Maiev’s Lv99 Excitement by LovelyDagger

Limit Break Radio Ep51

Before I continue, Daggy felt my excitement for Lv99, and drew a Maiev with the Lv99 taru underwear. ROFL :D Please enjoy!

Nope, I didn’t take part of it if that’s what you’re wondering lol, but I did get a chance to listen under the Starbreakers status of the live recording of Episode 51 of Limit Break Radio (I think… I’ve listen to 45, 48 and 51). Starbreakers are the people who gets to listen as LBR performs the live recording. In this episode, ringthree was the guest for this discussion. He writes the infamous ringthree blog under blogspot ;)

Anyway, this episode was actually talking about the XI updates from VanaFest 2010, which I wanted to write about anyway. Having played WoW and FFXI and experience both end-game and expansion leeps, I’ve definitely got a few inputs in regards to the VanaFest announcement, and some thought of this overall Lv99 thing.

Lv99

Level 99 cap raise was definitely the biggest catch of the whole VanaFest 2010. Having played FFXI since 2003, they made it very clear back then the level cap will remain at 75. Over the years, content was developed around the fact that the leveling cap will be Lv75. To satisfying the craving for Exp, Squeenix developed a merit system to accommodate players who just loves to grind. I have to say I was pretty good in grinding in all of the jobs I played. I solo on Blue Mage in the early days, I’ve play RDM in different stages of FFXI such as healing RDM for KRT, performing skillchain in Sky Statue Party in 2004, walk around parties doing weapons at sky, I’ve also exp-ed @ Uleguerand Range etc… goes on and on. I was pretty convinced that Squeenix planned to develop content around the Lv75 system.

As time goes on, Squeenix released more merits, tier2 merits as well as new JA’s. A very predictable move and update from SE. But predictability doesn’t bring excitement! Then in 2010, Squeenix decided to throw a curve-ball and announce Lv99… they did say that they will make each job unique and is aware of it etc… and introduce new stuff etc.

Now lets think of Lv99. First of all, we all know that a lot of stuff in Vanadiel will need to be adjusted. Is it SE’s plan to make this a solo game now? It does sounds fun to solo Byakko, but problem is… it drops Lv75 gear. So in that case, equipment definitely needs an adjustment… to at least make these content more worthwhile than just soloing it. Is it going to scale like Level Sync? We don’t know as of this point but.. it sounds like a possibility. If equipment doesn’t scale, then it’s really just a one-time fun. Once you’ve done it, it gets boring, like killing a Bumblebee.

Story Telling – Old School FFXI!! by Rinielenika.

We all know jobs will be broken (as mentioned in LBR Ep51 as well).

If SE does decide to make adjustment, that is a lot of adjustment around Vanadiel. Are they simply going to scale up all mobs by adding +24? Equipment will probably need to be scaled up by 33% as well in terms of strength. You also can’t simply add 24 level to all mobs. Then we won’t have Lv1 mobs. That’s a lot of issues to think about before the June update. This is all assuming SE will scale up all equipment and mobs (which IMO, is an okay idea).

Another method they could approach this is… Lv99 cap is only to the new areas. I mean afterall, an expansion is also announced among all these update. So while you are in old content, stuff will remain Lv75. Once you exit the area, you will have access to the new cap of Lv99. This will not only save development time (since… they need to code the new expansion as well), but it takes a lot of the issues out of rebalancing and rescaling. This also keeps all the existing equipment on par and preserve its value, as well as preserving the old content for play. I mean, as an old school player, I still enjoy the old days where we have Summoner in Tank Party during Fafnir, calling out Garuda for blinks and tanking it with Paladin. Now there is no fun and glory of killing Fafnir, with all these merit points and Lv99 soon… it makes Fafnir a joke.

Last method… I hope not is really, recreate all the equipment for Lv75 to 99. One important thing to note is the level cap is raise in stages, with 3 month gap inbetween, so they could potentially recreate all gear. This is kinda similar to the WoW model, which is something I wouldn’t like. But with this model, it encourages new player (provided they know about it), into joining, since it seems like everyone is starting on the same ground (with all your old gear as garbage). But then again, the game is 7 years old for US (8 for JP), it would be pretty hard to get new players (also mentioned in LBR Ep51). It’s got out-dated graphics and still not too friendly for a newbie. With FFXIV around, I doubt their objective is to bring in new players.

A Business Perspective of Lv99

I’d like to think all this from another perspective, a business perspective of this announcement. Lets keep one important fact in mind. SE makes a lot from FFXI, from me and you. More than many other FF series due to the fact that other FF series can be pirated. We’ve almost paid over 1k for each player that play since 2003. That’s a lot of money. Times that by a peak of 100k subscriber (Lets say an average of 30k per month). That’s pretty good cash at one point just from subscription. This doesn’t even take into account the initial cost of the game, any expansion that you bought. Remember that announcement of “most character created”? That was coupled with Mog Bonanza. Everybody was creating extra mules to increase the chance of winning at least a Rank 4 item. To SE, it was great money, extra income. Instead of 12.95 per month, if everyone created 9 extra mules, that’s kinda like increasing the average monthly fee to 13.75 etc… (spreading the average cost over a year). Then you have the teleport body from buying The Star Onions (which was okay, if you wanted the product anyway). To me, it seems like Squeenix was doing a lot of these for cash. They know we are addicted to digital achievements, and is abusing it by offering it to us, indirectly =P. RMT indirectly.

Little Economics

Afterall, Squeenix is not a charity, but a business. They are here to satisfy their shareholders just like any other business. Buying a combo in McDonald always seems like a better deal than buying them separately because, its all part of the conspiracy to get you to spend the “maximum amount” of money that you are willing to pay.

Lets say McD Burgers cost 3 dollars, Fries is 2 bucks, Drink is 1 dollar. Buying them are 6 bucks separately. But a combo maybe cost 5.50. You might like fries and Burger (3 for burger, 2 for fries, costing you 5 bucks), but don’t really need a drink because you got water. But hay, it’s “only” 50c more for a drink. It’s a good deal. Lets say it only cost them 10% of the selling price to make. Well if you didn’t buy a drink… Burger is (3 dollar – 30c cost to make = 2.7 profit), 2 for fries – 0.20 = 1.80, Coke is 1 dollar – 10c = 0.90. Originally if you just bought burger, they would only be making 2.7 from Burger + 20c from Fries = 2.90 from you. But if the combo of costing 50c less works, they still make 2.90 + (coke is 1 dollar – 10c to make – 50c discount = 40c profit). They make 3.30 from you! They didn’t make as much, but the end point is, they still make more from you.

