28 March 2007 - Update: Chocobo Racing

Sassafras

Sassafras

Calendar Girl
FC/Active Member
Yay!
Chocobo Racing (03/27/2007)
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The version update scheduled for Wednesday, March 28th will finally unlock the gates to the exciting world of chocobo racing! Now, players from across the globe will have the opportunity to test their chocobo's abilities on the racetrack against some of Vana'diel's most skilled riders.

Click here to review the details of this all-new feature.
You can also click here to download exclusive footage of the races!
Click to expand...

The version update scheduled for Wednesday, March 28th will finally unlock the gates to the exciting world of chocobo racing! Now, players from across the globe will have the opportunity to test their chocobo's abilities on the racetrack against some of Vana'diel's most skilled riders.



Development Concept
Last summer and fall, several surveys regarding chocobo racing were conducted from premiere FINAL FANTASY XI sites in Japan, North America, and Europe. The development team then took these valuable opinions and used them to create exciting new content that focused on what the players wanted most.

Due to the fact that chocobo racing is completely new to FINAL FANTASY XI, much time has been necessary for development and testing. Because of this, we have determined that rather than delaying the release of the content, it is better to release portions of it at a time, thus allowing players to experience some of the features right away.

Then, in future patches, a variety of new features will be added to turn up the excitement. The following is a tentative schedule of the updates and their content:

Summer, 2007: Player vs. player races, betting
Fall/Winter, 2007: New official races, practice races (player vs. player)
2008: Final official races



Basic Information
- What is Chocobo Racing?
The newly added racetracks are the perfect place to test out and show off your very own chocobo's skills. These automated races will require you to piece together a picture-perfect plan based on variables such as chocobo condition and the weather, using options consisting of orders given to your jockey and items to be utilized on the track. But that's not all. Performing well in these races will earn you gil or VCS-mint chocobucks, which can be used to purchase items or services that will assist you in breeding.

- How to Participate
First, you must be raising an adult chocobo or have one out to pasture and possess its VCS registration card. Next, you must visit one of the CRA's (Chocobo Racing Association) branches located in San d'Oria, Bastok, and Windurst, and register your chocobo to race.

- What are Chocobucks?
Chocobucks are a special type of currency for use at CRA-sanctioned establishments. Chocobucks can be earned by winning special races and can be exchanged for items and services used in chocobo breeding. Chocobucks are also required to participate in certain official races.

- Types of Races
The following are the two types of races available at this time:

Official Race
By successfully completing the objectives of these "mission-style" races, more challenging races will be unlocked. Can you clear them all?

Free Run
Free runs are "practice" races that may be run at any time (for a small gil fee). By placing in these races, you will receive chocobucks that can be used to purchase items or participate in higher-level official races. Use these practice races to hone your skills and save up funds.
Click to expand...
 
FFXI Update 3/28/07

PlayOnline said:
≪Mar. 29, 2007 Chocobo Racing≫ *Japan Standard Time

[What is Chocobo Racing?]

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The newly completed CRA (Chocobo Racing Association) racetrack is the perfect place for players to test out and show off the skills of their very own chocobos. The automated races held at this exciting venue will require players to piece together a picture-perfect plan based on variables such as chocobo condition and the weather, using options consisting of orders given to their jockeys and items to be utilized on the track. But that’s not all. Performing well in these races will earn players gil or VCS-mint chocobucks, which can be used to purchase items or services that will assist in breeding.

For more information on chocobo breeding.

Related Information>>

[How to Participate]

The following is a list of steps required before participating in a race:

1. First, players must be raising an adult chocobo and have obtained a CRA racing form (available from a trainer) or have a chocobo out to pasture and possess its VCS registration card. Next, players must visit one of the CRA branches located in San d’Oria, Bastok, and Windurst, and register their chocobo to race.

– Regional CRA Branches

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**San d’Oria**

Southern San d’Oria – Alangriche
Northern San d’Oria – Monteverle
Port San d’Oria – Ramiene

**Bastok**

Bastok Mines – Jazgeh
Bastok Markets – Galienne
Port Bastok – Salvador

**Windurst**

Windurst Waters - Turumi-Byrumi
Port Windurst - Lhimo Keanyohn
Windurst Woods - Rungaga

What are Chocobucks?

Chocobucks are a special type of currency for use at CRA-sanctioned establishments. Chocobucks can be earned by winning special races and can be exchanged for items and services used in chocobo breeding. Chocobucks are also required to participate in certain official races.

*The maximum amount of chocobucks a player can obtain is 100.
*Chocobucks can only be used at the branch at which they were earned.

– Chocobuck Exchange Centers

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Southern San d’Oria – Palabelle
Bastok Mines – Gavoroi
Windurst Woods - Robino-Mobino

What are Racing Teams?

Each of the three regional CRA branches has its own racing team. Before participating in any races, players must first join one of the three teams (San d’Oria, Bastok, or Windurst). While similar in many ways, each racing team also offers many unique services--from different items available at the Chocobuck Exchange Centers, to special races. Though players are required to select a racing team, they can change their affiliation (free of charge and without penalties) at any time.

