ZAM News (full)

ZAM News (full) http://www.zam.com/ ZAM gaming news rss feed Winners Announced for Shantotto Fan Art Contest! [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20632 <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/112009-Shantotto-Contest.jpg" alt="" /> From <a href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml">Playonline.com</a>: Ladies and gentlemen! At long last, the winning entries for the Shantotto Fan Art Contest have been decided! The staggering amount of entries and the love that evidently went into each are a testament to the good doctor's enduring popularity, and this made the task of selecting winners that much more difficult for the judges. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to join in this celebration of one of Vana'diel's most distinguished citizens. Which of the entries have been deemed to best capture the indomitable spirit that is Doctor Shantotto? Proceed <a class="brlink" href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/topics/fanart2009_shantotto/index.html">here</a> to find out! <a href="http://www.zam.com/forum.html?forum=10&mid=125871331432601740&num=4&page=1">Discuss this on the Zam Forums</a>! Job Adjustments and Additions (11/20/09) [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20630 In today's Happy Friday comic, Dragoon gets a new skill, but it looks like they forgot to implement the whole patch. Click image to view full size <a href="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/148612"><img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/width=300/148612.PNG" alt="" /></a> Discuss the on the <a href="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/forum.html?forum=10;mid=125869862188059734">ZAM Forums</a>. Got an idea for Happy Friday? <a href="mailto:ffxiteam@allakhazam.com?Subject=Happy Friday Idea">Email us</a>! Unveiling the New Wedding Support Service! [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20613 <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/111809-Wedding.jpg" alt="" /> From <a href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml">Playonline.com</a>: Today, we are proud to announce the launch of the new wedding support service, packed with features sure to delight adventurers across Vana'diel looking to exchange eternal vows with their beloved! Responding to player demands for greater customization, the new service will grant brides and grooms freedom in choosing location, timing, dialogue, and more for their ceremony, allowing them to create a truly memorable event all their own. Information on all the features, including in-game item vendors and wedding certificates, can be found on the new wedding support site, so head on over and get started planning the wedding of your dreams! The new wedding support site can be found <a class="brlink" href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/wedding/" target="_blank">here</a>. <a href="http://www.zam.com/forum.html?forum=10&mid=1258538534197344732&num=44&page=1">Discuss this on the Zam Forums</a>! Best of the Best: A Blast from the Past? [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20595 <img style="float: right; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;" src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/148298.jpg" alt="Lilisette" width="195" height="300" />It’s been too long since I last saved the world. As a die-hard fan of the Final Fantasy series, life just feels empty when I’m not locked in an epic struggle between the forces of good and evil. Don’t get me wrong -- I enjoy the therapeutic soloing on Buburimu Peninsula as much as the next guy. It’s just that I feel more in my element when I’m hurtling toward a lunar foe in the Big Whale, battling my father in depths of Sin or chasing a genetic freak with a ridiculously oversized sword. About a year and a half ago, my closest linkshell mates and I prevented Ragnarok by the slimmest of slim margins. Since then, the only time I’ve saved the world was in A Crystalline Prophecy -- but that wasn’t epic enough to count. Final Fantasy XI started feeling less and less like Final Fantasy. Most of my friends from my social linkshell left, and then my dynamis linkshell disbanded as well. Square Enix released A Moogle Kupo d’Etat, but, as was the case with ACP, I just couldn’t convince myself that Vana’diel really needed my help. Lately, though, I’ve got that feeling in my bones. There’s electricity in the air. Something wicked this way comes. And this time, it really is up to me to stop it. Put an end to the wickedness. I’m talking about Wings of the Goddess.