Rapture_

Look....Picture...End of Beta!

2010-09-17T21:12:00.001-07:00

Open Beta LinkShell Event 09/17/2010

2010-09-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

Event- Group Picture

Place Uldah- center of the city fountain.

Date- 09/17/2010

Time- 10:30 PM Est

Open Beta Starts Tonight

2010-09-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Look for Skky and Shai in Vent! Tonight! No shirts allowed!Except for you Crag, you hairy beast!

Open Beta Time!

2010-08-30T07:38:00.000-07:00

With the start of Open Beta on August 31, 2010 look for Skky or Shai for a Linkshell invite. Check the forums for a our full name in game and remember Rapture is rolling on the server that starts with the last alphabetical letter.

New Co-Officer Election

2010-07-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

THAT'S RIGHT!

Submission period June 30th to July 14th
Mock meeting date (Mandatory): To be decided
Voting period: Day of Mock meeting

Time to elect a new co officer. Anyone is allowed to apply but not allowed to Deny. Ohohoho~ I make myself laugh sometimes with my wit... ANYWHO post your campaign in the 'members campaign' forum and answer all the questions below. Also a paragraph about what skills, knowledge, etc you could bring to the company and leadership experience. Also mention some of your company community service like ideas that have been implemented that were your own. After the submission period we will hold a mock meeting with 3 current or old issues that need to be addressed and decided on. You will all be working together to accomplish a goal and remember its a mock trial and not real ;). Best of luck to everyone who runs!

QUESTIONS YOU MUST ANSWER

interview questions (wont be discussed)

1.What thing do you want to be in control of?

2.All groups have moments of turmoil and stress that are not easily solved, and leaders are needed for guidance.How do you represent yourself during times of conflict, and do you feel it is important for members to see you as a stoic figure to emulate - or more of a friend they can relate to?"

3. Amongst behavior issues, what do you consider should be punishable incurring to ban?

4.How do you feel about mandatory events ?

5. Which current policy of the guild do you most DISAGREE with, and why?
(Follow up) How would you work to change this policy

6. do you feel that players generally left to their own devices with minimal guidance from the guild can be productive members of it ?

7.the most important factor is in this position, beyond experience, beyond know-how, beyond technical ability... is passion and dedication.If you're in this position, it's imperative that we know that we can rely on you to be consistent and loyal.Now, anyone can state that they've been consistently doing this, and consistently doing that, but do you guys have anything to show for it? So ultimately, my question is. Do you guys have any sort of evidence to present to us regarding just how consistent,persistent, and passionate you can be about something?

8. What priorities do you consider should be given to veteran members if any?

FF THEMED PICTURE CONTEST INFO!

2010-05-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

FF THEMED PICTURE CONTEST INFO!

Topic:
An original photo, photo shopped picture, or drawing relating to Final Fantasy.

Rules:
One submission per person, no re-submissions
Has to be Final Fantasy themed
Keep it Pg-13 guys
No plagiarism (you can take other photos and make your own)

Prize:
10 bucks and a forum title of choosing (keep it PG 13)

Submission period:

June 1st - 27th

Voting period:
June 28th - 30th

DONATIONS WELCOME

http://www.rapturexiv.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=60

New City Updates

2010-05-19T23:18:00.000-07:00

Square Enix has finally released some background information on the other two cities. Their official web site now gives a background for each city and also goes into depth with Limsa Lominsa. There are new pictures of land marks within the city and guild information on crafting areas in the city.

A cool world map has also been released with this update and shows a total of 4 big cities. Look forward to E3 in the middle of June for a ton of information on Final Fantasy XIV.

Rapture's First Anniversary Group Picture!

2010-05-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

if you wish to participate, here are the directions:

Send an email to rapturexiv@gmail.com with:
- 1 to 3 pictures of yourself, full body preferably. (I dare you to pose awesome)
- Name that you want to appear with overhead in the picture.
- And please the subject of the email should read as:
" -Nameyouwishtoappearwith- 1st Anniv Pic"

Thank you!

Here's the background picture so you can inspire on your posing!

All Guild Meeting

2010-04-15T01:10:00.000-07:00

MEET AND GREET

DATE: 4/15/10 at 8:00 PM EST

Come one come all! (that's what she said) to the meet and greet! where we all just get together to chat in the chat room and on our vent server! This time its cat icon day! make your avi a cat in honor of the great cathoe!

MANDATORY OFFICER MEETING AT 9:30 PM EST in Ventrilo
say something if ya cant make it

New in game footage!

2010-03-31T15:57:00.000-07:00

Square Enix has released its own FFXIV Channel.The video "life of Eorzea" is located there. The new video is 3 minutes of in game footage and it amazing!

Class Features-Archer/Pugilist

2010-03-23T22:49:00.000-07:00

Archer

Damage:
1. Specialization of arrows to optimize dmg
2. SEs reputation for calculating ranged damage
3. Heavy damage abilities

Solo Ability:
1. Fight from extreme distances (never HAVE to take damage)
2. "Feather Arrow"
3. Ability to withdraw from battle easily

Specialization is key and anyone with any mmo experience knows this anything that is specialized is usually more potent than otherwise. The choice of arrows per mobs or even size of the group of mobs shows that Archer is definitely the physical nuker of the bunch. In FFXI RNG dmg was calculated as the arrow dmg + the bow dmg. It's as if they were 2 weapons and that's why RNG could usually do the most dmg per individual hits. "Feather Arrow" can remove buffs from monsters that might otherwise make them unsoloable to the avg melee player (i.e.
"Hawk Eye" Increases ACC of next attack, seems like Elemental Seal for Archer
"Wide Volley" Fires multiple arrows into the sky at a target and all mobs in aoe range, another method of hitting groups of mobs besides the trinity arrows.
"Quick Nock" Fires multiple arrows conaly ahead of the Archer, yet another method of hitting groups of mobs.
If you'll notice all of these abilities include firing multiple arrows this could mean you could do 1 arrow 1 target dmg on multiple targets rather than having the dmg be gimped because its multiple targets like all the aoe in ffxi.

The Archer can fight at the most extreme distances from the mob meaning if the monster doesn't get up to you by the time you kill him you don't even take any damage. "Feather Arrow" removes magic buffs from mobs that might otherwise make them unsavory to the avg melee char. (also for group experiences imagine what "Feather Arrow" could do with a Trinity Arrow equiped). Also the Archer has loads of abilities that seem to make it so one could be as fool hardy as they like and still manage to slip out of poorly calculated endeavors without the penelty of a defeat.
"Chameleon" basically invises you like "Camouflage" in FFXI you would automatically lose agro as the mob does not know where you went in order to pursue.
"Stride" increases movements speed... RUNAWAY
"Kagenui" A binding shot. Shoot mob 30 feet away with this and you can keep shooting til they're unbound at which point you probably have enough tp to re-Kagenui the fiend.
"Shrieker" (my personal favorite) shot that makes mob run away, use this if the mob is getting too close and you quickly distance them without having to move too much yourself.
All these skills combined with the run and shoot playstyle can make an experienced Archer a formidable solo job against many mobs, also theyre dps makes sure that they aren't required to buy too much time keeping distance even though they obviously can.

