Version 2.0 – Square Enix’s plan to save Final Fantasy XIV
Square Enix have provided an update on planned version 2.0 for Final Fantasy XIV, which will see the MMO go through some major overhauls and changes to improve it and provide the experience SE promised and what the players expected.
Let’s all pretend that Final Fantasy XIV never happened. Or if you must come to the fact that it does exists, then at least pretend that it was just one big alpha test. An Ambitious alpha test that revealed that what Square Enix had created an MMO that was a slow, had a harsh learning curve from the get go, a horrible interface, combat that was lacklustre and quests that were dull, restrictive and requiring a lot of patience.
It was so badly received that Square Enix apologised twice and suspended monthly subscription payments and virtually made the game Free to Play while saying eventually they would fix the issues that plagued Final Fantasy XIV. Well Square Enix have finally decided on their rescue plan and it’s called “Version 2.0”. Yes Square Enix have seemingly they did drop the ball on FFXIV version 1.x and the only thing that can fix it is a complete overhaul of the game.
Before we get to what version 2.0 will bring to Final Fantasy XIV however, we should also report on current changes to FFXIV version 1.x. The unbilled period will becoming to an end between late November and early December of 2011. However, those with accounts to FFXIV won’t be charged via automatic renewals when this period ends unless they choose to. So if you’ve stopped playing FFXIV there is no need to worry as you won’t be hit by any surprise monthly charges. Lastly, for those who have been waiting patiently for the PlayStation 3 version, there is some news on that front:
“Between October and December of 2012, we plan to integrate the current service and the coming PlayStation®3 version into the all-new FINAL FANTASY XIV. At this time, a second free trial period will also be offered.
“Among our new plans is the fundamental reworking of in-game maps. As part of this process, there will be a period required for switching over to a new client and new servers, after which there will be a large transfer of data when service is brought back online. After the new client is completed, new software for the PC version will be distributed online, and can be acquired free of charge. Character data and progress for players already playing the PC version will also be preserved, allowing those players to continue using their in-game avatars. Another announcement will be made in the future as the day on which the new FINAL FANTASY XIV software will become available for download draws near, and the PlayStation®3 system version officially released.”
You can read all the changes coming to version 1.x here.
With that out of the way, let’s talk about version 2.0. So what new changes will version 2.0 bring? Well Square Enix are aiming to overhaul the maps/level design, introduce a new graphics engine, create a new server system that will allow increased speed and better performance, an improved user interface and bigger focus on in-game community content.
With the level/map design, SE want to get rid of the seamless areas, that – while they looked pretty – felt empty and became repetitive to travel across. Instead they will seemingly go the compact route and go for a more “dynamic map design”. They will also put in at least three unique themes in each area and object and enemy placement will get a revamp as well.
The new graphics engine will allow SE to maintain high quality and yet at the same time optimize the game so that PlayStation 3 users can finally get their hands on it. It seems they may also design it to cater to those with less the powerful PC’s, which would be fine as some of us fit that criteria and as a consequence have come to accept lower grade graphics as long as we can play the game.
The new server system that will allow increased speed and better performance and make party matchmaking and enhance PvP.
The improved UI will allow SE to not only be able to add features more easily but also allow user made-add ons to be more responsive. It will also improve the controls for both Keyboard & Mouse and gamepad. And finally the player community will also be improved with PvP content, an overhaul of the retainer system (a pain to use) and markets (a pain to browse), player housing and other nifty additions.
And that is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of version 2.0 plans. SE have handily divided all their plans into four topics: Outline, Planned Content & Concept Art, System & Content List and Development Roadmap. Click on the links to access the documents (must have Adobe Reader installed). You can also check out the gallery below to see the documents.
Lastly there was a Q&A with the producer talking about the upcoming changes. The video is in Japanese but thankfully SE have provided a transcription which you can view here.
Gallery