– Changing Affiliation

In the event that players wish to change their affiliation, all records of their previous race results and chocobuck earnings will be stored at the CRA branch. While players cannot transfer those results and earnings to their new racing team, if they choose to return to a previous team, they will be able to start where they left off.

2. Register Your Chocobo

Chocobos can be registered at any of the aforementioned CRA branches by trading to the representative either of the two documents (obtainable from a chocobo trainer):

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– VCS Registration Card
– CRA Racing Form (free)

*Only adult chocobos can participate in races.
*Players may only register one chocobo at a time.
*If a chocobo’s attributes change after CRA registration, players must re-register their chocobo for those changes to be reflected.

3. Select a Race

Currently, players can choose from the following three types of races:

<TABLE borderColor=#ffffff cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=5 width=480 border=0><TBODY><TR class=td1 vAlign=center bgColor=#333355><TD vAlign=center align=middle width="25%" bgColor=#718799 height=20>Race Type</TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width="15%" bgColor=#718799 height=20>Fee</TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width="15%" bgColor=#718799 height=20>Prizes</TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width="45%" bgColor=#718799 height=20>Description</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#e0e0e0><TD align=middle width="25%" height=20>Free Runs</TD><TD align=middle width="15%" height=20>Gil</TD><TD align=middle width="15%" height=20>Chocobucks</TD><TD align=left width="45%" height=20>“Practice” races that may be run at any time.</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=middle width="25%" height=20>Official Races</TD><TD align=middle width="15%" height=20>Chocobucks</TD><TD align=middle width="15%" height=20>Gil & Prizes</TD><TD align=left width="45%" height=20>Mission-style races sponsored by the VCS.</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#e0e0e0><TD align=middle width="25%" height=20>Re-runs</TD><TD align=middle width="15%" height=20>Chocobucks</TD><TD align=middle width="15%" height=20>Gil</TD><TD align=left width="45%" height=20>Previously cleared official races.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Free Run

Placing in free runs is currently the only way for players to earn the chocobucks necessary for participating in official races and purchasing items at the Chocobuck Exchange Centers. There are no limits to the number of races players may participate in each (Earth) day, but the fee will increase with each race.

Official Race

By successfully completing the objectives of these “mission-style” races, more challenging races will be unlocked. Chocobucks are usually required to participate in official races; however, the first race (Novice Race I) is available free of charge.

*Due to the strain some of the more advanced official races place on a chocobo, players will be required to allow their chocobos a period of rest before entering another race.

Re-run

For a small chocobuck fee, players can re-race previously completed official races. While prizes will be rewarded to those players who place, the amount will be considerably less than that which was received the first time.

*Please note that the required rest period mentioned above also applies to re-runs.

4. Make Preparations

Before running a race, players will have the opportunity to make the following preparations:

- Visit the paddock

Players can visit the paddock and view the condition of all the chocobos scheduled to participate in the upcoming race.

- Give orders to the jockey

Players can give their jockeys one of the following three orders:

Keep Pace

Have the jockey maintain a consistent pace throughout the whole race.

Final Spurt

Have the jockey save the chocobo's energy until the end of the race.

Sprint

Have the jockey push the chocobo to its limits from the get-go.

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Equip items

Players can equip their chocobo/jockey with items that improve attributes or wreak havoc on other racers. Before players can equip items, they must first trade them to the CRA representative. The representatives will hold on to one of each item.

*Players can only equip one item per race.

5. Start the Race

Once all preparations have been made, the race will begin. All races are automatic, so players only need to sit back and watch the action unfold on the racetrack.

Weather

Just as in the field, weather on the racetrack can affect a chocobo’s performance.

Placing

To make races fair for chocobos of all sizes, placing will be determined not by when a chocobo’s beak crosses the finish line, but when its saddle does.

Items & Equipment

All items equipped to a chocobo or jockey, regardless of their type, are consumable and can only be used once (though the effect of chocobo equipment will be present throughout the race).

[Racing Advice]

The following are a few tips for racing novices:

Attributes

A chocobo’s attributes directly affect its performance in a race. While each attribute is important, players will find that a high “strength” rating will give most chocobos an advantage on the track. However, we would like to stress that balance is also necessary.

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*Strength: Affects a chocobo’s speed
*Endurance: Affects a chocobo’s stamina
*Discernment: Affects a chocobo’s pace setting, and item use timing
*Receptivity: Affects a chocobo’s ability to avoid accidents
*Weather: Affects a chocobo’s performance in certain types of weather
*Abilities: Some abilities affect the other attributes

Jockey Orders & Equipment

Selecting the appropriate item to equip during a race can be the difference between coming in first and coming in last. It is important to select an item that will complement a chocobo’s abilities and attributes, as well as the jockey’s orders and opponent condition. For example, jockeys who have been given the order to sprint, will often use items at the beginning of a race. In cases like this, equipping the jockey with a stamina apple will help his chocobo to maintain a quick pace for a longer period of time.

