got some other info here as well

http://www.ffxivcore.com/topic/4285-famitsu-scoop-from-issue-1110-march-25-2010/

Lots of information this time around! Famitsu has a giant spread for
Final Fantasy XIV this week that featured a number of job classes,
complete with Abilities and Weapon Skills! They also found the time to
grab three developers for an interview: Atsushi Okada 岡田厚志, FFXIV Battle Planner; Sei Sato 佐藤制, FFXIV Planner; and Kenichi Iwao 岩尾賢一, FFXIV Planner.


Let's jump into the interview first, and then see what the developers
had to say about each job!
Discuss this on the ZAM Forums!
Battles in Final Fantasy XIV

- First, give us an overall image
of battles in FFXIV.

Okada: Players can fight
in parties or go solo in FFXIV, but the monsters can be in parties as
well. There will be battles where it is "party vs. party." Battles
won't be fought by pulling enemies back to a set camp, but rather we are
envisioning players moving about as they fight. [Elmer Point: think
nomad camp style]



- So the feeling is you rotate from
enemy spawn point to spawn point with some healing in-between?

Okada: Yes. But, one of
the aspects of FFXIV is that you don't recover MP. Of course, that
isn't to say there is no way to do so; there will be abilities players
can learn to recover MP, Aetheryte will heal both HP and MP, among other
methods.

Iwao: Don't think of it
as individual encounters, but as managing your MP over the course of a
one, prolonged battle comprised of a number of fights.

Sato: When everyone goes
to a certain place to accomplish some goal, it is important to manage
your MP in a way that allows it to last until you achieve that final
goal. There will also be classes that serve as "MP controllers" that
can help manage the MP of the party.





- Looking at this chart, is it safe
to say each class has their own specific range from which they attack?

Sato: Yes. In FFXIV,
one's position, as well as the position and orientation of the enemy,
has a large effect on battles. Following that line of reasoning, there
will be appropriate distances for classes that maximize their
effectiveness.

Iwao: We plan to have
enemy classes follow these rules as well, and also include some
techniques they can use in conjunction with each other. The idea is a
battle where you are constantly moving, trying to attain the best
position. So when it's party vs. party, this can get really exciting.
It's not about sitting in one spot and striking away at an enemy; the
player needs to consider the enemy's position and act accordingly.

Sato: It's not an action
game, but there's a little taste of action in there.



- So if players need to move around
during battle looking for the sweet spot, wouldn't this make
close-combat classes much easier to play?

Iwao: Close combat
classes need to be more aware of their orientation, while ranged classes
must pay particular attention to distance.

Sato: When fighting close
combat, your orientation will have different effects. I wouldn't say
fighting close up is any easier than fighting at a distance.

Iwao: Also, there is the
important factor of "area of effect." This mostly comes into play with
magic, but there are many techniques utilized by classes outside the
Disciples of Magic that have areas of effect.

Sato: We want you to
think of the area in which you do battle as really your party's space --
a place where you work together. To that end, attacks with an area of
effect will be even more important this time around.

Iwao: There are several
aspects to areas of effect, such as spreading benefits across party
members, or blasting through a bunch of enemies from within. We hope
that this, combined with distance and orientation, will make for fun,
tactical battles that players will enjoy.



- Can you give us anymore
information on how the elements come into play in FFXIV?

Okada: In the world of
FFXIV, there are 6 elements: Fire, Ice, Wind, Earth, Thunder and Water.
They will all have their characteristics as well, such as Water being
strong against Fire, but weak against Thunder.

Iwao: Both players and
enemies will be affected by their affinity with the elements. Also,
there exist forces aligned to these 6 elements called "Star Poles" and
"Spirit Poles." They are like the magnetic poles of our Earth,
attracting different energies.

[Elmer Point: The poles are called 星極 (sei-kyoku) and 霊極 (rei-kyoku). The first means Star
Pole and second means Spirit Pole. As Iwao said, "pole" refers to a
magnetic pole, such as the North and South poles of Earth. These sound
like Protocrystals, in that they serve as focus points for the energy of
a particular element. The official names will most likely be
different, though.]