Pugilist

Facts:

Offensive and defensive stances, the defensive one increases evasion.

Abilities:
"Whistle" 'gains the enemies attention' (most likely a voke)
"Blindside" 'increases dmg based on dexterity when hitting from behind for one attack' that's essentially sneak attack.
"Chakra" 'use tp to heal hp' chakra was a good healing move for monk in ffxi.
"Feather-step" 'significantly increases evasion, but only once'

Weapon Skills:
"Jarring Strike" 'angers and stops the opponent if used after evading'
"Piercing Hand" dps ws
"Haymaker" dps ws with bonus after evading.
"Tackle" 'close distance between enemies and attack quickly'
"Chiretsuzan" earth elemental ranged ws

Speculation:
Whistle could be a provoke, depending on the strength of the voke and the recast timer on whistle this could be an effective way for pugilist to maintain hate.

In FFXI sneak attack did loads of dmg and incured lots of hate, if this is the case in ffxiv then this is a good way for a pugilist to regain hate after losing the mobs attention to the 'ridill war'.

Depending on Chakra's recast the skill could significantly increase a pugalists tank ability.

The fact that feather-step states '...only once' leads me to believe it will be like ffxi SAM "third eye" so essencially its a single shadow, this coudl also greatly increase tank ability depending on its recast timer.

Jarring strike 'angers and stops' So i imagine it to be a stun and voke ws when used after evading which could easily be done each time feather-step is up.

Tackle seems to dash the pug into range while doing a bit of dmg. So essentially you can get to the mob before the rest of the group and start building hate ahead of them.

Chiretsuzan leads me to believe that its some kind of aoe maybe conal because it says sends 'shockwaves' if that is sow then you could gain the attention of a large group of fortunately placed mobs by using this weapon skill.

So basically I think Pugilist is designed as a DPS class so it stands to reason that they can do good damage, however, I also see incredible potential to tank based on its perceived ability to keep hate while maintaining under the enemies radar with his unflappable elusiveness.

(in case no one has noticed pugilist seems to have been merged with MNK in its style of dps, THF in its frequent use of dexterity and evasion, NIN in its ability to hold hate and elusiveness, and maybe even a little bit of DNC in there since chakra uses tp)

-Gerry

FFXIV Classes! What will you be?

2010-03-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

Here is a nice summary of Information for all that we know of the classes of Final Fantasy XIV. There are still more classes that Square Enix has not released yet, but you can be sure we will update you when the time comes.

If anyone here has an Idea on what class they might be or what they have narrowed it down to, even if it's not out yet, such as the healer class w/e it may be. Post here so we got an Idea on what people we want to do or what fits their personality.

Here is a overview of all the classes and info on skills.

Melee Classes

Gladiator
Like ancient Rome, Gladiators are tough and strong. A Gladiator specializes with a one-hand sword and shield. In FFXIV, Gladiators can wear pretty much wear any armor or shield, they are very powerful defensively, but don't get me wrong, they are very powerful offensively. If you like to be a tank, but also a pretty good damage dealer. Gladiator may be for you.

Gladiator Abilities:(Not weapon gained, class gained)
Roaring Sword- Waving the tip of your blade to get the enemy’s attention
Cover – Protect the party members behind you by taking damage instead of them
Rampart – Using your sword to increase your defense (raises physical and magical defenses)
Precision – Lowers evasion and increases accuracy
Aegis Boon – When guarding with your shield, any damage taken heals your HP instead

Weapon Skills:(Skills that are learned through your weapons)
Phalanx – Anger the enemy by attacking after guarding with a shield
Red Lotus – A swinging fire elemental attack on the enemy
Shield Bash – Hit the enemy with a shield and prevent them from casting a spell
Spinning Stroke – Attack the enemy. Damage increases if the enemy is not attacking you.
Circle Slash – AoE weapon skill

Lancer
Similar to a dragoon from FFXI, a lancer specializes in spear type weapons. However they do not have a wyren. A lancer has probably the longest melee range out of all the melee classes(excluding Archer). They are the quickest to take action and to run over to help out friends/allies in need. This class is for people who know how to move around for the advantages of the party and knows how to keep the flow of battle in their party's favor.

Lancer Abilities:
Inspire: Party members receive TP for attacking their target
Ferocity: You lose HP but your next attack will give greater damage
Fighting Spirit: You lose HP but you gain TP
Collusion: Attack the enemy from behind another party member while the enemy is focused on that party member
Spirit Surge: Decrease enemy evasion while sucking away their HP

Weapon Skills:
Overrun: If you attack while the enemy isn’t aware of you, you can land a series of high speed successive attacks and increase your TP.
Feint: If you use right after an enemy has evaded your attack, your next attack will surely hit.
Leg Sweeper: AoE attack where you target the legs of your enemies and prevent them from moving. Cannot be used on aerial targets.
Moonrise: Attack the enemy and suppress their ability to gain TP
Skewer: Attack all enemies between you and your target. Movement for land-based enemies will become slower.

Marauder
Maybe the most powerful melee class in terms of damage. This class specializes in two-hand axes. Even though this class is very powerful, the accuracy on hits is low, but you have skills to help solve that problem. This class is for people who don't mind slow attacks and love hitting mobs with insanely powerful strikes and skills.

Marauder Abilities:
Blood Bath: The damage you give the enemy turns into HP for you
Power Attack: Increases the chance of critical hits
Defender: Use your Axe to increase your physical defense in exchange for not being able to attack
Disorient: Lower the enemy’s evasion
Unyielding March: Can move, albeit slowly, even when hit with binding magic

Weapon Skills:
Skull Thunder: Lasting damage on the enemy or gather your power to create a wider AoE attack.
Log Splitter: Very affective attack against plant-type enemies.
Fracture: If used after parrying an enemy attack, you can seal the enemy’s ability to use weapon skills while damaging them.
Brandish: AoE attack
Iron Tempest: A donut-shaped AoE wind elemental attack

Pugilist
This is the type of class for people who want to be in the mobs face. They specialize with knuckle weapons(hand to hand combat basically) like monks from FFXIV. The closest range of all the melee classes. Like a martial artist a Pugilist has many different forms of fighting to for many different types of mobs. A Pugilist is the type of class to constantly "annoy" a mob. They do not have very high defense but they are very powerful if they use the stances correctly.

Pugilist Abilities:
Whistle: Gain the attention of the enemy
Blind Side: Increased damage when you attack from behind the enemy
Chakra: Use TP to regain HP
Steal: Steal things from the enemy
Feather Step: Increase evasion by a large amount for one shot

Weapon Skills:
Jarring Strike: If used after a missed enemy attack, your next attack will hit and bind the enemy but also anger them
Piercing Fists: Piercing attack. If done in succession, the chances of a critical hit increases.
Haymaker: If used after a missed enemy attack, you can do heavy damage to the enemy
Tackle: A rapid succession of attacks
Earth Render: An earth elemental based distance attack. Doesn’t work on enemies in the air.