<a name="pause" title="pause"></a>For the first time in a long time, I’m beginning to care about the future of Vana’diel -- no pun intended. Of course there are downsides to Wings of the Goddess. The thing is, there aren’t very many. Some people believe the battles are too easy and that there aren’t enough rewards. The only widespread criticism I agree with is that Square Enix has taken far too long to release the storyline content. Unfortunately, this is a serious flaw. There’s a good chance we’ll know how the television show “LOST” ends before we see the next chapter of WoTG. That said, the most recent batch of missions had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next, eager to leap into the next battle -- and I haven’t even completed the apparently awesome Windurst quests released in this week’s update. If Anza’s recent thread in the general forum is any indication, I’m not the only adventurer who has been hooked by WoTG’s unique storyline. What works about the Wings of the Goddess story, and why does it seem so unique to Final Fantasy XI? Long ago, I remember the development team discussing the unique structure of the WoTG storyline. Now, I get it. The only way to fully appreciate this expansion is to do all of the nation quests and missions. Although I’ve found Bastok’s story to be somewhat less stimulating (insert Lastok joke here), each quest line is generally clever, compelling and dramatic. The main storyline, which ties in seamlessly with the nation quest storylines, is a blend of humor and heroism, sadness and hope -- and it works perfectly. The other thing I enjoy about the WoTG storyline is that it’s easy to understand. More than once during Chains of Promathia -- widely regarded until now as the best storyline in FFXI -- my static party spent considerable amounts of time debating exactly what had just happened. There’s none of that in Wings of the Goddess. It’s not that the story is overly simple or dumbed down; the story telling is just that good. Some have criticized the battles of WoTG for being too easy. However, I applaud Square Enix for making these battles fast-paced and exciting. Nothing else I’ve experienced in the game comes close to the heart-pounding, feather-flying fury of the Windurst quest "A Manifest Problem," which Pikko and I duoed many months ago. Have I mentioned how spectacular the cutsenes are? I talked about the storyline, which is basically synonymous with cutscenes. Still, I want this to be emphatically clear: the cutscenes of WoTG are THE. BEST. CUTSCENES. IN. THE. ENTIRE. GAME. Even Kanye West would agree. In addition to conveying the excitement of the story, the cutscenes breath life into the expansion's supporting cast. Lilisette, with her vibrant costume, spunky dialogue and detailed facial expressions, is perhaps the most memorable female of Final Fantasy XI since Prishe. I’m not going to reveal any spoilers, because I know many players have yet to experience the story. It’s shocking how few people have completed even a few Wings of the Goddess missions. We’ve all heard the complaints that there isn’t enough incentive to progress through the storyline. To those people I ask, “What more do you want?” Square Enix is giving us what may prove to be the superior storyline of Final Fantasy XI. Forget the fact that many quests reward you with valuable, sellable items, or that shiny pieces of gear will likely await adventurers after the final battle (whenever that may be). I’m aware that many gamers are obsessed with itemization, and I expect other MMORPGs to be e-peen-centric. I just don’t expect that from Final Fantasy XI. Say what you want about Square Enix, but give Wings of the Goddess a chance. Round up five friends, pick a day or night and start a mission static. The storyline missions are being released at a snail's pace, but they're worth the wait. Nobody can accuse Square Enix of failing to give their most die-hard fans exactly what they want. That would be: an amazing storyline; emotion; nostalgia; the chance to static with friends; excitement; epic battles. And, of course, a chance to save the world. Yesterday's News [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20535 At the premire viewing of A Shantotto Ascension, Lilisette gets all the attention while Prishe and whatsherface are all but forgoten in today's Happy Friday. What was her name again? Tiger, Cougar? It was some kind of large cat. Gosh it's on the tip of my tounge! Click the image for the full size <a href="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/147986"><img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/width=600/147986.png" alt="" /></a> Discuss the on the <a href="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/forum.html?forum=10;mid=12581243424486711;page=1#m12581243424486711">ZAM Forums</a>. Got an idea for Happy Friday? <a href="mailto:ffxiteam@allakhazam.com?Subject=Happy Friday Idea">Email us</a>! Final Fantasy XI Now on Steam! [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20516 <img style="float: left; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/Im/image/144926.jpg" alt="" />The Final Fantasy XI Ultimate Collection is now available through Steam, an online gaming community and game distribution site. Steam is known for distributing