Maiev of DuckHUNT – by Aene

This is exactly what I think about when I think of SE’s action taken from this. By spreading it out, not only it gives them time to do adjustment, but you now spread your fun of leveling again throughout the 3 updates. That is 9 extra months of subscription per player. In LBR Ep51, they were discussing the 10 dollar addon. Immediately this model came to mind. It’s harder to sell 30 dollar expansion vs 10 dollar addon. It sounds cheaper but hay look at the end of the day, you still bought all 3, costing you 30. With a little sweet robe that you get after the addon, it creates an even more temptation to buy it. Since it’s Rare/Ex, it doesn’t even have an effect on game balance as much (well.. the Robe does replace a few equipment…. but not entirely). Add-on sold like this also provides them a chance to fix anything wrong with the previous add-on. (Though, the quest are still pretty crap). They were for sure testing out delivery method. One thing though was it was re-named as an addon, so unlike an expansion, the quality and expectation is just isn’t the same. At the end of the day, SE can always say this is an “addon”, not an expansion. Add-on, like browsers, are adding “additional” features. Not really expanding. It’s completely optional, and its what SE is doing IMO. Another method to sell an expansion, but with an excuse saying that …. hay quality doesn’t have to be up to par since its simply just an “add-on”.

So the way I see Lv99 is, by throwing out a curveball and… not announcing that much of a detail, it leaves it up to the players to do guess work. For those that got nothing to do before (like me, completely maxed out merit + jobs that I like), it gives me and a lot of other adventurers a reason to start leveling subs out of 37 to 49 to accommodate the new subjob at Lv99. This all comes down to squeezing the maximum amount of money you are willing to pay from a dead game (well, declining population). Now it all seems interesting, you are more willingly to pay that 12.95 versus before… it was just a dead game.

All for Profit?

Ringthree and Aniero all have different opinions on it. Ringthree think it could have been a little earlier. While Aniero think it’s done with the perfect timing. Me? I think its perfect as well. Lets go back a little bit! When ToAU was released, the game was still pretty alive. We often get lagsieged. Salvage and Dynamis was still packed. During that time, the Burning Crusade was also released. I was drawn into it, questing on my Blood Elf hunter while I was waiting for Salvage entry. But one thing that was sure was… the game was still lively.

Squeenix shareholders was probably okay, but not happy that they weren’t getting MORE players. Well, if you can’t get more players, then squeeze more out of the existing ones. WORLD TRANSFER opened, now that was a cash grab, definitely a good way to satisfy shareholders by changing ONE VARIBLE LOL (SERVER ID 9 to SERVER ID 7, thanks for cash XD)! Time pass by and Wings of the Goddess came out. Squeenix finally satisfy the casual gamer group by developing campaign, where people with little time to play (obviously not enough to get an exp time), to do something productive. Campaign was often busy and it definitely kept the casual player in check. One thing that I think a lot of us neglect is the amount of casual players. Remember that a lot of people have a RL obligation, and have a busy life. Hence they do not have all the time in this world to play. Therefore, it was very important to provide a source of good entertainment for the time that they have after a working day. End-game players is just a small portion of the FFXI community. A lot of people place once of twice a week, come in to socialize, to craft a little. You rarely see them but SE does. As much as it matters, a nerd and a casual both pays 12.95. It’s easier to satisfy casual players, and they are probably the bigger group (judging from Squeenix’ statistics counter every year). It’s more wise for SE to focus on casual more than the hardcore players.

With a slight decline with population over time, Campaign provide the perfect solution in keeping players happy by providing self-paced virtual achievements! It is something both the casual and the elitist can participate. You don’t need a party anymore. The add-on was timed okay. The content was generally crappy and slowly (as per LBR discussion), but I honestly think the… development was pressured by the upper management to grab more cash. Grabbing every single penny that they cane make from you.

With FFXI getting older and content getting crappier and more slowly, the population significantly declined. The server merge was a great hint. With shareholders saying “Hay, FFXIV isn’t ready, so its probably time to Squeeze more out of FFXI”! They had to come up with another idea…. ah ha! Lets throw the players something they always wanted!

• Odin and Alexander AVATAR (Which players was begging for years)
• Lv Cap Increase!

Instantly, we stirred up a heated discussion of the possibilities of Lv99, as well as the fun. SE did it, they got a lot of people pumped up again, revive some old character and started playing again. It’s also a good way to minimize the impact or negative aspect of a server merge . Players reactivated to enjoy the new content (yay more subscription!), but the most important part of all this was, they are taking out servers, which lowers the overall maintenance and operating cost, bandwidth and electricity. The savings are all profit! We all just look at the Lv99 possibilities and forgot all about the impact of a server merge. That reminds me of… China. Cheap shoes and TV’s makes us all forget about human rights and the June 4th, 1989 incident in China… lol)

Lv99 made FFXI like FFXI-X2 LOL!

Name Change is such a lame sauce.

Now with all the server merge, not everyone are satisfy with it. Some people lost names, some people probably felt like the new home isn’t that great. I mean if SE really wanted to do it right, they would have locked name creation on the same day as announcement as well as providing people a CHOICE of where they want to go. I mean yea, I could see why they didn’t want to offer that choice. They can ensure that the server merge are paired with servers with similar economy and conditions, as well as ensure that the population are well balanced. To ensure you aren’t merging 2 medium server. 1 medium + 1 small and not 1 medium + 1 medium size servers. So if you don’t like…well WORLD TRANSFER :) 25 bucks to change a VARIABLE hahaha! MONEY!

Don’t get me wrong, the server merge actually worked out. Otak is on Quetz, my 2nd Alt was in Midgard, SE decided to merge Quetz and Midgard =P Totally no complaint there! LOLZ (Saved me 25 bucks actually!)

However, there are side effects to this server merge. Some felt like they lost a home and quit. Some assumed that their gear is going to go to crap, so without a 2nd thought, already unsubscribed (I know at least 4 people around me that did it), but at the same time, I know 2 people at least who came back for this. So overall, I think it’s a gain. Even if SE don’t gain or lose subscription, at least they are keeping the ones that are still subscribing, to continue subscribing with the new level cap stuff :)

I believe Squeenix at this point, is all about the money. I can’t help myself but think that at this point, its not even about the game anymore. I do see the fun, but most importantly the profit from it. They need it for infrastructure for FFXIV, and this is a perfect time to get it. FFXIV isn’t even ready so there’s going to be time where they need the cash. FF13 is being sold, but it’s also not enough since people are selling it as they finish the game (I mean, its the most sold game in the 2nd hand market…). Therefore, I believe a lot of the move Squeenix now is about profit, more on the profit than the players and the fun. Generating the cash to prepare for FFXIV launch.

WoW Model

One thing that I always like about FFXI was…. no matter how long you quit or take a break for, when you subscribe again, you feel instantly back to the game. Your equipment is a little obsolute, but isn’t enough for you to spend like a few weeks to re-gear. The old content more or less are still around and… most importantly, the friends that you used to play with are mostly still around since… unlike WoW, your friend might now play on their Alt’s and other class… and you probably don’t know their name anymore.