- What kind of effect will these
elements have on the player?

Okada: Each player will
have their own strengths and weaknesses regarding each element. For
example, one person could be particularly strong against Fire.



- Is this decided upon during
Character Creation?

Sato: No, this aspect of
the player will improve along with other stats, like HP, as they grow.
Depending on how you raise your character, you could be a specialist
against a certain type of element.

Okada: If you are strong
against Water, an enemy's water-based attacks won't hurt you so much.

Iwao: Two Conjuerers also
could specialize in separate elements. One could excel at Ice magic
and the other at Fire, thus serving two separate roles.



- This really heightens the
individuality of players!

Iwao: One could even
decide to improve all elemental resistances equally, which would make
them somewhat effective against all elements at the expense of
specializing in none.



- It would be funny to see cliques
form between people who specialize in the same element.

Sato: Like an Association
of Fire-based Players (laughs). That just might happen.






Developer Comments





剣術士

Gladiator

Iwao: This is a class
that can really excel at defense. They can equip a wide range of
defensive equipment and even large shields! They will be called upon to
protect party members by drawing the enemy attack towards themselves.

Okada: As a class that
excels with a shield, the Gladiator is like a "defender" job that is
good at absorbing damage.

Sato: Gladitor is offense
and defense rolled into one -- a class that is good at taking hits and
dishing out the damage. Because of its versatility, I see it becoming a
popular class.

Okada: One can choose
between making slicing attacks or piercing attacks and that lets them
employ some strategy towards giving their strikes the maximum effect.

Iwao: You could say this
is a class with an abundance of fighting styles.



槍術士


Lancer

Iwao: This class can use
spears and lances to attack from a longer range and in a wider variety
of styles. Besides normal attacks, Lancers can disrupt an enemy's
movements and utilize other special attacks.

Sato: Lancer attacks from
a farther range than most melee classes and has a wider sphere of
influence. They can easily adjust their position to help out back-end
members that get into trouble.

Iwao: Lancer is a class
that receives a great effect from maintaining their sweet spot. They
must always be checking their position relative to the enemy, as well as
other party members. Strategicially, this is a class that is always on
the move.

Sato: This is a class
that needs to consider many factors in a battle besides just what the
enemy is doing.



格闘士


Pugilist

Iwao: Despite their short
reach and low defense, the Pugilist is a class that can really turn the
tide of a battle with their tricky techniques. They will also employ a
number of "stances" that will prove effective based on the condition of
the enemy and the party.

Sato: Stances will have a
number of effects in battle. Offensive or Defensive -- the player has
to assess the battle situation and decide which one they should select.

Iwao: The more you
maintain a single stance, the more that stance improves, opening up new
things you can do with it. You can change your stance at whim, but if
you do so, its strength reverts to normal. The player must consider
when it is appropriate to maintain a stance and strengthen it, and when
they must give up that power and switch for the benefit of the party.

[Elmer Point: An assumption on my part,
but I don't think this refers to giving up character growth, but rather
temporary growth. As they mentioned before, they want you to consider
your overall objective over individual encounters. So it's a question
of "Can I maintain offensive stance and have it super buff for the
boss? Or should I switch to defensive here so we can survive?" The
stance improvement mentioned here sound temporary and independent from
raising one's character.]




斧術士


Marauder

Iwao: This is a class
that can really deal out massive damage. However, if there are many
enemies to deal with, they can forgo storing up that power in order to
strike more often.

Sato: Marauders use
battle axes, which give them more attack power than any other class at
the expense of some accuracy.

Okada: While their
special attacks are powerful, some require that the Marauder be
stantionary while they activate. Due to this, a Marauder must be adept
at reading an enemy's movements.



弓術士


Archer

Iwao: More than anything,
the Archer is a long-distance striker. From a range, they have to
decide where to stand and what archery techniques to employ. Their
defense is low, so if they catch the attention of the enemy, they could
be in trouble. A good Archer needs to keep watch over the entire battle
and adapt to the situation by firing off the most effective shots
possible without incurring the wrath of the enemy.

