Famitsu Exclusive with Tanaka and Komoto!

Yes indeed ladies and gentlemen, courtesy of the great admin team at Zam (thanks Elmer) Famitsu have just released an exclusive interview with the legendary brains behind FFXIV (remember that they were both also actively involved with FFXI xD).

There are several parts of the interview which give detailed insight into how the developers are gradually bringing Eorzea to life and it's a highly interesting read.  One area of the interview that caught my attention was this:

- How are things going development-wise? Tanaka: The graphics are pretty much finished.  Next, planners and programmers need to make some final adjustments, but it's tough to say exactly what percentage is complete. (laughs)  Even with the graphics complete, there are things that need tweaking.  For example, the lighting throughout Limsa Lominsa is going to completely change.

- Is the general framework of the world complete?
Tanaka: The basics are pretty much done.  Like I mentioned, it's mostly cosmetic changes that are left. (laughs)  System-related things like the user interface, or additional quest material are still being worked on.  If we consider how FFXIV has been in development for 5 years, we're probably in the final 10% of its development cycle, which accounts for 50% of the game.

Komoto: With the start of the alpha test, we start to look at character growth, expanding the world, quests and more.  Looking at the alpha as it is now, there's less than 10% of the game available.
Tanaka: As for the progression of development, a conservative estimate would be 65%. (laughs)

- Right now, the alpha has focused only on the PC.  How is development for the PS3 coming along?
Tanaka: We're working hard on the PS3 as well.  We plan to have both versions begin service simultaneously.

- Then is it okay for those eager PS3 players to get excited?
Tanaka & Komoto: Yes!  We hope you look forward to playing.


...And yes indeed, we all look forward to playing the Beta.  Definitely have a read of the full article and sound off your opionions on the Zam forums! (As always, all credit for the interview goes to Famitsu, Allakhazam and all information included remains the sole property of Square Enix).  Be well!

Please remember that all the official videos and images from SE were used here strictly for fan purposes; and all the product, system names and/or company logos remain the registered trademarks of Square Enix.  Copyright (C) 2010 SQUARE ENIX CO. LTD. All Rights Reserved

Latest FFXIV Video from Square Enix's new YouTube Channel!

No words are necessary to display this awesomeness... none at all.  Please enjoy and remember that the video remains the sole property of Square Enix.



Always everyone, please remember that all the official videos and images from SE were used here strictly for fan purposes; and all the product, system names and/or company logos remain the registered trademarks of Square Enix.  Copyright (C) 2010 SQUARE ENIX CO. LTD. All Rights Reserved

FFXIV Japanese site updated!

Whoa!  FFXIVCore has again shown excellent forwardness in translating the latest update to the japanese section of the official FFXIV site.  Aya and SteveManly of the Translation team for FFXIVCore did a wonderful job in breaking down the new information regarding the ten races.  Enough talk, please feel free to read and see some of the latest images below.

Please note that all images and information herein remain the sole property of Square Enix and are posed here from FFXIVCore strictly for fan purposes (all credit to their dedicated community)  Enjoy and please remember to visit the official FFXIV website for more details.

Introduction of the 10 races living in Eorzea (as translated by Aya and SteveManly of FFXIVCore)

Hyuran

Midlander

• Majority of Hyuran, which is has large population.
• They live in different towns and villages,and their vocations vary.
• Because of the custom of reading books from the early age, they tend to have relatively bigger percentage of intelligence.

Highlander

• They used to live in highlands in northern margin. Highlanders are muscular and big for Hyuran. It became very rare to see them except mercenary males in other cities, after their state city Ala Mhigo fell.

Miqo’te 

Seekers of the Sun

• They are a tribe of Miqo’te who calls themselves “The apostle of the Sun.”
• Most of them believe in the Sun God Arzema, and are active basically during daytime.
• They have impressive eyes which is vertically big with pale iris.

