Originally Posted by
Dragonskin
End game isn't very broad. There is a reason why people get to end game and quit. It's been the same for years. Yes the story, quest lines and content changes between games, but for the most part formula is very similar.
How many games have we had now that use a token system for items? I believe it actually started in Everquest 2 and was quickly adopted by World of Warcarft. Since then the end game formula has been.. get to end game and dungeon grind repeatedly for loot. If you can't get the special loot then you get tokens to purchase other end game loot.
Crafting, gathering, PvP... those are all in every MMO as side progression since MMOs are very linear and only really have horizontal progression.
What was unique about FFXI? The token system didn't exist and you actaully had to grind for everything you got. How is that similar to Everquest? You also had to grind for everything you got. What did you do in FFXI and Evequest until the next expansion came out to add new grind locations and more levels? Grind for items or exp for merits/aa points.
You guys do realize that Alternate Advancement points was actually in Everquest before it appeared as a Merit system in FFXI right? And epic legendary weapon questlines? Also in Everquest before FFXI came out.
Having said all this. I prefer the way you leveled in Everquest and FFXI to current gen MMOs. I liked EXP parties. That is what you did in old school games. There is no real reason to do that in this game because other methods for EXP are vastly superior. The only time you need to group in FFXIV is for dungeons.