FFXIV-ARR Beta 3: Thoughts Part 1 (Warnings)


Now that I got my background baggage post out of the way it is time for a few warnings about this game.

Subscription Based

First, and this is BIG and I’m only going to say it once:   This game is currently planned to operate under a subscription model.  I’m probably in the minority, but I think that is good. I’ll be happy to voice chat about my feelings on F2P vs Subscription based vs other payment models, another time but what is important for you to know is that if you want to play this game you are going to have to pay.  If you don’t like that, then you should just close this browser tab and move on.

Requires Groups

Second, this is also big, if you don’t like grouping then walk away now; it will save you some time.  While I did solo for most of  the time I played this weekend, I also basically only played the tutorial (more on that later).   There will come a point where the game’s story basically says, “Time to get a group!” and if you don’t want to well then no more story missions for you.   So, really if you don’t want to group I’m not going to judge you (I solo most of the time myself), but it will be best for everyone if you walk away.

This is a Final Fantasy game

Thirdcompared to the previous two this is small but I think it still a big deal for some people, this is a Final Fantasy game. It has lots of cut scenes, lots of chat bubbles, lots of gender bending looking characters with great hair, wacky UI menus,  super long tutorials, and other FF sort of things.  So if those things frustrate you and make you want to run, then you best just walk away from this game.

This is also a console game

Fourth, this is minor, but I want to get it out there now, this game is also a console game. Yep. You heard me. Currently the game is on the PS3 and it is planning to show up on the PS4 and players using those clients play on the same servers as PC players.  This means you could be in a group with someone playing on a console, and I know that for some people that is an issue. If it is you should know what to do by now; step slowly back away from the game.

Old school feeling

My Fifth and final warning for the day; this game has a sort of old school feeling to some of its mechanics.  Mobs are tagged. There are crafting inter-dependencies.  There are Tanks, Healers, and Damage Dealer roles.  Combat is tab-targeting based (for lack of a better description).  This is not what I would call action based combat.   There is an auto-attack.   If you want action combat akin to GW2, Terra, Dragon’s Prophet, or even Neverwinter then don’t bother downloading the FFXIV installer, instead walk away.

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