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Ballista Revolution
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-11-18 10:18:20
Saraphy/Bersker's video library continued part 15:
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-11-18 10:21:35
Saraphy/Bersker's video library continued part 16:
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-11-18 10:22:23
Saraphy/Bersker's video library continued part 17:
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-11-18 10:23:15
Saraphy/Bersker's video library continued part 18:
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-11-18 10:24:02
Saraphy/Bersker's video library continued part 19:
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-11-18 10:24:49
Saraphy/Bersker's video library continued part 20:
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-11-18 10:25:37
Saraphy/Bersker's video library continued part 21:
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-11-18 10:26:23
Saraphy/Bersker's video library continued part 22:
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-11-18 10:27:20
Saraphy/Bersker's video library continued part 23:
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-11-18 10:28:07
Saraphy/Bersker's video library continued part 24:
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-11-18 10:28:52
Saraphy/Bersker's video library continued part 25:
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-11-18 10:29:17
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-11-18 10:30:04
Why Ballista?
Why Ballista?
—Written by Evviva
Disclaimer: I realize that this may not apply to everyone, as FFXI has many things to offer.
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Many would wonder, “Why would a FFXI player even consider PvP style gameplay in an MMORPG designed to sustain interest via an intricate reward system? This entry will be taking a closer look at the true reason behind the most well endowed mystery this game has to offer. I had a lot of fun writing this post; likewise, my wish is for you, as the reader, to have fun with it, as well, and hopefully be able to relate to it.
1. Rewards
Rewards in an MMORPG equate to a promise, a promise that at the end of the day, your gameplay will be rewarded with a tangible item, perhaps some sort of intricate evolution of your avatar or your chosen path in a quest to unfold closer to fruition. As a business model, MMORPG culture is riddled with dopamine at every turn. These vast complex worlds put the user in a state of true fantasy, bringing closer those dreams of grandeur and accomplishments. The trance induced is one of great power. With that said, rewards in FFXI play an important role.
Let’s step away from the obvious rewards for a moment, and focus on the non-tangible. Remember when you still believed in Santa? (Santa is real. Don’t tell me otherwise; I know where you live.) Getting your hands on the presents with your god-damn name on it and actually opening them, you know, as in opening them with a force that only He-man and Aquaman would know. That feeling of bliss overcomes your entire being after laying eyes on this magnificent present, but let’s step out of the body and mind of a 10 year old for a moment. Let’s focus on the pare… Santa for a moment. Does this valiant warrior receive the gifts earlier mentioned? I’d wager to say ‘yes’, but in a non-tangible format. There is no present that he can touch, but he can see and feel the positive energy sparking around them.
This example would be considered the perfect relationship between game developers and players, but in the real world, Santa charges for every gift he bestows, even those glorious socks you had your eyes on all year. Oh boy!
The way that the aforementioned relates to FFXI -and- Ballista needs to be broken down further in order to be understood.
1a. FFXI Rewards
Incredible variety, gil, experience points, merit points, shinies, quest/mission completion, storyline advancement, social interaction, reputation, challenge (sometimes), scenery, fireworks of magic and abilities pleasing to the eye, longevity (as long as the rewards are fresh…), and rubbing one out when E.body finally drops. Shut up don’t judge me. This is what dreams are made of. It’s like walking into a strip joint where the strippers are performing a Cirque de Soleil performance, making you a bacon and avocado sandwich -and- sucking your *** at the same time. (The ladies can replace the obvious genitalia and the sandwich with a cheesecake.) How can you say ‘no’ to that?! Legit.
1b. Ballista Rewards
Decent variety, social interaction, reputation, challenge, fireworks of magic and abilities pleasing to the eye, longevity (despite it’s lack of updates, the event has sustained longevity), and rubbing one out after playing a perfect game. As you can see, masturbation is the secret of a good reward in FFXI, Ballista, and everyday life. Thank me later. Upon closer examination, Ballista seems to remove some of the essential ingredients in the trance concoction required to keep players coming back for more… or does it?
