September Version Update Preview: Part Two

From Playonline.com

Adventurers of all stripes can look forward to enhancements galore in the upcoming September version update, designed to make questing in Vana'diel more gratifying than ever!


If the first preview wasn't enough to whet your appetite, today we have the latest scoop on increased experience and the Myriad Arms of Balrahn quest sequence that will at long last allow players to forge these mysterious and highly anticipated mythic weapons.

Adventurers of all stripes can look forward to enhancements galore in the upcoming September version update, designed to make questing in Vana'diel more gratifying than ever!


If the first preview wasn't enough to whet your appetite, today we have the latest scoop on increased experience and the Myriad Arms of Balrahn quest sequence that will at long last allow players to forge these mysterious and highly anticipated mythic weapons.

Experience Boost

Loyal readers already know that the new Level Sync system and automatic scaling-down of equipment will add a heretofore unheard-of level of freedom to party-based adventuring, but that isn't the least of it! With the new version update, there will be more experience to be had as well!

Previously, enemies classified as "easy prey" or "a decent challenge" would provide a relatively paltry amount of experience points, leaving career-minded adventurers understandably dismayed. No more, however! Vanquishing these monsters will now lead to substantially larger helpings of EXP, to better reward players for braving the challenges these still-formidable foes present.

"Nyzul Isle Investigation" Gets an Overhaul

The mythic weapon and new weapon skill quests have previously (07/29/2008) been introduced in this space. Today, we'd like to bring you the latest details on these quests that have the potential to transform you into one of the most lethal adventurers in the realm.

The conditions for embarking upon the new weapon skill quests will be twofold: you must be enlisted as a mercenary in Salaheem's Sentinels, and you must be in possession of the job-specific weapon from the "Nyzul Isle Investigation" Assault mission.

The requirements for completing these quests will vary depending on how far you have progressed in Nyzul Isle, so it will behoove adventurers to be thorough in their reconnaissance of that murky labyrinth.

At the same time, an assortment of tweaks will be made to ensure that the mission goes smoothly:

[#1] Greatly increased chance of receiving your job-specific weapon!

Previously, only the nastiest adversaries in the darkest, dankest reaches of Nyzul Isle (Level 100) would part with the job-specific weapons adventurers seek. Now, there is a possibility that foes on other floors will drop these weapons as well, while defeating the denizens of Level 100 will guarantee you two job-specific weapons: one randomly selected, and one matching the job of the player who operated the Rune of Transfer (the latter regardless of whether or not that player also possesses the Runic Key.)

[#2] Progress saved to Runic Disc to be retained!

Previously, your recorded data would be reset upon completing Level 100 of the mission, reducing your Runic Disc to a rather expensive paperweight until such time as you begin the mission anew. No longer, however, as your progress data will now remain intact even after cleansing the Isle of its most deadly inhabitants, allowing you to return to the most challenging levels for another chance at the weapon you seek!

[#3] Players who have already cleared Level 100 need not fear!

Brave adventurers who have already explored every nook and cranny of Nyzul Isle, do not fear—your achievements will not go for naught! Even if your progress data has already been cleared, the Runic Key itself will now serve as an express ticket to any level of the Isle (in increments of five) up to Level 96, giving you free rein to traverse the area as you see fit!

[#4] Progress data to be stored for all party members!

With the new version update, floor data will be recorded and updated for all players, not only those who directly operate the Rune of Transfer.

For their progress data to be updated, players must begin the mission on a floor equal to or lesser than the maximum level currently recorded on their disc. Provided this condition is met, progress data will automatically be updated each time a previously uncharted level is completed.

That sums up the major changes planned for the Nyzul Isle Investigation in the upcoming version update.

Players who have already embarked upon the quest sequence for their mythic weapon may tackle the new weapon skill quests concurrently. Those players who have already received their Nyzul weapon and entrusted it to Abquhbah, however, are encouraged to travel back to the Isle and acquire the weapon once more.

* Abquhbah will return your weapon if asked politely, but please note that this will result in all mythic weapon quest data from "Duties, Tasks, and Deeds" onward being cleared from your record.

Comments

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#REDACTED, Posted: Sep 03 2008 at 1:44 PM, Rating: Sub-Default, (Expand Post) [i]as if it wasnt ez enuff to get to 75 or merit, SE has once again turned to bells and whistles to distract players from their lack of content from the latest expansion. SE has released an expansion every 18 months or so since ffxi and here we are coming up on one year of WOTG and we have what 7 missions a handful of quests and not all the areas
more bells and whistles ><
# Sep 03 2008 at 2:15 PM Rating: Excellent
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707 posts
The Irony of Ozzebra's post is sickening.

Maybe, just maybe, they're trying to cater to the people who don't have 10 hours a day, 7 days a week to play? Ever think that granting EXP bonuses, and allowing people to synch their levels, will be a BIG draw to friends with jobs and real lives who may just want to play FFXI from time to time with eachother?


