"Open Style" vs "Rigid Structure" what do you want for the future of FFXIV

[Betelgeuzah]

Rigid. "Open style" makes for homogeneous, boring classes.

In XIV's context, yes.

Not that they didn't have something designed to counter that, but theory != practice.

XIV can only become more rigid, and it'll be better off for it (and still not as rigid as some other MMO's- it doesn't need to be).

Limitations allow the developers to create much better designed content, since everything can be controlled. That doesn't always lead to favorable outcome, though. We are playing an MMO after all. Freedom is a part of the genre.

XIV's more open approach may result in less difficult, worse designed content. But the freedom can make up for it.

To be honest, those playing an MMO to be challenged to the max are rather silly. There are better games and genres for that.

I'm sure Matsui can design the raids better when they are restricted to 4 and 8 people, not anything in between. The variables are in his control. But I liked the freedom XI gave me as far as party setups were concerned, so we'll see whether the restriction can make up for it.

[Kiara]

I think both styles can work, but there are pros and cons to both systems.

This is actually something we've seen trending in many of the main Final Fantasy titles (and in RPGs in general). Do I like the freedom of making Cloud into a Back Row "Mage" casting Spells and Summons? or putting Cloud on the Front Line and being an offensive juggernaut? Sure.

Do I like Lulu being a crazy offensive beast, or letting her concentrate on healing and spell-casting with the Sphere Grid System? Sure.

But I also miss having Kain Highwind, knowing he's a solid Dragoon, and Rydia, my dependable Summoner. I liked having Sabin (FF VI) with his Martial Arts Skills, or Relm, or Shadow, my trusty Ninja.

I've enjoyed both types of systems, and I like some flexibility (like XI with a Main Job / Sub Job), but I enjoy having a focused, defined Class / Job more than a 100% wide-open system (where anyone can map any Skill, any Spell, any Attack at any time). It's more open, but it also leads to a type of RPG World that I don't prefer for my MMOs.

[Sigmakan]

Rigid. "Open style" makes for homogeneous, boring classes.

Ding ding ding!

[Eekiki]

JRPGs are generally defined as having what you call "rigid structure". "Open style" is usually a trait of western RPGs.

Final Fantasy is a JRPG, therefore any Final Fantasy game should have rigid structure.

So many people whined because FFXIII was "too linear". But EVERY Final Fantasy game has been this way. The only difference is in FFXIII they cut out a lot of superfluous stuff and streamlined accessibility of optional quests. Because of that the linearity was too obvious.

[Jaide]

I prefer the rigid system. Part of what makes MMOs fun for me is learning my role and performing it to the best of my ability. Without defined roles, all of the classes play the same and leveling up the other classes for the skills becomes a redundant experience.

Not that an open system can't work, but IMO it was too open. If cross class skills costed more points to equip, or more were locked to their respective classes, it might have helped the situation.

[Yoohre_WildRiver]

you guy will get rigid when Jobs come out soon, you will have Rigid for the people who like to party and have a role on the fight and Open style for the people who like to solo and need to mix skills to survive. Rigid will become more fruitful because you will get more SP per kill on a party

so we will have both and we shall all be happy!

[Eekiki]

you guy will get rigid when Jobs come out soon, you will have Rigid for the people who like to party and have a role on the fight and Open style for the people who like to solo and need to mix skills to survive. Rigid will become more fruitful because you will get more SP per kill on a party

so we will have both and we shall all be happy!

Wolfie's signature image makes me rigid, if you know what I mean.

[Wolfie]

In XIV's context, yes.

Not that they didn't have something designed to counter that, but theory != practice.

XIV can only become more rigid, and it'll be better off for it (and still not as rigid as some other MMO's- it doesn't need to be).

Limitations allow the developers to create much better designed content, since everything can be controlled. That doesn't always lead to favorable outcome, though. We are playing an MMO after all. Freedom is a part of the genre.

XIV's more open approach may result in less difficult, worse designed content. But the freedom can make up for it.

To be honest, those playing an MMO to be challenged to the max are rather silly. There are better games and genres for that.

I'm sure Matsui can design the raids better when they are restricted to 4 and 8 people, not anything in between. The variables are in his control. But I liked the freedom XI gave me as far as party setups were concerned, so we'll see whether the restriction can make up for it.

There is no context here. Rigid and open are mutually exclusive concepts.

[Richard]

Rigid. "Open style" makes for homogeneous, boring classes.

Keep the quote rolling.

[MeowyWowie]

Rigid

/10char