Ballista is a team PvP oriented game within the FFXI universe. This event does not possess ‘tangible rewards’. It has it’s own unique flavour of entertainment, challenge, longevity, and social interaction that keeps players coming back for more. Despite it’s minimal attraction as opposed to the general FFXI universe, Ballista is an extremely rewarding -gaming- experience to those who choose to give it a serious chance. One of the key components to the rewarding factor of Ballista is its ruthless challenge and prominent longevity.
1c. Reward Conclusion
As players who indulge in a digital environment, what is it that we are truly after? Are we hoping to recreate the set of Weird Science and zzzzzzzzap our own “Lisa” into existence? Everyone is different, and thus, the scope of a reward is widened. FFXI is a melting pot by default, as it belongs in the MMORPG genre.
To quote Nicky Yee, a research scientist Ubisoft studying gamer behaviour:
“The most obvious appeal derives from the elements of achievement in these environments. They cater to to players who enjoy accumulating wealth, rare items and tangible power. The other main appeal derives from the ability to chat, make friends and affiliate with larger social groups such as guilds. Many players also find appeal in becoming immersed in a fantasy world and becoming part of a story that is being told. Also, certain players enjoy competing with other players or even annoying and manipulating them through devious means. And finally, some players are fascinated with the mechanics and geography of the world. For them, the satisfaction comes from unraveling the game.”
It’s easy to see that FFXI caters to every kind of individual’s definition of reward. /golfclap FFXI, you are a money making, tear inducing, perpetuating joygasm machine, but I digress. Let’s analyze how Ballista can be just as appealing and catering to the Planet of the Apes.
1c1. Accumulating Wealth
This is where Ballista widens it’s grip, and no, I’m not talking about the bitching double your 3k if you win an official match!!!!!!! I’m talking about every Ballista player’s responsibility to stay up to date with equipment and consumable demands. Thus, procurement of funds becomes increasingly important in the overall experience in a Ballista player’s playtime.
1c2. Rare Items
Goldmember. It’s very much real.
Ballista players have the privilege of saying they possess the rarest items FFXI has to offer. Take, for example, these Pallas’s Bracelets that Chancellor Teishi is sporting (augment: ranged accuracy+7) and even this Eurytos bow that the Singingbrakeman is so very proud of (augment: damage+2). These are just two example of incredibly rare pieces acquired through the Fields of Valor Elite training regime.
1c3. Tangible Power
What greater power is there than standing over the corpse of your mauled opponent and yelling “BY THE POWER OF GREYSKULL, I HAVE THE POWER!!!!!!!!!!!”? Or even the capital gold “VICTOIRE” dancing on your screen as your team reigns victorious from a hard fought Ballista match. Alas, tangible power is in the eye of the beholder once again, and as cool as I think He-man is, some people really might like the pink Power Ranger.
1c4. Ability to Chat, Make Friends, and Affiliate with Larger Social Groups
During a Ballista match, you are forced to relay information, be it to your skillchain partner {Ready to start skillchain!}, notifying the other 30 partcipants to stop attacking you because you need to poop and, of course, nothing says friendship, respect, and love like a great swordfight. You’re gay for even thinking that, seriously.
1c5. Appeal in Becoming Immersed in a Fantasy World and Becoming Part of a Story That is Being Told
Remember Spartacus? FREE THE SLAVES!! Well, everytime you defeat those annoying little Taru, or the pompous Elvaans, slutty Mithra, or self-righteous Hume, you make a story worth etching into the greatest of the great books of war. Vote for a Galka run Vana in 2013.
1c6. Players Enjoy Competing with Other Players
This is the bread and butter, the toast and jam, the bong and a blitz, the crepe and a pancake of what Ballista is all about.
1c7. Annoying and Manipulating Other Players Through Devious Means
Shout out to my freaks, I know you’re reading this, Zahara and Feiwong. Every part of the game has some kind of super-imposed *** that feel important enough to cause a good thing shame. Ballista is no different.
1c8. Players are Fascinated with the Mechanics
There is so much to test for Ballista that it’s actually mind boggling. This is one of the bigger reasons Ballista has remained fresh to this day. Now, how can I start throwing my colossal lances as angons…
1c9. Geography of the World
Sorry guys, Dora the Explorer is all out of ideas on this one :(. Jugner Forest, Pashow Marshlands, Meriphataud Mountains, Diorama, and that Brenner island are the only options that Ballista players have.