Keeper of the Moon

• They are a tribe of Miqo’te who calls themselves “The guard of the Moon.”
• Most of them believe in the Moon Goddess Menefina, and are basically nocturnal.
• Majority of them has vivid makeup for battle on their faces.

Lalafell

Plainsfolk

• They are a tribe of Lalafell who used to live in thatched roofed houses which are connected in basement like nests ofants.
• Their hair color is olive or flaxen. They have big ears so that they can hear footsteps of moles.

Dunesfolk

• They are a tribe of Lalafell who used to move around deserts in movable housings with large livestock.　
• Their pupils are covered with thin film and that makes their eyes look like glass.
• They put treasure beads which show fate of constellation on their foreheads.

Elezen

Forester

• They are a tribe of Elezen who has lived in a thick forest for hundreds of years.
• They have amazing farsightedness like a hawk, and are very good archer.
• Nowadays, quite a few of them adapted city lives or went back to nomadic life in plains.

Shader

• They are a tribe of Elezen who has lived in dim limestone caves for hundreds of years.
• Their hearing which is as acute as that of bats can even hear the rustle of enemy. Therefore, many are good at martial arts.
• Nowadays, some keep on living in caves and are almost like bandits. They despise Forester as betrayers.

Roegadyn

Seewolf (German pronouciation)

• The tribe of Roegadyn once feared as pirates that attacked from the northern sea and earned themselves the title, "Wolves of the sea."
• It is still common for them to be employed as sailors and navy.

Tribe of the scarlet flame, Lohengarde

• This Roegadyn tribe lives near a volcano opening and are known as the "Guardians of the flame."
• Not only strong in body, their training to resist fire has also given them great magic strength.

And here are more images on the two clans of the Elezen (the Forresters and the Shaders)

Always everyone, please remember that all the official videos and images from SE were used here strictly for fan purposes; and all the product, system names and/or company logos remain the registered trademarks of Square Enix.  Copyright (C) 2010 SQUARE ENIX CO. LTD. All Rights Reserved

FFXIV Closed Alpha Testing Commences March 2010!

Yup, it's been confirmed by Square Enix during the VanaFest 2010 held today in Tokyo:  FFXIV will begin the first step of it's beta testing stages by conducting a closed alpha test—exclusive to only FINAL FANTASY XI users!

Everyone who has been selected in this first stage should be able to receive further information starting from Monday, March 1, 2010; and most importantly, the tester website is scheduled to go live on Thursday, March 11, 2010.

Good Luck in getting your beta invitation everyone... and thank you once again for all your emails (yeah guys, I wasn't able to attend VanaFest this year due to work and school but please cheack out the official FFXI website for details on new stuff coming to Vana'diel).   here are some of the awesome new images from the site which shows new quests, level cap increase to 99, future expansion, server merging and lots more!   Be well! xD

Note: All images below remain the sole property of Square Enix and all it's related FFXI property.

Always everyone, please remember that all the official videos and images from SE were used here strictly for fan purposes; and all the product, system names and/or company logos remain the registered trademarks of Square Enix.  Copyright (C) 2010 SQUARE ENIX CO. LTD. All Rights Reserved

VanaFest 2010 today... anticipated beta start for FFXIV?

Yes indeed ladies and gentlemen, Square Enix is hosting the VavaFest 2010 event tomorrow in Tokyo, Japan... (actually, as of the time of this blog entry it would already be February 28th in Japan xD).

The official website for the evnt has been up for sometime and SE also has Twitter and Facebook feds that will constantly be updated by the minute as the show progresses.   The main excitement about the show is not only for news on future updates for FFXI (including the game's future itself), but expectations are extremely high regardling the release of awesome latest news about FFXIV beta.

Also expected are updates about the city-states (finally, some tit-bits about Gridania, Ul'Dah and Ishgard?), and possbly more lores about Eorzea.  In the meantime, all the premier FFXIV websites have crews that will be covering the show live so feel free to scroll down to the end of my blog page and visit the links below (ZAM, Eorzeapedia & FFXICCore).

