worgendruid wrote:
So after the lengthy download and patch I was able to play FFXIV on my PS3 for a good while. I didn't really have much fun, though. Is it something I'm doing wrong? It seems like a good deal of the quests are menial tasks (press X while near something sparkly, kill 3 rats, etc.), but there are huge difficulty spikes out of nowhere. I go from having total control to feeling lost because no one, not even the game, can tell me how to get to Western La Noscea. I find myself constantly looking things up online, and even then the databases aren't really that clear.
I will say that the in-game hints for where to go aren't really that in-depth, but you can follow how to get some place by checking zone connections - clicking/selecting that zone connection and then backtracking to either the zone you're in or one you're familiar with. Also, the game hasn't been out that long and revamped so not all the tools are completely fleshed out with all the information you may need although I have seemingly been able to find what I've been looking for, but there have been quite in-depth searches at times.
worgendruid wrote:
Combat is pretty fun. Carbuncle is as cute as it is useful. FATEs are pretty neat but don't seem to ever occur often enough. But it doesn't seem like I'm actually playing the game. Wasn't FFXIV supposed to be the story-driven MMO? Aside from the introductory cutscenes, it just seems like a poorly executed and confused WoW clone with a kawaii veneer. It sounds great on paper (or videos, ZAM forums, etc.) but suffers from being incredibly disjointed.
The FATEs definitely are lacking in early levels, but not completely and some zones better than others. The frequency and quantity definitely increase with level, and again some zones are better than others. Also, are you sure you're doing the Main Story quests? Most are gated by level requirements and the story definitely picks up nicely. The other side missions may not have too much story involved, but I'm sure some hubs have an ongoing theme. Also, as mentioned your Hunting Log and Class quests are definitely important and most of the class quests I've done so far have had a nice mini story with them.
worgendruid wrote:
Not to complain or anything. I REALLY wanted to enjoy this game, even having gone as far as to buy a PS3 for it.
So am I doing something wrong? Am I just experiencing the learning curve? Or is this game just not for me? I got ARC to level 13 and pretty much ran out of quests, figured it was a good time to assess the game.
I would definitely say it's a learning curve issue. When I first started I was totally in the same boat and have recently rerolled to be with friends and realized how much more efficiently and smoothly I've been completing tasks and enjoying the game all over again after having a fairly sound grasp on the mechanics. It's also plausible you just don't enjoy the game, and not all games are for everyone, I would say definitely stick it out a bit longer and see if it takes hold. If not maybe it would be best to move on, but I have confidence in the games ability to win you over