Washout wrote:
Greetings,
I played the retail version of this game when it first launched in NA. It was my first MMO and I put in more hours than I'm willing to admit. So, I'm curious about this server to see if I can enjoy it as much as I did the first time around. Of course, there are some changes on this server. Which is to be expected and I have a few questions regarding it if anyone has the time or inclination to answer.
1) First, I found a list of differences from the retail version. "Worms move, goblin bombs do more damage and breath attacks do more damage." Is there a reason for this sharp increase in difficulty for specific mobs? Does it make up for mobs having reduced HP or granting more experience? Some calculations aren't mirrored exactly. It's hard to get the exact mechanics of retail, so in some places numbers have to be fudged a little. It's hardly game-breaking though, and there's plenty of things in the game that make it easier. Overall it balances out.
2) During retail, I remember making parties and looking for parties was an extensive process. Given the much lower populations on here how does this version of the game handle breaking level cap limits, story missions or exp parties in general? Is it faster to just solo? This version party dependent. One thing that is different from 2005 retail is being able to sync down 20 levels, so if you're looking to make a level 15 party, you could invite anyone from level 15-35 to make it. Still, there's quite a few people seeking on a regular basis.
3) In the list of changes it says 1x exp rate. I would normally assume that means no change in exp rate. But if that was the case it would make more sense not to mention it as a change. So, I'm curious what it means since it's probably obvious but I just don't see it. Even retail now is like 10x xp from what it used to be, so 1x means whatever it was in 2005 is how it is now.
4) if I download the torrent files. Does the game still need to update for hours after the first installation or is everything in the torrent up to date? Yes, sadly, the game still needs to update. The install process takes a normal hour or so, then it will neeed to update POL, then it will need to update ffxi. The entire process start to finish is about 5 hours. I usually do it while doing other stuff when I reinstall, like play counter-strike and just check on it every once in a while. There is a rumor of a client coming out soon that will make the need to update less painful.
That's really all I have for now, so thanks for taking the time to read and thank you for the responses.
Best of luck, it's fun here. One game that you never run out of stuff to do.