[Chocobo Race Items & Equipment]

<TABLE borderColor=#ffffff cellSpacing=2 cellPadding=5 width=480 border=0><TBODY><TR class=td1 vAlign=center align=middle bgColor=#333355 width="480"><TD vAlign=center align=middle width="30%" bgColor=#718799 height=20>Item</TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle width="70%" bgColor=#718799 height=20>Effect</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#e0e0e0><TD align=middle width="30%" height=20>Speed Apple</TD><TD align=left width="70%" height=20>Used during a race to temporarily boost the speed of a chocobo.</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=middle width="30%" height=20>Stamina Apple</TD><TD align=left width="70%" height=20>Used during a race to temporarily regenerate a chocobo's stamina.</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#e0e0e0><TD align=middle width="30%" height=20>Shadow Apple</TD><TD align=left width="70%" height=20>Used during a race to temporarily resist the effects of any detrimental items aimed at the chocobo.</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=middle width="30%" height=20>Pepper Biscuit</TD><TD align=left width="70%" height=20>Used during a race to greatly reduce the speed of an opponent chocobo.</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#e0e0e0><TD align=middle width="30%" height=20>Fire Biscuit</TD><TD align=left width="70%" height=20>Used during a race to greatly reduce the stamina of an opponent chocobo.</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=middle width="30%" height=20>Gysahl Bomb</TD><TD align=left width="70%" height=20>Used during a race to temporarily reduce the speed of all surrounding opponent chocobos.</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#e0e0e0><TD align=middle width="30%" height=20>Spore Bomb</TD><TD align=left width="70%" height=20>Used during a race to reduce the discernment of all surrounding opponent chocobos.</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=middle width="30%" height=20>Fairweather Fetish</TD><TD align=left width="70%" height=20>Used during a race to temporarily clear up the weather.</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#e0e0e0><TD align=middle width="30%" height=20>Foulweather Fetish</TD><TD align=left width="70%" height=20>Used during a race to temporarily call upon a rainstorm.</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=middle width="30%" height=20>Chocobo Taping</TD><TD align=left width="70%" height=20>When equipped during a race, this item will slightly increase the strength of a chocobo.</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#e0e0e0><TD align=middle width="30%" height=20>Chocobo Blinker</TD><TD align=left width="70%" height=20>When equipped during a race, this item will slightly increase the stamina of a chocobo.</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#eeeeee><TD align=middle width="30%" height=20>Shadow Roll</TD><TD align=left width="70%" height=20>When equipped during a race, this item will slightly increase the discernment of a chocobo.</TD></TR><TR class=ta2 vAlign=center bgColor=#e0e0e0><TD align=middle width="30%" height=20>Chocobo Hood</TD><TD align=left width="70%" height=20>When equipped during a race, this item will
slightly increase the receptivity of a chocobo.




</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></I>

[Current Known Issues]

The following is a list of known issues. However, these issues only deal with graphic and text display and do not affect race functionality.

When a gysahl bomb or a spore bomb misses an opponent, the chocobo names displayed in the running commentary may be inverted.

When a weather-changing item is used, the on-screen weather sometimes does not change (PlayStation2 version only)

There are instances where the commentator will announce a different winner than who actually appeared to cross the line first. The final announcement is the correct placing.
Click to expand...

http://www.playonline.com/pcd/update/ff11us/200703290d7RT2/detail.html
 
Last edited:
Fayevalentine said:
So we cant race against eachother?
Click to expand...

POL said:
Before running a race, players will have the opportunity to make the following preparations:

- Visit the paddock

Players can visit the paddock and view the condition of all the chocobos scheduled to participate in the upcoming race.
Click to expand...

Looks like we do, much like Fishing competitions.
 
Did some racing yesterday, I was racing against other players.

~Sass
 
Sassafras said:
Did some racing yesterday, I was racing against other players.

~Sass
Click to expand...

Hmm, that's odd.... I looked up the article I was thinking of, and here's the appropriate quote (from http://www.playonline.com/pcd/topics/ff11us/detail/1646/detail.html):

Due to the fact that chocobo racing is completely new to FINAL FANTASY XI, much time has been necessary for development and testing. Because of this, we have determined that rather than delaying the release of the content, it is better to release portions of it at a time, thus allowing players to experience some of the features right away.

Then, in future patches, a variety of new features will be added to turn up the excitement. The following is a tentative schedule of the updates and their content:

Summer, 2007: Player vs. player races, betting
Fall/Winter, 2007: New official races, practice races (player vs. player)
2008: Final official races
Click to expand...
I read this as "can only race player vs player once the summer update happens", but maybe that's just one-on-one races or something.

Anyway, it sounds more fun to be able to race with other players now. ^_^
 
Sassafras said:
Did some racing yesterday, I was racing against other players.

~Sass
Click to expand...

Yeah, Pixie did some racing as well. It seemed it was against other players each time.

It seems that abilities > stats in chocobo racing. Her choco is ABD in STR and SS in END but she has Gallop and Canter unlocked. She won 6 out of the 7 races she tried. A few others had FC for S/E but didn't have the abilities and she beat them without too much trouble. I think the only loss was to a FC S/E with one or both abilities.
 
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