popular titles such as the Half-Life series and Left 4 Dead, as well as several MMORPGs such as Aion and Champions Online. Steam could put Final Fantasy XI in front of thousands of new potential players. The service touts a huge user base, handling more than 1.8 million connections during peak two-day periods. People who are registered with Steam can purchase many of their favorite games online and download them straight to their computers for immediate gameplay. Steam also offers a friend list interface and instant messaging options. The Final Fantasy XI Ultimate Edition, which is scheduled for release Thursday, includes the Rise of the Zilart, Chains of Promathia, Treasures of Aht Urhgan and Wings of the Goddess expansions. It also includes the three add-on scenarios A Crystalline Prophecy - Ode of Life Bestowing, Moogle Kupo d’Etat - Evil in Small Doses and A Shantotto Ascension - The Legend Torn, Her Empire Born. <a href="http://store.steampowered.com/app/23390">Click here</a> for more details. Discuss this on the <a href="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/forum.html?forum=10&mid=1257988159110696957">ZAM Forums</a>. The Version Update Is Here! [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20471 <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/110909-Version-Update.jpg" alt="" /> After many months of anticipation, the November version update has finally arrived. Featuring new Wings of the Goddess nation missions, job changes, and a slew of additional new content for events such as Moblin Maze Mongers and Chocobo Circuit, this update is sure to give everyone something to be thrilled about. Furthermore, for those wishing to engage in an epic story featuring Vana'diel's most potent Tarutaru Black Mage, the third add-on scenario, "A Shantotto Ascension" will now be open for players! <a href="http://www.zam.com/forum.html?forum=10&mid=1257783842141377758&num=40&page=1">Discuss this on the Zam Forums</a>!<a name="pause" title="pause"></a>From <a href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml">Playonline.com</a>: This version update contains the game data for the add-on scenario "A Shantotto Ascension—The Legend Torn, Her Empire Born." After downloading the update and purchasing a registration code, the scenario will become playable. * Players must be level 10 or above to participate in the add-on scenario missions. * After purchasing a registration code, a period of time may be required before the in-game content becomes accessible. * If the "A Shantotto Ascension" logo remains faded even after purchase, please wait a few minutes and exit to the PlayOnline FINAL FANTASY XI main page. After this, return to the game title screen and examine the logo again. <h1>Event-related</h1> New quests, based primarily in areas introduced since the Wings of the Goddess expansion, have been added. <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/110909-Version-Update1.jpg" alt="" /> The following changes have been made to Moblin Maze Mongers: <ul class="tx2"> <li class="sp">A new Maze Voucher has been added. Maze Voucher 8: Overcome your opponent in a test of angling prowess.</li> <li class="sp">Several new Maze Runes have been added.</li> <li class="sp">New rewards have been added.</li> <li class="sp">The variety of monsters appearing in the Sanitization Team objective has been increased.</li> <li class="sp">You can now exchange unused Maze Runes for Moblin Marbles by talking to the Lower Jeuno NPC "Chatnachoq."</li> </ul> The following changes have been made to the Chocobo Circuit: <ul class="tx2"> <li class="sp">The amount of chocobucks awarded to first, second, and third place winners in chocobo racing has been increased.</li> <li class="sp">New rewards have been added.</li> </ul> <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/110609-Version-Update2.jpg" alt="" /> <ul class="tx2"> <li class="sp">The race schedule has been adjusted.</li> </ul> <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/110609-Version-Update1.jpg" alt="" /> NPCs issuing wedding certificates to characters who fulfill certain conditions have been added to the following areas: Chateau d'Oraguille / Metalworks / Heavens Tower Furthermore, treasure caskets vending wedding-related goods have been made available adjacent to the abovementioned NPCs. *These changes will come into effect when the new Wedding Support service is officially launched on November 18. <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/110909-Version-Update3.jpg" alt="" /> In the quest "Inside the Belly," more varieties of fish can now be turned in to the quest-starter NPC. Certain gates located in the following area have been adjusted to remain open at all times: - The Eldieme Necropolis [S] The following changes have been made to fellows: <ul class="tx2"> <li class="sp">Adventuring fellows can now be fitted with a wider range of attire when called by a character equipped with certain items.