Archer
Like most of you probably know. A Archer specializes with bows, however in this game they will not be able to use crossbows, who will be hasn't been announced yet. A Archer has the longest range of melee fighters. Their range is right around where most mages can fight. Unlike some other MMO's you do need to take special care of your arrows. Different arrows work well with different mobs as well as bows. A Archer needs to be played by a smart player who can control their aggro, but also be able to keep distance from the mob and to have a good control over damage.

Archer Abilities
Replenish: Fire off multiple arrows at one time (the description says all of your arrows)
Chameleon: Erase your presence to avoid detection
Stride: Be able to move quickly for a short period of time
Retrieval: Gather up arrows in exchange for some HP
Hawkeye: Increase the accuracy of your next attack

Weapon Skills
Shadow Stitch: Bind the enemy
Wide Volley: Attack your target and other enemies around it
Quick Knock: Use multiple arrows in rapid succession to attack enemies in a fan like AoE attack
Snakebite Arrow: Attack and remove enhancing magic from the enemy
Shrieker: Attack the enemy and cause it to retreat

Mage Classes

Conjurer
A Conjurer is a interesting mage class. They are a elemental mage who can control the 6 elements, fire, ice, wind, earth, thunder, and water. A conjurer has to be a strategically smart player, they need to understand the environment the spells are cast in, what mobs are weak to, but they also need a specialization. A Conjurer skills are dependent on the individual. What I am saying is the elements you are specially strong in will also help determine your roll in a party. Saying they control the 6 elements makes them seem like they can only be offensive mages, well that is incorrect. A Conjurer also learns defensive spells and healing spells. A conjurer specializes in Wands and Staves. One of the most important factors about a Conjurer though is that they are very strongly, a AoE class. The way you choose how to grow your char is entirely up to you, this class is one of the most diverse of the classes.

Conjurer Abilities
Profound: Casting time increases but so does the spell power
Trance Chant: No matter what, your spell casting will not be interrupted
Spirit Bind: You bind yourself in exchange for decreasing MP costs per spell
Roaming Soul: You can cast while walking
Purge: You can balance off the elemental status of you and the enemy (translation note: I really don’t know what they mean by that)

Weapon Skills
Fire: an AoE fire attack
Cure: an AoE cure spell
Protect: an AoE spell that increases the physical defense of your party members
Shock Spikes: A thunder elemental spell that surrounds you and will attack and paralyze the enemy if you are attacked
Frost: a DoT AoE ice spell

Thaumaturge
This is a very interesting mage class. This class seems to be like various games "Blood mage." Thaumaturge has many skills that involve draining/sacrificing hp and mp. They are strictly a offensive type mage class, this class is also to be considered as the strongest offensive magic mage class. A person who plays this class need to know when to cast spells and when to stack them. A Thaumaturge has many skills that allow if to be cast over and over again to add more effect to the mobs. A person who wants to play this class has to be able to control nuking or they risk their own lives doing so, but this class also will have enhancement party buffs. Which is for sure, but its not for sure that it will be the main class for buffs. It is a class for people who have good game control and understand how to keep the fight in their parties favor.

Thaumaturge Abilities
Blood Pact: You lose HP but your spells become more powerful
Thorn: Damages the enemy that gave you damage
Dark Seal: Increase magical accuracy
Initiation: Spread a magical status you have to your party members
Paradigm Shift: Decreased attacking distance in exchange for a wider area of effect

Weapon Skills
Drain: AoE HP sucking attack
Gravity: AoE attack that slows the movement speed of enemies
Sacrifice: Give up your HP in exchange for the HP recovery of one of your party members
Siphon: Suck MP from enemies you have defeated
Absorb-Acc: Suck an enemy’s accuracy and increase your own

Information on skills is from http://www.eorzeapedia.com/2010/03/11/d ... nd-4gamer/

Hope the information helps you out ^^ As for me I am thinking of.....

Job: Conjurer atm, not sure which element specialization yet.

My final choice I will decide once all classes have been announced.

*EDIT* Please Read!

When everyone picks a job, their main one, please put it in bold. I will make a list in this chat with every ones job so we can see what we got. Of course this wont be for awhile. Don't put it in bold chat till all the classes are announced and you choose a final one. This way people wont be jumping around. For now just put what type you plan to be, if its similar to lets say, a gladiator, then put maybe a gladiator.

Hopefully by the the time game comes out we will be able to have a good clue on what everyone is and maybe we can set up groups for campaigns and missions ^^ Just trying to help out the guild if this does help. <.<

Rapture Class Lists

*Note*
This is what other players have posted, its just a pick at this point, hopefully it will be finalized with most members number 1 maybe 2 choice class before FFXIV comes out and all classes are announced.

Names in ABC order :O

Altaeiu: "Lancer" or "Pugilist" or "Dancer" or "Something With A Scythe"
Aramil: "Conjurer"
Brimstonelove: "Black Mage" or "Archer"
Cjay: "Pugilist" or "Conjurer"
Completewin: "Bard/Buffer Class" or "Healer Class" or "Pugilist"
Crag: "Gladiator"
Eld: "Black Mage" or "Archer"
Fan: "Foot Soldier" or a "Surf Ninja" <.<
Future: "Marauder" or "Archer" or "A Mage Class"
Gerry: "Pugilist + Alchemist"
Happybyday: "Gladiator" or "Healer Class"
Hyabusa: "Conjurer" or "Thaumaturge" or "Any Other Class"
Ikfes: "Lancer"
Naeblis: "Conjurer"
originalme8: "Conjurer"
Osarion: "Lancer" or "A Mage Class"
Paimon: "Dps Class" or "Melee Class" or "Ranged Class"
RoastedToast: "Pugilist" or "Archer"
Rose: "Lancer" or "Scythe Wielding Class" or "Archer" or "Conjurer" or "Marauder"
Shailee: "Dancer"
Shifu: "Conjurer" or "White Mage"
Skky: "Pugilist" or "Archer" or "Thaumaturge"
Talisein: "Marauder" or "Black Mage"
Tigerkneecrush: "Pugilist" or "Marauder"
Username: "Demonic Killing Machine" <.<
Valgaras: "Gladiator"
Vagrant: "Lancer" or "Gladiator" or "Black Mage"
Viviowner: "Conjurer"
Wolfleader: "Gladiator" or "Lancer" or "Marauder" or "Samurai Type Class"

To update your member status please visit

Viviowner's forum thread

FFXIV Updates Gone Wild

2010-03-11T00:50:00.000-08:00

With the start of Alpha/Beta testers having access to the beta web site today, there has been an explosion of information for FFXIV. Most this information deals with each class and their inner workings within the game. Check out these hot sites for all the exciting news as it breaks this week.You can also look forward to an official Final Fantasy XIV web site update in the next day.

http://www.eorzeapedia.com/

http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1232830_1124.html

http://www.ffxivcore.com/

WOW vs FFXIV

2010-03-09T22:59:00.000-08:00

Check out this awesome article about WOW vs other MMO Companies. On the second page the writer starts to talk about Square-Enix and FFXIV. It is defiantly an interesting read that i thought some of you out there in MMO land would appreciate.

http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=21814

FFXIV PS3 Beta & In Game Item

2010-03-09T22:48:00.000-08:00

Just like in Japan with every early copy of Final Fantasy XIII there is a special item code that you can register at square-enix.com. The code gives the user an in game item for Final Fantasy XIV and the ability to access FFXIV PS3 Beta, all of course at a later date. Gamers can now update their FFXIV Beta application and add these PS3 codes into it. Please don't let the time pass because in Japan the codes were only in the first batch of Final Fantasy XIII games released so most likely the same will happen in the United States.

