I'm going to catch all out hell for saying this but, personally, it's just FFXI.2 so far. I know it's early to make even minor conclusions but I really feel like it's just an updated version of FFXI. So far the scant game play we've seen shows us similar architecture, layout, races, mobs, crafting (even the crafting signs look the same), emotes (I saw the /panic tarutaru dance), partying setup, etc, etc, etc. It's also a very likely situation where I am viewing this through the eyes of a bias FFXI player; of which I would be guilty. Some things I'm sure will be different (a mini map here, a new way to use your mp, no galka tail, a new skin tone, new names for the races, etc.) but overall? I believe 95% of the people out there (my made up opinionated number) are just initially blinded so far by the fairly nice graphics when it's compared to FFXI. I know SE has stated they wanted FFXIV to be "familiar" to FFXI players but, will it be all too familiar I wonder...
There isn't really anything in the video besides emotes and some crafting animations. I don't see how anyone can start fabricating any idea that it's even remotely similar to ffxi at this point, lulz @ speculation just like after the announcement about the level cap, it's just as empty :/
That being said, I wanna see some gameplay! The stuff at gamescon was pathetic, looked like the people playing had no idea what they were doing lol.
You all are a bunch of pecimistic naysayers. I personally was hoping for a different version of FFXI, and that's what it looks like. It's pretty, I enjoy the movement and character animation, and I like lots of the minor additions I've seen so far. But I am going to withhold my judgement until I either partake in the beta or play the game and get to see the finished product.
I thought the graphics looked pretty good for an early beta of the game.
First, they didn't even start alpha testing so it's not beta. Second, it's extremely rare that a game get a graphic upgrade after entering alpha/beta testing phases.
When entering those phase it's for debuging the mechanics of the game, so basicaly this would be pretty much what you are getting.
Don't take me wrong, the graphics looks good and the game looks ok I guess. I'm not hyped about it, I see a clear lack of efforts into trying to be original.
It's actually pretty common for visuals to be upgraded because the optimized game client will be capable of a lot more. Uncharted 2's alpha looked like it belonged on the PS2 but it ended up being one of, if not the best looking console game to date.
So far the scant game play we've seen shows us similar architecture, layout, races, mobs, crafting (even the crafting signs look the same), emotes (I saw the /panic tarutaru dance), partying setup, etc, etc, etc.
This guy raises a very good point. They're so just recycling mobs and architecture, etc etc from FFXI! Reusing the same things is unheard of in final fantasy games... They're all unique in their mob designs and architecture.
Oh Hey there AvatarsFlansPuddingsChocobosMooglesCactuarsElementalsGoblinsRaptorsEtc! I'm so surprised to see you again... This is only like the 10th Final Fantasy you've been in in a row!
As for the architecture, FF games have always used semi-realistic structures for buildings. Some obviously contain elements of fantasy and sometimes even sci-fi, but in the end the core structures typically follows basic architectural layouts. Sure, the building may be flying or underwater, but in terms of design and layout they typically follow one of the real-world cultural designs and/or layouts. I thought everyone knew that almost all final fantasy games design aspects were all based off of real-world stuff and mythology.
But... I must agree, ff14 is looking a little boring so far based off the leaked footage. If combat isn't at least 10x that speed in the retail release then I won't bother picking up a new MMO until 2012.
They're so just recycling mobs and architecture, etc etc from FFXI! Reusing the same things is unheard of in final fantasy games... They're all unique in their mob designs and architecture.
Did you not play 12? Much of 12 was taken right out of 11. Some of the auto-attack animations, a few monster designs as well as monster animations. Mandies in 12 were the exact same as mandies in 11 :P
And let's not forget the early FFs, where monsters were recycled from game to game. Hell, stuff gets palette swapped and reused in the same game.
SE today unveiled their official YouTube channel for Final Fantasy XIV along with the first episode of Life In Eorzea. Granted the audio is in Japanese, but we do get a good look at the world of Eorzea as well the characters who will guide us through this grand tour. Even get a little Lalafell /panic motion action going as well.