</li> </ul> The new craft skill "synergy" has been added. *This skill will be displayed in the craft skills window under status in the main menu, but will not be effective until following the version update scheduled to take place as early as late November. The following changes have been made to Campaign: <ul class="tx2"> <li class="sp">NPCs distributing temporary items will no longer appear in beastman strongholds during Campaign Battles. *Campaign Arbiters, however, will distribute temporary items as before.</li> <li class="sp">New treasures have been added to those obtainable when participating in a union in the Beaucedine Glacier [S] and Xarcabard [S].</li> </ul> <h1>Battle-related</h1> Several new Notorious Monsters have been added to the following areas: Carpenters' Landing / Bibiki Bay / Uleguerand Range / Attohwa Chasm / Oldton Movalpolos / Newton Movalpolos / Lufaise Meadows / Misareaux Coast / Wajaom Woodlands / Arrapago Reefs / Mount Zhayolm / Halvung / Mamook / Aydeewa Subterrane / Alzadaal Undersea Ruins / Bhaflau Thickets / Caedarva Mire / East Ronfaure [S] / Jugner Forest [S] / Vunkerl Inlet [S] / Batallia Downs [S] / North Gustaberg [S] / Grauberg [S] / Pashhow Marshlands [S] / Rolanberry Fields [S] / West Sarutabaruta [S] / Fort Karugo-Narugo [S] / Meriphataud Mountains [S] / Sauromugue Champaign [S] / West Ronfaure / East Ronfaure / La Theine Plateau / Valkurm Dunes / Jugner Forest / Batallia Downs / North Gustaberg / South Gustaberg / Konschtat Highlands / Pashhow Marshlands / Rolanberry Fields / Beaucedine Glacier / Xarcabard / Cape Teriggan / Eastern Altepa Desert / West Sarutabaruta / East Sarutabaruta / Tahrongi Canyon / Buburimu Peninsula / Meriphataud Mountains / Sauromugue Champaign / The Sanctuary of Zi'Tah / Ro'Maeve / Yuhtunga Jungle / Yhoator Jungle / Western Altepa Desert / Qufim Island / Beaucedine Glacier [S] / Xarcabard [S] / Fort Ghelsba / Palborough Mines / Giddeus / Castle Oztroja / Upper Delkfutt's Tower / Castle Zvahl Baileys / Garlaige Citadel / Ranguemont Pass / Toraimarai Canal / Crawlers' Nest [S] / Korroloka Tunnel / Eldieme Necropolis [S] / Lower Delkfutt's Tower / King Ranperre's Tomb / Dangruf Wadi / Inner Horutoto Ruins / Ordelle's Caves / Outer Horutoto Ruins / Crawlers' Nest / Maze of Shakhrami / Garlaige Citadel / Fei'Yin <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/110909-Version-Update4.jpg" alt="" /> The distribution of certain monsters has been adjusted in the following area: - Xarcabard [S] The follow adjustments have been made to ranged attacks: <ul class="tx2"> <li class="sp">Detailed damage messages for ranged attacks have been added. New damage messages displayed after a successful ranged attack will indicate the effectiveness of the attack in three levels. Critical hit and missed attack messages will remain unchanged.</li> </ul> Adjustments have been made to the following ranger job abilities: <ul class="tx2"> <li class="sp">Velocity Shot The duration of this ability has been increased from five minutes to two hours.</li> <li class="sp">Unlimited Shot Once activated, this ability will remain in effect until you successfully hit your mark.</li> <li class="sp">Camouflage Rangers with this ability in effect will incur less enmity for ranged attacks. Furthermore, there will be a chance that the ability remains in effect even after a ranged attack.</li> </ul> A new ability has been added to the summoner job class. <ul class="tx2"> <li class="sp">Avatar's Favor (Lv.55 Recast Time: 5 minutes Duration: 2 hours) Channels the avatar's power towards a beneficial status effect for party members within range. Reduces perpetuation cost while active.</li> </ul> Beneficial effects granted by each avatar: <table class="ta01" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="510" align="center"> <tbody> <tr class="tr02" align="center" valign="middle"> <td width="50%">Carbuncle's Favor</td> <td width="50%">Regen</td> </tr> <tr class="tr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Ifrit's Favor</td> <td>Improved "Double Attack" rate</td> </tr> <tr class="tr02" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Shiva's Favor</td> <td>Enhanced magic attack</td> </tr> <tr class="tr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Garuda's Favor</td> <td>Enhanced evasion</td> </tr> <tr class="tr02" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Titan's Favor</td> <td>Enhanced defense</td> </tr> <tr class="tr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Ramuh's Favor</td> <td>Improved critical hit rate</td> </tr> <tr class="tr02" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Leviathan's Favor</td> <td>Enhanced magic accuracy</td> </tr> <tr class="tr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Fenrir's Favor</td> <td>Enhanced magic evasion</td> </tr> <tr class="tr02" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Diabolos's Favor</td> <td>Refresh</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> The new pet command "Ready" has been added to the beastmaster job class. <ul class="tx2"> <li class="sp">When in control of a pet called forth via the "Call Beast" ability, the pet command "Sic" will be replaced with "Ready." By fulfilling the following conditions, "Ready" will allow you to select a specific ability for the pet to use from its arsenal. - The pet's TP is at 100% or more. - Sufficient charges have accumulated for the ability you wish to use.