Fake FFXIV Beta Emails

2010-03-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

There are some evil people in this wold playing cruel jokes. Be very cautious of dealing with any FFXIV Beta Invite e-mails. E-mails for FFXIV Beta Invite will come from a @square-enix.com. There is a squarenixcom@gmail that is circulating these fake emails. This information has been verified after talking with a Square Enix representative about the fake e-mails.

FFXIV Beta Launch Site

2010-03-01T08:19:00.000-08:00

Square Enix has launched its Final Fantasy XIV Beta site. The site is on lock down for now and should release more information on March 11, 2010. This is the site you are supposedly to be link to once you receive your FFXIV Beta invite e-mail!
Check out your self at https://dev-na.ffxiv.com/soon/index.html

Final Finatasy XIV Beta Announced

2010-02-28T01:58:00.000-08:00

It’s time to start stalking your emails like a crack head smokes his rocks. Final Fantasy XIV Beta has been announced and it is scheduled to start March 11, 2010. This is huge news straight out of Vanafest. All members who attended Vanafest received invites into Alpha and Beta starting today. You can just imagine the excitement that hit the 1000 Final Fantasy XI players that were invited to this event in Japan. The creators of the game also stressed to not worry, if you don’t get into Beta it will eventually happen. They repeated again that everyone will be given an opportunity to get into Beta. With the start of Beta this March it looks like the game will be released Fall of 2010 baring any unusual set backs. Check back later for more information on Final Fantasy XIV Beta.

Big News out of Vanafest so far

• FFXIV Beta Starts March 11, 2010
• FFXI- Level Cap Raised To 99
• FFXI- 2 New Summons for Summoners
• FFXI- New Weapon Enchantment System
• FFXI- 3 New Mini Expansions, Exploring New Areas

VanaFest Count Down

2010-02-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

VanaFest 2010 will begin February 28th, at 2AM EST. The show will be broadcasted live by Limit Break Radio and Pet Food Alpha. Only 100 fans will be able to fit on their server so space is limited. For more information on their show check out http://www.eorzeapedia.com

Vanafest is primarily a Final Fantasy 11 fan fare, but their has been big rumors of news about Final Fantasy XIV to be released as the fesival nears. Around the net millions of Final Fantasy fans are waiting for Sunday to recieve this mysterious rumor. There hasn't been any real news on Final Fantasy XIV since the middle of December. However, there is talk of a Beta announcement coming soon as the game is trying very hard to be released before the end of 2010. Check back with Rapture in the coming days for a big surprise or maybe just another screen shot of a crab from Final Fantasy XIV again.

Crazy real life picture contest!

2010-02-21T23:39:00.000-08:00

Crazy real life picture contest!
Life is weird. you all have probably figured that out by now and when life gives you crazy you get out your camera take a picture and post it all over the webbernets. SO in honor of insanity we present to you the Crazy life photos contest! just post a picture of one of your craziest moments and the public will get to Vote on which picture is the craziest! Picture does not have to be of yourself, but must contain something that is a living creature.

*please make your own post for submission and title it *

Contest times

Submission period feb 21st -> march 5th
Voting period March 6th - > 7th

Winner gets a copy of FFXIII!
(If not enough people enter, we'll give all the donated money to the winner)

Contest Rules

Must donate to participate
Real life pictures only
no plaigiarism, we will check!
NO PHOTOSHOPPING!
captions are optional
Put in photobucket link after photo

Any questions about photobucket (or in general) contact Altaeiu or Skky Via e-mail or PM

Donation Instructions

Must be 3 dollars
in the message box, put in Forum name and contest name and time of donation, also put in your submission post as backup

You'll find the donation link in the botton left hand corner of the page along with a repeat of the contest info!
http://www.rapturexiv.com/content/contests

Final Fantasy XIII Event Party

2010-02-21T02:47:00.000-08:00

In celebration of the release of FINAL FANTASY XIII, Square Enix is hosting two special events on March 8, 2010 in San Francisco.
SQUARE ENIX MEMBERS is inviting 200 members and their guests to FINAL FANTASY XIII EXPERIENCE, the day-time event, and 50 lucky Bronze-and-above members to FINAL FANTASY LAUNCH PARTY, the evening VIP event. The sweepstakes ends February 23, so enter today!

Final Fantasy XIII Sweepstakes

Rumor: Final Fantasy XIV headed to Xbox 360?

2010-02-08T22:24:00.000-08:00

Amazon.com is now taking pre-orders for Final Fantasy XIV for the Xbox 360. Do they know something that we don't? Is it a mistake? No official word has been release as of yet, so only time will tell if FFXIV makes its way to the Xbox 360. Final Fantasy XIV is scheduled to be released for PS3 and PC some time this year. It has been mention in more than a few articles that Final Fantasy XIV has been in negotiations with Xbox 360 to bring the game their way. The sun is definitely starting to get a lot brighter for Xbox 360 fans, now that Amazon is taking pre- orders for Final Fantasy XIV.

Interview with Tanaka

2010-02-04T09:11:00.000-08:00

Source www.zam.com

As the buzz continues to grow around Final Fantasy XIV, Producer Hiromichi Tanaka is also increasingly finding himself the center of attention. In this week's Famitsu, he was part of a feature on the 20 Most Anticipated Games & Game Creators of 2010. Tanaka has been a part of Square Enix since 1983, but is now coming into the spotlight thanks to his work producing Final Fantasy XI, and of course, the upcoming Final Fantasy XIV.

In this interview he gives his opinions on the state and direction of the gaming industry and elaborates a little on plans for the Final Fantasy XIV beta test.

Also, as each creator who was interviewed did, Tanaka also showed off his (dare I say, mad) calligraphy skills. He referenced the release of a brand new online world with 新天地 (shin-ten-chi) "new world", and wrote "Eorzea" in hiragana: えおるぜあ. Don't forget that registered symbol!

Read on for the interview and discuss this in the ZAM forums!

- How did 2009 treat you?

