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This post may look the same -- but it's not! Dengeki magazine also
put together an interview with the developers from Final Fantasy XIV,
and got their comments on each class as well! The editors over there
love to publish their comments whenever possible, so you can see them
interspersed throughout the interview. They are centered and marked
with a 電 for Dengeki. Keep in
mind, their comments are pure speculation.
Alright, let's check it out!
Discuss on the ZAM Forums!
Special Q&A with the
Developers!
BETA
TEST
- How long is the beta test set to
last?
A: That has not been
determined yet. It will be adjusted as we go along.
- How much of the game can players
enjoy during the beta test?
A: Our goal is to start
out with the bare essentials and maintain game balance as we build, so
less than half of what you'll find in the final game will be available.
Starting with the alpha version, which is the very first step, it's
safe to say almost no content will be in the game yet. Starting there,
we are hoping it will be easier to take in and apply user feedback and
suggestions.
- Can you tell us the recommended
specs for the alpha/beta and Windows versions?
A: At this stage, we are
still optimizing everything, so the alpha test may actually require a
more powerful CPU than the final version. The graphics card must
support DirectX9, so even cards that are a few years old should be
alright. If you have over 512MB of VRAM, you'll be OK. We will give
you more details regarding this on the beta tester site.
- Will the beta test begin on PS3 and Windows simultaneously?
A: First, the alpha test
will be Windows only. The time period for the beta test hasn't been set
yet.
---
電Editor:
It's starting soon!
電Writer:
I wonder if the alpha will be done in a month.
電Editor:
If the alpha test finishes in a month, then I predict the beta will
last about half a year. I wonder if the Windows version will be easy to
play with a controller?
---
- How exactly will FFXI players be able to transfer their
Friend Lists and other aspects of their community to FFXIV?
A: We have no details on
that at this time. We want to make it so friends from FFXI can move to
the same world/server and adventure together.
- Will we be able to play as the 9 classes that were
presented this week? When starting the beta test, will we be able to
choose from a set of different classes?
A: Yes, that's right.
While all the aspects of each class may not be available at first, you
will be able to play as them.
- Will there be classes in the beta
that have not been announced yet?
A: As of right now, that
is undetermined.
- What type of players are these 9 classes geared towards?
A: The basic ideas each
class encompasses are as follows:
Gladiator: The hero who
wants to protect the weak. The party's great protector. The
all-purpose melee.
Pugilist: The fighter
on the front lines. The thrill of thinking on your feet and switching
stances. The vanguard attacker. For players who love paying attention
to the details of battle.
Lancer: Using range to
your advantage. Requires good judgment of battle conditions. The
party's last resort in a pinch. For people who enjoy the tactical side
of battles.
Marauder: A macho
attacker with massive power. The party's trump card. For people who
love waiting for the perfect opening to strike.
Archer: A sniper who
plays it cool, aiming for the perfect shot. The party's shortstop. The
lone wolf.
Conjurer: Party support
that can change between attack, defense and healing based on the
situation. For players who want to do it all.
Thaumaturge: The party
strategist, who controls the battlefield through manipulation of status
effects. For people who enjoy deep strategy.
Miner: A Disciple of
the Land, who deals in metals but cannot wear most equipment. For those
who want to get rich quick, and enjoy the labor it takes to do so.
Blacksmith: Uses metals
to craft weapons and armor. Requires training. For those who enjoy
doing business and dealing with customers.
---
電Writer:
I'll be so happy if you can choose between those 9 classes
from the beginning!
電Editor:
The Disciples of War have close combat and ranged attackers.
Think the starting weapon will just be a short sword?
電Writer:
I think they'll sell weapons for other classes at stores!
電Editor:
I bet you'll see different weapons sold in different city-states.
---
CHARACTER
CREATION
- Will players be able to choose
between different tribes, such at the Miq'ote with Sunseekers and
Moonseekers?
A: In the beta test, you
will be able to choose between a limited number of tribes.
- What kind of characteristics will
different tribes have? Will it be something like Sunseekers having
brownish skin, but Moonseekers, being nocturnal, having whiter skin
tones to select from?
A: Yes, like that. But
more than just skin tones, there will be a theme or style distinct to
each tribe, and from within that you will also have a wide variety of
skin tones to select from.
- Will that level of customization
in character creation be available in the beta test?
A: There will be a
limited number of faces and hair styles to choose and beyond that, only
hair, skin and eye colors will be selectable. More detailed changes to
the face will not be available yet.