</li> <li class="sp">Regarding charges Regardless of the beastmaster's level, called pets will spawn with a full three charges available. Upon using this initial allocation of charges, one charge will accumulate for each minute the pet is present.</li> </ul> Adjustments have been made to the following scholar job ability: <ul class="tx2"> <li class="sp">Modus Veritas After a helix spell is cast on a target, a predetermined period of time must elapse before Modus Veritas can be used effectively. Furthermore, certain Notorious Monsters will now demonstrate resistance to the effects of Modus Veritas.</li> </ul> Several new pieces of equipment have been added. Several new synthesis recipes have been added. Several new furnishings have been added. The add-on trilogy bonus gift item can now be obtained via the treasure coffer located within the Tenshodo Headquarters in Lower Jeuno. All characters under a single player account registered for all three add-ons will be eligible for this gift. *Should the item be discarded, players may have a replacement reissued by examining the same treasure coffer. However, doing so will cause the enchantment's recast counter to be reset to the highest value. <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/110909-Version-Update5.jpg" alt="" /> Detailed information regarding this item is available <a class="brlink" href="http://www.playonline.com/pcd/topics/ff11us/detail/5005/detail.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The following items may now be handled by special event storage NPCs: Pepo Lantern / Cushaw Lantern / Calabazilla Lantern / Otokogusa Yukata / Onnagusa Yukata / Otokoeshi Yukata / Ominaeshi Yukata New terms have been added to the auto-translate dictionary. <table class="ta01" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="510" align="center"> <tbody> <tr class="td01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td width="50%">Category</td> <td width="50%">Term</td> </tr> <tr class="tr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Greetings</td> <td>Good luck!</td> </tr> <tr class="tr02" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Pet Commands</td> <td>Avatar's Favor</td> </tr> <tr class="tr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Pet Commands</td> <td>Ready (BST)</td> </tr> <tr class="tr02" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Game Terms 2</td> <td>Carbuncle's Favor</td> </tr> <tr class="tr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Game Terms 2</td> <td>Ifrit's Favor</td> </tr> <tr class="tr02" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Game Terms 2</td> <td>Shiva's Favor</td> </tr> <tr class="tr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Game Terms 2</td> <td>Garuda's Favor</td> </tr> <tr class="tr02" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Game Terms 2</td> <td>Titan's Favor</td> </tr> <tr class="tr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Game Terms 2</td> <td>Ramuh's Favor</td> </tr> <tr class="tr02" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Game Terms 2</td> <td>Leviathan's Favor</td> </tr> <tr class="tr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Game Terms 2</td> <td>Fenrir's Favor</td> </tr> <tr class="tr02" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Game Terms 2</td> <td>Diabolos's Favor</td> </tr> <tr class="tr01" align="center" valign="middle"> <td>Expansions</td> <td>A Shantotto Ascension</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> A new chat filter has been added that blocks tell/shout messages containing words which are deemed to be offensive or inappropriate. *The default setting for this chat filter is OFF. *The list of words deemed inappropriate will be expanded as required. <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/110909-Version-Update6.jpg" alt="" /> After placing a GM call via the Help Desk button in the main menu, the subsequent system message will no longer indicate your current place in the queue. <h1>English Version Only</h1> The name of the following equipment item has been adjusted for consistency: Dobson Bandanna => Dobson Bandana The name of the following unusable item has been adjusted to alleviate confusion: Orc Helm => Orc Helmet The Evolith and Synergy systems are scheduled to be introduced in a version update after mid-November. The following job-related adjustment previously announced via Topics has been canceled: <ul class="tx2"> <li class="sp">Reduction in enmity generation for ranged attacks.