Tanaka: I've been producing the same online game since 2000, so the years generally follow the same cycle. Honestly, I was just working away to the point where I couldn't really feel the passage of time. (laughs) We put together presentations on Final Fantasy XIV, and of course were actively keeping Final Fantasy XI going as well. So just like the year 2000, it was a marathon. Still, if I were to say how much of my mind was occupied by either XI or XIV, I would say XIV became increasingly important as the year went on.

- How do you feel about the gaming industry as a whole?

Tanaka: Personally, I think 2009 was the year that really brought iPod Touch and iPhone gaming to the forefront. There was an explosion of applications, including games, and what was essentially a multimedia device suddenly had a rush of new and interesting software. Services like Twitter have also become commonplace, changing the way we spread information, which I think will continue to expand this year.

In Japan, for the most part, cell phones are cell phones, and we use Nintendo DS or PSP for portable gaming. But now, if more killer titles begin to appear on the iPod Touch or iPhone, they could really start making waves in the industry. Although the CPU and memory capabilities of these devices lose out to dedicated gaming handhelds, the potential is there for iPod Touch and iPhone to become serious portable gaming systems. As for the rumored tablet, it's probably doubtful it will focus on being a gaming device, which would undermine some of the concept behind the iPod Touch line.

Either way, I have my Docomo phone. (laughs)

- What are you expecting from 2010?

Tanaka: We are going to start service for Final Fantasy XIV, which we have been working on for several years now. We don't have an official announcement yet, but we are certain the game will be ready for all users to enjoy. First, we want to get the beta test rolling.

- What kind of time frame are you thinking of for the beta test?

Tanaka: We don't intend to set a specific time frame for the test, but if we begin too close to a finished product, we cannot apply the opinions and reactions of the users. Therefore, we want to let users try out the game in its unfinished state, and from there we will take in user feedback and gradually build together towards a final version. However, we have to avoid making it too much trial-and-error, or it would be more of a development process than a beta test, which could pose problems. For instance, the servers would need to be shut down for days at a time while the developers work on the game, and I think it would be difficult to run a smooth beta test. I can't really say anything definitive about the length of the beta test at this time.

- Where do you see the gaming industry moving this year?

Tanaka: I see the birth of more unique interfaces and technology such as Project Natal. For XIV, we're worrying whether or not we can implement voice chat. Like XI, it will run across multiple platforms, and there isn't a single, unifying way to support them all. Not to mention, we have many other communications issues to confront, such as communities being splintered by system, player harassment and translation features. At the moment, supporting voice chat will be difficult.

- Tell our readers your ambitions for 2010!

Tanaka: I'm working hard to begin service for Final Fantasy XIV, and I hope to see you all in Eorzea! And of course, there is Final Fantasy XI, which I have been so proud to be a part of for 8 years now. Things are going to be heating up again this year, so I'll see you back in Vana'diel too!

January Interview scenario planner Bieko Sato

2010-02-01T08:16:00.000-08:00

Following are translated highlights from a January interview by famitsu.com with XIV scenario planner Bieko Sato. Nothing earth shattering revealed here since the conversation focuses on the storyline. The only interesting part might be the talks about Echo and inference on gameplay.

Q: Did you devise the main storyline first and then came up with the world of Eorzea to fit the story scenarios?
A: Actually it was the other way around. We first outlined the world and game concepts and then thought up a story to fit the world. We want to make sure setting a scenario up in certain parts of the world will not interfere with the main game concepts.

Q: So did you have to change parts of the story because of the world layout and game concepts?
A: The main storyline remained the same. What we adjusted are the sub-stories to allow better integration with events and quests.

Q: Can you give us more details about the role of crystals in the storyline?
A: Crystals represent light and life force to all things in Eorzea. In the storyline it is mentioned that adventurers derive their power from crystals.

Q: On the official site it was mentioned that Echo, the mysterious power adventurers get from crystal allow them to resonate with others and enables them to relive past events as if their own, what does that mean?
A: It actually means what it said; players can see and experience past events through the power of Echo. Since players are reliving the memories of others, future events will not be altered by those experiences.

Q: So is it the biggest objective of the story for players to find out why the power of Echo suddenly appeared in Eorzea?
A: Indeed investigating why the power of Echo appeared will lead the players all the way towards the end of story. It would seem that the power of Echo can in certain cases be useful in the continuing struggle with savage tribes and Garlean Empire.

(At this point interview rambles on a bit about savage tribes and Banjin the savage deity. Unfortunately there was nothing worth translating.)

Q: What kind of nation is Garlean Empire?
A: Garlean’s capital is situated far away to the northeast of Eorzea. It is very advanced technically. While Garlean is connected by land with Eorzea because there is a big buffer zone of harsh terrain between Garlean and Eorzea, before the invasion of Ala Mhigo Garlean rarely entered the minds of Eorzea populous.

Q: So why did Garlean invade Eorzea?
A: Garlean is an empire built on expansion by conquering. Now its ambition has reached Eorzea.

Q: What kind of city-state was Ala Mhigo?
A: It was a city populated mostly by Hyur Highlanders. It is also situated closest to Garlean thus most vulnerable to Garlean’s attack. Even so, before the Garlean invasion Ala Mhigo was considered the most powerful of 6 city-states in Eorzea. Other states were wary of its strength and were shocked by swiftness of its conquest by Garlean.

Q: So what in condition is Ala Mhigo after the invasion?
A: That is part of main storyline for the players to find out.

Q: So is the story of FFXIV completed in your mind?
A: Yes, but I wouldn’t be able to talk about the details for very long time to come.

Talk of FFXIV at Vanafest 2010

2010-01-16T11:52:00.000-08:00

Vanafest is being held Febuary 28th 2010 in Tokyo, Japan. Only 1,114(nice number) guest will be invited from a group of Final Fantasy XI players. There will be news of Final Fantasy XIV. Check back with us for info as the date gets closer.

A Summery of Information-FFXIV

2010-01-15T14:44:00.001-08:00

By Yutiko

Rapture = FFXIV, major trickage from the devs.

Eorzea will differ from Vana'diel in a number of ways. First, Eorzea is but a region within the full world of Final Fantasy XIV, which will be named ハイデリン (ha-i-de-ri-n). This land will be blessed with high technology, but not to the point of more sci-fi themed worlds found in Final Fantasy XIII or Final Fantasy X. This new MMO will stay true to the fantasy-style roots of the series, while setting itself apart as a completely different world than Vana'diel.

4 races in FFXIV. Similar to the ones in XI, but with different names. Galka models don't have tails.

No more exp. Instead weapons somehow play a role of how strong a character is. Classes will be slightly (or majorly) varied from XI and other FF series.

Lots of story based events and cut scenes.

Learning curve on battles. Battles are not realtime action.

Soloing is like that hot girl in your spanish class. Everyone is focusing on her. However parties will still be necessary for some aspects, or if you like to play in parties.

From one mob to many. The number of creatures you will fight at once in unknown. PvP may be implemented later. The devs don't want PvP going on anywhere. (Could that mean instanced PvP?)

Chocobos are getting a makeover!

