This game is better than everFollow

I just came back a couple weeks ago after taking nearly a year off. I have played off and on since NA release. I have to say I have had more fun in this game in the last couple weeks and experienced less frustration than any time I played before.

Level sync is amazing. The number of people actually xping instead of lfp for hours must have at least doubled. I consistently got parties on my WHM within 5 minutes of putting up my flag. I got parties on my PUP in the dunes from 14-21 just as fast. I even had 2 invites on my PUP while I was not LFP. I must have seen at least 5 new players without subjobs in those dune parties. For a game this old, that is amazing.

Fields of Valor is just as great. The xp for kill quests is already awesome, but putting in buffs like refresh, regen, protect, food, etc. makes it a pleasure to run around killing EP's instead of a hassle. The teleport to home nation is icing on the cake.

Nyzul Isle has really come into it's own. I have never been (even though I have a 75 RDM) but I see people shouting for PUG runs nearly every time I am in Whitegate. For the first time, endgame content in FFXI that is accessible to the masses. Yes, I am aware the average PUG will probably suck and fail but it's 100x better than standing around doing nothing.

I haven't had the chance to do campaign, but I hear nothing but good things about it.

I think SE has managed to really make FFXI a great game that has endless content, is accessible to all sorts of players, has plenty of room for the hardcore, and still has not been dumbed down. There are still missions, sky, sea, new hnm's, salvage, einherjar, etc. The lu shang rod still takes 10,000 carps. Elite items still cost millions of gil and aren't handed out like candy.

you do indeed bring out the game in a good way. i envy you :(

Edited, Jan 20th 2009 1:57am by altwight

yep and things like fov and campaign (without tags) make's skilling up weapons easier if you are lagging behind because syncing too low too much.

/nominatesticky

I'm in one on Bahamut, our goal is invite as many people as possible, this way someone can always be there to party/mission/do other things with regardless of level or mission Rank. Send a /tell to Elocke or Izamabu(LS leader) for a pearl. We've had people asking for pt's in the dunes to people asking to do rank 14 Zilart, etc. People asking for help with Mission 3 Dragon to the Dragoon job BC fight. Just to give an example of the different tiers of content this LS has been doing in the last few weeks.

This thread rocks though, biggest hurdle before level sync was finding a party without sitting around for hours on end. This seems to have been solved, finally and now the game is rocking!

True words, Esoa.

It's also worth mentioning that Chains of Promathia missions have been made far more accessible thanks to the Level Sync concept and being able to buy items that make BCNM fights less harrowing.

On Campaign battle, things are much more balanced now. Cities now have a fairer chance at gaining territories without being able to dominate the Beastmen (though the unannounced advances of Shadowlord forces during fights is still a bit cheap). The rewards are also pretty good for their cost. The amount of Experience points is good for most jobs, too. I haven't felt the need to flag up for merit parties in months.

You are right that endgame's become more accessible and player-friendly. The best thing is that the drop rates for Dynamis Northlands areas have been increased substantially. The LS I'm in is finally seeing Duelist's Chapeaus drop on a semi-regular basis, which is just amazing considering the circumstances before.

I'm coming back after about a 12 months break myself too.

Can't wait to do some FoV with my lower level jobs, and I am really excited as well about the Level Sync system! I haven't done much 'endgame' stuff, my 62PLD was from before ToAU, and been levelling BST until WotG came out. But hearing that 'endgame is accessible' is good news, as I don't have a LS and I don't see me in Sky/Sea anytime soon :(

...I'm waiting for internet to be put on at my place.. As you can imagine it's taking way too long for my liking ^^

/welcome back and I can't wait to try the 'new' FFXI also!

This is a great thread.
Thank you so much for posting it.
I too am making a comeback to the game after a 2 year hiatus.
I left the game because of lack of interest in playing and grinding day after day with nothing to show for it.
Your post is a great one to help get me (and obviously others) excited about coming back to or continuing to play a game we love.