- Are there bonuses based on one's
selected race and city-state? And if so, will tribe selection also
affect them in any way?
A: At this stage, we
haven't planned any such bonuses, but we will consider it if the many
players ask for them.
電Writer:
He said only a limited amount of tribes, but I'd be thrilled
if they got them all in. We know we'll be able to select our tribe, at
least.
電Editor:
As someone who likes character creation, I'm hung up on the
"limited amount" for customization. The final version could take me 2
hours just to get my character the way I want. I hope my name isn't
taken in the meantime...
電Writer:
You probably can't use a name if someone on the same world/server has
it. Why not just slap together a character to hold it for you while you
make your main one?
CLASSES
- Out of the weapons and classes
presented so far, there are still some weapons from FFXI (great sword,
scythe, staff) which we haven not seen yet. Will they appear in FFXIV?
If so, what classes might they be added to (e.g. great sword on
Gladiator?) Will all weapons be on separate classes?
A: I cannot tell you
when, but those weapons will definitely appear in FFXIV. As for which
classes they will be associated with, I'll have to ask you to wait and
see.
- Before heading out on an
adventure, you can change your class at whim, but are there any
limitations to this? For example, only being able to carry 3 weapons,
and thus change between 3 classes, at once.
A: At this stage, there
are no limitations in place. However, there is the possibility we may
adjust this as we go forward.
- Can you change classes in
battle? If it's only possible when not in "battle mode," could one just
sheathe their weapon and then change classes?
A: In FFXIV, there is a
Passive Mode, wherein you recover HP as you move, and Active Mode, which
is when your weapon is in-hand and you are poised to fight. Players
can only switch classes while they are in Passive Mode.
---
電Writer:
So, you can recover HP while moving, huh.
電Editor:
I wonder if the recovery rate improves in you are standing
still, sitting or otherwise relaxing?
---
- Generally, how many members
should a party consist of? Will there be Alliances?
A: Basically, we're
thinking 6-8 people. However, we also plan to make the game flexible,
so you could have a little more, a little less, or even go solo and
still be able to adventure when you like. Of course, we are also
planning challenges that will require the strength of an Alliance, as
well as party vs. party elements. Essentially, we're look to add
aspects to battle beyond simply the exchange of damage.
First, you secure a distance from the enemy
based on your method of attack; maintaining this is an important
element of battle. Its effect on damage and accuracy are a given, but
there will also be additional effects that have a chance of going off at
the proper distance (for example, with a lance, stopping the enemy's
movements temporarily). For Disciples of Magic especially, there are
areas of effect to consider with their magic. Conjurers have a circle
shape and Thaumaturges have a cone shape. You always have to consider
where you are focusing your attack. In addition to all this, you are
keeping track of the enemy's movements and where they are facing.
In other words, the 3 main factors in
battle for FFXIV are distance, area of effect and orientation. An
expert player must always consider these things during a fight.
---
電Writer:
FFXI was mainly just one monster versus a party, but for
FFXIV, it sounds like the basic structure is party vs. party.
電Editor:
I wonder if having a Disciple of the Hand, or other non-battle
focused class, still increases your party count?
電Writer:
With all the focus on positioning and maneuvering, it almost feels like
a real-time simulation game.
---
- One of the Gladiator's abilities
says it "gets the enemy's attention." Is this similar to instantly
generating enmity?
A: In FFXIV, we call it
the "hostility factor" and the ability you mentioned raises this value. [Elmer
Point: I'm sure they'll have a nice term for this. It's 敵視率 (teki-shi-ritsu),
lit. viewing as hostile (敵視) + ratio/factor (率)]
- Do the Gladiator's Roaring Sword
and Pugilist's Whistle generate different amounts of this?
A: Similar techniques may
have different ways of working. For example, even the same technique
may generate different amounts of hostility depending on a variety of
factors. Effectively controlling hostility is an aspect of the game all
players need to think about. We hope you enjoy testing out these
abilities in and figuring out what works the best in which situations.
----
電Editor:
Ah, could it be provoking from a higher elevation could
generate more hostility?! It sounds like provoking right after a weapon
skill could heighten the effect as well.
電Writer:
Sounds like a fighting game (laughs)
---
- Can players use Guard or some
other defensive command? Or will this activate randomly?