PS3, not anymore! This will also be for the PC. Beta will use the most current DirectX. OS requirements for the game are not yet specified. FFXIV may be ported to the 360 if SE and Microsoft can reach agreements.

Uematsu did the music for this one too.

Different servers. Capacity of 5k-6k people a server.

If you were diligent in acquiring your Mog Satchel, those Square Enix IDs and Security Tokens we set up are going to come in handy. As Square Enix revealed yesterday in a response to a series of questions from ZAM, the Security Tokens will be used to secure Final Fantasy XIV accounts and PlayOnline will not be used as a portal for accessing the game. Tanaka further explains that exclusively using the Square Enix ID also allows them to be more flexible with the payment plan. He expresses interest in switching from a monthly plan to one that charges in 30-day increments. As for being able to purchase in-game items with real money, the developers indicate they are not considering the option at this time.

FFXI will not be thrown out once XIV comes to town.

No solid connection from XI to XIV. No character transfers. However, name transfer is being looked at. Transferring Linkshells and Friends List may be implemented.

Crystals play a role. And ZOMG major hintage at voice acting!

Last Officer Vote

2010-01-15T14:41:00.001-08:00

VOTING
Voting will be held January 17 to the 19
Send all officer votes to me via pm. Every member has one vote and this is for the last officer position left.
The winner will be announced on the 20th

To view members that are running for office and for new members who would like a shot at the title please visit

viewforum.php?f=14
or
viewtopic.php?f=14&t=676

For a view of our guild current structure please visit

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=606

Distant Worlds Tour: FFXIV Music

2010-01-08T20:02:00.000-08:00

DEBATE 2010! DUN DUN DUN

2010-01-07T09:15:00.000-08:00

THATS RIGHT! 10:20 EST Altaeiu will be hosting the 2010 Founding leader debate on Tuesday January 12th.

ALL NEW MEMBERS ARE WELCOME AND ENCOURAGED TO COME PARTICIPATE! please pm me if you wish to run for founding leader or cannot make the times (this is if your running)!

LOCASHUN: http://www.rapturexiv.com/chat

---THOSE DEBATING---

ARAMIL MASTER WEB SAGE

ROSE IN THE GARDEN... OF POOP!

KEITH BLACK HAT!

YUTIKO KIKO MONIKO

HOT DOG BUNS OF FUN

AND

Fanny poo

---RULES---
- everyone can ask questions even non officers

-Alt is the master on this day +_+ and what I say goes (with reason <_<;)

-Obey the set order of question answering, each person has 1 minute, it will be alphabetical.

-No interruptions, or there will be blood! Must be DEAD SILENT! or I will summon the great ori beast from the nether to smite ye!

-have fun, bring sammiches, sit back, relax, AND WATCH THE CARNAGE <3

Last edited by altaieu on 06 Jan 2010 22:38, edited 8 times in total.

All Guild Meeting

2010-01-02T11:31:00.000-08:00

All Guild Meeting

Date: January 5, 2010

Time: 10:30 EST

Place: http://www.rapturexiv.com/chat

Topics of discussion

-Beta
-Election for new officer
-Election for co officers
-Guild direction
-Guild Web site
-Meet and Greet(newer members please come!)

If anyone would like to add any topics please reply here so i can add it to our agenda.

http://www.rapturexiv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=745

This Week's Famitsu

2009-12-23T10:32:00.000-08:00

Final Fantasy XIV got some face time this week in Famitsu the magazine in Japan. The magazine focused on the story of Final Fantasy XIV with new screen shots released this week. Check out this interesting article on what they had to tell about the storyline of Final Fantasy XIV

http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/12/23/ffxiv_story/

Character Creation Images

2009-12-22T12:36:00.000-08:00

3 New Screen Shots

2009-12-18T22:40:00.001-08:00

Now Taking All Beta Applications

2009-12-17T06:33:00.000-08:00

Check out http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/ and register an account with Square Enix. Pray to the FFXIV gods that you get in soon.

The New Rapture! 1.696969

2009-12-16T00:44:00.000-08:00

The new Rapture website has been officially launched. We still have big changes to make as forth as the look of the site, but the general aspects have been put into play.Please bookmark

http://www.rapturexiv.com/

From there you will be able to see our forums, chat room, and much more.

Forum Upgrade

2009-12-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

Hello All, Aramil has been very hard at work and has successfully transferred all our old post to a new and improved forum. The forum has its default skin at the moment and will be changed in the coming week. Aramil has sent a PM in the old forums to every registered person a new password. You must simply log in with your old user name and new password.You can then change your password to what ever you like. The new forums are located at
http://rapture.5gigs.net/rapture/forum/index.php?&sid=5e37d0ac4a8b0daf09a81113c2afa6e8

Rumor: FFXIV Beta Already Begun?

2009-12-03T09:22:00.000-08:00

By Skeith

According to a LiveBlog posted on November 29, the beta for FFXIV has already begun.

In his post on the site, gentlemandash lists 10 games he has played in beta or has obtained a developer copy of throughout 2009. The list includes both Final Fantasy XIII and XIV, and accredits his Squeenix girlfriend for giving him this access.

"There's a few others I forget and TWO which I can't mention yet due to NDAs," boasted gentlemandash in his post. "I ending up being in more betas/dev builds than buying real games."

However, he may have forgotten about a non-disclosure agreement or two, because as of this morning, all of the blogger's 593 journal entries have been deleted. The only info that remains is his username and location in Tokyo, Japan. It is possible that he was hit with a cease and desist order from an angry game maker, or even an angry Squeenix girlfriend.

This screen capture was taken from gentlemandash's LiveJournal before it was taken down:

According to the comments in a recent article on 1up.com, the below is a picture of gentlemandash as he trolled the release of Dragon Quest IX in Japan.

All Guild Meeting

2009-11-23T15:18:00.001-08:00

We are having an all guild meeting this Tuesday Nov 24th at 8 pm EST. This meeting will be held in our chat room and will be a simple meet and greet for all members.

Final Fantasy 13 Release date

2009-11-13T10:30:00.000-08:00

Its offical, March 9th is the Noth America and Europe release date.

Promotional Codes Final Fantasy XIV

2009-11-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

http://www.ffworld.com/ is a French Final Fantasy XIV web site that is reporting that at the bottom of this screen shot it reads that a promotional code will be released with Final Fantasy XIII for FFXIV. The Japanese magazine Shonen Jump is the one being rumored to have this information and screen shots floating around the Internet about FFXIV. There are other web sites that believe these codes are for Beta access.Whether these promotional codes are for an in game item or for Beta access remains to be seen as nothing has been confirmed yet. We will look forward to see what happens in the coming weeks with these codes. Final Fantasy XIII is scheduled to be released in Japan on December 17, 2009.

Check out our discussion at
http://gamercrisis.proboards.com./index.cgi?action=display&board=beta&thread=552&page=1#5400

Gerry's Discipline Analysis/Speculation

2009-11-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

Here is a very interesting post by a member of our community. This is his version of speculations of how the classes in Final Fantasy XIV might work.

