Originally Posted by
Daemon
The issue is, FFXI when it was first released didn't give players the ability to rush level to 99 in less than half a day. You actually had to "earn" your levels and learn how to play the job. You also had to learn team work. And making friends with people was more personal than now because the people you met through exp parties were the ones you would later do quests, missions, help each other get things done and be ready to exp again the next day. You would have to spend hours a day with either the same people around your level skilling up, learning to skillchain, magic burst, Ect or new groups but the point is 6 man party was much more personal than hi & goodbye 18 man party quick rush to 99.
When Abbysea, GoV was released, it taught players to be lazy, it took away the "learn how to play the job as a team" aspect.
Because back then being a team made a difference unlike today everyone jump in gangbang stuff and kill quick without true strategy or skill.
Temp items in events today make players not depend on mages so much.
Also you actually had to utilize each jobs ability to accomplish wins. Healers had to learn how to conserve mp with heals and not cast curaga and gain hate putting the party at risk.
DD who took too much damage had to learn not to be a one man show otherwise mages would burn mp too fast putting party at risk.
You only had 6 people to choose from so players had to choose wisely.
Crafting was very useful during parties back then, mages would make melon juices for refresh.
Details such as these is what made ffxi fun.
There was no such thing as quick questing, you actually had to dedicate time with friends or others to get things done. Not run in solo by yourself at 99.
HNM was so fun back then. A reason why several LS existed but no longer today.
Sadly we are at a time where people fc their way to 99 in less than 6 hours, spoiled by Abby temp items and atmas that players no longer put effort to details such as buying food and meds. (not saying all but a good majority)
Because people level to 99 so fast, the majority of gear in AH became irrelevant.
Most people dual box characters so you are not getting 100% of a players ability but 50% controlling each character.
Familiar? Now that delve came out, a good majority of gear is now irrelevant..
The way FFXI is today compared to back then, is built to let you rush through things that you are suppose to take time and enjoy.