Any specifically AoE spells should be ground-targetable.

[Alhanelem]

This is a feature I always wished for in FFXI.

Having spells that can be targeted on an area of ground does a few things

1) you have a visual indicator of the area affected
2) the spell effects can be made much more interesting, instead of (effectively) the single target spell effect being applied generically to everything within range)
3) more careful control over AoE, allowing you to hit certain targets but not others if positioned well.
4)adds an element of skill to AoE effect use- timing and positioning become factors.

I would also like it if AoE targeted on self or allies showed an indicator of the area of effect. Virtually real-time RPG online and off has this; FFXI and FFXIV are among the few that don't. Even if enemy targeted AoE isn't made to work like the above, an indicator of the area of effect would still be hugely appriciated. It's very frustrating to have to guess if a monster is or isn't going to be hit by it.

(I'm not sure what dev tags to fit these under. Please help by adding the right tags if you can.)

[Rinsui]

Definitely. Would be so much more fun if you could actually have spells that work like traps or timed bombs.

[Poipori]

I believe this kind of AOE spells was not/would not be implemented because they have to cater to PS2/3's controller.

Sadly the cross platform capability is something that is hindering the game, issues such as bad UI, memory limitations, awkward game controls etc. are all partly due to PS3.

[_C-a-e-r-i-t-h_]

I believe this kind of AOE spells was not/would not be implemented because they have to cater to PS2/3's controller.

Sadly the cross platform capability is something that is hindering the game, issues such as bad UI, memory limitations, akward game controls etc. are all partly due to PS3.

The limitations, if any there be, are entirely in Crystal Tools, not the PS3.

Vagrant Story, as an example, had what the OP was asking for and that was on the PS1.

[Alhanelem]

I believe this kind of AOE spells was not/would not be implemented because they have to cater to PS2/3's controller.

Although I agree that the style of AoE used in this game (and in FFXI) is likely due to the controller. I still think it could be made workable for both mouse and controller.

At the very least, there should be a a splat on the ground around your target to indicate the area of effect, beit cone, linear or radial. Every good game shows you what's going to happen, players shouldn't have to guesstimate.

[Vahzl]

This is not World of Warcraft, if you wish it to be, please go play World of Warcraft and leave this one to us

[Jynx]

While I wont deny the positives of the idea it seem like "Another step" in the spellcasting process that players seem to want gone. Toggling AOE or single target prooved to be far too many steps for players so I can't imagine they would take kindly to skillfully positioning a AOE radius.

[OMEGA_HACK]

If the first is not doable then just having a ring appear to show the spell's AoE range would be a nice feature.

[_C-a-e-r-i-t-h_]

This is not World of Warcraft, if you wish it to be, please go play World of Warcraft and leave this one to us

Relevance?

[Aver]

Relevance?

Blizzard, Flamestrike (I'm sure among others, I couldn't stand wow after a certain point) have targetting indicators on the ground that show where the spell is going to hit.