ZAM News (full)

ZAM News (full) http://www.zam.com/ ZAM gaming news rss feed Scars of Abyssea Trailer Goes Live! [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=23152 <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/174463.jpg" alt="" width="415" height="100" />  Today, Square Enix revealed major updates to the Scars of Abyssea website, ranging from the designs to the new Empyrean Armor to a brand new trailer depicting the new lands and challenges that adventurers will face. Those anxious to face the new dangers that await them will only have a short wait, as the content will go live on September 8th! Discuss this on the <a href="http://www.zam.com/forum.html?forum=10&mid=1283416206119262930">Zam Forums</a>!<a name="pause" title="pause"></a>From <a href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml">Playonline.com</a>: With Scars of Abyssea now available for advance purchase via PlayOnline, players have no doubt been wondering what challenges await them. Well, wonder no more, for a promotional trailer offering a sneak peek at this latest battle add-on is now available! The official site has also been updated with details on Empyrean Armor, a powerful new set of equipment that will be available to those who prove themselves worthy. Players can also get a glimpse of some of the frightful fiends that prowl the battered lands of this dying world. Check it out today! Access <a class="brlink" href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/addon/index.html" target="_blank">the official Scars of Abyssea site</a>. *Scars of Abyssea will become playable to purchasing users upon downloading and installing the next FINAL FANTASY XI version update, currently scheduled for Wednesday, September 8.<a name="pagebreak" title="pagebreak"></a> New Director for Final Fantasy XI [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=23144  Today, Square Enix announced the appointment of former Battle Director Akihiko Matsui to the lead Director for Final Fantasy XI. With several years experience with the game in his previous position on the project, the new Director addressed his hopes for the future of Vana'diel and Final Fantasy XI as a whole. Discuss this on the <a href="http://www.zam.com/forum.html?forum=10&mid=1283333555194471162">Zam Forums</a>!<a name="pause" title="pause"></a>From <a href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml">Playonline.com</a>: We would like to announce the appointment of a new director for FINAL FANTASY XI. Former Battle Director Akihiko Matsui has assumed the post, and would like to take this opportunity to offer a few words of greeting to our players. <div> <hr /> </div> Dear Users, It is both an honor and pleasure to give this address as the newly appointed director of FINAL FANTASY XI. With the commencement of official service for FINAL FANTASY XIV imminent, the period ahead will prove to be a turning point for FINAL FANTASY XI. I have had the privilege of being part of the team since the project commenced some ten years ago, but to assume the mantle of leadership at this juncture is daunting indeed. As director, I intend to work in close cooperation with all project members and involved parties to ensure that FINAL FANTASY XI will continue to hold allure for our players. For truly, nothing would please me more than to see Vana'diel remain a gathering place for those seeking high adventure and camaraderie. I look forward to your continued support in the future. Akihiko Matsui Director, FINAL FANTASY XI<a name="pagebreak" title="pagebreak"></a> More Marvelous Weapon Skills to Wield! [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=23116 <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/175598.jpg" alt="" />  With the level cap increase to 85 almost upon us, Square Enix has released a new video showing a plethora of new weaponskills soon to arrive. These abilities, which will be obtainable through the upgrade of Empyrean and other certain Trial of the Magian upgrade quests, are sure to bolster the battle prowess of any adventurer who acquires them! Discuss this on the <a href="http://www.zam.com/forum.html?forum=10&mid=1283159994116559141">Zam Forums</a>!<a name="pause" title="pause"></a>From <a href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml">Playonline.com</a>: With the September version update fast approaching, the development team is putting the finishing touches on another set of formidable new weapon skills that will be added to the repertoire of adventurers wielding empyrean weapons, as well as certain arms upgraded through Trial of the Magians. As before, we're pleased to be able to offer players a special video preview of these fourteen visually impressive and potent new skills. Don't miss it! Feast your eyes on <a class="brlink" href="http://dl.square-enix.co.jp/ffxi/US/WS_US0830.wmv" target="_blank">the preview</a>! (*The final release version of the weapon skills may differ slightly from the development content presented here.)