Sato: Archers have a
variety of abilities that are effective at various distances from the
enemy. Their job is to work out how they can best contribute to the
battle.

Iwao: Arrow selection is
also key. It's more than just choosing the arrow with the most damage,
an Archer can also use arrows to effect the status of the enemy or even
support their allies.



幻術士


Conjurer

Iwao: A Conjurer is a
Disciple of Magic who excels at manipulating the elements.

Okada: This is a class
that starts by assessing the condition of the party and the enemy and
using that to consider which element to utilize in battle.

Iwao: Attack magic,
defense magic, healing magic -- a Conjurer has many different lines of
spells to choose from. It's safe to say it's like an almighty
magic-user that can serve as attack or support. Conjurers can also
place magical effects on themselves that affect the area around them.

[Elmer Point: This sounds like an AoE
spell that follows the Conjurer around, as in everyone in range of the
Conjurer gets a bonus while in range. Whether that's true or not wasn't
specified.]

Okada: By the way,
actions you take in battle in FFXIV all accumulate TP, magic included.

Sato: That's why there
are some strong TP abilities prepared for Conjurer as well.



呪術士


Thaumaturge

Iwao: Thaumaturgy is
filled with spells that can cause status effects on the enemy as well as
your party members. Their area of effect is fan-shaped [cone-shaped
for you D&D'ers] and attack power high, so when compared with
Conjurers, this class needs to get relatively close to the enemy for
maximum effect.

Sato: Basically,
Thaumaturges have magic that does powerful damage. However, there also
are great risks to balance this out. This is one particular area where
we are waiting to hear feedback from the players.

Iwao: The Thaumaturge
also has several spells that can steal abilities from the enemy. The
key is reading the flow of a battle and deciding what kind of spell
would most effectively turn the tide in your favor.

[Elmer Point: I would assume the
Thaumaturge can cause *good* status effects on party member, though
after reading about the "risks" involved, I'm not so sure.]




鍛冶師　
Blacksmith



採掘師　Miner
Iwao: Blacksmiths are
Disciples of the Hand who use metals to create and repair weapons and
armor. Miners are Disciples of the Land who dig up ore. These classes
will have very limited battle-related abilities, but may receive other
things to compensate. For example, a Blacksmith may get an ability that
enfeebles a gold-based enemy or one that increases the chances of
having treasure drop.

Illusionist
Illusionist is a discipline of magic that controls strong, elemental
sorcery through a power called "illusion." By examining their
surroundings, they can see the flow of elements around them. Made from
all-natural wood and materials, they use their "staff of illusions" (?)
to change the elements around them into powerful magic. Their
headquarters is in the Cave of the Tree of Meditation in Gridania.


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery
Tools of the trade: Illusionist wands and staves
Illusionists use wands and other magic items to control the elements.
Many of them are made from natural wood, but the "twig wand" is the
best example of this. The "Radical root staff," on the other hand, has a
strange structure fixed to the end of it, which looks like it may have
something to do with the use of "illusion."


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery
Picture caption: Illusionists and the Elements


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery
"Make allies of the elements of nature!"
Elements: Lightning, Fire, Earth, Ice, Water, Wind
Abilities
Deepness: Chant spells fully and clearly (Casting takes longer but
spells are stronger)
Trance chant: Chant spells with fervor (Nothing
can interrupt casting)
Spirit bind: Cast spells in a hushed voice
(Illusionist restricts himself, but MP use drops)
Roaming soul: Cast
spells by humming (Can cast spells while walking)
Purge: Can see all
elements infinitely and clearly (Equalize the elements of enemies and
allies)
Weapon skills
Fire: Fire damage to all enemies in range
Cure: Restores the HP of
all party members in range
Protect: Raises the physical defense of
all party members in range
Shock spike: Lighting damage to enemies
that attack the illusionist by a shield of lighting that surrounds him
Frost:
Ice damage over time to enemies in range

Gladiator


- The Best Defense
Gladiators are expert swordsmen, known for their
battle prowess with blades of all designs: short and long, single- and
double-edged, straight and curved. They favor combat at close range,
where they masterfully execute a deadly array of hacks and slashes. The
skill and pride of a gladiator instill such a confidence that they are
said to never shun a fight.


