to them, and use them. It also takes time to memorize where the hell all those macros are so you can get to them when that emergency arrives.

One way to avoid any issue with typing is to have your keyboard in your lap.

The point isn't getting TO the keyboard, it's getting the controller out of your hands and to the keyboard, typing whatever you need to, and then picking the controller back up, and using it again. Compared to keeping your hands firmly on the keyboard, typing when you need to, and instantly having them back where you need them.

This is my prefered controller to use.
I've seen this before. It still requires a good deal of hand movement to get back to the outside, and grab the controller. Additionally, it's a compact keyboard, which are absolute shit for FFXI, and would very likely be hard to get at a comfortable and consistent angle to type on, between using it as a controller.

I mean, I'm not saying the controller doesn't have a few strong points-- if EVERYONE in your group is on VoIP, and you're absolutely positive you're not going to have to type something in in a hurry, they can work. But the keyboard is just the overall stronger option.

[TheGrandMom]

1) Yes there is. It takes time to write macros, test them, cycle to them, and use them. It also takes time to memorize where the hell all those macros are so you can get to them when that emergency arrives.



2)The point isn't getting TO the keyboard, it's getting the controller out of your hands and to the keyboard, typing whatever you need to, and then picking the controller back up, and using it again. Compared to keeping your hands firmly on the keyboard, typing when you need to, and instantly having them back where you need them.


3)I've seen this before. It still requires a good deal of hand movement to get back to the outside, and grab the controller. Additionally, it's a compact keyboard, which are absolute shit for FFXI, and would very likely be hard to get at a comfortable and consistent angle to type on, between using it as a controller.


1) Ok, I'm totally confused. You don't have to type out macros for the keyboard? Don't have to test them? Don't have to memorize where they are? My son is an avid gamer on PC and if the controller were SO much slower than a keyboard, trust me, he wouldn't use it.

2) Seriously, you get quite used to doing this and therefore quite quick. Again, not a big deal........unless you are like my husband but I think thats age and he isn't much of a gamer. LOL

3) Again, no its not a big deal. I've done HNM'ing on this type of controller for years and never had an issue. Also my husband, with huge hands, uses this controller/keyboard and doesn't have any issues. Of course it takes some getting used to the keyboard since most of us are used to full size boards but it becomes second nature in the end and smooth as a baby's bottom.

I guess your point is that its slower using the controller and a keyboard and yes it is but only slightly for an average gamer. It's not so significant that it will make your experience horrible or something horrible will happen. LOL

[Feba]

1- No, what I'm saying is, in order to have everything you might ever POSSIBLY need in macro form would take a HUGE amount of setup work, and a very significant amount of time to be able to use effectively in an emergency, when you need it, compared to the ability to type commands.

2- It's not a matter of getting used to it, it's just a matter of the time you lose. Seriously, take a video or a stopwatch or something and see just how long it takes you to go from using a controller, to putting it down, to typing on the keyboard, to picking the controller back up, to being able to use it again. You're almost certainly losing at least a second or two every time you do this-- that can be the difference between life and death sometimes.

3- I didn't say it's a big deal. I said that it's still ineffective compared to simply using a keyboard. Additionally, between the fact that you're unlikely to type on that at a good angle, and it's small size, it's going to be less than comfortable; although that might not show up if you don't play for long periods of time.

And yes, pretty much-- but considering that anyone who seriously intends to play FFXI is going to be using a keyboard anyway (and can get a USB keyboard for less than they spend on their monthly subscription), and considering that the controller is only detracting from performance in almost all cases, there's no good reason to use the controller instead of the keyboard-- unless you have no intention of doing anything remotely social. If you just want to lay back on the couch and farm or something, the controller is probably a good choice. But for anything else, or if you want to talk to people while you do it, the keyboard is the best option.

[TheGrandMom]

1- No, what I'm saying is, in order to have everything you might ever POSSIBLY need in macro form would take a HUGE amount of setup work, and a very significant amount of time to be able to use effectively in an emergency, when you need it, compared to the ability to type commands.

2- It's not a matter of getting used to it, it's just a matter of the time you lose. Seriously, take a video or a stopwatch or something and see just how long it takes you to go from using a controller, to putting it down, to typing on the keyboard, to picking the controller back up, to being able to use it again. You're almost certainly losing at least a second or two every time you do this-- that can be the difference between life and death sometimes.

3- I didn't say it's a big deal. I said that it's still ineffective compared to simply using a keyboard. Additionally, between the fact that you're unlikely to type on that at a good angle, and it's small size, it's going to be less than comfortable; although that might not show up if you don't play for long periods of time.

And yes, pretty much-- but considering that anyone who seriously intends to play FFXI is going to be using a keyboard anyway (and can get a USB keyboard for less than they spend on their monthly subscription), and considering that the controller is only detracting from performance in almost all cases, there's no good reason to use the controller instead of the keyboard-- unless you have no intention of doing anything remotely social. If you just want to lay back on the couch and farm or something, the controller is probably a good choice. But for anything else, or if you want to talk to people while you do it, the keyboard is the best option.