<a name="pagebreak" title="pagebreak"></a> Job Adjustments Part I [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=23105 <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/175270.jpg" alt="" />  In conjuction with the increase in the level cap from 80 to 85, several job changes are in store for the September version update. From several new job abilities and job traits to a plethora of new spells, this update is sure to change the course of play in Vana'diel and is sure to entice everyone! Discuss this on the <a href="http://www.zam.com/forum.html?forum=10&mid=1282897212151594977">Zam Forums</a>!  <a name="pause" title="pause"></a>From <a href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml">Playonline.com</a>: The upcoming version update, featuring the next stage in the level cap increase, fast approaches, and the development team is feverishly preparing a veritable banquet of new job abilities and spells especially for this momentous occasion. With select jobs also set to welcome existing traits to their arsenal, there is bound to be something to satisfy every adventurer palate. The following new job abilities will be added: Divine Caress (WHM Lv.83 Ability Delay: 1 min. Effect Duration: 1 min.) If the next spell you cast cures a status ailment, your target will gain enhanced resistance to that ailment. Saboteur (RDM Lv.83 Ability Delay: 5 min. Effect Duration: 1 min.) If the next spell you cast is enfeeblement magic, its effect and duration will be enhanced. Spur (BST Lv.83 Ability Delay: 3 min. Effect Duration: 90 sec.) Grants "Store TP" effect to pets. Tenuto (BRD Lv.83 Ability Delay: 15 sec. Effect Duration: 1 min.) If the next song you cast affects yourself, it will not subsequently be overwritten by other songs. Soul Jump (DRG Lv.85 Effect Duration: 3 min.) Delivers a high jumping attack on a targeted enemy which suppresses enmity. Effect enhanced when wyvern is present. *The recast timer for Soul Jump is shared with High Jump. Blood Pact: Ward "Earthen Armor" (SMN Lv.82 Ability Delay: 1 min.) Mitigates the impact of severely damaging attacks for party members within area of effect. Blood Pact: Ward "Tidal Roar" (SMN Lv.84 Ability Delay: 1 min.) Lowers attack for enemies within area of effect. Efflux (BLU Lv.83 Ability Delay: 3 min. Effect Duration: 1 min.) If the next spell you cast is a "physical" blue magic spell, a TP bonus will be granted. Courser's Roll (COR Lv.81) Enhances "Snapshot" effect for party members within area of effect. Lucky number: 3. Unlucky number: 9. Blitzer's Roll (COR Lv.83) Reduces melee attack delay for party members within area of effect. Lucky number: 4. Unlucky number: 9. Feather Step (DNC Lv.83 Ability Delay: 15 sec.) Lowers a target's critical hit evasion. If successful, will earn you a finishing move. *The recast timer for Feather Step is shared with Steps. Job Traits The jobs listed below will each welcome an existing trait to their arsenal upon reaching the specified level, beyond which the degree of mastery will increase in stages. <table class="tpta01" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2" width="510" align="center"> <tbody> <tr class="tptd01" style="padding: 5px;" align="center" valign="middle"> <td style="padding: 6px;" width="25%">Job</td> <td style="padding: 6px; line-height: 120%;" width="15%">Level</td> <td style="padding: 6px;" width="60%">Job Trait</td> </tr> <tr class="tptr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>MNK</td> <td>Lv.85</td> <td style="padding-left: 6px;" align="left">Skillchain Bonus</td> </tr> <tr class="tptr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>WHM</td> <td>Lv.85</td> <td style="padding-left: 6px;" align="left">Shield Def. Bonus</td> </tr> <tr class="tptr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>RDM</td> <td>Lv.85</td> <td style="padding-left: 6px;" align="left">Mag. Burst Bonus</td> </tr> <tr class="tptr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>THF</td> <td>Lv.83</td> <td style="padding-left: 6px;" align="left">Dual Wield</td> </tr> <tr class="tptr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>DRK</td> <td>Lv.85</td> <td style="padding-left: 6px;" align="left">Crit. Atk. Bonus</td> </tr> <tr