Other than a horrible launch, and lackluster gameplay. The largest Issue I see offhand is that FF XIV has no DIGITAL sales of the game. You physically have to own the box.

This is something that would be fine back in 2005, but this is 2012 (almost 2013), and SquareEnix are still behind the times when it comes to digital sales of their MMOs.

Do a search, and you'll only find gold seller sites, or Amazon.com selling the boxes. I can't find a SINGLE place to purchase a digital copy. So far, this is the only MMO I've come across that requires the box, and provides zero alternative ways to aquire the game.

I almost feel, that at times, SquareEnix is trying to act like FF XIV never happened.

Even "A Realm Reborn" preorder is box only, and Amazon.com is selling that for only $30 hehe!

First of all, you're wrong.

Taken directly from SE themself, on this page - look on the right-hand side.

Of all the reasons I've heard for someone to not buy a game, "zomg no digital download" has not been one of them.

Typically, if they need to buy a box, they'll buy a box. Digital Download is just a convenience saving them a trip to the store, or having to wait a few days for the box to come in the mail.

Heck, someone in my LS just recently mentioned he and his girlfriend buying the boxed version from eBay or Amazon.

I think you're grossly overstating the issue. It might be a "closed gate" for you. I've seen no evidence to indicate that it's a deal-breaker for others.

Undoubtedly, the largest inhibitor is simply the first release's bad reputation.  A rerelease is amost futile in that only the most dedicated fans will even give the game a shot.  The game could miraculously turn out to be incredible, but millions of players who would potentially enjoy it won't ever bother to try it.  

But I see your point.  There's no reason not to make your game as accessible as possible to as many players as possible; and digital downloads achieve that.  Unfortunately, SE is not exactly known for designing intuitive, logical technical components for their services.  FFXI account/handle/POL/character (aka "options") registration, anyone?

Originally posted by Fadedbomb

Other than a horrible launch, and lackluster gameplay. The largest Issue I see offhand is that FF XIV has no DIGITAL sales of the game. You physically have to own the box.

 

This is something that would be fine back in 2005, but this is 2012 (almost 2013), and SquareEnix are still behind the times when it comes to digital sales of their MMOs.

 

Do a search, and you'll only find gold seller sites, or Amazon.com selling the boxes. I can't find a SINGLE place to purchase a digital copy. So far, this is the only MMO I've come across that requires the box, and provides zero alternative ways to aquire the game.

 

I almost feel, that at times, SquareEnix is trying to act like FF XIV never happened.

 

Even "A Realm Reborn" preorder is box only, and Amazon.com is selling that for only $30 hehe!

Nope the reason I wont play is that it usses a scrolling UI display more attuned to controllers then keyboard and mouse.

Originally posted by Fadedbomb

Other than a horrible launch, and lackluster gameplay. The largest Issue I see offhand is that FF XIV has no DIGITAL sales of the game. You physically have to own the box.

 

This is something that would be fine back in 2005, but this is 2012 (almost 2013), and SquareEnix are still behind the times when it comes to digital sales of their MMOs.

 

Do a search, and you'll only find gold seller sites, or Amazon.com selling the boxes. I can't find a SINGLE place to purchase a digital copy. So far, this is the only MMO I've come across that requires the box, and provides zero alternative ways to aquire the game.

 

I almost feel, that at times, SquareEnix is trying to act like FF XIV never happened.

 

Even "A Realm Reborn" preorder is box only, and Amazon.com is selling that for only $30 hehe!

OP dead right on this!!!

I actually live in Israel - and here you cannot buy almost any MMO - either get digital download of it, or buy from a greedy salesman who takes commission - almost nobody here actually buy the box - WHY SHOULD WE???

To give an example from personal experience - i actually talked via email with them regarding this game (way before 2.0 was out) , because i wanted to try the game and wanted to know how the digital download procedure happens as back then there was nothing on thier website -

I was told that there is no trial period (nor do they plan on adding one later - ????), AND that i would have to actually buy the game as a box.....

Naturely i never looked back - sorry..

All MMOs should keep with the times - no trial and no digital download - meens i won't even try this game - their loss - plenty other MMOs out there...

No, can't saying having to buy a copy would be a main reason holding me back, in fact I bought my last couple of MMO's (SWTOR and TSW) from Best Buy post launch. Same will probably go for GW2 when/if I decide to buy it.

Digital download is a nice option, but by no means necessary.

Originally posted by Shaike
...[cut]...