WoW’s model has always been increasing the level cap and high rate of equipment replacement. It was clearly known that gear gets replaced one after another after each update. As more instances and raid opens, the new year replaces the old. It is a model the adopted, and it worked.

It was always unique to me until… FFXI announce Lv99. This brought my attention to the WoW model. Is Squeenix really trying to take what’s successful in WoW and try to implement it into FFXI? Take some portion of it if not all? I highly doubt but in a way, you got to learn from the best as well. Squeenix had a first-mover advantage, being 1 year ahead of WoW, they had the chance to grab a lot of subscribers but they fail to do so, and many quit to play WoW instead. But those that stayed FFXI, enjoyed FFXI and they enjoy it because of what it was…

Overtime, there were various features that was similar to WoW. Instances was one bit, set bonus was another. Campaign system was kinda like WoW’s casual exp system and now you have level cap increase. It maybe just so that its kinda similar. I doubt Squeenix was actually copying other games’ mechanism, but then at the same time… it worked for them. Maybe that’s exactly what we need.

WoW continues to climb in terms of subscription. The game continues to market itself despite its only a single platform, and with dated graphics. One thing that was obvious to me as a player who plays both FFXI and WoW is, WoW developer listens in while FFXI developer doesn’t. Last check, we only get automated replies when we send in suggestion. Whereas Blizzard, we could see Blue Post (aka Blizzard Poster) acknowledging ideas etc. Blizzard’s Blue Post may never get to the development, but to a player, its always nice to see that they care about their customers. SE never provided this type of customer care. Look at the hacking spree 2 years ago. It took them ages to develop counter measures. Powerless GM that can’t really do anything other than getting you un-stuck and banning people for walking faster than normal when you walk over the pond over at Caedarva Mire.

WoW continues to develop content that is catered to the players. A PvP system that rewards exp, more BG, random instance to recycle old content and rewarding more heroic badges. Whereas SE keeps going backwards… enhancing the NPC system that is so unusable. A chocobo race where you aren’t the person racing, but betting lol. Mobs that is unbeatable and when it is, it gets patched because it wasn’t the way it was “intended” to kill.

Midnight Excursion – by PriestessOfPie

Mai Thoughts

At the end of the day, I think Squeenix’ move of increasing the level cap is certainly a good move, but a move IMO that is motivated by the money than the players (in my perspective!!!!). It was a move that satisfy both ends, the business end as well as the players. It was also a move to cover the negative impact of server merge. It was a real perfect smart move. It’s not a bad thing and we got to understand…. like any other companies, they are motivated by profits as well. I think everyone is happy, both SE and the players. It gives the players a reason to subscribe and gives SE a longer life-span of the game. Lets just hope SE doesn’t screw up the Lv99 upgrade. Okay? lolz

Last but not least, I wanted to say thank you for the Birthday wishes and presents :) especially from Otak ^^, Priestessofpie and Fireal lolz :) Otak’s present is {secret} but I could share PoP’s present ;) The artwork on the right is drawn by Lyali of Titan (aka PriestessOfPie / PoP).

It’s been awhile. I know, busy busy! So for those that do complain I haven’t been writing enough (I mean… common, my writing is terrible :x), you better let me know you read it by leaving a comment. lulz (which I doubt anyone would, ahem Jackblck!). I wonder how many people even check this anymore lolz!

Regardless, lets get on with some updates.

the StarOnion Website Revolution!

the StarOnion Version 5

If you haven’t already notice, I’ve reshaped Mai blog. The attractive banner is of course, done by Karla/Otak/Lurazeda (Mai girlfriend, yes I am not gay with Istari). I hope it is a lot pleasing to read (and hopefully, win the Kaeko eye-candy award again). Of course, stuff on the StarOnion is never friendly to 56k and I hope you know that by now.

One thing that took a lot of my time is by far the way I’ve decided to use the “tagging” system. Instead of tagging what I’m writing (which is what category / search is for), I’ve used it to tag players. If you exist in my writing even for a brief second, in a screenshot or video, you will be tagged. Yes, I went through all my 600 posts and tag everyone. If I miss you, just leave a comment and I’ll add you back in =) And yes, I did play with a lot of players it seems. My tag list is like amazingly long, but you’ll have fun scrolling them. You might even recognize a few names =)

There are still minor improvements, such as implementing RSS Email subscription etc, I’ll slowly get on with those.

This time around, I’ve implemented a flickr. I will be uploading all my screenshot that I’ve taken to that account. Feel free to browse my old-school screenshot. They are quite enjoyable to click around :D classic alliance for Mission 2-3 lolz! I might even have shouts when people were selling “Raise” back in Kazham/Yhotar Jungle.

When in doubt, use the search located at the top right corner. It searches everything =)

I know :( it could still be better, but then meh, I didn’t major in computer science lolz! This is just Mai hobby! :D

PS: Navigating this version should be same as before, I kept a lot of things unchanged :D for the most part.

Twitter Kills Blogs!

I honestly think the recent hype of Twitter just kills blogs.. hands down. I mean those that used to blog a lot like Kimiko Furball, Calaera, Etain, now just completely stop, hell even Otak stop = =. They didn’t quit, they just don’t write due to twitter (their twitter: Kimiko Furball, Calaera, Etain, Otak). As you see, they obviously still play FFXI (half and half for Etain ._.). Well can’t blame Twitter for being so accessible. You can tweet literally anywhere (maybe through payphones soon). Even those that don’t have smart phone can tweet via text messages. You could probably tweet while in shower soon via voice yelling to your neighbors. I believe Twitter activity and Blog activity are inversely proportional. =) Sucks for FFXI blog community but meh :x!

I vote for TaruTaruTweets-Online.net soon!

Otak’s Taru Figurine Collection

TaruTaru Trading Arts/Figurine

Its now on the market for real. I know Otak got it >.> /jealous. It actually looks pretty awesome :D Here’s some pics (Source)

• TaruTaru Collection – 9 Figurine Box Set
• Lay them out nicely! Group Picture!
• Lets Open a Box! Oww, bad AA TaruTaru!
• Lets assemble it!
• Completed AA Taru Assembly!
• Star Sybil TaruTaru Figurine assembled!
• Shantotto TaruTaru Figurine assembled as well!
• Group picture time!

Now that’s the cool stuff. Now the emo part is, you can’t tell which figurine is inside that box. They cost roughly 10 bucks USD per figurine. They also come in a box of 9 (like this), but lol people who buy that also have a chance of not getting all 5. So lol… But then, its how Square Enix deals with figurine collection so… I guess welcome to figurine collection.

I’d say the best idea is to buy it with a friend, and try to mix/match the missing pieces.