class="tptr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>BRD</td> <td>Lv.85</td> <td style="padding-left: 6px;" align="left">Fencer</td> </tr> <tr class="tptr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>NIN</td> <td>Lv.85</td> <td style="padding-left: 6px;" align="left">Skillchain Bonus</td> </tr> <tr class="tptr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>COR</td> <td>Lv.85</td> <td style="padding-left: 6px;" align="left">True Shot</td> </tr> <tr class="tptr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>PUP</td> <td>Lv.85</td> <td style="padding-left: 6px;" align="left">Crit. Def. Bonus</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> The following new spells will be added: <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/175271.jpg" alt="" /> - White Magic Enlight: PLD Lv.85 Addle: RDM Lv.83 Refresh II: RDM Lv.82 Cura II: WHM Lv.83 Gain-VIT: RDM Lv.81 Gain-MND: RDM Lv.84 Boost-VIT: WHM Lv.81 Boost-MND: WHM Lv.84 Animus Augeo: SCH Lv.85 Animus Minuo: SCH Lv.85 - Black Magic Endark: DRK Lv.85 Aero V: BLM Lv.83 Break: BLM Lv.85 Stoneja: BLM Lv.81 Waterja: BLM Lv.84 - Songs Mage's Ballad III: BRD Lv.85 Earth Carol II: BRD Lv.81 Water Carol II: BRD Lv.84 Sentinel's Scherzo: BRD Lv.82 Foe Lullaby II: BRD Lv.83 - Ninjutsu Myoshu: Ichi: NIN Lv.85 *Uses the ninja tool, "kabenro." Yurin: Ichi: NIN Lv.83 *Uses the ninja tool, "jinko." More jobs will be able to learn the following spells: - White Magic Regen III: SCH Lv.83 (Addendum: Black) - Black Magic Aero III: DRK Lv.84 Aero IV: RDM Lv.83 Water V: SCH Lv.83 (Addendum: Black) Aspir II: BLM Lv.83 Several new blue magic spells will be added. <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/175272.jpg" alt="" /> In addition to the above, performance-enhancing tweaks are also in the pipes for numerous existing job abilities. The exciting details will be announced in the very near future, so keep watching this space!<a name="pagebreak" title="pagebreak"></a> Level Cap to Be Lifted to New Heights! [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=23082 <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/175056.jpg" alt="" />  One of the major events surrounding the upcoming September version update is the level cap increase from 80 to 85. As with the previous level cap increase, this will bring about significant changes to jobs, ranging from new job traits to new job abilities and magic spells, all ready to reshape the world of Vana'diel in ways never before seen! Discuss this on the <a href="http://www.zam.com/forum.html?forum=10&mid=1282723639112922296&page=1">Zam Forums</a>!<a name="pause" title="pause"></a>From <a href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml">Playonline.com</a>: The impending version update will usher in the second stage of the level cap increase, and with it a host of new abilities, job traits, and spells. What wonders await those adventurers who take their powers to the limit? The impending version update will usher in the second stage of the level cap increase, bringing players' maximum attainable level from 80 to 85! To provide a fitting challenge to players who achieve these newfound heights of power, we will be adjusting monster level and placement in certain Treasures of Aht Urhgan areas to create daunting new battlegrounds. A host of new abilities, job traits, and spells will also be added for the newly-unlocked levels. Needless to say, these will be designed to provide players with exciting new possibilities while preserving game balance as they achieve even higher levels in the future. New Job Abilities - White Mage: An ability offering increased resistance against status ailments. - Red Mage: An ability that enhances the potency of enfeebling magic. - Bard: An ability that prevents songs cast on oneself from being overwritten. - Beastmaster: A new pet command. - Dragoon: A new jump. - Summoner: New blood pacts. - Corsair: New phantom rolls - Dancer: A new step. <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/175057.jpg" alt="" /> New Job Traits - Monk: Skillchain Bonus - White Mage: Shield Def. Bonus - Red Mage: Mag. Burst Bonus - Thief: Dual Wield - Dark Knight: Crit. Atk. Bonus - Bard: Fencer - Ninja: Skillchain Bonus - Corsair: True Shot - Puppetmaster: Crit. Def. Bonus New Spells - Enhancement spells that increase the attributes of party members - Magic spells to manage enmity levels - A song that reduces damage taken by party members - New ninjutsu - New blue magic spells <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/175058.jpg" alt="" /> These new abilities will be covered in further detail in future articles, so keep watching this space!