Translated from some JP article. Supposedly SE released offical word on confirmation that the new job is infact Blue Mage, and revealed that their primary weapon of choice will be "Curved Blades" (ie: Scimitars, think pirates) and some more stuff.
Note: There are slightly even higher res versions of these images around the net now, but for some reason the ones I had refuse to link on here, and I don't have time to fix it atm.
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Introducing Square Enix's "FFXI: The Treasures of Aht Urhgan."
Additions: A hybrid job, "Blue Mage," and brand new areas.
Square Enix CO., Ltd have revealed the following information regarding the third expansion disc for "Final Fantasy XI," titled, "The Treasures of Aht Urhgan," (henceforth referred to as ToA.) Information regarding the release date and price of said expansion is yet unknown.
ToA was recently revealed at the 2005 Tokyo Game Show in a very electrifying and almost guerilla like manner, so it is my wish with this article to reintroduce the original info revealed to TGS attendants, to the average gamer. While the core of the article will feature the information revealed at the 2005 TGS, I will be also be interspersing such with observations and conjectures from this FFXI player's perspective.
An image of a Blue Mage in Artifact Armour and veil. In the past, Light Armours such as Harnesses and Jerkins tend to be more equip able than other gear.
Try as they may, players cannot resist new content. I can only hope that the fervour for the new expansion matches that of the previous additions.
Unveiling a possible middle line of defensive/offensive job, Blue Mage.
Since its unveiling at the 2005 TGS, the Blue Mage job has received quite a bit of buzz amidst the player community. "Blue Mage" is a famous FF job most notable for its ability to learn a monster's spell or ability, and use such for itself. In previous games, after the Blue Mage uses its "Learning" ability, it is then able to use the gained ability in exchange for MP. One could say that this is an ability wholly unique from any other job.
From the information release, it is clear that the Blue Mage is a hybrid job that is not a complete support job, but competent up close as a melee as well. In this sense, the Blue Mage's magical and combat skills may be compared to those of a Red Mage's, giving the Blue Mage a "centered" position in a party. The Blue Mage's weapon of choice is the
"Curved Blade," which would be similar to the existing "Scimitar," or "Harper." This may give the Blue Mage a Thief like capability in melee form.
Let us now explore the background story of the Blue Mage. According to description, "It is a legendary Magical Swordsman from the Neareastern Kingdom of Aht Urhgan." From this, one may infer that the quest to unlock Blue Mage may resemble that of the Ninja or Samurai one from Norg, and take place in the new areas revealed in ToA. Most likely immediately after release, it will be a most coveted job complete with long lines reminiscent of the first few days following the release of the Samurai job or Fellows. One hopes that with this release new measures will be released to avoid the reoccurrence of such problem.
Since the Blue Mage was introduced at the 2005 TGS, and seeing the players' reactions to such an addition, this writer strongly believes that adding a new job to FFXI is a much needed jolt, some might say, healing camphor, for the game. The main thrust of the previous expansion, "The Chains of Promathia," was a hard core player, mission driven disc lacking a job addition. For this reason, many of the more casual gamers began to ask, "Where is FFXI going?" However, since news of the Blue Mage has spread, there seems to be an upturn in the outlook of many players, and more positive outlook regarding the future of the game. I hope with all my heart that when the Blue Mage is finally revealed, it will live up to all our expectations.
The biggest draw of the Blue Mage is its ability to take the abilities of monsters and make it their own. It is quite exciting to think about all the new combat possibilities incorporating such tactics. The ability displayed in the picture above seems to be, "Spider Web." I wonder if skills such as this can be transferred between areas?
"The Treasures of Aht Urghan," will primary take place in the new areas of the "Near East."
One of the first images that caught this writer's eye when ToA was unveiled to the masses, was of the gloomy new area, reminiscent of the "Boyahda Tree." What seemed at first glance to be a large tree line, upon closer inspection turns out to be a part of a building covered largely with odd looking moss and overgrowth.
As the area is enveloped in mist, and it is hard to see too far into the distance, one can make out some stone pillars standing close together. Where what seems to be large fern handing down from above, you can somewhat make out an indoor area.
The next image I'd like to introduce to you is an outdoor scene that reminds us of Japan during the fall. Throughout the area, the oranges, reds and browns of the Fall adorn the maple trees in a cheery Autumn themed area. While the details surrounding the "Near East" nation of Aht Urghan have yet to be uncovered, one can feel a very Middle Eastern, or Indian--a very Oriental influence—in the scenery.
Finally, allow me to speak on the two boat themed areas below. One image is a view of the coast line and what seems to be the harbour city of Aht Urghan. The continent where Aht Urghan rests is to the East, and taking into consideration the look of the boat pictured, there is a high possibility that an new route from, "Mhaura," will be added. Now, some of us may think of the Mana Clipper from "Bibiki Bay," and its many routes and long wait, but we can only hope that they will adjust for a shorter travel duration.
In the next image, we see what can only be a very creepy looking Ship Grave Yard. One can see the wreckage of a ship in the background, and also some ships that trudging forth. Perhaps this ship will interact with the player in a unwelcome manner? The different design of the boat makes us wonder if it is from a nation outside of Aht Urghan.
As at this time, only 9 total images have been provided to us by Square Enix, this article has become quite dominated by conjecture, and I hope you forgive me for such. As an aside, for those FFXI players who have gone a little further in their Promathian Missions, you may be pondering if there are any relationships between the "Near Eastern"? kingdom of "Aht Urghan," and Tenzen who hails from the "East." FFXI has until now thrown in quite a few obscure references to their expansions in the past, so I myself would not be surprised if some sort of correlation were to exist. But just as you, I can only wonder how they will all tie such all together when ToA is finaly released.
In the far off distance, one can see a cityscape. Will the adventures of Aht Urghan all begin from this giant Port City?
It is hard to see, but one can confirm that the above ship displays cannons, giving us a sense that the military power of Aht Urghan is not something to take lightly.
(C)2002-2005 SQUARE ENIX CO.,LTD. All Rights Reserved.
(2005/9/30)
