Project|Overworld

Level Cap Increase

History is about to be made with the increase of the level cap in the March version update and beyond! The increase will take place in stages until the new maximum, level 99, has been reached.

Up until now, character strength has been limited to level 75, and additions to the game such as monsters, strategic content, and equipment had been designed to correspond to this.

However, with the game having reached a certain level of maturity and the bulk of existing notorious monsters having already fallen prey to tenacious bands of adventurers, the development team has deemed that the time is now ripe for the bar to be raised.
Level Cap Considerations
We are aware that players will inevitably feel concern over how in-game elements such as support jobs, experience camps, and merit points will be affected by this change. We would like to take a moment to explain the measures that are in the pipes to preserve game balance.

Support job abilities that are not expected to steal the limelight from main jobs as a result of the level cap increase will be allowed to come into play. Furthermore, there are plans to tweak certain job abilities, job traits, and magic spells on an ongoing basis in order to further accentuate the uniqueness of each job when used in a main role, as well as its versatility when playing a supporting role.

New camping grounds are scheduled to be added to cater to the anticipated rise in demand for experience parties. Furthermore, the redistribution of monsters in existing areas is also under consideration.

An increase in maximum upgrades is being considered for existing merit point skills and attributes. Preparations are also under way for the introduction of a new type of merit point for players who have reached the new level 99 summit.

An announcement was made today at VanaFest 2010 for “Abyssea,” an all-new three-part series of battle-oriented add-ons.

A parallel world existing beside Vana’diel, Abyssea is a land fraught with perils and home to savage hordes of heretofore unseen creatures. Ferocious, towering NMs, new-look HNMs―even the garden varieties will confound would-be challengers with their unfamiliar and formidable powers. These and a whole host more await hapless adventurers with open arms and voracious maws.

In Abyssea, concerns such as the over-population of battle areas and the need for large time investments will be a thing of the past. The development team is hard at work creating a world where parties can engage in rewarding battles with powerful foes and collect prized equipment with the least of fuss.

More details are available via the following links:
The Official Abyssea Website
The Official VanaFest 2010 Website

New Version Update Announced! (02/23/2010)

We’re pleased to announce that the development team is hard at work on the next FINAL FANTASY XI version update, which is currently on track for a mid-March release!

As always, a host of new additions and enhancements are in store for you, the details of which will first be unveiled to the public at VanaFest 2010 on Sunday, February 28.

Those unable to attend the event need not despair, as extensive coverage will be provided via the VanaFest official site and Topics, including a streaming video feed and multilingual commentary from the international community teams as previously mentioned in this space. Don’t miss out on the festivities!

Visit the official VanaFest 2010 site today!

“Applications are now open for the Windows beta test of Final Fantasy XIV!

You must have a Square Enix account to submit an application for the beta. If you’re one of the lucky applications that gets selected, you’ll be notified via e-mail.

As we’ve heard before, the beta will grow, adding more and more people each round. If your application is not selected for the first round, don’t lose hope! You will still be eligible for other rounds of the beta testing phase! Those that are selected at any point during the beta testing phase will be able to continue to participate until the end of the beta test.

Head over to the application site to sign up!”

Note: At the moment the site is experiencing heavy traffic load and access to the application form may be difficult at this time.

“We are proud to announce that the official trailer for the third add-on scenario, “A Shantotto Ascension—The Legend Torn, Her Empire Born,” is now available for your viewing pleasure!

Head on over to the official site for a preview of the adventure that awaits!”

At Tokyo Game Show (TGS) in Japan a trailer was released for the upcoming add-on for Final Fantasy XI, A Shantotto Ascension.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzDiLkrwE8Q

“We’re pleased to announce that the development and quality assurance teams are hard at work on the new version update, currently on track for an early November release.
With thrilling new episodes of the Wings of the Goddess nation quests, job-related adjustments, added features for Moblin Maze Mongers, an extensive and all-new system involving items, and more, there’s sure to be something for adventurers of all stripes!

Further details will be posted here as the release draws closer, so keep checking this space!”

New Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) Tokyo Game Show (TGS) 2009 Trailer.

“Coming 2010. For Beta test details, visit the official site and subscribe to the FFXIV newsletter!”

The trailer can also be found in high quality fashion on the official site under Media > Trailers.

http://www.finalfantasyxiv.com

Issue #1 of The Eorzea Times has now been posted in The Eorzea Times sub forum under FFXIV News. To read more please click here.

To learn more about The Eorzea Times please click here.

Hear ye, mighty champions of Vana’diel!
Have you gazed longingly at the augmented apparel donned by your lower-level peers, wondering when similar equipment would be introduced for those of powers puissant?
Consider your wait over! A host of new augmented items designed especially for high-level characters will be one of the many exciting additions in the upcoming version update.

Read on for the details!

The official promotional video for “A Moogle Kupo d’Etat — Evil in Small Doses,” the new add-on scenario currently on track for a Monday, July 20th release, is now available for your viewing pleasure!

Get a sneak peek of the new adventure at the official site!