<a name="pagebreak" title="pagebreak"></a> A Vision of Abyssea Review [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=23071 <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/174974.jpg" alt="" width="459" height="167" />  With most all aspects of the zones explored since its release, and with "Scars of Abyssea" less than a month away, I thought now was the best time to give my impressions on "Vision of Abyssea", the first of three add-on battlefields allowing access to the lands of Abyssea, a world lying parallel to Vana'diel. Discuss this on the <a href="http://www.zam.com/forum.html?forum=10&mid=1282621378103101434">Zam Forums</a>!<a name="pause" title="pause"></a>Please note that this is my personal opinion of Vision of Abyssea and should not be considered the viewpoints of Zam.com  This is an expansion done right.  This seems to be the general concensus amongst the player base in regards to "Vision of Abyssea", the first of three add-on battlefield events scheduled to be released this year for Final Fantasy XI. In the days following the announcement of its release, I was skeptical about its success, since the Abyssea add-ons seemed to be geared more towards combat and battles rather than story-telling, which was an integral part of what makes Final Fantasy...well, Final Fantasy. Once I got my hands on it though, I realized that my apprehension wasn't well-founded, for while the story surrounding Abyssea is presently not very deep, what it offers as far as experience gaining and notorious monster battles more than makes up for it. Though I wouldn't go so far as to say that "Vision of Abyssea" is perfect, Square Enix did many things right in its creation.  With the introduction of Abyssea, the conventional six-man experience party, and by extension the entire conventional way of gaining experience, was altered. In recent years, parties were divided based on jobs, whereupon melee jobs would be party amongst themselves in what was dubbed a "tp burn" or "melee burn" party, whereas mage jobs (specifically black mages) would find themselves segregated from such parties. Instead, they would have to make due with far slower experience gaining "manaburn" parties, or worse yet, solo their experience points. In Abyssea experience parties though, one of the keys to success is the building of "azure light" by delivering killshots on mobs with magic. Over time, this increases the chance of blue treasure chests, known as a sturdy pyxis, to spawn after the mob dies, and these blue chests can contain time extensions. It's not uncommon for organized Abyssea groups to stay in a zone for several hours beyond the normal time limits and rack up unmatched amounts of experience and limit points. So for this level of exp gain to be available to both melee and mage jobs is a big step in the right direction.  Another change to appear in Abyssea is in the field of Notorious Monsters. Since the addition of "Zeni Notorious Monsters", or "ZNMs" for short, Square Enix has been adjusting end game content to be more low-man friendly as well as allow players to obtain good weapons and gear without camping a certain mob for several hours at a time or worse, resort to using illegal third party programs to "bot claim". In Abyssea, all Notorious Monsters are either popped by using items or time pops with very short respawn times. This allows players to go in and get more immediate results with the limited amount of time they have rather than spending hours and days on end hoping to be lucky enough for a certain monster to spawn. The items for those force popped NMs are easy to obtain, coming from nearby monsters in the area or from golden sturdy pyxides, and can be bought or sold on the Auction House, allowing those that can't spend the time to farm the pops to just purchase them.  Visions of Abyssea isn't without its faults though, and while these faults are few, their impact is too significant to ignore.  