Alternative Idea for the Aggro Icon

reposted to the right forum


As the current aggro icon seems to be stirring up a lot of debate, I thought a thread dedicated to alternative ideas would be nice, rather than just "remove it" or "keep it" discussions.

What I'm proposing is something similar to what EQ2 does. SE does not have to flat out copy the idea, but they can draw their own ideas based off it.

Monsters could, instead of having an aggro icon, have their names appear differently. Here's what EQ2 does:

Aggro Monster <--- clicky



Non Aggro Monster <--- Clicky

Again, SE can use their own variation of this system, but I think most can agree that we just don't like the current All Up In Yo' Face! style aggro icon we have.

I think even basic name color changes would work, although since FFXIV is a bit flashier than every other MMO graphic wise something like that might fit in without taking up too much attention. As it is the icon seems to have awakened the irrational hatred of longtime FFXI players, raging against a good idea because of an odd implementation.

I believe the icon is stirring up so much debate not so much because it's there, but in the awful and obtrusive way it is designed.
It's too big, too flashy and it feels like you're being smacked in the face with it every time you see it.

I have no problem signaling that a mob is aggro. It could be done much more subtly though.

As I just posted in the bestiary thread, I really think the aggro icon should be moved to the health bar name plate thing with the difficulty information.

It doesn't need to be in your face whether you want to know or not, but rather it should be there when you target an enemy, preferably in an easier-on-the-eyes format.