I'll e sure to post up links to any awesome news over the next 24 hours... be well everyone!

Latest news from FFXIVCore...

Zyuu's translation crew at FFXIVCore have efficiently done it yet again.  Huge appreciation to Aya and Steve manly who were extremely swift in breaking down the excellent new news that was in this month's Dengeki magazine.  Great job as well to Draconix xD

But enough talk... here are the pictures... and remember, although they aren't really new images, be sure to read the full article on Core.

Catching up on stuff and touching video!

Yeah, I know it's been a while... but first of all, Happy New Year to everyone (thank you so VERY much for all the numerous emails and goodwill tidings).  Everything has been great, thank God, and I was just back from a few weeks of holiday.  Work and school have comenced in full gear and I'm looking forward to hearing about all the awesome things that will emerge from the FFXIV beta in the coming months.

Speaking of beta... dun dun duuuuun!  Square Enix announced beta applications since December 16th, 2010 (emails were sent to pretty much everyone who had already registered on the official FFXIV website.  So if you haven't, please do and hope that you get invited into the great oppurtuunity of being a part of the FFXIV alpha and beta. xD

Finally, I leave you with an awesome video initially put up on FFXIVcore by one of their moderators SquireMundane3rd



I thought it was absolutely beautiful... and the part that broke my heart was when the kid wrote: "I can't anymore". I love to draw and I've always deeply respected true friendship (always treasure it by all means necessary). The fact that drawing was their only means of communication made me appreciate the nuances of the story that much more. 

This is one of the things fantastic art should be... it should effectively tell its story while also generating strong emotions from the audience. And this one delivers on that perfectly; and in many ways I could identify with the tale. 

The overarching dividing element in that tale was the glass... decievingly transparent, and unforgivingly swift to destroy if provoked. Sounds a lot like how much of our society has sadly become. To me, the glass represents the languages, doctrines, traditions, cultures and "orthodox" things that seperate all of us... which is the reason why when the male lashed out against the glass, his limb got destroyed. Sometimes, when we dare to be defiantly different the results can be painfully devastating.

I also adore the fact that their youth seemingly represents their pure hearted way of seeing things in simple yet energitically direct tones with no annoying "grey areas". That same energitic passion is what drove the male to unleash his fury at the "system" that won't let them be together. 

However, what I found truly compassionante was how... in the last instant before he angrily shattered the glass... he motions for her to get out of the way. Finally, the gesture of selfless love and the sacrifice that comes from true friendship: she gives him her arm. Awww man, I can't even analyze this video any further cuz I'm getting into reminencing mood now.

I can tell that the ones to be moved by this video are likely to have great souls.  We must remember to love ourselves completely, not with a narcissist view but an acceptance view. 

Be well everyone and once again, Happy New Year..

Aion beginning to up the stakes... ?

...Indeed, NCSoft's "Aion", considered by many to be the main potential competition to Square Enix's upcoming FFXIV has just released a new video yestarday about major upgrades and/or expansion to their game.  While it DOES look stunningly spectacular, it still does not zero in on whether there will be improvements to the lackluster game mechanics, the overwheingly irritating RMT, the rampant botting, or the boring questing system.

That said, there are certain graphical upgrades in the video that are quite awesome concepts; like the underwater areas, swifter combat moves, and apparently even personal homes.  It's ironic that may previous blog entry was just about residential spaces... and here is Aion showing up with some very interesting stuff (watch from 3:47 on the video).



Anyway, after all is said and done, the developers at NCSoft should know that "eye-candy" can only last for so long; and if they do not fully focus on curbing the game-mechanic issues that plague the game they will have no chance of competing with FFXIV... heck, even if they did, they STILL won't have a chance of competiting xD

Eorzea: Mog Houses and Personal Residential Spaces

Will we have them in FFXIV?  And what will they be like?  How large...(can I get a sweet-looking mansion made of cedar wood?)  How interactive will they be... (can I get drunk in my MH)?   How extensively can we furnish them?