Some major crafting skills took a crippling blow with the introduction of Visions of Abyssea, most notably Woodworking and Bonecraft. Several of the new Notorious Monsters in Abyssea areas drop synthesis materials that were originally quite scarce, which lead equipment crafted with them to be highly profitable. With the market flooded with these synthesis materials, the prices for them have plummeted, which in turn has severely decreased the synthed item's overall worth. What once was a rare and highly coveted item is now something cheap enough that could be bought on an impulse. Alongside the recent trend of Synergy being Square Enix's craft of focus, this has left most all of the "older" crafters with a reduced income  Another major issue that's come out of Abyssea revolves around the same players coming in at extremely low levels and "leeching" experience points to level up, in some cases staying useful by being a designated pyxis opener, but in others doing absolutely nothing to benefit the group he or she is in. This results in a player reaching level eighty with little to no actual knowledge of how to play their job, grossly uncapped skills, and no idea how to properly gear themselves. Though this behavior has been going on since before Abyssea was added with Level Syncing and the infamous "Astral Burns", its addition brought it to a new level, because it is now open to a larger group to take advantage of it. This leads to another aspect of why leeching in Abyssea is more harmful than its worth; it requires the rest of the alliance to pick up the slack of the one "leecher". This isn't so bad if the player has taken the time to stock up on Forbidden Keys to open up pyxides, because at least they're doing something to benefit the other members of the alliance, but when it's players that are contributing absolutely nothing, then it becomes an issue. It's common to remove someone from a party when they're not doing anything but leeching experience, so there's no reason why it should be acceptable in an alliance just because there's more people. That spot could be filled by another damage dealing or nuking job, which could allow for faster kills and more experience points for the group.  In closing, though Vision of Abyssea isn't perfect, it has made significant steps towards improving the way Final Fantasy XI is played. Should the next two Abyssea add-ons prove to be as game-breaking, then the days ahead for Vana'diel are truly bright.<a name="pagebreak" title="pagebreak"></a> Scars of Abyssea Available for Advanced Purchase! [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=23068 <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/174463.jpg" alt="" width="415" height="100" /> Scars of Abyssea, the second installment of the Abyssea series of battle add-ons, is now available for advance purchase through the PlayOnline Viewer! To access the order page, simply click on the "Scars of Abyssea" banner located on the FINAL FANTASY XI main page. For more information on Scars of Abyssea, visit <a class="brlink" href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/addon/index.html" target="_blank">the official add-on site</a>! *Access to the in-game content will become available to purchasing users upon the release of the next FINAL FANTASY XI version update, currently scheduled for early September. *As with other add-ons, the purchase of a single registration code will allow the user to access the Scars of Abyssea content with all characters belonging to that PlayOnline account. Trial of the Magians Additions and Improvements! [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=23045 <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/174605.jpg" alt="" />  This upcoming version update will see significant additions and improvements to the popular Trial of the Magian system. Alongside further augmentations to the already powerful weapons obtainable in the past, which may even see the advent of new weaponskills, this update will unveil an armor upgrade system for various job specific equipment that can be found in Abyssea. For those feeling that this might be too much work, the requirements to existing Magian trials are to be adjusted as well. Discuss this on the <a href="http://www.zam.com/forum.html?forum=10&mid=128229281334859620&page=1">Zam Forums</a>!<a name="pause" title="pause"></a>From <a href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml">Playonline.com</a>: Are you one of the many adventurers testing your limits through Trial of the Magians? If so, you'll be pleased to know that a host of additions and improvements are on the way, promising to make this system more rewarding than ever! Introduction of Armor Trials To this point, Trial of the Magians has focused on the enhancement of weapons. New trials to be introduced in the coming version update, however, will be centered on a new series of armor that will be obtainable in Abyssea. A unique set will exist for each job, and when augmented through trials, their powers will truly be a sight to behold! <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/174607.jpg" alt="" />   Additional Weapon Trials