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ZAM News (full) http://www.zam.com/ ZAM gaming news rss feed Hot Thread Thursday [Final Fantasy XIV] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20622 Every Thursday, we pick the hottest topics from our FFXIV forums and highlight them in this segment. Join the discussions! Tell everyone what you think! This week's Hot Threads: <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=1257718625285216944&num=43&page=1">SE should take a page from Blizzard's playbook concerning 14</a><a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=12584876822463969"></a> If you've played FFXI for any extended period of time, you've no doubt had at least a little frustration trying to update your client at least once. Should Square Enix be more open with the distribution of the updates for FFXIV? Maybe let other sites host the updates in addition to offering them through the game client itself? What about a torrent type distribution method?<a name="pause" title="pause"></a><a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=1256936362132674602&num=81&page=1">To people who play both WoW and FFXIV</a> For people who play World of Warcraft and are looking forward to Final Fantasy XIV, what will you do if the next WoW expansion comes out around the release of FFXIV? Will you try to play both at the same time? Or will you only have enough time to deticate to one game? <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=12584876822463969&num=34&page=1">Difficulty vs Punishment</a> A good MMO should be challenging enough that when you succeed in a task you feel rewarded, but not so hard that it isn't fun to play. A punishment for failure needs to be in place, otherwise there is no drive to better yourself as a player. But at what point does excessive punishment make a game too hard to play? Some argue that FFXI had a good balance of both while others will say that the punishments were too harsh. How would you like to see this handled in FFXIV? Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:45:59 -0000 Foreign Vocal Artist for FFXIV Main Theme [Final Fantasy XIV] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20596 <img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/148324.jpg" alt="" width="102" height="83" /><a href="http://www.fancube.jp/inu-mimi/top.html">çŠ¬è€³å®¶ã®è¦ªæ—</a>, a fansite dedicated to Nobuo Uematsu's music company, <a href="http://www.dogearrecords.com/">Dog Ear Records</a>, has released a DVD to its members that gave a small look inside the studio where the main theme for Final Fantasy XIV is being recorded. Recently, Square Enix announced the vocal artist for Final Fantasy XIII's main theme, but all the DVD appears to reveal is about FFXIV's grand motif is that the artist is foreign. It was stated in an interview that the most vital points of FFXIV's story would have spoken dialogue, but only in English for all regions. This would seem to indicate the main theme will be sung in English as well, but there is no confirmation yet as to whether there will be versions sung in other languages. <img style="margin: 5px;" src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/148325.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="264" /> From <a href="http://ffxiv-fan.rulez.jp/#20091118">FFXIV-FAN</a> Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:59:50 -0000 Hot Thread Thursday [Final Fantasy XIV] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20518 Every Thursday, we pick the hottest topics from out FFXIV forums and highlight them in this segment. Join the discussions! Tell everyone what you think! This week's Hot Thread: <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=1257168423299512561">Things from previous FF's that you'd like to see in XIV.</a> We've had a plethora of threads regarding things in FFXI that player do and don't want to see in FFXIV. What about other games in the series? From Final Fantasy staples like Chocobos, Airships, and Cid, to characters like Cait Sith, Alexander, Omega, and Ultima, Final Fantasy XI definately takes from other games in the series. What elements from previous Final Fantasy titles would you like to see in Final Fantasy XIV? <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=1255324088130484727">PL - Power Leveling - your thoughts</a> This thread is still alive and kicking, so we're revisiting it this week. Does powerleveling produce players who don't know how to play their character? In Final Fantasy XI, it was rather difficult to power level other players in the same manner that it can be done in other games. Should Final Fantasy XIV be the same way? <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=1245102550265986452">FF14 - Slow and steady please!</a> Another Hot Thread Thursday repeat. Is playing an MMORPG about getting to the max level as fast as possible or taking it slow and enjoying the trip there? Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:50:16 -0000 FFXIV Campaign Code Only for Japan? [Final Fantasy XIV] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20515 Just to get everyone on the same page: <ul> <li>Early copies of Final Fantasy XIII will contain a "Campaign Code" for use with Final Fantasy XIV</li> <li>This code will allow you to receive a "secret in-game item"</li> <li>To activate the code, you must purchase and register a copy of Final Fantasy XIV</li> </ul> <div>Now, Famitsu reports that players should be careful because "this campaign is for Japan only." Â This sounds obvious at first, since Final Fantasy XIII is only releasing in Japan in December. Â So, why mention it?