A: Actually, both are
true. There will be a Defend command that lets you actively defend
yourself, and also players with a shield equipped will automatically
block some attacks provided they have improved their skill with a shield
to an extent. [Elmer Point: The command is called 防盾 (bou-jun), which is defense(防) + shield(盾). Will non-shield carrying classes get something
else?]
----
電Writer:
There will be a Defend command! I can't wait!
電Editor:
Sounds pretty effective to be able to manually guard yourself right
before an enemy weaponskill goes off.
---
:- What's the difference between
Hand-to-hand range and Extra close Range?
A: They are largely the
same. We more wanted to show the difference in style between the two
classes. For example, consider defense. Extra close range is about
protecting yourself with a shield, heavy armor and maxing out physical
defense. Hand-to-hand range focuses more on parrying and evading
attacks. Offensively, they have different styles as well.
- Do enemies have TP?
A: They do. Enemies have
various different ways of building TP, and there will be types that if
you cannot put them down quick, will become very dangerous.
----
電Editor:
Ooh... I wonder what those different ways of building TP could
be. What is there besides hitting or being hit?
電Writer:
It could mean enemies will have abilities to instantly gain or lower
TP.
---
- Do you still have to remain still
while casting spells?
A: We are planning to
include a number of spells that can be cast while moving.
---
電Editor:
In FFXI you couldn't move an inch while casting, but now there
will be spells that let you move and cast! Beautiful!
電Writer:
Hmm, I bet it will be impossible with some of the more powerful spells,
though. Sounds like it will be possible with stuff that enhances
movement or other lighter cantrips.
---
Developer Comments
剣術士
Gladiator
- How does a Gladiator differ
between when they have a shield equipped and when they do not?
A: When a Gladiator does
not have a shield equipped, they forgo their defensive power in exchange
for a better offense. Also, there are certain abilities and
weaponskills that require a shield to be equipped.
- Please tell us the difference
between slashing and piercing.
A: Depending on the enemy
type, different attacks will be more effective. We are still adjusting
this aspect of the game but generally, big, muscle-bound enemies are
weak to slashing, and enemies equipped with armor or a shell are weak to
piercing. Also, slashing does better damage while piercing has better
accuracy.
- Gladitors have three options:
piercing, slashing and guarding. Does this mean there will be something
like a piercing button, slashing button and defense button that you
select each turn?
A: You can select a new
command each time.
- It seems most classes have some
kind of ranged attack, but will Gladiators get one?
A: We're considering a
way for Gladiators to throw their sword.
槍術士
Lancer
- Lancers have piercing, slashing
and blunt attacks, but does this depend on the weapon they are using?
Will it be a command you can freely select like with Gladiator?
A: The idea is that at
first, you can only do piercing attacks. As you grow and improve,
techniques that allow for slashing and blunt attack will become
available.
- You say by "bringing the enemy close" a Lancer can strike
both at once. Is there some way to physically bring the enemies
together in such a way.
A: We just mean that if two enemies happen to be
close enough together, a Lancer can use that to their advantage and
strike them both with the same thrust.
- The weaponskill Overrun says if you don't incur any enmity,
you get extra high-speed strikes added to the attack. Does this mean
you can always attain the added effect by attacking from behind the
enemy?
A: It's more like a Sneak Attack that procs when
the enemy is not in battle mode.
格闘士
Pugilist
- With Offensive Stance and
Defensive Stance, does the stance change based on the abilities you use?
A: When you select a
command, you can decide upon either one based on the position of the
Effect Gauge. Moving it towards Offensive is good for attacks and
moving it towards Defensive is good for defending. Once a stance is
deepened to its maximum point, there will be other abilities that become
available.
- Chakra says it consumes TP to heal one's HP, but can the
effect be changed by the amount of TP it consumes?
A: The effect does change based on the amount of TP
it uses. You cannot choose the amount yourself, but there will be
levels to its effectiveness.
- Why does Pugilist have Steal?
A: We wanted to prepare several different avenues
for each class to grow. Think of it as a way to put one's skills to a
more sinister use.
- Will the damage from Tackle improve the farther away from
the enemy you start?
A: Yes, having a running start increases the damage.
斧術士
Marauder
- Marauders can store up power to
unleash an AoE attack. Can they do this with regular melee attacks, or
is it only reserved for weaponskills?
A: Basically, storing up
power will make regular melee attacks into AoE attacks. Storing up
power will have other special effects on weaponskills.