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery
- Time-tested Lethality
The gladius is an infantry sword of classic
antiquity. Its relatively short, stout blade lends this weapon
astonishing mobility and tensile strength. A testament to its
performance in combat is the fact that it continues to be used in
gladiatorial games of the present day.


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery

Final Fantasy XIV Gallery

Lancer: Transformation Fighter
This two-handed lance fighter has great reach and specializes in
stabbing from long range. It is also special in that is can change to
slicing and bludgeoning attacks just by changing their weapons. Pikes
used to be very popular in this world, thanks to the influence of the
strength of the pikemen of Ala Mhigo, but now there are many different
types in use. For example, throwing javelins have also come into use for
long-range combat.


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery

Gold Scepter(left), Long Staff(right)

Final Fantasy XIV Gallery

Final Fantasy XIV Gallery

Pugilist Arms


- To Bludgeon and Protect
Himantes are widely known for their role as a
regulation weapon in the officially sanctioned pugilist bouts of Ul'dah.
The sinking surface is thick leather, slow-soaked in tallow for
increased durability.


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery

Archer: Strong Wind Attacker
This fighter focuses on using bow and arrows for attacking, and using
this, they aim well and strike from afar. A strategic class, they must
always choose the most advantageous positioning and the right type of
arrow to aid them in battle. In Eorzea, the Elezen archer guards and
Miqo'te traditional longbow hunters tend to belong to this job. There
are also many that are good with stone throwing.


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery

Thaumaturge
Controllers of the destructive magic of "Thaumaturgy." Through the
introspection of their true nature, they can call upon the power hidden
deep in their heart. They call upon spiritual magic using wands and
other tools fixed with decorations similar to rosaries seen in the
Buddhist cultures. Their headquarters is a place of worship in Ul'dah.


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery
Tools of the trade: Thaumaturgy
These are the magical tools of the thaumaturge. They're a bit darker
than the illusionist's…


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery
Picture caption: Thaumaturge range
Draw your enemies close, decimate them in one mighty, magic blow!


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery
Ability
Blood offering: Increases the power of their magic by giving your own
blood (Stronger magic at the cost of your own HP)
Thorns: Share your
pain with the enemy (All damage done to you is also done to the enemy)
Dark
seal: Focus your spirit (Increases magic accuracy)
Initiation: Share
your will with your allies (Shares magic effects on you with your
allies)
Paradigm shift: Cast spells as if talking to someone (Lowers
distance of the spell but widens range)
Weapon Skill
Drain: Absorb HP from enemies in range
Gravity: Slows movement
speed of enemies in range
Sacrifice: Heal others at the cost of your
own HP
Syphomage: Take MP from defeated enemies
Absorb-accuracy:
Take your enemy's accuracy and make it your own

Marauder
Marauders specialize in using great axes, which pirates use to attack
enemy ships or during their pillage parties on land. Although stigma
related to this pirate weapon still exists, there are also many heroes
who have made a good name for themselves and this weapon by using it to
great effect during wars and monster extermination. The axe cleaves
through defenses; it destroys the shields of its foes and knocks its
opponents out with powerful blows. The marauder also has access to
throwing axes, like Franciscas, to use until the close the gap between
them and their enemies.


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery
Tools of the trade: Axes
The weight of the weapon
is what gives it its destructive power in every blow. Information for
two axes has been released this time: the double-edged type labrys and
the single-edged war axe. I wonder what each of their strengths are in
battle?


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery
Picture Caption: BOOM!


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery
Focus your strength! Turn the tables in your favor with one
wide-reaching mighty blow!!