Yes ^^; FFXI-ing, I’ll update it with SS at another time!

Interesting Things!

Just click on related video if you like it, you’d find a couple more ;)

Maiev of Fenrir by Rinielenika

I don’t know if it will be live when you look at it, but live to me!

Rinielenika is another artist I met on Fenrir. Rini’s BF is Ditsy, a taru so naturally loves drawing taru. Tonight, she’s bored out of her mind and start drawing, started off drawing random taru titties :x lolz

Anyway, below is the livestream. I hope it will be live when you watch it!

[Dead Link]

Oh btw, happy new year! Serious FFXI post coming up (Cuz I am playing a lot more now!)

So yea, the lineart was drawn by Rini, but then it was posted on Rini’s DeviantArt for other’s to color. A few took the challenge, including PoP. Since PoP recorded it (and I watched it live), here’s the EMBED of her artwork :D

Updated: Another version colored by PriestessOfPie =)

Lalafella in FFXIV ZOMG! Adorable!

Seasons Greetings!

Happy Holidays :) Got a little bit of time to drop a message! Just to let everyone know I’m still alive! In fact, I’m even playing FFXI! Just look at my big fat shopping list lol!

So regardless, I hope you’re Christmas is going good as well! Yes, Mai xmas card of course its… still in the making. I’ll call this Happy Belated Christmas Card lol! (Sadly, probably the last one before ffxi completely dies out or no one plays with FFXIV just around the corner)

Well did play a few games of Heroes of Newerth before going out for Turkey dinner! Anyway, may all your wishes come true!

Btw: The FFXIV Theme music is so good, been playing it almost all day! Check it out XD

Maiev by Otak – Drawn IRL, no tracing!

Returned!

So I was away for a full month. No I didn’t went to play Aion or WoW, or hell even FFXI, but I did use this time not only to finally go visit my parents, but to also meet a ton of Mai FFXI friends.

Meeting FFXI friends was perhaps the most exciting activity IMO in Mai life. You see, people you met in school were your friends because you guys hang out for so long. But you might be friends simply because they seem like a nice person, see them a lot so they became friends, hopefully some of them will have similar interest. However, I find that FFXI friends are different… because at the end of the day, we are all gamers, interested with gaming/FFXI, as well as enjoy playing video games to chillax at the end of the day! (I mean if you don’t play FFXI long enough, I would not have known you to begin with!).

People I’ve Met (Included ones on this trip)

I’ve met a ton of people. Every single one of them turned out very good and became close friends. Lets see…

• May, 2006 – Eeto
• July, 2006 – Cus, SohJai, SohMui, Hkshady
• Sept, 2006 – Bubian
• Aug, 2007 – Shamu
• Jan, 2008 – Arcrist
• Aug, 2008 – Aene, Draci, Cloudstah, Keiffa
• Jan, 2009 – Shaya, Farkee
• Oct, 2009 – Xariana, Tsunade, Chidorii, Eleira, Sibe, Otak

Pretty long list huh. These are all just self-organized gathering. None are FFXI-based gathering (eg. Fanfest). We were just that close.

I think for being a big nerd, you tend to just able to strike a conversation so easily. I never get bored. I use my laptop/screenshot to break the ice, and after that I’d be able to carry out a normal conversation with them! Anyway, so lets showtime of who I met in the past month!

NYC to meet more Fenrir people!

FFXI Gathering Round 5!

I’ve finally was able to meet Sibe, the latest leader of DuckHUNT. Yes, ever since I had RL stuff to deal with, I’ve gave the throne away. It’s almost a year and… wow I can’t believe how much more free time I had. Though I do miss playing, but I’m still quite burned out so lets keep regening (I do login casually though!).

So while being away, Sibe was the dude that kept the linkshell running, nice and shiny =) Though we might fight in-game, IRL its all cool. Though I hate meeting LS people in a way, they all try to get me drunk >.> I guess its time for revenge IRL.

I’ve also met Xariana, one of the bestest RDM in Omen LS (HNMLS of Fenrir). Though I might have second thought about Female players, after meeting a few, I… don’t as much anymore. There are pretty serious female players out there, though most don’t give a shit. But Xariana was definitely someone serious in that HNMLS. I really enjoy meeting people who I HNM with, people that I spent countless hours around the clock to achieve something in-game LOL. Too bad all we got was some digital data of 01000100101010101 LOL!

Then I’ve met Tsunade/Chidorii/Eleira. They were pretty damn cool people IRL. They also play WoW and DotA with me, real smart and competitive player. It was also fun to meet people who are similar in a way, loves to win and be competitive :D, who would take the extra step to research and stay on top of everyone! We already had Chain 300 within a week of ToAU release. Raping Mamool’s and Puk’s like nothing, and making a killing selling Imp. Gold Pieces for people and their LOL 5% HAT!

Good times, though I think they need to work on their RL Drinking Skills. I know Asian’s drinking skills is like E (Caps at 200), but still, need to exp them rofl! Lets continue.

I’ve also claimed Otak! (Wutz That?)

What we were hoping to see IRL!!

Though I must say I do connect with FFXI people quite nicely. I’ve never imagined that I’ve claimed a girlfriend within FFXI (especially how I don’t even play as much anymore or better yet – little to none). Believe it or not, I claimed Otak (a male taru LOL) who isn’t even on Mai server lol! Yes, I might have 1-2 person who I really liked, but Otak was a little different :D. Yes, I flew half way around the globe to /check Otak out, saw it being “Impossible to Gauge” as well as “Perfect Match” (Not even Even Match) so I went to /claim Otak. She plays on Quetzquotal.

One might ask… holy moly how do you even know each other? Well remember I enjoy/like art a lot? That’s how it all started, getting a commission from Otak. I didn’t know Otak was a girl IRL, until I started harassing Otak with so many commission changes. I also bought a FFXI fanbook from her, and yea all these connected the dot. I found Mai RL NM in Mai life!

Pic on right: A girl that plays a boy taru, and a boy that plays girl taru. I can see a boy as girl taru, but girl that plays a boy? Not taking advantage of being a girl in MMO? That’s rare! Creek F Clomps was 200k, but 2m for boys! Jeez girl taru ftw!

Despite all the talk and chat, one thing I can never be sure was.. if Otak’s Male Taru means Otak’s a dude or a girl IRL. I gave her a call, she was like “okay” in meeting up (after I’ve arrived in HK). Crossed Mai finger hoping Otak’s a real chick (she was probably thinking, this better be a guy and not a female). We met in one of the most public place on Earth. She said it was for ease of locating a FFXI person, but I think it’s for safety =P Thank god after we met, she didn’t say {English} {Go Away!} and she was a REAL GIRL OMG!