Now, my friend and I can go out whenever we want, with whatever jobs we want, and duo mildly-challenging opponents and still make progress!

The point of hard-to-get items is that they are rare, and hard to get. Some people enjoy the game, and the camaraderie, and giving them free relic weapons or god gear isnt the answer.

I applaud what they are doing, and it's bringing at least a couple old-timers back to the game because of this, myself included. Thanks, SE^^
#REDACTED, Posted: Sep 03 2008 at 8:39 PM, Rating: Sub-Default, (Expand Post) [i]please, as it is u can duo IT in most job combinations(esp since /dnc came to be) how is getting a lil more xp gonna make it more fun and less repetative? lets say they give us a 50% bonus in xp ona EP-DC, so ona EP that gives 23xp ur gonna get, are u ready for this, 11.5xp more for a total od 33-34xp!!! OMFG DOESNT IT JUST WANNA MAKE U CREAM UR PANTS???? seriously dude,with 12k an hour xp ez in any Toau camp how does this help?? if ur so into xp/merit how come after 6 years u still not maxxed out on lvls and merits? i got ten u can have cant spend em on anything :)
more bells and whistles ><
# Sep 04 2008 at 7:34 PM Rating: Good
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463 posts
FFXI has 1.5 million players. Most MMOs have below 1 million.

Believe it or not, FFXI is still among the most popular (purchasable) MMOs.

I see server forums full of "New/returning player announcement!" messages and plenty of people talking about bringing their friends/significant others/grandparents/cats into the game with this new update.

You're right, this update isn't designed for people who are already at 75 on every job they could possibly want, with maxed merits. But you're wrong if you think that those are the only players in the game. Not everyone shares your opinions or playstyle.

(As to it being a kids' game, I think the story in FFXI surpasses that of any other MMO I've seen. I guess it all depends on what we're looking for.)
exp good
# Sep 03 2008 at 12:43 PM Rating: Excellent
This exp boost will be nice for when you are seeking party mainly, you can go solo easy prey and acctually have it be somewhat worthwhile while you wait for a good pt invite.
Semi happy with this big update
# Sep 03 2008 at 10:28 AM Rating: Default
I'm not very happy updates after updates the games is easier and easier, it's a MMORPG, why ppl yelling they always want to solo? If ppl wanna solo there's a lot of game you can play solo ;) Now ppl want what? To be able to solo Dynamis and Salvage? Don't you remember the time when we hit 75 it was nice, remember BST before the leave patch? THAT was so nice ;)Why ppl are in such a hurry to be 75? After 5 years i'm sure most ppl have like 3-4 job 75. If we have all our job 75, you'll have no choice to PT cause what can you do at 75 you can solo? <Hello!> King Behemoth, <do you need it?>... <No, thanks> <playing solo right now...> I know this updates can help lower level and Noob ppl, but is there really a lot of new players buying this game after 5 years?

Well that's my 2 cents, but the level-sync is nice when lacking of <insert job here>!

Well it's kinda nice me and my GF playing duo when no ppl seeking, DNC + SCH, we chain even match and tough and we make nice xp, now we can do decent challenge for kinda the same xp overall? with signet that gives bonus via even match and lower mobs? kinda a joke now ;) We will see a lot of duo, trio party now so ppl will stop yelling : dammit I cant pt tonite no ones seeking, but I can make a trio pt and get some nice xp ;)

I put a 7/10 on this big update, the 3 points lacking is : the term MMORPG is semi-dead ;)
Semi happy with this big update
# Sep 04 2008 at 10:45 AM Rating: Decent
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114 posts
Quote:
Don't you remember the time when we hit 75 it was nice, remember BST before the leave patch? THAT was so nice ;)Why ppl are in such a hurry to be 75? After 5 years i'm sure most ppl have like 3-4 job 75.


After 4 years, my highest job is 59. Frankly, it's a little tiring being in that level are for so long and having little prospect of advancement or achievement. Make it easier to get to 75? <Yes, please!>
Pfft
# Sep 03 2008 at 10:04 AM Rating: Default
I'll believe this crap they're trying to pull when the update happens & I see it w/ my own eyes.. If they really want to make this game popular, make so that when ppl solo, they get the same amount of exp that they would get in a party. I'm a soloist @75-90% in this game because of ppl in parties don't know what the heck they're doing 95% of the time.

Off the subject a bit..... If they really want to make ppl happy, make so that when RMTs(like Kaliv on Pandy Server) log-on &/or their names in /anon, that a GM(or several, if there's more than 1 person) be automaticly sent to that area to keep on eye on them. & if rmt activity is detected, that the person/persons involved gets automaticly suspended, then terminated when rmt activity is confirmed. Another thing that can be done to prevent repeat RMTs from coming back, is to have a specific software made so that if they try to create another character(no matter where they are), that they are denied access.
Ummm... Chill bumps anyone?!
# Sep 03 2008 at 8:00 AM Rating: Excellent
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1,104 posts
I totally got chill bumps from this. Not sure about all you, but the updates that they have been dishing out since really, November or so of last year to present have all been FTW!. STR and DEX adjustments for 2 handers that was needed, new spells(general and job specific), new ways to travel around Vana'diel, Signet adjustments, mogs in Selbina and Mhaura and so on. This one just again, puts the icing on the cake.