</div> <div></div> Glass half full: Foreign players will be getting a separate campaign in their FFXIII copies?</div> <div>Glass half empty: People who register their FFXIV outside of Japan won't be able to use this code? Or maybe both are true. Â We'll let you know once we can get some clarification so eager importers don't end up empty handed. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:08:04 -0000 Equipment for Gladiator & Pugilist Revealed! [Final Fantasy XIV] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20500 <a href="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/147821.jpg" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 5px;" src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/width=250/147821.jpg" alt="" /></a> A scan has leaked from this week's Famitsu that reveals some of the equipment that will be made available to Gladiator and Pugilist.  Square Enix will most likely update the official site tomorrow for foreign fans, but you can read on for a sneak peek! By the way, another tidbit that has come to light recently is the mysterious "Campaign Code" packaged with copies of Final Fantasy XIII.  It turns out the code will be a "secret in-game item" for Final Fantasy XIV, not a beta as some reported.  In order to obtain this item, players need to purchase and register a copy of Final Fantasy XIV.  If any more details emerge in the magazine, they will be added once the article hits the stands. Discuss on the <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=1257932834274095231&num=0&page=1" target="_blank">ZAM Forums</a>.<a name="pause" title="pause"></a>Gladiator ä¸‡èƒ½å‰£ - ãƒã‚¹ã‚¿ãƒ¼ãƒ‰ã‚½ãƒ¼ãƒ‰ An all-purpose sword - Bastard Sword   ç¿¼å‰£ - ãƒ›ãƒ¼ã‚¯ãƒ†ãƒ¼ãƒ« A winged-sword - Hawktail   å¤ä»£å‰£ - ã‚°ãƒ©ãƒ‡ã‚£ã‚¦ã‚¹ An ancient blade - Gladius   å††æ¥¯ - ãƒ©ã‚¦ãƒ³ãƒ‰ã‚·ãƒ¼ãƒ«ãƒ‰ A circular shield - Round Shield   æ©Ÿé–¢æ¥¯ - ãƒ©ãƒ³ã‚¿ãƒ³ã‚·ãƒ¼ãƒ«ãƒ‰ A well-engineered shield - Lantern Shield   The descriptions are somewhat unreadable from the preview scans, but they should be up tomorrow on the official site.  Still, there are a couple things we can glean from the picture right now.  It seems like different weapon types within each class will provide different benefits and drawbacks.  The Bastard Sword is described as "all-purpose" and may be a good all-around sword, while the wingtips on the hilt of Hawktail could provide some extra defense or parry skill. Also, the kanji used for shield æ¥¯ is different from the usual ç›¾.  While they are generally interchangeable, the one we see in the article impies a smaller, often wood-based shield used for deflecting an attack rather than outright blocking an assault.  The Lantern Shield especially fits the bill, and is described as a "well-engineered shield."  This is because Lantern Shields are designed in a unique way to deflect and/or catch the enemy weapon, as well as provide offensive capabilities.  Another hint that weapon and armor types will have unique traits.   <hr />   Pugilist é—˜çˆª - ãƒã‚°ãƒŠã‚¦ Fighting claws - Baghnahks   éª¨æ‹³ - ãƒ›ãƒ© Bone knuckles - Hora   è·æ‹³ - ãƒ’ãƒžãƒ³ãƒ†ã‚¹ Protective knuckles - Himantes   é—˜æ‹³ - ã‚»ã‚¹ã‚¿ã‚¹ Fighting knuckles - Cestus   é‰„æ‹³ - ãƒ¡ã‚¿ãƒ«ãƒŠãƒƒã‚¯ãƒ« Iron fist - Metal Knuckles A Puglist looks to be similarly well-equipped with an array of fisticuff-enhancing goods.  Some, like Hora and Metal Knuckles, are simply described by their materials, but Himantes and Cestus may be particularly useful defensive and offensive weapons respectively. These new weapons and armor pieces may hold a lot of information about the battle system than one might think at first glance.  Hopefully, some of that will illuminated upon in the site update tomorrow!  Speaking of which, any translations made here are literal interpretations in order to examine the equipment and are certainly subject to change once the official ones are released.  See you then! Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:37:41 -0000 FFXIV Campaign Code with FFXIII? [Final Fantasy XIV] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20446 UPDATE: Confirmed with picture from next week's Jump: <a href="http://www.zam.com/Im/image/147513.jpg" target="_blank">FFXIV Campaign Code</a> A rumor has made its way through the tubes that early copies of Final Fantasy XIII, which goes on sale December 17th, may contain "Campaign Codes" related to Final Fantasy XIV. Unfortunately, there are no details as to what the codes may activate. Early speculation leans towards either a slot in the beta, one of the promised "focus groups" or perhaps just some special item.  However, any high hopes should be kept in check until more details emerge. <img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/147511.jpg" alt="" width="215" height="140" />Still, while the purpose is unclear, there is some precedent for such an offer. Along with the recently released <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hikari_no_4_Senshi" target="_blank">4 Warriors of Light Final Fantasy Gaiden</a>, Square Enix is running a campaign for early buyers.  If one purchases a copy and enters a special code on the <a href="http://member.square-enix.com/jp/special/hikarino4sensi/" target="_blank">Square Enix Members</a> site before November 8th, they are eligible to receive a special Dragon Standee, pictured left. Being a fan of anything from Square Enix with two or more F's in the title, I picked up this DS cart on release day and entered my code online.  There are a few things I noticed along the way that speak well for this rumor.  First, is the item is used as a display in stores and cannot be obtained in any other way.  