To give an example from personal experience - i actually talked via email with them regarding this game (way before 2.0 was out) , because i wanted to try the game and wanted to know how the digital download procedure happens as back then there was nothing on thier website -

I was told that there is no trial period (nor do they plan on adding one later - ????), AND that i would have to actually buy the game as a box.....

...[cut]...

Then you are obviously lying as they will offer digital download when FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn is released, as well as it formerly was offer as digital download.

Btw to this date 2.0 is not even released yet.

Originally posted by Shaike

 

OP dead right on this!!!

Nope. OP is dead wrong on this. As has already been pointed out, FFXIV ARR will have a digital download, per SE themself.

Further SE was offering a Digital Download of 1.x for a while at least. They've halted it as they're going to be winding 1.x down to make way for 2.0/ARR.

 To give an example from personal experience - i actually talked via email with them regarding this game (way before 2.0 was out) , because i wanted to try the game and wanted to know how the digital download procedure happens as back then there was nothing on thier website -

I was told that there is no trial period (nor do they plan on adding one later - ????), AND that i would have to actually buy the game as a box.....

1) 2.0 isn't out yet.

2) When you spoke to SE, the "no digital download" and the "no trial" may have been true. Things can change, though, you know. In this case, they did.

3) If/when you asked about the digital download/free trial, the only answer the person could have given you was the answer that was correct at that time.  Even if a trial or digital download were being discussed and about to be given the green light, they still could not say "Yes" until it was actually made official.

Because something isn't the case "right now" doesn't mean it never will be. Something to keep in mind for the future.

All MMOs should keep with the times - no trial and no digital download - meens i won't even try this game - their loss - plenty other MMOs out there...

Did you even try to look up this information for yourself, or are you just going off hearsay, like the OP's? It's been noted by SE for over a year now that there would be a free trial, and it states right on their website that there will be a digital download.

Check this PDF here and read the last entry all the way to the right. It specifically mentions a free trial. That document has been available - and has been cited - for over a year now.

Click this link to see info specifically about the digital purchase/download for 2.0. Look on the right side of the page beneat the PS3 case art.

 At least make the effort to look into these things before jumping to conclusions, eh?

TL:DR:

No, the OP doesn't know what they're talking about.

No, Shaike doesn't know what they're talking about, either.

Yes, there will be a digital download for 2.0/ARR

Yes, there will be a free trial for 2.0/ARR

Yes, the people creating these absurd misinformation threads/posts need to give it up and find better use of their time.

Lalafell.

Let me think about that for a moment longer.

Nope.  That's it.

Lalafell.

Originally posted by Phry
still think the biggest 'closed gate' keeping people from playing is the interface, i did try the game months ago, and about all i came away from it with, was how long it took to do anything, if the game is going to be released for the ps3 though, that would probably explain why the interface is so dodgy, i'd rather stick to a game with a player friendly interface that is actually designed for the PC.. it just isnt worth the hassle

A brand-new new interface is one of the things that's been overhauled for 2.0.

In fact, there will be at least 2 new interfaces, one for PS3 and one for PC. I've seen mention of a 2nd option for PS3, making it 3 new interface options in all, but haven't seen the quote myself from SE/Yoshi-P.

Here's a page discussing it with screenshots.

Also, there's a video on YouTube here where you see Yoshi-P demonstrating it. It's closed-captioned so you can actually following what they're saying. Very cool video overall, I think.

You can click this link to get straight to the in-game/demo part...

Originally posted by TangentPoint

Originally posted by Phry
still think the biggest 'closed gate' keeping people from playing is the interface, i did try the game months ago, and about all i came away from it with, was how long it took to do anything, if the game is going to be released for the ps3 though, that would probably explain why the interface is so dodgy, i'd rather stick to a game with a player friendly interface that is actually designed for the PC.. it just isnt worth the hassle

A brand-new new interface is one of the things that's been overhauled for 2.0.

In fact, there will be at least 2 new interfaces, one for PS3 and one for PC. I've seen mention of a 2nd option for PS3, making it 3 new interface options in all, but haven't seen the quote myself from SE/Yoshi-P.

Here's a page discussing it with screenshots.

Also, there's a video on YouTube here where you see Yoshi-P demonstrating it. It's closed-captioned so you can actually following what they're saying. Very cool video overall, I think.

You can click this link to get straight to the in-game/demo part...

Wow, that was an excellent video, thanks for the link :). I've been looking forward to ARR for a while, and even more so now, after seeing that.

One thing I'm still curious about though, is how the PC interface will workout with a gamepad. I've heard that the PS3 version(s) will be made to work well with a gamepad, and as someone who will be playing it on a PC but still prefers to use a gamepad when possible, I'm wondering how it will play out. I'd think the best option would be to allow the PC users to switch to the PS3 interface.