Since June, this is one topic that has raged across all the FFXIV forum boards everywhere from the States, to Europe, to Japan... and I particularly find SE's vague responses to this issue very intriguing.  I was a heavy advocate of furnishing my Mog House, and subsequently created a personal residential space that I was quite proud of.  Here are a handful of screenshots of my humble abode in FFXI...

Yeah, as you can see, I seriously took great pride in making my Mog House comfy.... (truth is, my Moogle is actually a dual-axe weilding psychotic loon who directly threatened me to make his life a luxurious affair or else...).

So will I be able to create an even much more spectacular Mog House in FFXIV like I did in FFXI?  Time will tell.

FFXIV Official Site Updated...

...Just now.

Yep.  And all the new awesome piccys on Gladiator and Puglist are there in all their lovely glory. xD

Here are a few quick images taken directly from FFXIVCore (my friends and I concur that they have proven to be the most consistent in getting FFXIV info over the last several weeks so great kudos to them for these)

And then of course this guy that just comes across as a tough as nails Templar Knight... awesome.

As always everyone, please remember that all the official videos and images from SE were used here strictly for fan purposes; and all the product, system names and/or company logos remain the registered trademarks of Square Enix.  Copyright (C) 2010  SQUARE ENIX CO. LTD. All Rights Resereved

Awesome new FFXIV Information...

...Coming up later this week in Famitsu!

Yes indeed, Zyuu's FFXIVCore  has again showed superb forwardness in beibng the first to bring us the latest leaked information from this week's Famitsu magazine.  Awesome stuff, right?  (Thx yet again to Steve Manly and the entire FFXIVCore admin crew).  Here's a screenie that they put up on their website... and yep, as always, remember that it remains the property of SquareEnix, Famitsu and FFXIVCore)

That's not all folks... apparently, there has been a rumour that has been floating around for the past week about a "Campaign Code" that Square Enix are going to enclose in Final Fantasy XIII.   A couple members on FFXIVCore had given me the heads up earlier about Zyuu's post; and after reading it, I understand that there might be an in-game special secret item which players with the code can obtain.   Even the Japanese FFXIV websites have also mentioned it in their forums (check my previous blog entry)

What this item might be is yet to be seen, but be rest assrued that I will be keeping tabs on this tit bit of information.

Great FFXIV Japanese site...

...Right here.  My japanese friends from FFXI had recently emailed me the link (thx Ludora, NejiNeji and None), and I thought I would share it with readers. 

Agreed, you'll have to use the google translator to get the gist of the information there, but it nice to just have a vague idea of what kind of discussions that our japanese colleagues are having regarding Eorzea. xD

...The scapped MMORPG called "Fortress"

...Here's something I came across today:  A few friends, colleagues and I began discussing the basic game mechanics of MMOs and somewhere along the line, "Fortress" was mentioned.   This was a MMORPG game that was initially designed by GRIN, a Swedish developer, for SquareEnix; and ironically, I had posted up on this blog a brief set of musings for this topic a while back.

A couple of my friends who hadn't heard of it made me jump on my laptop and so that I could dig up the link from my blog... and while exhibiting the images, I noticed one that apparently had a chocobo-like silhouette in it.  And it got me thinking... was "Fortress" really an independent game?   If it was; did GRIN artists just want to add the familiar "chocobo element" into it so as to make future players identify with something "Final Fantasy-ish"? Hmmmm... here.s the piccy... once again, you decide.

BTW, here are more spectacular artist renderings for this game, that sadly, might have made an interesting pasttime while waiting for FFXIV. (Remember, all images were taken from unseen64.com's article on Fortress and as usual, all the images remain their property.)