[dev 1065]99 R/M/E. Double checking to be completely sure.

[Insaniac]

There are different degrees of exclusivity that people can pursue. The exclusivity of stage 2 would be unrivaled but for people who aren't willing to take on that challenge there's things like completing all quests. Obtaining an ultimate weapon for every job they play. Obtaining every ultimate weapon for their favorite job. Even having all jobs at 99 even though it's easy is it's own level of exclusivity.

Just to be clear I agree that the stage 2 trials are completely insane and should be lowered by a fair margin but I do not think that only the most unhealthily addicted players should be able to carry the highest tier of weapon. Telling 99.9% of your audience "no you can never have the best weapon no matter how hard you worked to get up to this point" is far worse than telling people "you have the option to do this insane trial but all you get is a small party buff and you get to glow".

I do think the core of MMOs consists of those 2 groups of people. It's possible our definition of "the core" isn't the same. I consider it the collection of players that plays for years without quitting or just taking very short breaks. For the purposes of this specific topic though the group concerned (ultimate weapon holders) is composed almost entirely of those 2 types of people and they catered to both with these trials. I also would not have used your words to describe the two groups because I think it's a harsh representation of both but I think that's what you were going for. One group believes that with a reasonable amount of work they are entitled to the best gear and the other wants proof of how they pushed themselves harder than anyone else. Both understandable and both taken care of.

[Scribble]

I'm not gonna lie, I'm actually pretty happy that they decided to go this route with the trials... but I will say that making the reward for the most grueling trial yet in XI almost purely aesthetic doesn't make all that much sense. I know that there are players who like long, daunting challenges but I think they deserve a bit more than a minor buff and a glow. Just sayin'

[detlef]

I'm satisfied with this turn of events, provided that stage 1 of the level 99 upgrade is not unreasonable. Like many, I strive to be the best, and obtaining the relevant ultimate weapon(s) is a part of that. I would not have rage quit if the level 99 requirements had been left in place, but my faith in SE would have reached its nadir.

Every player who finishes a level 75 ultimate weapon should also be able to finish their level 99 ultimate weapon, sans glowiness. I can't miss the glow if it doesn't exist.

[Catsby]

I think it's cool they split the trial the way they did but it's not cool they still punish people with these bullshit trials.

[Nervosa]

Why does the dev team think taking years for a glow effect that does nothing for the user is ok, but at 75 when a group of people tired to kill PW, took 18 hours and made news on yahoo, things had to be changed?

[Scribble]

You glow without WSing genius.

Afterglow effects activate when the weapon skill corresponding to the equipped weapon
For Aegis and Ochain, the effects activate when Shield Bash is used.

Misleading post is misleading? You glow without WS but you have to WS to gain the effect? That's pretty stupid.

[Helel]

I have a somewhat unrelated question. We've been level 99 for over a month now. Can I please have my 99 relic trial like now (and not March)?

[Insaniac]

Why does the dev team think taking years for a glow effect that does nothing for the user is ok, but at 75 when a group of people tired to kill PW, took 18 hours and made news on yahoo, things had to be changed?

PW at the time dropped a couple of the best pieces of gear in the game makingit something that someone intent on being as powerful as possible was forced to do. Stage 2 is optional for the power of your weapon. Again I still think the trial is insane and should be lowered but I don't see a ton of harm in an insane trial that you can easily choose to not do and not sacrifice a substantial amount of power.

[FrankReynolds]

I'm gonna be honest. I think the whole concept of an achievement that takes years in a game is just beyond evil. However, if they really just absolutely have to put some stupid crap like that in it..... I think they should make it even more worthless. like literally just the glowing effect. Give the sphere type effect to trial 1. The only thing you gain is the bling.

[Kluaf]

in 6 months i cant wait to poke the shit out of the idiot who glows in port jeuno who will stand out like sum poor challenged kid ... course then theyll jus be easy marks for manthras