We met a few more times, if Lv1-50 is friendship, and Lv50+ is relationship, we went from Lv1-50 pretty quick. I then did my Limit Break quest with her IRL :D completed :D! and went on! I had a lucky Critical Strike :D I didn’t know how but my Lv 1 GF skills was able to beat Limit Break quest :D. Too bad Mai 1337 269 Parrying Skills wasn’t any use, pity.

Maiev and Otak IRL =) Recording our FFXI Duets

So yea, the rest of Mai trip was exping with Otak IRL. Like FFXI, Lv50+ isn’t easy. It does take a lot more Exp to gain 1 level. Its okay though, we enjoy “Impossible to Gauge” stuff! But at the very least, we work very well together :) It’s like one of those Exp party that you don’t want to disband. It’s what it feels like with Otak, you just don’t ever want to disband.

Maybe someday we’d release our “FFXI Duet”. We played a few songs (Recollection, Mhaura) and recorded it with a MAC! (Yes, recording with a Mac makes the song sound better!). Haven’t exp my Violin skills for 8 years, jeez I was glad it was even making proper sound. Well… Otak was great with her Piano skills, she kept it level. Whereas me… I deleveled my Violin skills after my Violin got stolen… since 8 years ago lol. The picture on the right is us in a Piano room doing our recording =)

Here, let me use the stamp too made by priestessofpie. Though she uses to express her love with her art, I guess I’m using to express my love :)

FFXI to RL Relationship

Throughout Mai FFXI career, I’ve always heard about relationship that started from MMORPG. Hell I’ve even heard linkshell memeber getting together in a relationship. Too bad TV shows always make it look like a weirdo, especially in the Chinese culture. Regardless, I’m in one, and I think it’s just perfectly fine. I can’t even imagine finding someone with so many similar in interest, if it wasn’t through FFXI.

I guess I need to update my LBR App now, I can even talk about FFXI and Relationship! Jeez… talking about being a nerd, I think I’m definitely up there. Though, I think those guys are too busy. Anyway!

FFXI been a real rewarding adventure; in-game and IRL. If I didn’t play this game, numerous things wouldn’t be the way it is now. However, even if I was able to repick my path, I’d pick to play FFXI. This game was a positive impact to Mai life, and I wouldn’t have picked it any other way.

PS: I’ve taken myself off TTTO, since its rather not too FFXI anymore. So just follow via RSS or Mai Twitter if you’re still interested =) Though I do plan to keep it somewhat gaming related, if not FFXI. (No, doesn’t mean Aion or WoW!)

Mai Limit Break Radio App!

Application to Limit Break Radio Podcast Guest?!

Haha I know, I was going to surprise everyone but seems like errr.. it didn’t go as well as I planned.

I applied to be a LBR guest speaker. (It all started with Tuufless). I mean sure, I listen to it at work (and I like all the ??? faces when they hear these geek talk from my coworkers). But never thought I’d do it, since I am quite shy to… strangers/alien. Let alone being recorded.

But see, part of the app is to

• Answer some question here. I ended up creating this LONG PDF!
• Leave a Voicemail for “Mic Testing” purpose >.>.

It took me almost 2 months to grow some balls and record a … “imo quite shitty” voicemail LOL. Recording a FFXI one is definitely much more weird than recording a work-related one, which I do everyday. I actually had numerous practice over vent, to correct some of the minor speaking problems like a lot of “um…’s” and a few swearing. Although I wasn’t the person they are looking for, but I did enjoy rehearsing with Calaera, Tsunade/Eleira and Xariana. (and also my LS too LOL).

Anyway, here’s Mai app for LBR, please enjoy =)

Distant Worlds:

FF Distant Worlds – Fisherman’s Horizon

I know :( my 2nd home is in Vancouver, but I just couldn’t time it right to stop by and watch it.

Anyway, Distant Worlds is a video game concert featuring various music from Nobuo Uematsu (well, one from each Final Fantasy series). I really wanted to watch it but… man, the timing is messed up.

I went to Play! A Video Game Symphony a few years back, and it was a blast. I bet the one with just pure Final Fantasy music is much more touchy and nice!

However, I am trying to assemble a group to see the one at Chicago – Dec 12 – 2009, Rosemont Theater. Dates kinda odd… just before Christmas. I’m trying to at least get Roranora and Xariana to go XD We’ll see as it gets closer!

You can read more about the concert here.

Project XI:

I’ve actually dick around a little bit with Project XI. See the thing about playing the real thing is, you can never really reverse-engineer and try fun things. In Project XI, nobody cares :D It is definitely nice to really see stuff in bird-eye view, since you have total control of your client. Your BCNM, isn’t really an instance :D but just 4 separated duplicated zone in 1 map. Kinda like Limbus. It isn’t like 4-5 floors, but different “islands”, all on different section of the map. The teleport makes it feel like its layered.

One zone that always cease to amaze me is.. Castle Vazhl. That castle is really a castle, and I do feel a sense of adventure everytime I climb, although I wish everything is True Sneak/Sight, so you’d really have to beat everything up on the way.

No SS though =P for obvious reasons.

Oh, here’s a Project XI dude killing Nidhogg LOL.

Well that sums up my “Offline” fun, browsing what to do that is related to XI, and trying to get involved with less playing :D

If you want to read more about Offline XI / Project XI, feel free to visit them here.

Okay, too tired! Time to sleep! Hope you enjoy Mai app for LBR. (If you missed the link above)

LOL! It’s pretty good huh! Now here’s more XD! If you can’t laugh, you are either an alien or a weirdo! LOL XD

*Thanks Priestessofpie for the link*

and one last animation XD

Galka with the dance agility just made me *crackles* rofl D:

Aion’s METALLIC Game Box!

What?!

When I told people FFXI was my last MMO, I really mean it… “at that moment”. However, as more MMO came out, I was more than tempted to try. I went to try WoW, ended up taking it to Lv80, gank in Ulduar (I stopped after Ulduar, so no idea about Trial of the Crusader), but Aion’s buzz got me into just buying the game and really give it peek.

I went to EB, pay an extra 10 dollar versus online for an actual pretty-nice metal case of the game :) I really liked the case, not some paper-based boxes. I’m sure everything inside cost more than 10 bucks, so yea, I think the extra 10 was worth it.

Regarding collector’s edition, I’m not really sure if you want to RMT a flapping wing. That’s what you get :D A pair of wings, which you’ll get anyway when you’re Lv10.

Aion’s Character Selection!

First Impression

Installing, and looking at the art was quite amazing. I was pretty pleased with a 500MB update after the DVD installation, which took roughly 40min. I’m glad they download it as one package (not like FFXI, separate file) via BT, extract and install those file individually. I haven’t had time to look at the file system, but I did see individual file installed, not sure if its packed up like MPQ system in WoW, or a modular system like FFXI.

