I Make Things - Games

Final Fantasy XII

nospam@example.com (Latcarf) — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 16:21:52 -0400

Final Fantasy XII was released today! I picked up my collector's edition copy of the game and guide last night at midnight.

I've been waiting for this console version of my favorite game series for what feels like an eternity. There were so many delays getting it to the US market. I've had my copy pre-ordered (and fully paid for) since June!

Now that I'm moving on, I can finally close up shop on Final Fantasy XI; the first Final Fantasy masssive multiplayer online role-playing game. I admit it was fun but it just didn't have the in-depth storyline you find in the console games. It's that storyline and character development I love about the Final Fantasy series.

I'm closing up my Chronicles of Latcarf blog (a character blog for my Final Fantasy XI persona) also. While it's a bittersweet closure, I'm happy to think I don't have to work so hard to write about my exploits anymore. It was fun for a couple years but a character blog is alot of work and I'me certainly tired of it! I cancelled my FFXI account but I can still renew it in three months so I'll see how I feel about it January. It's tough to let so many hours of work just vanish.

For now, I'll be spending a little time each day getting to know the characters of Ivalice - the world of Final Fantasy XII. I hope it's a great escape!

FFXI DDoS Dilemma

nospam@example.com (Latcarf) — Wed, 27 Apr 2005 18:47:00 -0400

The Final Fantasy XI (and PlayOnline) Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are still going on and it is definitely making an impact on game-play.

Square-Enix made a somewhat stupid decision to do a major update during these attacks and many, many people suffered from timeout errors and failed updates. I couldn't update for over 24 hours and when I finally did, my plants were dead. Not being able to connect is a real problem in a persistent-world massive multiplayer online game (MMOG); especially one as high maintenance as FFXI.
Continue reading "FFXI DDoS Dilemma"

Final Fantasy XI Community Recommended Site

nospam@example.com (Latcarf) — Mon, 07 Mar 2005 03:55:00 -0400

I just happened to check the Final Fantasy XI Community Site and found the my Final Fantasy XI character blog: The Chronicles of Latcarf is noted as a "Final Fantasy XI Community Recommended Site".

I've worked hard to keep this "journal" of Latcarf's experiences in Vana'diel up to date with news of Latcarf's travels, accomplishments and experiences, and it is nice to see recoginition from the Final Fantasy XI Community for that work!

If you haven't checked it out yet, take a look at Final Fantasy XI and while you're there, check out the link for The Chronicles of Latcarf.

New FFXI Fishing System

nospam@example.com (Latcarf) — Thu, 03 Mar 2005 00:46:18 -0400

Final Fantasy XI issued a major update in late February that made some significant changes in one of my favorite areas - fishing! The new fishing system is done in the style of Dark Cloud 2, which is a good system.

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Final Fantasy Addiction

nospam@example.com (Latcarf) — Mon, 21 Feb 2005 02:28:57 -0400

It's official. I am addicted to Final Fantasy XI. I tried to put it down and play another game but it just didn't work. I played Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne for two months but I didn't cancel my FFXI subscription during that time. This weekend, I saw a little blurb about the "Chains of Promathia" on G4 TV and it started me thinking about FFXI again.

I went ahead and logged in. From that point on my weekend was shot. 12 hours over the course of two days and I am back chasing the dragon... What is with heroin... err... I mean, uh, Final Fantasy XI that makes it so damned addictive? It's no wonder video games are such a lucrative business. This stuff's worse than nicotine. I was able to quit smoking after 13 years. Wonder if it'll take me that long for Final Fantasy XI? That's a whopping $2020.00 :-$ they pull out of me at $12.95 a month. I'm in the wrong business.

Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

nospam@example.com (Latcarf) — Tue, 28 Dec 2004 02:37:34 -0400

RPGs are great. I've played all the Final Fantasy games from FFVI to present (FFXI). I am starting to get bored with FFXI (as detailed in another entry of mine) though and I have been looking for a reprieve for some time.

I generally only play one game at a time because I never really have much time to play so I have been looking for a "replacement" for FFXI. I thought I'd have to wait for FFXII in the spring of 2005 but surprisingly, I found something to hold me over; Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne

This is a really cool game. You play as a demon in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo (it starts out in Shinjuku - see Demon City Shinjuku. To power-up, you fight demons (or recruit them), get demonic parasites and ingest them. What is cooler than that? The soundtrack is also pretty cool.

So it sounds kinda simple right? Well, consider this: the "official" strategy guide (handbook) is 400 pages of mostly text (it's light on graphics). This is a complex (and turning out to be) engaging game. I am really enjoying it.

Check it out if you like the macabre (and the concept of death and rebirth).

Final Fantasy XI

nospam@example.com (Latcarf) — Sat, 27 Nov 2004 02:48:31 -0400

I've been playing Final Fantasy XI (online) for eight months now and even though really love Final Fantasy (I mean, I really love it, see The Chronicles of Latcarf) I am frankly getting a bit bored with it. I want to go pretty far in the game and I don't mind that I'm paying $12.95 a month for the privilege of doing so, but the game just goes soooo slowly. And I've got to admit, it is getting pretty monotonous lately. Leveling, gil making, crafting, etc, it is just always the same. Adding to the irritation, FFXI is plagued by the same things all MMORPGS suffer from: bots that throw off the economy and "luck of the draw" party forming.

I like Square-Enix and the Final Fantasy line is one of my favorite things around but I can't wait until Final Fantasy XII comes out so I have a good reason to stop playing FFXI! The good news is that Square-Enix is probably going to release FFXII in spring of 2005. That's not too long and it gives me some time to play out FFXI a little longer.

I am hoping that between now and then, I will get to see a few more suprises that will keep me going. I do love the scenery in FFXI and I hope to see more great ares soon too. Right now, I just feel like I'm going through the motions without actually enjoying it. I hope the feeling will pass.