Disciples of War:
Archer: Ranged physical dd. Bow and Arrow enough said, possible trapping abilities as the word is mentioned under the Tanner listing.
Weapon: Bow and Arrow

Check out the other classes at http://gamercrisis.proboards.com./index.cgi?action=display&board=members&thread=559&page=1#5434

Final Fantasy XIII "The Crystalium System"

2009-11-02T10:25:00.000-08:00

1up is currently reporting that Finial Fantasy XIII will feature its own unique version of a character development system. The games development process will go by the name of the Crystalium System. The Crystalium System will replace the usual flow of experience points and level growth. Crystal points will replace experience points when defeating monsters. The system will work by characters gaining crystal points and being able to exchange them for new spells and abilities. Depending on what path of spells you unlock will then lead you into more enhanced spells like Firga. The more spells you unlock the stronger you will become and so does the growth of your Final Fantasy XIII character.

It will be interesting to see if Final Fantasy XIV takes some part of this system and integrates it into their game. Most Final Fantasy character development systems have been unique, but most take a small part of one and just evolve it into a whole new system.

Connect!On Magazine FFXIV

2009-10-28T00:50:00.000-07:00

FFXIVCore got their hands on the December issue of Connect!On magazine. The Japanese article mostly talks about crafting and the sale of items. To check out the article please follow the link to
http://www.ffxivcore.com/topic/1886-connect-on-magazine-december-2009-translation/
There is also a member of the FFXIVCore team who was interviewed and talked about his experience with Final Fantasy XIV at Gamescom.

Gelsina's Crafting Speculations

2009-10-24T23:54:00.000-07:00

There is some interesting information on Final Fantasy XIV's official website that relates towards the new lifestyle tab and crafting. It hints to the fact that crafting guilds will charge a bit of currency, but yield crafters better quality items or even several items at once. It also mentions that crafting is not required at the guild, meaning you can craft anywhere at anytime. If you offer to craft..................

http://www.rapture.gamercrisis.com/Gelscrafting.html

FFXIV To Be Shown October 30th

2009-10-22T08:24:00.001-07:00

The Micromania gaming conference will be held on October 30th in Paris,France. There are ton of companies who will be showing their games there, but Square Enix all ready has Final Fantasy 13 & 14 on their list of games to be shown. How much information will be released, reminds to be seen. This year's Gamescom was an awesome surprise for Final Fantasy XIV fans so maybe Square Enix might decide to surprise us again at Micromania 2009.

Final Fantasy XI Ultimate Collection

2009-10-16T21:04:00.000-07:00

Final Fantasy XI Ultimate Collection will be released on November 10, 2009. The game will feature the original Final Fantasy XI with 4 expantions and the 3 add on senarios. One of these senarios have yet to be released, but the game will retail for $19.99 at Gamestop or for digital download. For a free Final Fantasy XI demo or for more information on the Ultimate Collection please visit http://www.finalfantasyxi.com/

Join Rapture in Final Fantasy XI, where we have established a Linkshell to get to know each other before the release of Final Fantasy XIV. If you are interested please visit our forums and sign up so we can add you to our Linkshell in Final Fantasy XI. Please visit Project Alpha for more information

http://gamercrisis.proboards.com./index.cgi

The Armory System of Final Fantasy XIV

2009-10-08T00:46:00.000-07:00

Check out the newest released article from our FFNN team.

The Armory System of Final Fantasy XIV

Read about the new classes that have been annouced and a summary of how the Armory system will work in Final Fantasy XIV.

http://www.rapture.gamercrisis.com/Skky-s-Armory-System.html

Final Fantasy XIV Official Site Update

2009-10-07T22:50:00.000-07:00

Square Enix has updated the official Final Fantasy XIV site with some interesting information and new music! There are new screen shots, armory information on classes, bestiary information, and a section that talks about the daily life of a Final Fantasy XIV crafter.

The armory system is broken down into four disciplines
The site gives us some conformation of names of classes under the disciples of war and disciples of hand.

http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/

Check back to Rapture for a summary of what the armory system is and how it is divided.

Famitsu FFXIV New Class

2009-10-06T09:09:00.000-07:00

FFXIVCore got their hands on some not yet released scans from the weekly Famitsu. In next weeks magazine there are pictures of classes and new monsters. Check back to Rapture for updated information on this article once it has been translated.

Classes

Lancer: The Transformation Striker

Archer: Swift Wind Attacker

FFXIVCore e-mail Interview

2009-10-05T22:04:00.001-07:00

FFXIVCore has released an email interview that was a follow up from their Gamescom interview in Germany. There was 12 questions asked by the by the FFXICore community. I found the first two question to be the most interesting part of the email interview.

Q1: Will we be able to fly somehow either by ourselves free roaming or scheduled transport airships like in FFXI?
A: At present, we have no plans for free-form aerial movement for players. We are, however, looking into a number of different types of flying transportation.

Q2: How will player run guild/linkshells work? What features can we expect and what benefits can a guild/linkshell get through progression if any?
A: For the time being, we are still keeping this information secret. But, we are very adamant about creating an entirely novel system.

For the rest of the interview please visit www.ffxivcore.com

Game Watch TGS09 Interview

2009-09-29T23:15:00.000-07:00

Game Watch TGS09 Interview
The Rapture Summary

Beta Information
The first Beta testing will be a small group from the entire world.
They would like this small group to eventually turn into everyone.
Beta will be for Windows only at the start of the testing.
The Beta testing will start out for 3 to 4 hours daily or weekly and eventually turn into 24 hour days

Game Information
Nobuo Uematsu's music was the music being played in the TGS trailer
They connected unrelated scenes to make this trailer.
Tanaka conformed Magitek Armor will be in the game. For more information please check out
http://raptureffxiv.blogspot.com/2009/09/possible-magitek-armor-in-ffxiv.html
Kawamoto definition of high fantasy is not science fiction, but more beautiful fantasy than Final Fantasy 11.
The gamescom demo was worked on until the last minute and experienced a few minor problems.Square Enix wanted to focus on Final Fantasy 13 at TGS 09 and this is the reason why they did not release a wave of information for Final Fantasy 14

New Information

2009-09-28T12:05:00.001-07:00

A ton of new information was just released on Final Fantasy XIV reported from www.eorzeapedia.com. There is also new Beta information out. Check back tomorrow for a summary of all the new surprise information.

New Final Fantasy PS3 Bundle

2009-09-26T23:27:00.000-07:00

For those fans that will be playing Final Fantasy 14 on a PS3, Sony has announced a new Final Fantasy 13 Bundle that is sure to catch the heart of any Final Fantasy fan.

New FFXIV Trailer TGS

2009-09-23T20:35:00.001-07:00

Bammmm

http://jp.finalfantasyxiv.com/

There is also a English version at

http://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/

Under the Media Tab, then click TGS 09

Toyko Game Show

2009-09-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

The show has started today with its first two days of business and then the last two days for the public. Abraxas is at the show and will be representing Rapture at TGS.