The account creation was nice. They used something similar to WoW system. Web-based registration, then in-game based login. There is also a NCSoft Launcher, which is optional to run. It’s kinda like the WoW launcher, serving you information. However, I see it as promoting their other games too =) Anyawy! So far so good!

Gameplay Experience

Now it really depends on where you’re coming from. For a ton of people who got tired of FFXI, and move directly from FFXI to Aion (such as Sumny, Jowah), they are really excited about a real UI comparing to FFXI (at least it seems like it), the amazing graphics, and just about anything in Aion. There is just one thing I can see, everything is completely new to them. An Abyss to PvP, flying in-game, personalization of your toon, class customization, customization of Action Bars, hell even the powerful macro system.

Now I’ll tell you mines!

Aion’s Character Creation!

I installed, and without even reading the Manual, I launched the game. WoW-style login screen, log right into char creation, then it loads Aion. Character creation is worthwhile to go over though!

Before you read on, play this! Aion’s Character Creation music!

You started with a preset. Now, there are a ton of choices. You have roughly 30 preset hairstyle, after you’ve picked, you can adjust a TON of parameters.

Now that you’re done with your face, you will be zoom-ed out and can customize your body. I did try to configure a… Lalafella, but you can’t do a fat waist :( with a skinny body top. But you can create some of the nicest character. If you spend enough time, I’m pretty sure you can even resemble yourself, if not it should be pretty close.

I had a lot of fun with the Character creation, which is what lot of people like anyway :D It’s really, nothing like F5B Taru customization. LOL :D Okay, time to run the game.

Aion’s graphics was shit to begin with, I thought it was my system. Well no, it doesn’t pre-configure your system or auto-detect. Adjust everything to high with a 3GHz HT (single core) with a 256MB X800, raid 0 raptors and 2GB DDR RAM, I manage to be able to play it on a 1920×1200 24″ screen with slight lag. Now common, coming from FFXI, I’m pretty sure Lag is Okay…! We used to have 30fps or less, so 35 in Aion was totally acceptable (but a lot of people won’t accept it!).

Pretty [awesome] [newbie tutorial], although I don’t read it at all. Oh its voice narrated and animated.

Oh, here’s your equipment and inventory box in Aion. AND RMT MESSAGE! LOL (This was taken from initial release date).

Aion’s Questing NPC!

I see a little arrow on a person, figure its an NPC from my WoW experience. Went to talk. Of course, real-human narrated voice saying “Good Morning” :D clicking through it, please slain some mobs. Usual habit of WoW, I like to browse around and of course it has to close the quest box. I wasn’t moving my XYZ, just moving camera (which again, same as WoW, right click hold to move around) and it disengage my NPC talk. That was terribly annoying but I’m sure they will patch it.

I walk towards a mob with WASD, pretty standard. See my action bar spell labeled with 1 2 3 4 5, figured its like WoW, press to cast. Target it with a MOUSE (ZOMG!) and press. Oww it fires. I started as a Mage. So you get.

1. Attack/Bitch Slap with a Book (Mage = Scholar look in XI)
2. Fire Ball
3. Bind/Root
4. Loot All
5. Forgot/Useless

On your “Action Bar”. Of course you’d figure it out later that maybe u should Fire first then Bind, part of a learning curve of course. You see that there is no global cooldown for all actions so if u want, you can blast and bind. (Or Keyboard smash).

Mob dies in 2 blast, cool! Right click for loot, instinct and of course, it worked. Pretty familiar to WoW, you get a loot box, with a “Loot All” button. Exp/Messages appear on bottom left saying how much Exp you got. Of course, you also get RMT tells.

Mini maps are similar to WoW, you can distinguish NPC from PC, and you can adjust your map to rotate with you, or static location. You kill a few mobs, drink for HP regen. You get the idea. It’s the same quest and kill system in WoW.

A Larger Town in Aion!

Quest givers leads to you other larger town, where you can make purchases and buy stuff (Which, from a FFXI person, much more easier to follow/play). Not too surprisingly, even the item are categorized. Greyed out item are worthless (usually with no description), and can NPC. So you wouldn’t do the same thing in FFXI, where I started off NPCing stacks of Silk Thread (lol) for gil. You would already get “Inscriptions” type stuff in Aion, call Gem and Socket. You can enhance a piece of your equipment conveniently by using the “Gem” onto a piece of your equipment.

I walked by a plant, right click and next thing is… you are a Herbalist. Again, same stuff as WoW. But again, with the pretty graphics :D.

I kept on doing quest for a bit, and I realize… man, this is “just like another MMO”. Difference is, this is WoW v2.0, with BETTER graphics and of course, with a new Toon.

Aion’s Mage Trainer!

Where you coming from Matters.

Depending on which game you play before this, you would get a totally different perspective of Aion.

• If you were a bored FFXI or a quit FFXI long time ago, haven’t play WoW, you would find Aion very new, interesting.
• If you were bored from FFXI, play WoW inbetween and now hoping to Aion, you would find it not too interesting, since it’s exactly WoW, but with a new theme/skin. It would be “just another MMORPG”. Might not necessary like it, but might not necessary hate it.
• If you were a new MMO player and started Aion, you would find it very new, interesting.
• If you play WoW, got bored and go into Aion, you would also find it not too interesting, despite a new skin/theme. You’d still play it though simply because.. WoW’s so watered down from the recent badge changes, so many old-content was burned by the Trial of the Crusader. Though I like Exping in Battleground.

Sorry, no swimming in Aion!

Now lets look deeper into Aion.

Aion.. you can’t swim =P You lose health in water. There is no swim motion like the ones in WoW. You actually run in water :D lol. It looks pretty funny but basically swim don’t exist.

At Lv9/10, you get your Ascension quest, to get your Wings. Well no, you can’t fly anywhere. Obviously you have restricted airspace as well, so you will be gliding. But air is one of the big things in Aion, and there will be Aerial combat. It is definitely something new.

Class specification is kinda like, merits. You can’t really be good in just about everything. You got to pick between being a half ass/hybrid by putting talent/merit points in just about every category, or focusing your talent points in one category, which they refer to class specification.

You’d start to discover the TP system in Aion (and of course, its not call TP). Same as FFXI but this one is… there is no zone =P So you can keep your TP to execute some WS. (Got to make this clear, I was told by Istari, who is actually playing Aion)

Learning new spells is just like WoW and FFXI, you buy a scroll and read it. Of course, there are spells you gain from class specification (hence, you can’t buy).

Of course while you fight/auto attack, you get very sparky and shadowy graphics. Every swing is so epic, it feels like a Relic. Graphics in this game is simply amazing, but if you’re coming from WoW, it’d just be a graphics upgrade.

The Stronghold in Abyss – Aion Online!