We know Square Enix is willing to provide unqiue items beyond what are offered by trading points in their Members Store.  Second, the process entailed filling out a survey in which it was indicated there would be future "early purchase" bonuses.  We'll have to wait and see if they do in fact adopt the early purchase campaign to Final Fantasy XIII and what prizes they have in store.  Maybe I shouldn't have checked "did not affect my purchasing decision" on that survey... Tip o' the Taj to <a href="http://ffxiv-fan.rulez.jp/#20091106" target="_blank">FF14-FAN</a> for the info. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:37:21 -0000 Hot Thread Thursday [Final Fantasy XIV] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20439 Every Thursday, we pick the hottest topics from our FFXIV forum and highlight them in this segment. Join the discussions! Tell everyone what you think! This week's Hot Threads: <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=125648476181864324&num=55&page=1">So I was watching the gameplay footage...</a> The gameplay footage from Gamescom has been out for quite a while now. Chances are, if you're following this website, you've seen the videos. What's your initial take on this early peek at the game? Did see anything you already like or dislike or is it too soon to make an assessment? <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=1256146432116584165">Where are my VIERA!?</a> This thread has been featured before. It started out as an expression of dissapointment in the absence of Ivalcean races. Now the discussion has moved to the importance of game aesthetics vs. gameplay. Which do you think is more important? <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=1253320586167273730">Things from FFXI you DON'T want in FFXIV</a> This thread has been going for a while. There were several things people liked about FFXI that they woudn't mind seeing again in FFXIV. There also seems to be a number of things people don't want to see again.   Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:48:35 -0000 FFXIV Music at Distant Worlds Chicago [Final Fantasy XIV] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20397 <img style="margin: 5px;" src="http://www.zam.com/Im/Image/147300.jpg" alt="" width="531" height="125" /> Those of you out there who are hip to Facebook may have seen this BREAKING NEWS from the Distant Worlds Facebook Page.  Final Fantasy XIV music has been added to the December 12th concert being held in Chicago.  Steven likes it, how about you? Discuss this on the <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=1257245232105319441&num=0&page=1" target="_blank">ZAM forums</a>! Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:45:21 -0000 Hot Thread Thursday [Final Fantasy XIV] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20339 Every Thursday, we pick the hottest topics from our FFXIV forums and highlight them in this segment. Join the discussions! Tell everyone what you think! This week's Hot Threads: <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=1255324088130484727">PL - Power Leveling - your thoughts</a> In FFXI, Power Leveling other players was possible, but not as effective as it is in a lot of other MMOs. Is this a trend you would like to see repeated in Final Fantasy XIV? <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=125527475139179283">Already left XI?</a> Are you burned out on Final Fantasy XI but anticipating Final Fantasy XIV? Are you playing a different game to pass the time until it comes out? <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=1256251739268825008">The community of FFXIV</a> Most veteran Final Fantasy XI players will agree that the game's player base makes up a great community. Some will cite that most of the game can only be accoplished by working in groups with the other players. Do you think that Final Fantasy XIV will still have a good community or will the game's relaxed nature lend itself to a more "selfish" player base? Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:57:41 -0000 Hot Thread Thursday [Final Fantasy XIV] http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=20236 Every Thursday we pick the hottest topics from our FFXIV forum and highlight them in this segment. Join the discussions! Tell everyone what you think! This week's hot threads: <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=1245102550265986452">FF14 - Slow and steady please!</a> What is playing an MMO all about to you? Do you like to rush through to the max level and get to end game activities as fast as you can? Or would you rather take it slow and enjoy the ride? <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=125613735242531860">If you intend to play both... Why?</a> Do you intend to play both Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy FFXIV when it comes out? If so, how do you plan to split your time between the two? Do you have so much invested in XI that you just can't let it go, or do you just feel like there are still things you haven't done yet that you won't be ready to move on? Maybe you've already moved on from FFXI and are ready to take on FFXIV by itself. <a href="http://ffxiv.zam.com/forum.html?game=268&mid=1256146432116584165">Where are my VIERA!?</a> After our <a href="http://www.zam.com/story.html?story=12898">April Fool's joke about what was then called Rapture</a>, some may have been a little hopeful that the FFTA/FFXII races would be playable in the new Square Enix MMO. Were you disappointed to see that they were reusing the FFXI races when FFXIV was announced? Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:51:54 -0000