FFXIV Beta Leaks?

So, I've been looking around the internet for more information about FFXIV, but there isn't a lot out there. Of course, that's a good sign as it means that not many people are breaking the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). One of the biggest offenders I've seen to date has been Order of the Blue Gartr. The violations haven't been from the forum moderators but from the community. The Mods have a policy of removing the screenshots and data when they locate it, but with the number of posts it's near impossible to do without the content being flagged by other members of the community. I've also read that this has been a very big problem on Slashdot as well.

While I don't advocate breaking the NDA during beta tests by any means, it's hard to resist trying to snag a hint at the latest scoop floating around the internet. I have successfully Beta tested three different times and not once did I break the NDA, but that doesn't mean I will immediately turn off my monitor and perform a reboot if I come across leaked information.

The majority of the stuff I've read has been really good. Many reports suggest that once you've played Final Fantasy XIV, Final Fantasy XI seems mundane. That's good news. FFXI has been a source of countless hours of enjoyment for me, so if this latest installment of the MMO series for Final Fantasy blows away all previous expectations... well, that will leave me being a very happy camper.

FFXI Level 20 Avatar Fight: Ramuh

For anyone interested, I originally obtained most of my avatars through the level 20 solo fights. While many players will recommend against doing this as it prohibits you from using the tuning forks for easy avatar battle travel later on, for some it is the only real option unless they want to level another job to Avatar fighting range first.

I am posting a video of this first fight for you to learn from. Sorry about the cheesy music, a friend of mine did the compilation for me back in 2006.

Taking a break from FFXI?

I haven't logged into FFXI for a few days and I haven't really missed it all that much. I was doing well with my Trial of the Magian axes, but I don't know. I guess it's been a rough week for me. I spent last night working on two of my computers and applying updates and whatnot. I just didn't feel compelled to log in.

This seems to happen from time to time when I start to question the time I spend playing online games. There seems to be so much involved in farming for in-game currency and items and consumables and the list just goes on. At times the process is fun, but other times it seems like more of a chore. To be honest, this isn't one of those times either since I just feel generally apathetic.

I am excited to see if I get in the PS3 version of the FFXIV beta. That would be pretty neat to try out. I am interested to see how well the PS3 integrates with a multi-platform MMO. I play FFXI on my 360 at times and it really isn't anything to brag about.

I'm thinking about starting up on my Master's again in May, which will take a lot of my time. I've also got another little one on the way so there's that as well. I just don't see myself devoting the time to take one or more jobs up to the new level caps. But I must admit, it is kind of nice seeing people all over again, that's definitely a plus in regard to the server consolidations. My auctions were going well too and I actually made decent profit selling bolts.

Who knows, maybe I'll give it a few days and see how I feel. I'm sort of planning on taking a few Microsoft cert tests soon and was toying with the idea of taking the first at the end of this month. If I can juggle studying with play time and spending time with the family, sure, why not?
:)