Abilities
Bloodbath:
Strengthen your thirst for battle with the blood of your enemy (Damage
done on your next attack restores your HP)
Powerful strike: Put the
weight of the axe behind your blow to drop it in a mighty strike
(Increases critical hit chance)
Defender: Defend with your axe
(Raises physical defense at the cost of attack)
Disorient: Work up a
dust cloud with your axe (Drops the enemy's evasion)
Unyielding
march: Stomp steadily forward (Continue moving, although slowly, even if
restrictive magic is cast on you)

Weapon skill
Skull
sunder: A strong, disorienting blow to the head (A slicing attack that
leaves damage. Charging the skill widens its range)
Stump splitter:
An axe blow that could cleave a redwood in two (A slicing attack that is
especially effective against plant-type enemies)
Fracture: Grab an
enemy's attack and prevent further big attacks (When used after
deflecting an enemy's attack, does bludgeoning damage and disable's the
enemy's weapon skills)
Brandish: Cleave an area with your axe (Slash
attack to all enemies in the surrounding area)
Iron tempest: Make
your axe sing like a whirlwind (A donut-shaped wind-elemental attack
with you at the center)

Developers' comments: Power over
quantity, land that blow!
I: This is a class who can change the flow of battle with a single,
powerful hit. When there are a lot of enemies, though, they can still
dish out a number of attacks without charging their power.
S: Though
they are more powerful than other classes, their axes' accuracy is much
lower than other weapons.
O: They'll also have to predict where their
enemies will be and get into position early, because they have many
attacks that must be used from a fixed position instead of moving
around.

Blacksmith
Crafts metal into weapons and armor with the use of their tools,
including the cross pen hammer. They shape swords in their forges and
sharpen daggers in camps; they can work their craft at any time, in any
place. Their arts have been passed down through a long history through
an apprentice system. There are many styles, even such advanced ones as
guncrafting.


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery
Handiwork
Iron ingot: Make an iron ingot
Sword guard: Makes a hand-guard for a sword. Uses iron ingot.
Spata:
Crafts a spata sword. Uses spata blade, sword grip, sword guard, and
pommel
Pick: Makes a pick. Uses pick blade, pick pole, and grip
strap.
Spiked Cuirass: An altered version of a labrys. Uses labrys
and bronze ingot.


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery


Miner
A discipline of land who specializes in drawing ore from the earth.
Their main tool is the pick, and their most common customers are jewel
crafters and blacksmiths. Well versed in the mining techniques of
Ul'dah, miners can perform jobs from studying ore veins to construction
and more. There are many miners that worship Oshuon, the wanderer,
because of the way the land wanders in accordance with the tectonic
theory.


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery
Handiwork


Final Fantasy XIV Gallery

Thaumaturge(right)

Final Fantasy XIV Gallery
Handiwork
Gatherable materials
Bronze ore
Silver ore
Saltpeter, used in things like gunpowder
Silica
sand
Little worms

wow thanks for the hardwork man! Learnt a lot!!!! hehe my class choices from most favoured to least.

archer/marauder
gladiator
lancer
the spell casters

and I'm leaning towards wanting to be a blacksmith but hrmm...cooking could be more usefult in this game than in AION, since ou don't regen mp...ack decisions decisions.

i going lance/Thaumaturge at the start at least

need to learn that priest skill to absorb mp and some basic heal before i change to lance/pugilist

but yeah i like the challenge of saving mp during battle.that means we cant just learn all class skills and just spam and auto win in battle lolz

lol yea it takes away from the spamming and really requires strategy and tactics so noobs won't be good. I assume there's a steep learning curve to get good but if you just wanna do w.e. then it should be good for those players as well.

And yea that mp thing is a good idea but I need to hear more about the game's mechanics before I can settle with soemthing...cause of it's like c9 where it's action based (looks like that atm) then like I may just go archer and kite but I never thought about doing multiple classes lol even though I read you can choose w.e. class HAHA so I guess I'll go archer as primary and then like murauder as sec. and 3rd as some other class. Getting excited just thinking about it.