FFXIV is perhaps one of many greatest and greatest MMORPGs going, nevertheless it’s solely pretty lately managed to draw its viewers to the PvP area with the addition of Crystalline Battle. As FFXIV celebrates the ten-year anniversary of its rebirth and prepares to sail in the direction of a brand new journey with the FFXIV Dawntrail launch date subsequent yr, PCGamesN asks Sq. Enix’s FFXIV battle system designer Hikaru Tamaki what makes the mode so particular, and what he loves most about it.
Last Fantasy 14 has risen to heights past something anticipated after its preliminary, failed launch again in 2010, with its reworked A Realm Reborn and the award-winning expansions that adopted propelling it to the very peak of the style, however Sq. Enix has lengthy struggled to discover a footing within the PvP facet of issues – till the arrival of Crystalline Battle, that’s, which launched with the Endwalker enlargement’s patch 6.1 in April 2022.
I ask Tamaki why he thinks the mode is nice for gamers to leap into, even those that won’t be acquainted with FFXIV PvP. He notes that the benefit of leaping right into a sport with out excessive dedication makes it simpler to check out than different modes. “The time per match is brief in Crystalline Battle, permitting for fast-paced play whether or not you win or lose, and rewards for participation embody EXP on your job and Sequence EXP for unique rewards.” There’s additionally the choice to play informal matches, the place there’s no threat of dropping right down to a decrease tier in case you lose. “So I’d love for gamers to take it straightforward and benefit from the content material,” Tamaki provides.
One other key characteristic in Crystalline Battle’s favor is its visible readability. Through the years, FFXIV has gotten more and more higher about placing a steadiness between handsome results and ensuring gamers can clearly inform what’s happening. This turns into particularly vital for larger mechanics, such because the eruptions within the Volcanic Coronary heart map – one thing Takami says he’s relatively keen on.
“I believe we succeeded in making it visually interesting and flashy, whereas incorporating the bomb monster, which is fashionable all through the mainline Last Fantasy franchise,” he explains. “As with different mechanics, we’re aware of creating positive that even novices and people who get pleasure from spectating can inform that one thing nice is taking part in out in entrance of them.”
Map-specific tips and mechanics are a giant a part of the enchantment of the varied Crystalline Battle maps, making every stand out from the others. I ask Tamaki which is his favourite, and he tells me, “As a mechanic, it’s easy, however the dash lanes are my favourite. Merely shifting sooner will be exhilarating, and it may also be used strategically, comparable to chasing after or operating away from enemies.”
“From a extra developer’s perspective,” he provides, “the dash lane can also be a helpful mechanic in that it may be included as a conduit of kinds between factors which might be barely separated from one another, whatever the map’s traits, and it permits battles to happen at numerous factors over a big space of the map.”
As for what we will count on for the way forward for the mode, Tamaki says, “Personally, I’m on the lookout for a little bit extra expandability for jobs managed by the participant.” Whereas he notes that new maps and enhancements to the techniques and UI will proceed to roll out, the latest of that are as a result of arrive with FFXIV patch 6.5, he thinks that “if we will make some enhancements to the precise characters and actions gamers can function, they are going to be capable of admire a sensation of ‘change’ as they play the content material.”
So which jobs does Tamaki desire to play within the mode? “Partially as a result of I’m initially a fan of healers anyway however my favourite can be Astrologian with its notably excessive therapeutic efficiency,” he responds. “Relying on how the actions are used, it could make a major contribution on the offensive facet, and I like the truth that there are a lot of choices obtainable. My reply is darkish knight for tanks, and for DPS, I typically play ninja and dancer!”
As for which jobs he’d suggest to new Crystalline Battle gamers, he notes that “it’s greatest to play what you truly really feel comfy with,” however suggests gamers think about beginning out on tanks or utilizing ranged jobs that is perhaps a bit extra survivable, as newcomers to the mode gained’t be used to PvP-specific actions.
“I believe the primary barrier for newcomers can be PvP-specific actions comparable to Guard and Recuperate,” Tamaki says. “Dash and restrict breaks work on a special system from PvE as properly.” He recommends taking part in the larger-scale Frontline mode as a approach to become familiar with these, however notes that the staff is contemplating methods to introduce “a system for gamers to study concerning the features of such actions and the particular strategies for utilizing them.”
Additionally really helpful are the roles “that aren’t so tough to play, however with highly effective restrict breaks that make it straightforward for gamers to benefit from the sensation of creating an lively contribution to the staff.” Tamaki factors to the Warrior as a superb tank decide, but in addition means that “Dragoon from melee DPS, Machinist from bodily ranged DPS, Summoner from magical ranged DPS, and White Mage from healers are particularly really helpful!”
When you’ve dominated on the battlefields of Crystalline Battle, why not loosen up and work in your FFXIV Island Sanctuary with the assistance of our complete information? We’ve additionally picked out one of the best single-player MMOs in case you fancy extra video games as well-suited as FFXIV to taking part in by your self.
