Recently, I was given a tour of the new content package for Final Fantasy XI: A Shantotto Ascension: The Legend Torn, Her Empire Born. Besides having the world's longest title, this content update for Square Enix's aging MMO brings with it a slew of new items, missions and gameplay changes. The update focuses around Shantotto, an NPC of prominence within FFXI's ongoing story, her accidental summoning of an evil portal, and her malevolent rise to power. She lies in wait at the bottom of a new dungeon for top-level players to challenge her.
Three classes were tweaked in the update. The Summoner gained a skill called "Avatar's Favor" which, depending on the summon, gives a passive buffs to all party members in range. The longer a summoned pet is out, the stronger the buff gets, putting a larger emphasis on the importance of the pet itself. Beastmasters are now able to control their creatures through a new ability called "Ready" which allows their pets to use a creature-specific special move. The cactuar, for example, uses Thousand Needles. Lastly, Rangers can now manage their threat more easily using camouflage, and can even use special abilities while camouflaged.
For players who purchased all three of the smaller content expansions, a unique item called the nexus cape becomes available to them. The cape allows the player wearing it to instantly teleport to their party-leader's location, greatly shortening the amount of time it takes to grab a group and go hunting.
Other additions include new enemies to hunt, lots of new craftable gear for higher level players, and a player-controlled wedding system (as opposed to GM-managed), where you can purchase decorations and include personalized messages and well-wishes.
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Three classes were tweaked in the update. The Summoner gained a skill called "Avatar's Favor" which, depending on the summon, gives a passive buffs to all party members in range. The longer a summoned pet is out, the stronger the buff gets, putting a larger emphasis on the importance of the pet itself. Beastmasters are now able to control their creatures through a new ability called "Ready" which allows their pets to use a creature-specific special move. The cactuar, for example, uses Thousand Needles. Lastly, Rangers can now manage their threat more easily using camouflage, and can even use special abilities while camouflaged.
For players who purchased all three of the smaller content expansions, a unique item called the nexus cape becomes available to them. The cape allows the player wearing it to instantly teleport to their party-leader's location, greatly shortening the amount of time it takes to grab a group and go hunting.
Other additions include new enemies to hunt, lots of new craftable gear for higher level players, and a player-controlled wedding system (as opposed to GM-managed), where you can purchase decorations and include personalized messages and well-wishes.
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