No I totally disagree. I am quite social and I use a controller. LOL I also am a good player and it doesn't hamper me in any way. I have a few level 75 jobs that use a lot of macros (whm, blm, rdm, etc) and I do a good job with a controller.

I just think that what you are saying is very misleading. While, yes, the controller is a tiny bit slower than using a keyboard, its just not that significant that it alters the game in any way. A decent player can do just as well on a controller as they do with a keyboard. Now if you prefer one over the other, thats fine because its all a matter of what the individual likes.

[Feba]

I'm not saying that using the controller is antisocial, I'm saying that the controller is not a good choice for anything that IS social.

While you might not feel like it's a handicap, if SE, say, locked the game's input during those precious seconds when you're switching, you'd be extremely annoyed very quickly.

Pretty much, I'm gonna call BS-- there's no way you've been playing for so long without having at least one or two situations where doing something that one or two seconds quicker could've saved your life-- or if you would've died had you waited a second or two longer. We've all had at least one of those moments on some mission, where you walk out with one man standing, nearly dead, but the party won. At the very least, we've all heard those stories.

While it might be rare, the keyboard offers faster reaction time in any case. Again, unless you're just hanging back, not talking, and just need the basics to do something (like farming, a quiet party in a safe place hunting easy monsters), the keyboard is a better choice. The benefit a controller has is comfort, and that's completely lost when you're switching back and forth.

[Ellipses]

And yes, pretty much-- but considering that anyone who seriously intends to play FFXI is going to be using a keyboard anyway (and can get a USB keyboard for less than they spend on their monthly subscription), and considering that the controller is only detracting from performance in almost all cases, there's no good reason to use the controller instead of the keyboard-- unless you have no intention of doing anything remotely social. If you just want to lay back on the couch and farm or something, the controller is probably a good choice. But for anything else, or if you want to talk to people while you do it, the keyboard is the best option.
Even going with the assumption that the keyboard is always better for performance, it's still only the best option if performance is the main consideration, enough so to override any differences in comfort level. There are shades of gray in there.

Personally, I'm not convinced the keyboard is always being better for performance, in every case, even though it is for me. Humans come in a variety of proportions and chemical compositions. If someone simply can't memorize X macros, the controller is going to be a better option. Or if they have trouble with their hands that keeps them from being fast with Alt and Ctrl. Or if they're not a touch-typist (yet) anyway.

[Temagori]

I have to say I am with Grandmom on this because I am in the same boat. I am constantly getting praise for how good a job I do as WHM etc and I use a controller with the keyboard in my lap. If they have to wait 2 secs for a reply cuz I'm doing something they get over it.

I have to say it's a matter of preference. I prefer the controller + keyboard combination. Let's me do what I want to, best to my liking. Yes, people have died from a lack of reaction time, but I have seen the same thing happen when someone using a keyboard made a "typo" trying to do their macros. That and/or just plain typing the command in wrong.

Shit happens and it's no different in the game. I don't think that the controller retracts from that by too much a degree to matter. Especially if you get accustomed to it and learn how to use it the best way possible.

[TheGrandMom]

We'll have to agree to disagree. I said that they controller is a tiny bit slower than a keyboard but I don't believe it is so slow that it significantly alters your game enjoyment or game play. In the end, the biggest factor is the player. If you are a good player it will not matter if you use a controller or a keyboard because you take the time to learn how to utilize your choice the best and, most of all, you pay attention. I think that not paying attention (i.e. playing psp, watching tv, reading, talking with someone in the room, etc.) are more likely to cause you in game issues than a 1 second delay.

[Feba]

A:
enough so to override any differences in comfort level.

that's completely lost when you're switching back and forth.


B: If someone simply can't memorize X macros, the controller is going to be a better option. What? You do realize that you can display macro bars on the keyboard too, right? As I've said before as well, the keyboard also makes it easier to have fewer macros. Keyboard has the advantage there too.

C:
Or if they have trouble with their hands that keeps them from being fast with Alt and Ctrl. Or if they're not a touch-typist (yet) anyway.

If you have trouble with using the ALT/CTRL keys, you're going to have trouble holding onto a controller too. You're going to have the same problems with not being a touch-typist if you use the controller; it's not like you have to be able to type 60 wpm to use the keyboard effectively.
______________________________
but I have seen the same thing happen when someone using a keyboard made a "typo" trying to do their macros. That and/or just plain typing the command in wrong.

The thing is, that could happen the exact same way with a controller. Using a keyboard alone doesn't set you up for a huge loss in reaction time, though.

In the end, the biggest factor is the player.

yes, and most players are going to find it annoying to constantly pick up and put down a controller to switch between that and a keyboard. Hell, switching between the mouse and the keyboard alone is annoying enough. And again, the point isn't that the controller is unplayable, it's that if you're using it for anything even remotely serious you already have a keyboard, so you're better off just using that.