So, as you can see, the reasons for playing Ballista are obvious unless you’re one of those people that only wants to play Where’s Waldo with your friends.
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2. Gameplay and Goals
Most gamers enjoy a variation of grinding and or challenging gameplay. However, having a distinct goal usually requires the player to go through a series of grinding and/or challenging venues to attain such a goal. Thus, it is up to the player to decide how much grinding or challenge is necessary to reach the promised land, that is, if the promised land is even within sight.
2a. FFXI Gameplay and Goals
Within the FFXI universe exists a multitude of obstacles, be they challenging and or grinding, all of which are designed to prevent you from reaching the sweet, sweet nectar of your chosen goal in the most time consuming manner possible. Cockblocks”R”Us. This begs the question ‘how important is this goal to me, and do I enjoy the actual gameplay required to reach it? Am I playing the game or is the game playing me? Is this even a game anymore?’ FFXI has incredible variety, but it is up to the player to discern if it is worth their logged in time to partake. FFXI is a game with bountiful choices, quite often marginalized into a tunnel of efficiency. Let’s take a high level notorious monster fight in FFXI as an example. If this particular notorious monster has a desirable drop, it will be dissected by the community to recognize the most efficient method to go about fighting it. The goal seems to be to feel good about your accomplishments and the time spent playing the game. Universally universal.
2b. Ballista Gamelpay and Goals
Ballista gameplay is very different to the current style of play present in FFXI. The player is faced with challenges completely unorthodox to the rest of the game. Ballista emulates a digital sport if you will; it has rules, regulations, scoring, penalties, and team tactics. Outcast by the majority due to its extremely different and “un-rewarding” metagame, Ballista is a true hidden gem that many have yet to discover and or give a real second chance. Common Ballista goals revolve around maximizing hybrid equipment sets via augmentation and ingenious sync options, muscle memory adaption, memorization of specific rook movements, monetization of strategical opportunities, expanding the challenge, and ultimately making good decisions. Since Ballista is a team game, major accountability strain is placed on the individual to perform well under extreme pressure in a constantly expanding battlefield. The most prevalent goal for any Ballista player is to play as many games as possible. We are all self admitted *** :D
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Conclusion
So, the next time you scratch your head over the question ‘why Ballista?’, I challenge you to turn your frown upside down and ask yourself, “Why not Ballista?”
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-11-19 17:42:56
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-12-11 08:01:10
OP Updated to include Ayerro's Fenrir LS, Updated members list, and the Archive tab~
By XRyolenX 2012-12-11 13:10:33
I recently just got back from a long break and I'm excited to say that Lakshmi ballista has almost quadrupled in size. When I left 6months ago, even a 3v3 was hard to find. However as big and lush as the matches are, the server itself is complete garbage. There's a lack of events and auction house transactions are painfully slow. I was hoping of someone could shed some light on Fenrirs ballista occurrence ^o^ I have friends on Carby but the majority of them like to play by "hypering" and it kind of takes the fun out of the match when it's basically just a 2hr spam fest.
[+]
Carbuncle.Evviva
サーバ: Carbuncle
Game: FFXI
Posts: 143
By Carbuncle.Evviva 2012-12-17 12:10:02
Lock the thread please!
For more information on anything Ballista related, please don't hesitate to PM me thanks~
By Fouluryu 2012-12-22 01:43:30
Aeonknight Zhouer Brandonn... Holy hell, I remember them. They were boosters gaining titles and rigging the weekly score boards nearly in every match. Fore shame -.-
Ballista Revolution
I just want to throw this word out there to any remaining or new Ballista players so that they can be better informed of the current situation.
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I'm hoping to get a community established on the test server for those that can't server hop to:
[♦]Carbuncle[60 cap Official Matches + Elite Diorama]
[♣]Phoenix[Elite 1v1]
[♦]Lakshmi [I don't have an applicable link here - but it's a server known for 99 cap Official Matches now.]
[♣]Fenrir[60 cap Official matches, diorama matches, and some uncap official matches. For more information, contact Ayerro.]