In any case, can't wait for the re-release.

Originally posted by alacres

Originally posted by TangentPoint

Originally posted by Phry
still think the biggest 'closed gate' keeping people from playing is the interface, i did try the game months ago, and about all i came away from it with, was how long it took to do anything, if the game is going to be released for the ps3 though, that would probably explain why the interface is so dodgy, i'd rather stick to a game with a player friendly interface that is actually designed for the PC.. it just isnt worth the hassle

A brand-new new interface is one of the things that's been overhauled for 2.0.

In fact, there will be at least 2 new interfaces, one for PS3 and one for PC. I've seen mention of a 2nd option for PS3, making it 3 new interface options in all, but haven't seen the quote myself from SE/Yoshi-P.

Here's a page discussing it with screenshots.

Also, there's a video on YouTube here where you see Yoshi-P demonstrating it. It's closed-captioned so you can actually following what they're saying. Very cool video overall, I think.

You can click this link to get straight to the in-game/demo part...

Wow, that was an excellent video, thanks for the link :). I've been looking forward to ARR for a while, and even more so now, after seeing that.

One thing I'm still curious about though, is how the PC interface will workout with a gamepad. I've heard that the PS3 version(s) will be made to work well with a gamepad, and as someone who will be playing it on a PC but still prefers to use a gamepad when possible, I'm wondering how it will play out. I'd think the best option would be to allow the PC users to switch to the PS3 interface.

In any case, can't wait for the re-release.

That I'm not sure of.  I know they've mentioned supporting gamepad on the PC as well. Don't recall the specifics, though.

Maybe emulating one of the PS3's setups, and/or letting the player configure it themself...

Originally posted by TangentPoint

Originally posted by alacres

Originally posted by TangentPoint

Originally posted by Phry
still think the biggest 'closed gate' keeping people from playing is the interface, i did try the game months ago, and about all i came away from it with, was how long it took to do anything, if the game is going to be released for the ps3 though, that would probably explain why the interface is so dodgy, i'd rather stick to a game with a player friendly interface that is actually designed for the PC.. it just isnt worth the hassle

A brand-new new interface is one of the things that's been overhauled for 2.0.

In fact, there will be at least 2 new interfaces, one for PS3 and one for PC. I've seen mention of a 2nd option for PS3, making it 3 new interface options in all, but haven't seen the quote myself from SE/Yoshi-P.

Here's a page discussing it with screenshots.

Also, there's a video on YouTube here where you see Yoshi-P demonstrating it. It's closed-captioned so you can actually following what they're saying. Very cool video overall, I think.

You can click this link to get straight to the in-game/demo part...

Wow, that was an excellent video, thanks for the link :). I've been looking forward to ARR for a while, and even more so now, after seeing that.

One thing I'm still curious about though, is how the PC interface will workout with a gamepad. I've heard that the PS3 version(s) will be made to work well with a gamepad, and as someone who will be playing it on a PC but still prefers to use a gamepad when possible, I'm wondering how it will play out. I'd think the best option would be to allow the PC users to switch to the PS3 interface.

In any case, can't wait for the re-release.

That I'm not sure of.  I know they've mentioned supporting gamepad on the PC as well. Don't recall the specifics, though.

Maybe emulating one of the PS3's setups, and/or letting the player configure it themself...

They make a program which lets you use your PS3 controler on PC. The PS3 controler is already wireless but your PC will need to be wireless as well(maybe it works plugged in as well- IDK)

Its here http://www.ehow.com/how_4809736_use-ps-controller-computer.html

It was a bad game...

Didnt matter if you had to buy it as a physical copy...i mean you could order the physical copy on the internet, and depending on your connection/physical location... might recieve it deliverd faster than downloading it.

Anyway...my main interest in this is that im hoping the shame on this company for releasing a subpar product will drive them to make something great.  Its a longshot but its far better than what most developers do.

Most developers make a crappy game, lie and overhype it for box sales....or lie and make patches that cover surface problems, leaving the underlying mechanics that cause the issues...or they hire derek smart.  All these scenatios leave a bad taste in the mouth and leave the game in the same crappy condition it started in.

Hopefully a remake and the shame behind what SE might feel in making this game subpar will lead to a great game...theres drive to make it good ect.

Again still feel this is a longshot...but i am more willing to give a company a second chance (not that i gave them a first chance here though) because they saw they f-ed up and actually are doing something to fix it.