- While storing up power, is it
impossible to perform any actions that require movement?
A: Moving cancels the act
of storing power.
- The ability Disorient uses the
axe to stir up dust or sand to lower enemy evasion. Can this be used in
places with no sand, like on a boat?
A: You can still use the
ability, but the effect may be altered.
- The weaponskill Fracture makes an
enemy weaponskill unusable. Is this a continuous effect or is it more
like Stun?
A: It's a continuous
effect.
- Brandish and Iron Tempest (both
are circular AoE weaponskills) seem to have similar effects, but are the
damage types different?
A: The type of damage
they do is different, as well as the shape and size of their areas of
effect.
弓術士
Archer
- There's a shortbow and longbow,
but will there be a crossbow?
A: There currently isn't
one, and if it's added, it may actually be given to a different class.
- How many arrows can one carry
around on their character?
A: We're still adjusting
that, but there will be measures to help you deal with running out of
arrows.
- Can Archers make arrows by
themselves?
A: Only Disciples of the
Hand will be able to make arrows. However, in the future, by putting
abilities from a Disciple of the Hand on an Archer, they could attain
some limited crafting ability.
- Do abilities like Replenish
(fires multiple arrows at once) actually consume multiple arrows?
A: Yes, it consumes
multiple arrows. For example, Quick Draw shoots multiple arrows amongst
the enemies. If there are three enemies, and you use 10 arrows, the
enemies take 3, 3 and 4 hits, respectively.
- Does the weaponskill Shrieker
cause any enemy to run away? Or is this only possible during battle?
A: Of course it won't be
completely effective against every enemy, but it will work against
enemies in Passive Mode.
幻術士
Conjurer
- Conjurers are able to produce
magical effects for the area around their person, but how exactly does
this work? To what extent can they boost party members? Are there
detrimental effects they can put on enemies?
A: We're still adjusting
this currently.
- Besides Shock Spikes, most of
the spells have an area of effect. Can these spells hit multiple
enemies at once?
A: Most spells do have an area of effect, and they
can hit multiple enemies at once. Generally, this makes it very
effective to gather all the enemies together within the area. That's
how this class was designed.
- So in the same vein, can Protect be cast on all party
members at once?
A: Yes, it can be cast upon everyone inside the
area of effect.
- Are monsters are associated with different elements?
A: Monsters will again be associated with different
elements. So this will certainly play a role in the effects spells
have on them.
呪術士
Thaumaturge
- The Thaumaturge is said to boast
the highest attack power of all classes. What kind of spells will have
this power?
A: I'm going to have to
keep that under my hat for now. I will tell you that spells are not
only based on MP, but there are some that consume TP.
- Does the ability Initiation
(shares magical effects on yourself with party) affect all party
members?
A: No, only one member
whom you select.
- Does the spell Gravity lower
evasion?
A: We're still putting it
together, but we do plan to have it lower evasion.
- The spell Siphon Magic (absorbs
MP from enemies) says it only works on enemies that are unable to take
an action. What exactly does this mean?
A: This means their HP
has been depleted, and they are defeated.
- Will the spell Siphon Magic work
against enemies with no TP?
A: No, it will not have
an effect on enemies with no MP.
鍛冶師
Blacksmith
- Can you keep an eye on the status of party members' weapons
during battle?
A: The current plan is only between battles.
- Will a Blacksmith be able to check the status of an ally's
weapon whenever they want, or will they need the other player's
approval?
A: Requiring the player to confirm every single
time the Blacksmith needs to check would be too much, but we can't
overlook the importance of player privacy either. We think the best way
is to require initial approval from the player, which then allows the
Blacksmith to examine them whenever they need to.
採掘師 Miner
- In a party, a Miner can "let fly
some pebbles." Does this mean that pebbles will be their only weapon?
A: Currently, that is the
case, but we may prepare something else for them to use as well.
- Can they only use pebbles to
weaken ore-based enemies?
A: We are investigating
ways for them to use items instead of weapons -- for example, using aqua
regia (a corrosive compound that dissolves gold) on a gold-based enemy
to weaken it.
- You say a Miner can bring
"additional income" to the party. Does this mean a single Miner will
benefit all members?
A: Yes, that's right. It
will add to the treasure pool, and we are still discussing this, but we
want to make it so more Miners increases the benefits. However, the
trade-off is that battles will be more difficult.
- Can only Miners see mining
points?
A: The current plan is to
make it that way.