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Ballista Royale on Undine proposal~
NA vs JP
Was Ballista your favourite thing to do in FFXI?
Ballista - Test Server!
FFXI Ballista: Vocal Remarks
This is the program I use regarding the official match schedule.
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For those really dedicated, we run a LS that focuses on playing with JP players in the diorama. If you are interested in becoming a member of Ballista Revolution; please don't hesitate to contact us, thank you.
Welcome to Ballista Revolution
—Written by Teishi
It has come to our attention that some players may view this website or our videos but never come forward and present themselves. Even several of our current members admit that they were shy and hesitant before introducing themselves to us. As the group leader, I really want to make it clear that we want you to come play Ballista! Even if you’ve never played a single match or don’t have any level 60 gear, it doesn’t matter. Take that first step, and I guarantee you’ll enjoy what we have to offer.
P.S. To those who may have quit FFXI or have lost interest in the grind, consider trying Ballista. With us, Ballista is a completely separate game from FFXI. The mechanics and strategies are totally different. You can have a fresh start in a whole ‘new game’, and your hard earned gil and job levels give you a nice head start!
MembersCarbuncle Arc (May 2012 – Present):
♠ NA LS
• Aeonknight [H]
• Ballistaman [G] (Taking a break)
• Evviva / Azurro [M/G]
• Kayci / Scudo [M/E]
• Megume [H] (Retired)
• Nicaragua [H] (Retired)
• Pikkiwoki [E] (Taking a break)
• Salaifa [H]
• Shyfeargozu [G]
• Singingbrakeman / Whiteunicorn [G/E]
• Smaragd [H]
• Southamerican / Gordis [H/G]
• Teishi / Desuyo / Salvo [M/T/G]
• Vyii [E]
• Yozen / Justinbieber [H/G]
• Zhouer [E] (Retired)
• Zirk / Berzirk [H/G]
♠ JP LS
• Absorb [H]
• Arabull [G]
• Apollorng / Mrrng [G/H]
• Avirex [E]
• Baosbrave / Bering [T/G]
• Ceui [H]
• Fuubar [E]
• Galkax / Vei [G/H]
• Garan [E]
• Godspeeds [G]
• Herald / Atsillab [G/T]
• Kanary / Mytymask [H/G]
• Keithlight [T]
• Kumadoli [G]
• Mariaslily / Zeni [M/G]
• Minowaman [G]
• Morningglory [H]
• Nerodysepia [E]
• Nirx [G]
• Nordal / Norgal [H/G]
• Nyanatan [H]
• Nyarlathotep [T]
• Onimusya / Irvinex / Littleirvine [G/E/T]
• Panchilla [T]
• Peronyan [M]
• Reparateur / Weaponbreak [G/E]
• Ryvi [T]
• Sakigakedeka [G]
• Saraphy / Berserkr [H/G]
• Staplestable [T]
• Teska / Decoy / Massive [E/E/G]
• Valvosa / Reirav [G/H]
• Yayokichi / Yayoipamyupamyu / Ryom [E/T/H]
• Yutaw [H]
• Yuzumochiko [T]
• Zakat [E]
Lakshmi Arc (October 2010 – May 2012):
• Aphar [H] (Disbanded)
• Ayammi [M] (Alternated characters)
• Brandonn [H] (Retired)
• Byrniehq / Buchikon [H/M]
• Casseur / Reparateur [E/G]
• Drekien [E] (Retired)
• Eremes [E] (Cerberus)
• Evviva [M]
• Fuma [T] (Taking a break)
• Fuuring [E] (Disbanded)
• Gnol [T] (Disbanded)
• Jspromlx [H]
• Kayci [M]
• Kittyguy / Pupipi / Arbelge [G/T/E] (Retired)
• Merlia / Luty / Kittygirl [H/M/G] (Retired)
• Migeal [H] (Disbanded)
• Minibuddha [T]
• Papasz [G] (Disbanded)
• Pikkiwoki [E]
• Rafy [H] (Leviathan)
• Ricoo [E] (Fenrir)
• Rilakumatan [G] (M.I.A.)
• Saffier [H] (M.I.A.)