Along with the all-new armor trials, additional weapon trials will also see their debut. Through these, weapons obtained via past trials, including Empyrean weapons, may be augmented to heretofore-uncharted levels of power. These weapons will not only boast improved attributes, but also allow their wielders to unleash new weapon skills. <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/174612.jpg" alt="" /> The Marvelous Magian Spectacles Is there anything these stylish and practical specs can't do? With the next version update, the tome summoned forth by this item will provide you with a two-day weather forecast for your current area. Objective Adjustments The objectives of certain trials, including monster types, weather/weekday conditions and finishing blows are scheduled to receive refinements.<a name="pagebreak" title="pagebreak"></a> Wings of the Goddess Missions! [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=23030 <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/174508.jpg" alt="" />  It's been nearly three years in the making, but the upcoming September version update will see the first half of the final mission lines for the Wings of the Goddess expansion. With Lady Lilith and her spitewardens holding victory within their grasp, only a desperate gambit by Cait Sith may allow the forces of Altana to grasp victory. Discuss this on the <a href="http://www.zam.com/forum.html?forum=10&mid=1282205749168131010&page=1">Zam Forums</a>!<a name="pause" title="pause"></a>From <a href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml">Playonline.com</a>: The upcoming version update will usher in the emotionally-charged first half of the concluding Wings of the Goddess missions. Read on for just a brief glimpse at the excitement that awaits! Bereft of Lilisette, the struggle to preserve the brighter future seems all but lost. Meanwhile, the future of strife and chaos continues to gain momentum, its influence in past Vana'diel growing ever more pervasive and apparent. For those who inherited the will of the Goddess, can naught be done to avert defeat? <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/174507.jpg" alt="" /> I shall deliver you to a future of everlasting glory! Lady Lilith makes an unannounced appearance before the ragged remnants of the Allied Forces, throwing its ranks into disarray. Among those in her company is a purple-garbed figure, familiar yet somehow different... You must recover her memories! Find them all! The future heavily favors the world of strife, and nothing short of a miracle will help to turn the tide. Forced onto the precipice of defeat, Cait Sith decides to stake all on a desperate plan whose success or failure depends on you... <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/174509.jpg" alt="" /> Storm clouds gather to block out the sun, but somewhere out there survives a ray of light that pierces the darkness. Prepare yourself, for the Wings of the Goddess storyline will soon commence its final ascent towards a climactic conclusion!<a name="pagebreak" title="pagebreak"></a> Scars of Abyssea Website Unveiled! [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=23020 <img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/174463.jpg" alt="" />  Today, Square Enix unveiled the official website for Scars of Abyssea, the second of three add-on battlefield scenarios planned to be released this year. This new add-on, which will see new areas, new monsters, and new equipment to challenge and excite adventurers both old and new, will be available for advance purchase on August 23rd. Discuss this on the <a href="http://www.zam.com/forum.html?forum=10&mid=1282120692148845462">Zam Forums</a>!<a name="pause" title="pause"></a>From <a href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml">Playonline.com</a>: With the release of Scars of Abyssea—the second in the Abyssea series of battle area add-ons—drawing ever closer, the official Abyssea homepage has been updated with a sneak preview of what awaits players in this latest installment. The site will be updated regularly as the release date nears. With a promotional video and other exciting information on the way, you'll want to keep checking back for all the latest news! Visit the <a class="brlink" href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/addon/index.html" target="_blank">Scars of Abyssea website</a> today! *The Scars of Abyssea content will become playable upon the release of the next FINAL FANTASY XI version update, currently scheduled for early September.<a name="pagebreak" title="pagebreak"></a>