Two cool websites to follow this week for regular updates is gamespot at http://www.gamespot.com/features/6228966/index.html?tag=topslot;img;1

The other is a live blog that is focused on FFXI & FFXIV from JP Button website.
http://www.jpbutton.com/?p=3662

Both are handing out pictures like cookies :)

Final Fantasy XIV: A Talk With Robert Peeler

2009-09-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

MMorpg.com has just released an article yesterday with an interview with Robert Peeler, the Community Planner and Service Manager for Square Enixs Final Fantasy XIV.

The interview is most of the same information we already know, but answered a little different. The most interesting part of the article was how the author kept comparing FFXIV to oblivion and the explanation of the weapon leveling system.

"As you use a sword, axe, staff, ect your stats will grow in each area.

This is how you will gain experience.

The key area is that the system is very
complex.

You are not going to just gain points for each weapon, but to my
understanding this is also how you will develop attributes as well.

Robert couldnt go into a lot of detail on that area, but that is how I understand
it.

The next question is how does armor work?

He could not explain it at all other than it is going to work similar to weapons. You will have stat
requirements for each piece of armor that you find."

This was taken directly from the article and to read the whole interview please visit

http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm?game=446&feature=3509&bhcp=1

Dengeki Magazine Interview FFXIV

2009-09-17T13:20:00.000-07:00

Dengeki Magazine in Japan released another interview this week with Final Fantasy XIV Producer Hiromichi Tanaka and Director Nobuaki Komoto. They gave us a couple more facts that have not yet been discussed. Here is a brief summary from the interview.

Game Basics
The game will be centered on the Guild Leave and Amoury system.

The Guildleave system will be the biggest difference between Final Fantasy XI and XIV.

The graphics in game will have a never before seen level of customization like items and avatars. Meaning you can tell the difference in belts, rings, and necklaces.

The game having a seamless world was a mistranslation, but the regions will be huge with hardly any zoning.

They are thinking about making weather affect battles or your weapons, but they are not sure of this yet.

Positioning in battles is another subject the team is trying to add to the game. For example, using a hill to gain an advantage to abuse an enemy.

Aetheryte -The large crystals are being used as a starting point for gathering, quest and transportation.

Director Komoto is still looking for a way to implement Chocobos in a way that will satisfy fans of the Final Fantasy series.

Not every single cut scene will have voice acting, but the ones that are a focal point of the main story will.

Characters in Final Fantasy XIV will have a greater amount of emotes and a way to express themselves.

Motion control was used to create body movements used in game.

They feel that they have focused on Guildleaves enough and up next will be the Armoury system as forth as reporting knowledge to the fans.

Producer Tanaka said that the graphics are only 50 percent complete and that we should come to expect huge changes as we get closer to the final version.

The layout or menu screens from Final Fantasy XI will not be changed much and you will still be able to still use a PC controller.

Crafting
Weapons and Armors will depreciate in game. Crafters will play a bigger role than they did in Final Fantasy XI because of this simple fact.

Current states of equipments will affect its market price in the economy
The graphics showing equipment being deteriorated is still being considered.

Search Comments will be used in Final Fantasy XIV like they were used in FFXI.

Crafters will be able to add their own colors and patterns to equipment they make.

Crafting classes will be able to fight in light battles but there skills will not match normal battle oriented classes.

Guildleaves
The goal is for players to visit guilds and pick up Guildleaves. With that in mind they will meet up at Aetherytes and warp to their destination in a group or solo.

Guildleaves are items that let you take on a certain quest. It will be the Final Fantasy XIV way of doing quest.

There will be Guildleaves that send you to fight Notorious Monsters or even to skill up weapons.
Solo Guildleaves should take about 30 minutes to complete if you are looking to do something fast within the game.

Guildleaves will have a limit to how many you can do in a certain time frame, but you will always be able to help others with theirs.

Final Fantasy 13 Release date 12/17/2009 Japan

2009-09-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

Final Fantasy XIII has just been announced for a December 17, 2009 release date in Japan. Sony is also going to release a bundle for their new PS3 slim with Final Fantasy XIII. There is no official announcement on the release date in North America, but history shows that it should be out around Spring 2010. My guess is that an early release of Final Fantasy XIII would free up some resources and only add to a confident release of Final Fantasy XIV in 2010.

Tokyo Game Show Is Almost Here

2009-09-17T13:12:00.000-07:00

Good news! Another event that will feature news and details about our favorite game FFXIV is coming closer to being exposed.

The Tokyo Game Show 2009 has launched it’s official website to anticipate the featuring games that will have exclusive coverage at the live show. From these it is discernible that there will not be a playable alpha version of the FFXIV, and that FFXI has a booth because of the comments made by Tanaka in a previous interview where he denotes there will be a new version of FFXI. We are expecting the mentioning of Vanadiel Collection 2 for FFXI, which will include all expansions and a speculation of the three add-on scenarios including
“A Shantotto’s Ascension”.http://www.square-enix.co.jp/tgs09/

A main attraction for SE fans will be FFXIII, with a playable version, but no details on titles like Versus or Agito. Other SE titles to be included in the show is an Updated version of Dissidia, expected to launch in Japan and have a modified version for the International Market. Let’s hope SE can keep us on the verge of our seats like they have done so far, I’m sure we will not be disappointed.
Tokyo Game Show Official Website link:
http://www.square-enix.co.jp/tgs09/
-Eve

Possible Magitek Armor in FFXIV

2009-09-16T23:45:00.000-07:00

The September issue of the Wave DVD in Japan has a video interview of the producer of Final Fantasy XIV Hiromichi Tanaka. http://www.eorzeapedia.com/ has come up with possible speculation that Magitek Armor might be in the game as a method of transportation or incorporated into the storyline. If this is remotely true, this is huge news. Imagine riding to far off lands in a freaking transformer looking machine with your character strapped on to its neck!

Most gamers are not familiar with Magitek armor so here is what we found in our research from Eorzeapedia. Magitek Armor is a technological device in Final Fantasy VI. It was created by the Gestahlian Empire to be used as a weapon. Magitek Armor is operated by a pilot sitting inside, who pulls levers to make the Armor walk and attack. It is utilized in almost all Imperial attacks and raids, and is often seen in cities conquered by the Empire. Like most Magitek devices and methods, it was developed by Cid Del Norte Marquez. All Magitek Armor units are produced in the Magitek Factory. There are various enemies that can be fought in the game that involve Magitek Armor to some degree. These include Magitek Armor, Heavy Armor, Proto Armor and Mega Armor. There are also a handful of Magitek Machines in the World of Ruin. Pluto Armor appears as a manifestation in Cyan’s Soul, and Duel Armor appears within Kefka’s Tower.

In an odd change, while the concept art, game logo and FMVs in the Anthology port, all show Magitek Armor as being vaguely dragon-like in design with the rider on the armor’s “neck”, in-game the armor is humanoid in design with distinctive feet, arms and a torso.