The Abyss

Now without being at Lv20/25 (forgot exact number), I wouldn’t be able to really experience the Abyss, perhaps the most interesting part of Aion (well, depends on how you look at it!). If you come from FFXI, this would be mind blowing! As a WoW player, not really. We got that long ago with the Vehicle system. You hop into a F18, you are now a figher pilot (just an example). Aion is wings built-in :D

Yes, PvP while you level. While some like it, some hate it since they can never get anything done. But to compensate for that type of inconvenience, the monster inside the Abyss slight give more experience points!

The designer Aion created “Fortress“, similar to Besiege in FFXI, but with the PvP. You can raid a fortress once every few hours, but by gaining control, you get access to specific PvE dungeons (eg. gain access to Dragon’s Aery), lower taxes, teleportaion. Basically, life easier with it. Therefore, every few hours, there will be a gank feast.

Imagine you and your guildmates gather up, and wanted to goto Dragon’s Aery. Oh shit the other faction have control. Now either you sit there do nothing hoping it goes back to your side (which it might not), or PvP for the access to go into the dungeon. There goes a night. Also, some factions tend to have all the shitty players. If the other faction can never win, you can never enter Dragon’s Aery, which is equally annoying to not getting claim for a week.

You can read more about Abyss here. (Yea, Abyss is like 80% of Aion)

Final Word

Aion’s Talent Point System!

I try to be as non-bias as possible, but I am bias in a certain aspect. However, this is not a review, but simply what I feel like about Aion on Mai blog. I do have to say, my mindset was already set to “not play Aion”, not because its a shitty game, but because I just got to EXP in Real-Life instead. It’s a great game, but I’m using this break between FFXi and FFXIV to get some real life accomplishment.

Shitty graphics might play a role, but I am a very game-play person. I play DotA because the gameplay is fun (shitty graphics). Same goes for FFXI and WoW. Fun goes down when it starts to be repetitive.

But I do have to say, a lot of Asian-based MMO are all grind feast. It’s the same leveling/grinding system that you seen in any other MMO. Me being tired of grinding, I naturally already dislike Aion. However, I do believe a lot of people out there don’t mind it. It gives them time to learn about the game, as well as a way to burn time.

However, I do see it that if you are coming from WoW, you would find it very repetitive. If you hate repetitive and grinding, then I truly think Aion isn’t worth your 50 bucks to even try. Coming from XI, you’d find it interesting. Everything considered, I still enjoy FFXI. I just wish it had better graphics lol.

Anyway, I know I haven’t covered many other game mechanics. Feel free to drop what you feel about Aion in comment. Everyone will have a different perspective, and the above writing is simply my perspective of Aion. :)

<br/><a href="http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-US&amp;vid=6f31eb66-4360-439a-ad62-f2bdf28f550e" target="_new" title="Season 3 - Episode 1: Expansion Time">Video: Season 3 &#8211; Episode 1: Expansion Time</a>

Oh jeez, Felicia Day is back with more entertainment. Although this doesn’t really apply to FFXI, a lineup for expansion but… still LOL. That guild leader is quite awesome :D I need to be him!

You can find Season 3, EP 2-4 of WatchTheGuild here :)

EP 4 is just hilarious rofl :O

Then you have crazy people stomping in like Omen rofl! (kidding)! But yea, don’t miss out and watch it :D

Gag reel can be found here.

Scholar (SCH) in FFXI by LovelyDagger!

Best Invention since Sliced Bread

When you have a bunch of people over AIM asking if I know about the latest AV trick, you know something’s finally hit the general public. Yes, with no doubt, its on BG. Similar to Salvage dupe, that’s when shit gets patched / banned. Well not sure about a ban for this one, since this is more like a design flaw than an exploit. (Of course, beating AV in any other way other than SE method is really…consider an exploit, hence patch and ban). In case you want to read more about Helix, it’s here.

*Which explains why I’ve manage to see a few SCH friend sold their A/C for a good price =P*

Continue, just plugging a friend’s INT, AV’s INT over on this website, you do have to have pretty decked out gear to achieve a 200/tick Helix. Well, the safer way is just stack up MAB INT etc, sub BLM and just E-Seal it. Afterall, you only need 1 Helix.

With randomness of 45-90sec, things considered, even if all your SCH pulled off perfect MV’s, you’re still looking at around 84% to really win, since the other 16% is because it ticked at the wrong spot (for the Base Helix of 45, 60 and 75 if random-ed). I assume 45 60 75 and 90 are 25% all randomly picked, combining with Kaeko’s Data having the 10th tick either on the 8th or 9th SCH, you’d come up with 84%.

Note: The video below is with UFO, which cannot really test it the 8th or 9th MV kicked in. It does show at least the idea works.

FYI: 1 SCH do a super Helix, INT buff MAB etc all that jazz, the rest of the SCH just use MV, with MV maxed of cuz =P so you can make this possible.

Well for more details, I’d go into Kaeko’s article. Kaeko takes this to the micro scale. Note that Kaeko’s math assumes all your MV’s are merited, hence the duration penalty of cutting 50% spell duration are now 25%, making 45sec -> 34sec (and not 22.5, then 11, then 5.5, 2.75 etc..) still humanly possible.

The idea of doubling MV etc isn’t new (On Wiki since Dec 2007), but merits made it possible since it decreases the duration penalty of doubling Helix from 50% to 25% (MV Duration Penalty).

I mean afterall, the server probably receives all the data at the same time, its now up to the algorithm to determine if the ticks and the…MV matches. This is way beyond what a player can do, and is now a server thing. Good thing is it doesn’t require 2hr, so just rest 10min, try Helix and MV again :D You give it enough try, one of them is going to have all 9 MV on at the same time, as well as ticking at the right spot.

Also, like Kaeko said, it looks easy on paper, but then practical is all different. It depends what the server random/interpret the data. Remember, time reduces by 25% for each MV used, making it 25% harder on each tick to really kick in at the right time, factor in all game mechanics, timing, network delays, and how server interpret your data.

Regardless, good for a read =) I hope you all execute this, get some nice item and not get banned in the process. Knowing SE, its randomness is just as good as Helix random lol.

Maiev trying out Aion!

Aion OST/Original Sound Track

Other post will follow up, but thought I’d like to share a link to the original sound track of Aion – Tower of Eternity’s Sound Track.

It is beautiful :)

You don’t have to like Aion to like the Sound Track. =)

Here’s the link to the download (RS).

Here’s a few that I really like :)

Aion – Main Theme (Login, similar to FFXI’s Vana’diel March)

Aion – Kingdom of Light (Character Creation Music)

Aion – Forgotten Sorrow (Similar to Distant Worlds in FFXI, Vocalized)

Lyrics of Forgotten Sorrow in English:

Don’t cry for me, how easy love has gone.
Try to see, how deep my despair is.
Come winds of fate and time, take all my tearful memories.

