[Eorzea]

Another article has been posted over at 4Gamer. Although it does contain some information regarding game mechanics, everything was already covered thoroughly in the "Further Alpha Test impressions via Famitsu.com" article we translated/posted earlier today.

That being said, the 4Gamer article makes sure to preface things with the fact that this is still only the alpha test and everything is subject to change.

Aside from information, the article goes on to express opinions on the overall alpha test experience thus far: how the controls work, that the game feels a bit sluggish/heavy at times, compliments on the game's background music (and one song in particular), etc.

To top things off, 21 images!

[pogiman]

I was worried about this game being sluggish because of the huge step up in graphics. I hope they are able to clean this up a bit before the game is released. Because even if it looks amazing if you are getting 10 frames a second it wont be very exciting.

[armyofbear136]

pogiman, on Apr 15, 2010 - 6:38 AM, said:

I was worried about this game being sluggish because of the huge step up in graphics. I hope they are able to clean this up a bit before the game is released. Because even if it looks amazing if you are getting 10 frames a second it wont be very exciting.

I'm sure there will be a new video card somewhere in your future. Anything recent should whoop some butt.

[Cid]

pogiman, on Apr 15, 2010 - 6:38 AM, said:

I was worried about this game being sluggish because of the huge step up in graphics. I hope they are able to clean this up a bit before the game is released. Because even if it looks amazing if you are getting 10 frames a second it wont be very exciting.

Also, it has been my experience that programmers usually clean up the code during alpha and beta for smoother/faster running.

[Kain]

Yeah I am sure they will make some changes to make it run faster. I will have to start saving for a new graphics card so I am ready to rock and roll when the game is released!

[armyofbear136]

Well, I have recently aquired two gtx 480s so around the time of XIV's release the gtx 485s will be released (hopefully) and I will be looking to sell at least one if not both gtx 480s. Just if anyone is looking to save some cash on a very well taken care of video card.

[Kurisu]

Kain, on Apr 15, 2010 - 10:59 AM, said:

Yeah I am sure they will make some changes to make it run faster. I will have to start saving for a new graphics card so I am ready to rock and roll when the game is released!

I'll be playing on PS3 so I'm glad that I don't have to worry about upgrading graphics cards, etc! I just hope that the PS3 version of the game is on par with the PC version.

I know I keep saying it, but the graphics seem so good. And to think this is only the Alpha version of the game!

Even though it is exciting to find out how the Alpha test is running on PC, I can't really express my excitement properly until we get solid details of the PS3 version of the game, as that's my platform of choice.

[MiniCloudz]

Eorzea, on Apr 15, 2010 - 12:40 AM, said:

Aside from information, the article goes on to express opinions on the overall alpha test experience thus far: how the controls work, that the game feels a bit sluggish/heavy at times, compliments on the game's background music (and one song in particular), etc.

It seems Nobuo is already making an impact on the audience! I'm very excited to see what he delivers next.

Kurisu, on Apr 15, 2010 - 2:55 PM, said:

I'll be playing on PS3 so I'm glad that I don't have to worry about upgrading graphics cards, etc! I just hope that the PS3 version of the game is on par with the PC version.

I know I keep saying it, but the graphics seem so good. And to think this is only the Alpha version of the game!

Even though it is exciting to find out how the Alpha test is running on PC, I can't really express my excitement properly until we get solid details of the PS3 version of the game, as that's my platform of choice.

I feel the same, Kurisu. I'm extremely hyped about the graphics for XIV and like you said, it's only the alpha version which makes it all the better. I'm looking forward to more PS3 info myself; hopefully there will be news soon.

As for the screenshots, there are some nice ones here. My favourites are of the menus, chat logs, etc. It's good to see this amount of detail during the alpha stage.

[Bella Vi]

Is Image 17, the on with the 3 characters standing in the rain. Is that taken from a cut scene or is that the actual in game weather?

[Val]

I'm pretty sure that is a cutscene Bella Vi, but image 19:




is actual gameplay. the rain looks cool <3 I want to see snow screen shots though >_>

[Bella Vi]

Val, on May 10, 2010 - 6:09 AM, said:

I'm pretty sure that is a cutscene Bella Vi, but image 19:




is actual gameplay. the rain looks cool <3 I want to see snow screen shots though >_>

I would love to see some realistic lightning (excluding spell casting) and thunder. I have yet to see a lightning bolt in an MMO. Or a falling star for that matter. Snow would be pretty cool. Come to think of it i have never seen it snow in an MMO. Even in Aion around the frozen areas. No snow.

This post has been edited by Bella Vi: May 10, 2010 - 7:37 AM

[Inaaca]

Quote

I would love to see some realistic lightning (excluding spell casting) and thunder. I have yet to see a lightning bolt in an MMO.

Your prayers have been answered:

[Val]

Wow! that lightning looked awesome! Im quite impressed with that. so, will each area have preset weather conditions that is will cycle through or will whether just be random or only happen at curtain times?

[Inaaca]

According to interviews, FFXIV will have realistic and gradual shifts between weather types/areas. It will be seamless like the world (i.e. not like FFXI where it could be raining in one zone, and blistering hot in a neighboring one.) That's all we really know about it.

[Bella Vi]

Inaaca, on May 10, 2010 - 3:47 PM, said:

Your prayers have been answered:

Now that is what i am talking about. The weather effects in this game are impressive. Now, like someone else stated, i wanna see snow. Thanks for the vid Inaaca!