Final Fantasy: First Q&As Results

Tamrael asks: Is enemy skill usage (like Goblin Bomb) determined by a TP counter similar to what the player gets, or is it on a randomized timer?

-->Monsters also have a TP parameter, and their weapon skills can be used only when the TP meter is at or over 100%. The monster's weapon skills are dependent on the amount of HP and TP the monster has. There is a probability table in place as well.

Sulinski asks: Are there any plans to have an annual membership option with the possibility of a discount (say, $120/year)?

--> Currently, there are no plans for such an option. A monthly subscription using a valid Mastercard or Visa are the only available payment options.

MH Knights asks: Why is soloing not an option? I only have an hour to play on weeknights and it takes me that long just to get a group. I would like to go out and hunt by myself during this time. Unfortunately, it's not worth the risk to hunt solo at the moment, as I can only get 12 to 20 EXP per kill. Will this be changed in the future?

--> We understand that solo play is difficult, particularly for white mages, bards, and other jobs that rely heavily on party play. FINAL FANTASY XI is designed to encourage party play; that is why the design is party-oriented. However, we realize the big difference between soloing and partying. We have adjusted to numerous issues before, and will be giving the matter due consideration.

Zeron asks: Does moving around while attacking have any effect on attack accuracy?

--> Moving while attacking does not have any effect on your attack accuracy as long as you are within range.

Arawn asks: Are there any plans to increase the number of face options for each race?

--> There are no plans to do so at this time.

Journeyman asks: Do you have any plans to put a stop to the bot problem in FFXI?

-->We are constantly working to achieve an even playing field for all players within the game. The use of unattended macros is prohibited and can result in a player's account being banned. There are various ways we identify, investigate, and take action against such players.

Zeron asks: Are there any plans to raise the EXP per monster cap from 200?

-->FINAL FANTASY XI battles have a chain bonus system. By defeating one monster within a certain time period after defeating another, you can earn bonus experience points. The bonus points increase for every chain executed, and it is possible to reach up to 300 points in this manner.

There are currently no plans to further increase the maximum experience
points you receive from each battle.

DevinDragonFlame asks: Are there any plans to allow standalone patches --meaning that you can download the patch and save it to a CD, in case you ever need to reinstall the program and don?ft want to download the patch again?

-->We have been considering this issue since FINAL FANTASY XI went on sale. We concluded that the current method (downloading version updates via the PlayOnline Viewer) was not problematic.

Varin asks: What is the role of the summoning skill, and how does it affect avatars? Are the stats (STR, DEX, ATK, etc.) of avatars based on the stats of their master?

--> The summoning skill affects the chance of interruption when a spell is being cast, as well as the casting time of summoned spirits (i.e. Earth Spirit, Water Spirit etc). Also, an avatar's status is dependent upon its summoner's level.