Rank cap increase every 1-2 years discussion thread

[Wolfie]

It's progress in terms of numbers, but it's repetition in every other sense. Let's say it takes 1 million exp to go from 1 to 50, and 1 million exp to go from 50 to 60. 1 million exp in grinding coblyns or leves or whatever, followed by another 1 million exp in grinding coblyns or leves or whatever. When it comes to gear, when you start at level 1 you're wearing weathered armor that, frankly, anything you find is better than it. When there's a new expansion, when you start at level 50 you're wearing epic ultra-rare armor you worked really hard for that, frankly, anything you find in the new expansion is better than it.

Is that progress?

I think it is. Yes, you've got the best in slot gear from this area with monsters that are lower level. Then your character goes to an area that's more dangerous and has better rewards. It's linear character progression.

In FFXI terms, let's look at Kirin's Osode. All stats+10 and is pretty much the icon of endgame gear. It was the most-coveted piece of gear in the first (Zilart) expansion. What if the second expansion came out and with it there was an NPC who sold Weathered Tunic +100, all stats+20, for 1 gil? What will the player response be?

Some will be irked, of course. People get emotionally attached to their items/characters. But what would the player response be if that Weathered Tunic +100 didn't exist and they already had a Kirin's Osode? If they already have the best in game, and future expansions won't give any better, what do they have to look forward to?

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

I think it is. Yes, you've got the best in slot gear from this area with monsters that are lower level. Then your character goes to an area that's more dangerous and has better rewards. It's linear character progression.

Some will be irked, of course. People get emotionally attached to their items/characters. But what would the player response be if that Weathered Tunic +100 didn't exist and they already had a Kirin's Osode? If they already have the best in game, and future expansions won't give any better, what do they have to look forward to?

You're right. And it's unfortunate that grinding is the end all be all of MMORPGs these days.