</li> </ul> Version Update Preview! [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20447 <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/110609-Version-Update.jpg" alt="" /> For those fishing and chocobo racing enthusiasts hoping that this month's version update would give them something to be excited about, Square Enix has announced upcoming changes to the Chocobo Circuit and the quest "Inside the Belly". From increased chocobucks for rewards to being able to land new equipment through some of the assorted new fish that you'll be able to exchange, this update will allow those adventurers who don't seek fortune through the use of sword and spell to still reward themselves for their time and effort! <a href="http://www.zam.com/forum.html?forum=10&mid=1257506146140861334&num=10&page=1">Discuss this on the Zam Forums</a>!<a name="pause" title="pause"></a>From <a href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml">Playonline.com</a>: The fast-approaching major version update will usher in auspicious adjustments spanning a wide range of in-game elements. Today, it is our pleasure to introduce the changes that are scheduled for the Chocobo Circuit, the fishing quest "Inside the Belly," and more! Chocobo Circuit - Bigger Rewards The amount of chocobucks rewarded to first, second, and third place winners in chocobo racing will be significantly increased. - Revised Race Schedule The Chocobo Circuit schedule has undergone a full review. The C2 Chocobo Race and C1 Crystal Stakes will be held with greater frequency, and races will take place at the same time each Earth day, making it easier for players to participate than ever before. <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/110609-Version-Update1.jpg" alt="" /> *The red and blue race attendants above will alternately conduct races. - New Rewards <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/110609-Version-Update2.jpg" alt="" /> The dashing racing silks dutifully worn by jockeys will be added to the list of reward items obtainable in exchange for chocobucks. With each color offering unique beneficial effects for its wearer, there is bound to be something for every chocobo fan! Quest: Inside the Belly <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/110609-Version-Update3.jpg" alt="" /> Players will be able to turn in more varieties of fish to the quest-starter NPC. Rumor has it these fishes have a penchant for swallowing up new equipment whole...? Past Vana'diel - Xarcabard [S] Monster distribution will be adjusted to allow adventurers to safely arrive at their destination when using the teleportation service requiring Allied Notes. - Eldieme Necropolis [S] A number of gates within the necropolis will be adjusted to remain open at all times to allow players to find their way to union treasure chests at the end of a Campaign Battle. All this and more is coming to you in the soon-arriving major version update! Coming soon in 2010 [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20445 When the Square Enix devs said that they hope their players will play both Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV, I don't think this is what they had in mind. That poor poor tank... Click the image for the full size <a href="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/147510"><img src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/width=600/147510.jpg" alt="" /></a> Discuss this on the <a href="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/forum.html?forum=10;mid=1257498373285629101">ZAM Forums</a>. Got an idea for Happy Friday? <a href="mailto:ffxiteam@allakhazam.com?Subject=Happy Friday Idea">Email us</a>! Unveiling the New Synergy System! [Final Fantasy XI] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20442 <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/110509-Synergy.jpg" alt="" /> In conjunction with the recently announced Evolith system, Square Enix has announced a new synthesis-based system, known as the Synergy system. Designed to, but not limited to, being the focal point behind the Evolith system, Synergy will allow whole parties to come together for the sake of creating a new equipment piece. Expect this unique system to be arriving in Vana'diel as early as late November. <a href="http://www.zam.com/forum.html?forum=10&mid=12574196713258418&num=124&page=1">Discuss this on the Zam Forums</a>!