FFXIV 1st CB Report: Adjusted Battle System and Added New Retainer System

Final Fantasy XIV is going to launch its closed
beta test in the first ten days of July. 4gamer editors were
honored to be invited by Square Enix to have a taste of this game in
advance. The following is their trial report.
Note: Changes may be made in the official CBT version, so the
screenshots below are only for reference.
Adjusted Battle System:
Added New Retainer System:

Main updates and modifications in beta version

1. Improved graphics

Vivid high-light effect of buildings and fuzzy processing for
distant view










2. Modified battle system

The battle system adopts the form of consuming Action Gauge and the
tempo of battle is faster.

3. Updated the character creation interface

The User Interface is adjusted and characters of all races and
factions are available.












4. Added new classes

Gardener is added to the Disciples of the Land, Carpenter, Tailor
and Tanner are added to the Disciples of the Hand.
All equipment in FFXIV has durability, but the new classes have the
ability to repair the equipment.










5. Added a new system - Retainer

NPCs for hire are added. They can provide more storage space for
players and help them sell items as well as, even though players are
offline.

6. Modified the Physical Level System

Players’ maximum HP and MP will upgrade in pace with the increase of
their level. A new Bonus Redistribution system is added.












Battle rhythm has speeded up, but battle tactics need
improving
According to the feedback of alpha testers, the battle system has
undergone the greatest changes.
In the alpha version, after players draw out their weapon, their
Action Gauge will gradually increase from 0 to a certain number and
various skills can only be released at that time. Additionally, if
Action Gauge is accumulated, players should cast skills at an opportune
moment based on the Effect Gauge condition in order to generate better
skill effects.







However, in the beta version, the way of accumulating Action Gauge
varies a lot and Effect Gauge is cancelled. When a weapon is
unsheathed, the Action Gauge is full by default and will restore
automatically in combat. But if it is used up, players have to wait
some time. In the beta version, Action Gauge is equivalent to
character’s endurance to some extent.









Auto-attack is not available in FFXIV. Whether players can attack
again is decided by the Action Gauge. When Action Gauge is orange,
players are allowed to continue attacking, but it will turn green in
combat. Take the Gladiators for example, their chop and stab skills
have a 2-second cooldown, so they may attack once every two seconds. In
comparison with the alpha version, this new version augments the
battle rhythm greatly. In this way, players can level up more quickly by
killing small monsters instead of elite monsters and strong Bosses.







Please note that FFXIV’s Tactical Point (TP) system is a little
different from FFXI’s. The default TP is 0 and will increase slowly
along with various attacks. When TP hits a certain number, it can be
used to unleash a related Weapon Skill.
In FFXIV, TP can also be used as Ability resource, which may be more
understandable for players who have played Dancer in FFXI.
When ability is used, its cooldown will be displayed in the icon and
TP will reduce gradually after war. If Action Gauge means Endurance,
TP can be considered as Wrath.












A NPC named Retainer bearing the function of warehousing and
selling can be hired
The new Retainer system enables players to hire an NPC named
Retainer to help them sell items in a designated market, but players
should choose their goods and set prices in advance. Even though
players are offline, that NPC will still work for them.




There are business zones in each town, like Limsa Lominsa and
players can place that NPC there to sell items. The business zones must
be very busy as soon as the beta test is officially launched. To
prevent the business zones from being too crowded, developers are
currently considering expanding the business zone in the form of
instance.







If you want to hire Retainer, you only have to talk with the
Adventurer Association Management NPC. The NPC Retainer in each race,
class, faction has the same storage space.
Will Retainer be able to change equipment like characters? Square
Enix is still thinking it over and will make further consideration
based on players’ feedback after the beta test begins.

The Final Fantasy XIV beta is confirmed for July 10th! Just two more
days until lucky testers get to jump in and play with the new and
improved Eorzea.
Today, Famitsu published a few comments from Battle Planner Atsushi
Okada on some of the improvements he has made to the battle system.
Check out what he had to say after the break.
Discuss this in the ZAM Forums!Positioning and Orientation
in Battle
"When fighting monsters, the direction from which you attack can
alter the power and/or effect of your techniques. There are also other
elements such as the ability to break off parts of the monster's body by
attacking certain areas. This isn't true for every single enemy, but
say you're fighting a monster with two large horns on its head.
Attacking the head from the right side with a certain technique could
cause the horn to break. Similarly, attacking certain creatures from
behind can damage their tail. Such precision attacks will be a part of
the battle system. We hope players enjoy trying out how attacking
certain areas cause changes in the monster."


The New Action
Gauge

"In the beta version, the Action Gauge is a set length and fills at a
set speed. However, the Action Gauge now has a direct effect on the
effectiveness of attacks, so we are looking into what further changes
might be made. For example, we could add an ability that makes the
Action Gauge fill up faster -- something like a Haste spell, perhaps.
Also, we are testing out having the Action Gauge fill up at different
speeds for different classes."
Comminication in
Battle
"Since players have to constantly be selecting commands during
battle, it's can be difficult to find a moment to chat with your
teammates. In order to allow party members to communicate in the midst
of battle, we plan to include a set of icons intended to convey key
concepts. For example, there will be signs that indicate "Let's do
Battle Regimen X" or "Please heal me!" that can be quickly and easily
displayed to the party."

I dont know where did u get this news but its fkin awesome! 2 days from today!!!
Im getting ready for my kawaii miqote =^.^=