• Stfutaru [T]
• Teishi / Desuyo [M/T]
• Vyii [E]
• Walkie / Thewhitedevil [H/G] (Disbanded)
• Yayokichi [E] (Shiva)
• Yiri [H] (Retired)
• Yutaw [H] (Disbanded)
• Zehw [T]
Siren Arc (June 2010 – October 2010):
• Aphar [H] (Gilgamesh)
• Brandonn [H] (Taking a break)
• Danon [H] (M.I.A.)
• Drekien [E] (M.I.A.)
• Hikkoto [E]
• Jspromlx [H] (Fenrir)
• Kittyguy / Lastemperor [G/T]
• Kyanos [H]
• Merchen / Merchens [H/H]
• Migeal [H]
• Miyuto [H]
• Myarkos [T]
• Pikkiwoki [E]
• Quintaespada / Reparateur [E/G]
• Sepia [E]
• Teishii / Desutaru [M/T]
• Vyi [E]
• Yiri [H] (Taking a break) Archives
Rooks
Lv60 Sync
How to Organize Diorama (Hako)
Strategy 001: Temp. Team Strategy
Strategy 002: Two Hours & Mage Killing
Strategy 003: Field Advantages & Deep Analysis
Strategy 004: Quarrying Theories
Strategy 005: Battle Skill vs. Tech Skill (Hyper)
Strategy 006: Hyper Experimentation
Strategy 007: X-Hyper
Strategy 008: How to Improve in Ballista
Strategy 009: Generalized Quarry Theory
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Various youtube channels within our community:
Teishi
Vyiv
Teska
Valvosa
Yayokichi
Galkax
Irvinez
Zirk
Selt
Zeni
Saraphy
Valenty
Tigerbalm
Galkax
Nordal
Evviva
This is my story~
Like most FFXI players, I cherished the many challenges of the game since I first started playing, from completing the subjob quest to limit breaks. After hours upon hours and days upon days of tedious play, I finally reached the maximum job level, found myself a loving linkshell, and was able to participate in the endgame events in which I always dreamed of doing. However, those endgame days were short lived and slowly faded away, as I found a new purpose of playing FFXI.
I found Ballista.
When I first started playing, it was a blast, killing friends and foes on the blood-stained battlefield. It was an experience like no other. Of course, it wasn't always fun and games. I had my share of the bitter taste of defeat several times, but that didn't stop me from playing. In fact, those defeats motivated me to improve as a player. Over time, though, as new features were introduced to the game, the majority of the few who played Ballista gradually returned to endgame. I admit that even I did. Soon, the thought of Ballista escaped my conscious mind, but I always had a feeling that it was still lurking somewhere within my cloud of thoughts.
I was bored one day, browsing through many different sites on multiple windows of Google Chrome: Facebook, Gmail, Youtube, Redtube, etc. Somehow, I ended up doing a Google search for Ballista and came across a variety of Ballista videos. Most of them were of seemingly senseless '1 on 1 duels', but I stumbled upon some that just blew my mind away. They were from a Ballista LS known as BallistaRevolution, and from there, I was linked to their LS website. I discovered something completely out of the ordinary. Ballista teamplay? There are actually people who do this?
Immediately, I became a fan of their work and wanted to join their Ballista community. Although we were on different servers, I paid the transfer fee and hopped over to theirs without any regret. At first, I was a bit hesitant to speak with them; they seemed to play at an entirely different league than what I was used to. Eventually, I summoned what little courage I had at the time and went for the touchdown. Talking with them turned out easier than I originally thought. After introducing myself, my motives, and goals, my chances of joining their LS seemed more than likely, or so I thought. My Ballista aptitude was tested... rook guard, hyper, third eye ws dodging.. sprint ws dodging, poison>sleep timing.. communication... it was like a game within a game, but rather one so much deeper.
Currently, I'm a proud member of BallistaRevolution, a well-respected LS within the Ballista community.
I just wanted to share with everyone my passion for Ballista, and how those varieties of events influenced me.
I realize that this post is fairly long and completely understand if it was skimmed, but regardless, I humbly thank you for your time in hearing me out.
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I will supplement this thread with Ballista videos, screenshots, live streams and blog posts from our community.
I thank you all for your time and will be happy to answer any questions.
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