<a name="pause" title="pause"></a>From <a href="http://www.playonline.com/ff11us/index.shtml">Playonline.com</a>: Ladies and gentlemen! Coming to you in a version update scheduled for as early as late November is "Synergy"—the new in-game system that will add a whole new dimension to synthesis! What Is Synergy? Synergy is an advanced form of synthesis wherein up to six players, each with unique skills, cooperate to create a single item via an apparatus called the "synergy furnace." There are numerous differences to be noted between synergy and traditional single-player synthesis, one of them being the maintenance of elemental balance within the abovementioned synergy furnace. Synergists-to-be, take heed! Being a new field of science with numerous theories yet unverified, synergy is not a risk-free undertaking, and practitioners are advised to steel themselves for the occasional mishap. Communal synergy furnaces will be made available in certain cities, and "synergy engineers"—your guides into the fascinating world of synergy—will be posted beside them to teach beginners the ropes. Furthermore, by completing a new quest, players will gain access to a handy new item that will allow them to summon their very own private furnace for use in field areas, eliminating the need to wait in line to use a public one. Synergy Skill Synergy skill determines your ability to safely handle synergy furnaces, and can be raised by applying synergy techniques used to manipulate elemental concentration levels inside the furnace. Proficiency in these techniques, too, can be raised to a degree corresponding to your synergy skill level. We recommend all players prioritize improving their skill, because when it comes to synergy, experience is synonymous with safety. Certain synergy recipes demand expertise in specific synthesis disciplines, but synergy will be possible so long as a participating party member possesses the requisite skill in question. No single character needs to have all skill sets, and the supplier of ingredients is not required to possess any whatsoever. Each participant in synergy plays an equally significant role in the process. Synergizing via a Communal Furnace 1) Obtain the "synergy crucible" key item. The synergy crucible serves as the receptacle for different varieties of elemental "fewell," the source of power for furnaces. Characters need only acquire the crucible once by completing a new quest. 2) Prepare ingredients for the recipe. Recipes corresponding to a character's synergy skill level can be learned by talking to a synergy engineer. 3) Recruit party members. Synergy is a joint activity that requires the cooperation of other players. The party leader should seek fellow synergists with the right skills needed for a particular recipe and invite them to join a party. 4) Fill up on fewell. Synergy engineers can inform you regarding your crucible's current supply of fewell and, if required, also provide you with a top-up in exchange for gil. Alternatively, it is also possible to directly replenish the crucible using either crystals or the new synthesizable item version of fewell (alchemy skill required). 5) Claim usage over a synergy furnace. To use a communal synergy furnace, you must first lay claim by examining it. At this point, you will be allocated a period of time to deposit the ingredients and commence the synergy process. When this has been done, your group will have exclusive access to the furnace until the synergy process is complete. *Private synergy furnaces summoned using the aforementioned item can be used only by you and your party members. 6) Deposit the ingredients. Only the claim-holding character may deposit ingredients into the furnace. Similarly, at the conclusion of synergy, the resultant product will be obtainable only by that character. 7) Operate the furnace. Now comes the most invigorating and rewarding part of the process: the operation of the synergy furnace itself. Throughout the course of synergy, players must keep a close eye on the balance of elemental concentration, internal pressure, the build-up of impurities, and furnace durability. Seamless teamwork and timely application of synergy techniques is the key to success. Potential Complications In the hands of the untrained, synergy may prove to be a painful exercise. For instance, if left unchecked, the swelling of elemental forces and the accumulation of impurities inside the furnace are surefire recipes for explosions and leakages. Synergy participants should not be surprised if the furnace literally detonates in their faces. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, and the best way to prevent is to improve your synergy prowess. Success! The successfully synergized product will be entrusted to the supplier of ingredients, while all participants will be awarded with "cinders," a synergy by-product. Cinders act as points that can be accumulated and traded to synergy engineers in exchange for items that will aid you in your synergistic endeavors. The Joys of Synergy Synergy will play a central role in the recently announced Evolith system by allowing players to add and remove slots on, as well as attach evolith to weapons and armor. There will also be a host of new items that can be had exclusively through synergy. <img src="http://ffxi.allakhazam.com/images/news/110509-Synergy1.jpg" alt="" /> Prepare yourself for a synthesis revolution when the Synergy system arrives!