Call out to thee, sing your name in sweet harmony,
but only the echoes fade away.

Crying breeze to thee every moment with chiming wind,
where has the silent tears.

Don’t sigh for me, your fate rings false to me,
Try to see the shards of history.
Darkness fills my heart and I’m, laughing loud on all that’s passed us by.

Call out to thee, sing your name in sweet harmony,
the wind blows endlessly.

*Chorus*
Roaming around whirly world, rough breath in dark,
cruel blades and tears in sorrowful days.

Burning away hollow hopes, wrong pray for God,
where have the angels so gone so I need,
weep myself out gently, in a blight.

*Repeat Chorus

Please come to me, come dusk the past will flee,
try to see the new dawn what brings hope faintly.

I hope you enjoy the Aion OST :) (Oh yea, you don’t have to play Aion >.> to listen to music lol)

Please enjoy XD

Source: Jowah/FFXIAH =)

And yea if you heard rumors that I’ve been playing XI, I did :D just no time to post, so stay tuned XD!

I’ve also found pictures (from PFA) of colored tarutaru figurine, that could potentially be in SE’s Merchandise :O Cool beans :D

I LOVE Shantotto XD Now I just wish they would allow me to use that name in XIV! (I doubt). Maybe something along that line :D

Moogle Shoes!

Damn….

I’m sleeping with my Kraken Club every night. I thought about it, if someone comes in trying to rob me, Ima wack that Club right into his head. I’d make it occasionally swing 8-8 times. I just love the Kclub prop.

While I’m still in love with Mai RL Kclub, I also want a LOL Taru Shoes. I’ve contacted the dude who makes these customized shoes, and he told me a few things.

1. A pair comes up to roughly $250 USD, doesn’t include shipping.
2. From start to finish, roughly 3 weeks!
3. The stuff is all hand-painted, not a sticker.
4. People actually wear these.
5. The materials used, according to his years of research. Will be durable, provided you don’t really try to ruin / scratch it off.

Though I’d like a pair of black sneakers, with a white Mandragora and possibly a little taru =P At a price of 250, it’s quite steep. However, a new pair of shoes is due… so maybe :O

Anyway, if you wanna make your own, or just wanna browse around, here’s the website. Here’s the original article on Kotaku.

FFXIV Fan Art Frontpage!

FFXIV FanArt & Curse Network

So for those that do or doesn’t know, I’ve been working on FFXIVBlog and FFXIVFanart, hence the lack of time to even write an entry anymore. It’s been quite busy in general, adding in Real Life – totally lack of time. Despite all this busy-bee stuff, I still got time to Twitter my gaming and even 2box a little FFXI with Jowah.

Anyway, while I was working on these projects, we got an email from… Curse.com asking for an alliance / joining up with Curse with FFXIV FanArt. Curse Network, which is a really big Windower-type website for WoW, provides people a place to download add-ons. Sponsored by Venture Capitalists, it was really temping but the result would probably be surrender control. But for all that, probably good monetary reward O.o

A good example is FF 14 Core’s website. They are on Curse network.

We thought about it, and in the end just said no. Although it was probably a pretty good opportunity, but we don’t think Curse was a good fit for us, nor we are a good fit for them. We are attracting the Artist community, or at least trying to build one and we really don’t see how Curse will even offer anything good or help from it. Plus, I like working with FFXIAH staff anyway :) They are really good help, especially how I’m a noob in web and stuff. I basically only know how to extract PHP =P Like other famous board admin anyway :D plus a little to get around lawl.

Anyway, so that’s it for now. I’ll post as I get more funnie stuff :D I twitter a lot now, takes no effort to blog and I can do it on a Crackberry. So feel free to follow Mai Twitter :D

I’m a big “The Guild” fan, and they recently made a somewhat.. a “MTV”? Damn… Felicia Day is so hawt >.>

Again, no you don’t need to play WoW to understand this video =)

Here are the lyrics for “Date my Avatar”

Do You Wanna Date My Avatar Lyrics

Hang with me in my MMO
So many places we can go
You’ll never see my actual face
Our love, our love will be in a virtual space

I’m craving to emote with you
So many animations I can do
Be anything you want me to be
Come on, come on, share a potion with me

CHORUS:
Do you wanna date my Avatar
She’s a star
And she’s hotter than reality by far
Wanna date my Avatar?

You can type commands
I’ve got slots for what I hold in my hands
Don’t care what’s in your character bank
How ‘bout, How ‘bout a little tank and spank

Grab your mouse and stroke the keys
In cyberspace there’s no disease
Pick a time, send a tell to me
Just pay, just pay a small subscription fee

CHORUS

Single white human,
Looking for group
My stats so high
Don’t be out of the loop

Got an uber-leet staff
That you can equip
Close your mouths ladies
This is pure nerd-nip

I’m a pixel-based fantasy
A man who is stoic
I hack and slash
Who the heck’s more heroic?

Check me out:
Cloth armor
Fits me like a glove
Just twitta a time
And I’m ready for love

Hang with me in my MMO
So many places we can go
I’m better than a real world quest
You’ll touch, my plus 5 to dexterity vest

What role do you wanna play
I’m just a click away night or day
And if you think I’m not the one
Log off, Log off and we’ll be done

For those that haven’t or even herad of “The Guild”, its a comedy show made by WoW players, who used to be an addict but now obviously, got popular and now a superstar. Their show is really amazing :D It is mind blowing, the stuff they show haha. MMORPG experience to the extreme! Anyway, hope you enjoy the above music video :D

Quickie

Hands tied up with XIV stuff, but I’m still here :D I’ll be back with juicey stuff :D For now, enjoy the MTV :D

Oh yea, I found these on BG! MMORPG Subscription Chart now with Aion. The 200k – 1m Subscription MMORPG, the 1m-12m Subscription MMORPG. Very interesting ‘~”.

Customizing Mai Future Lalafella, now with Rainbow Highlights!

No, not the in-game one :D but the one that people provide in PSD. Obviously there were some really bored people and started doing crazy things with the “few” shots that’s provided by Square-Enix. My favorite one gotta be the rainbow highlights. Then you have chocolate Miqo’te. Anyway before I scare the hell out of everyone, you can read the rest and get the PSD from FFXIVBlog. (And yes, I write those entries too!)

FFXIV Blog

Going slow, working with the FFXIAH team, we have quite a “plan” for that blog, but for now just blogging the way I usually do it – randomly linking and posting funny stuff. Not really an “official website” reporter type of stuff. But writing two blogs are kinda hard :D, especially how each blog takes some time to make it pretty / formatting stuff. I’ll be posting here and there.

FFXI Updates?

Hehe yea, somehow got it running offline with no NPC, I’m like bumming around understanding the mechanics behind the game more. Well of course no mobs either, so level 1 taru is ok!