It isn't even Christmas yet, wonder what goodies we will get then lol. Guess the only big thing, that I can think of the moment, that they still need to address is the VIT/Def.

S/E must be in a very loving mood this year!
Ummm... Chill bumps anyone?!
# Sep 03 2008 at 9:45 AM Rating: Excellent
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221 posts
Man, I came back in April-ish of 2008 to find that CoP and many other things have made questing and what-not easier in Vana'diel. Now... everything else is becoming just as easy.
Some may frown upon this at first glance, but now I no longer have to be ashamed of having only one job at 75 as it wont be too long before others will reach it as well. No more tedious months of leveling to the point of numbness to the job, no more crappy pick up parties, and so much more! *drools* Version update, yes please!

Geez... and here I was super excited about being able to party with long time friends who have long passed the various levels I'm at. Now I have a great chance at getting not only one Relic Weapon but also two. :D
Then again... the new option of soloing is equally enticing.

Cripes, what's next? Exp Songs & Dances for Bard & Dancer? Wait a sec... that's a great idea! :D

So... how much more are they going to keep throwing at this before we actually get the goods? Please please please tell me this super awesome update isn't going to be a full 3-4 weeks away still.
Has there been any official or approximate dates for when the actual update will occur?

Edited, Sep 3rd 2008 1:44pm by RavenwindX
Ummm... Chill bumps anyone?!
# Sep 04 2008 at 7:22 PM Rating: Good
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463 posts
RavenwindX wrote:

Cripes, what's next? Exp Songs & Dances for Bard & Dancer? Wait a sec... that's a great idea! :D


y halo thar

As to when it will be...they usually don't tell us until five minutes before the update starts. At least, that's how I remember it. (Really, though, they don't seem to like giving advance warning.)
Full of Win!
# Sep 03 2008 at 6:37 AM Rating: Excellent
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336 posts
Wow, SE is winning on this one BIG time!!!!!
/happyface
# Sep 03 2008 at 6:25 AM Rating: Excellent
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223 posts
So now I can solo longer! OMG! YAYS! \^^/
kick awesome
# Sep 03 2008 at 6:08 AM Rating: Good
Quote:
Previously, enemies classified as "easy prey" or "a decent challenge" would provide a relatively paltry amount of experience points, leaving career-minded adventurers understandably dismayed. No more, however! Vanquishing these monsters will now lead to substantially larger helpings of EXP, to better reward players for braving the challenges these still-formidable foes present.

i freaking love you SE, you actually listen to us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kick awesome
# Sep 03 2008 at 9:46 AM Rating: Excellent
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453 posts
Izaacpaul wrote:
i freaking love you SE, you actually listen to us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Yeah... It only took them five years to start respecting their customers enough to do these updates.

Still, though, its nice to see them making changes that definitely affect their customers for the better and not for the worse.

...Now if they'd just do something about their LOLGMs and their Customer Service policies.
Glad I reactivated.
# Sep 03 2008 at 5:27 AM Rating: Excellent
Looks like I came back at the right time!
YES!
# Sep 03 2008 at 5:07 AM Rating: Good
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319 posts
Quote:
Previously, enemies classified as "easy prey" or "a decent challenge" would provide a relatively paltry amount of experience points, leaving career-minded adventurers understandably dismayed. No more, however! Vanquishing these monsters will now lead to substantially larger helpings of EXP, to better reward players for braving the challenges these still-formidable foes present.
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!
?
# Sep 03 2008 at 4:20 AM Rating: Default
This all sounds great but my question is When is this going to happen i know this month but when?
This update is PURE WIN!
# Sep 03 2008 at 4:04 AM Rating: Good
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141 posts
WIN WIN WIN WIN WIN!




WIN!
Exp
# Sep 03 2008 at 8:05 AM Rating: Excellent
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1,104 posts
True, but I wouldn't look at it entirely as soloist but duos and trios. Signet got a nice tweak not to long ago that you get more exp in smaller parties at a minimum of 2 party members, if I remember correctly. This just adds to that and could make parties of 3-5 gain as much Exp in old zones of DC EM or Ts than ToAU(speculation).

I mean, if a party of 3-4 can average 150-200 exp a mob with relative ease and a decent party setup that is just FTW! It will be interesting to see how much more exp you can now from EP DC.

Edited, Sep 3rd 2008 12:29pm by Stucco
Exp
# Sep 03 2008 at 5:22 AM Rating: Excellent
I think the EP and DC xp boost makes soloing a more viable alternative for classes that normally wouldn't consider it.
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