The way Square Enix depicts our characters...are we helpless, or are we heroes?

[Xzen]

It would be fairly simple for them to have "special characters" that could be replaced with yours during an epic fight depending on what class you are.

[SilvertearRen]

It would be fairly simple for them to have "special characters" that could be replaced with yours during an epic fight depending on what class you are.

That's an idea! Look at the R46 Futures Perfect combat sequence against the Garlean Legatus. We have NPC characters that are Thaumaturges, Conjurers, "rogues" (technically doesn't count as a class-specific character for now), and so on. If your character was a pugilist in that cutscene, she could take the place of Yda.

That's an interesting idea that could be conceptualized further...

-Addenum-

An example! Let's say we have a core group of NPCs that are part of the main storyline quest. They are backed by a squad of generic NPCs from each DoW and DoM class. A cutscene ensues against an epic enemy, and each and every single one of those NPCs are depicted attacking that enemy in accordance with their skills.

So let's say you went into that quest as an Archer. You'd be replacing the Archer NPC in the cutscene. You'd be depicted firing off a barrage of arrows in a stylized "Arrow Helix" move. As a Lancer? You'd replace the generic Lancer NPC. You'd be depicted jumping into the air and bringing down your lance upon the enemy.

It works! In fact, this model of cutscene approach could be applied to party-based storyline quests, too!