PLD is just boring

[SirPhoebos]

I mained as PLD and stuck with it through 3.0 because Sunk Cost is a hellofva Fallacy, but even while just trying out WAR and DRK I could tell that PLD was a poorly designed class. And I'm not talking about it having bad DPS. I mean, that doesn't help. But compared to every other class, PLD is mechanically and aesthetically boring. It feels more like something you'd whip together for an Alpha Build to test the engine rather than a job to actually release in a finished product.

With WAR you have to manage Infuriated and decide how to use skills linked to it. DRK has to balance MP expense and generation. Both get skills that behave differently depending on what stance they have up. PLD has nothing comparable, and the only active mechanic that it gets that sets it apart from other jobs is Shield Swipe (and even that isn't so special, thank you Reprisal).

Aesthetically, I like the look of PLD, but when it's in action I find it really unimpressive compared to just about every other class. Let's put aside that flash does no damage-It looks and sounds like a wet fart in comparison to Overpower and Unleash. Except for Circle of Scorn, it doesn't feel like any of PLD's abilities stand out.

PLD needs more than just a DPS increase. It needs a total redesign.

[Jpec07]

Agreed. PLD is the most lackluster job out there, and it doesn't feel anywhere near as fun to play as WAR or DRK. Combined with the fact that PLD isn't really well-suited to current encounter design, and you've got a recipe for why so many PLDs are complaining right now.

[Twilite]

Unlike WAR, you don't have to "create" your own CDs on the fly. Same thing with DRK but yeah, Darkside added to the fun I guess. It's boring, but safer to play.

[Risvertasashi]

PLD CD management is more like, say, chess. It's not in the moment: you plan out when you're going to use your moves to counter the enemy's moves.

Yes, if you enjoy the much more active management of WAR and DRK, there's a fair chance you won't enjoy PLD. That's fine. Play what you enjoy. There's nothing wrong about PLD's concept for those of us who like it, however.

Aesthetics is pure taste. Not all of us want to play the emo kid or the yandere kid ~.^ Bulwark of shining armor likewise suits some of us just fine.

PLD could use a little help in content with heavy magic damage. It absolutely does not need a total redesign.

[Jamillion]

Chalk it up to different strokes for different folks. My girlfriend likes pally, I don't (for many of the same reasons you mentioned in your post) but that's just, like, our opinions, man.

[Alphras]

Paladin is the entry level tank for players new to the genre/role. As long as they deem this design necessary they wont add any active mechanics to the job that would make it more complex.

And there are people that like to just concentrate on the basics. Paladin is perfect for them.

PLD CD management is more like, say, chess. It's not in the moment: you plan out when you're going to use your moves to counter the enemy's moves.

DRK and WAR have exactly the same kind of CD mangement. That is part of Squares basic tank design in this game.

[SirPhoebos]

Aesthetics is pure taste. Not all of us want to play the emo kid or the yandere kid ~.^ Bulwark of shining armor likewise suits some of us just fine.

I want to address this point, because my gripe wasn't what PLD was trying to achieve look-wise, because out of action I dig it. It's just that in-battle the end result is unimpressive. It feels more like Dooby than Carrot.

I mean, if you want to play as a Dooby, that's fine. Just not sure a Final Fantasy game is the best venue for it.

[Risvertasashi]

I want to address this point, because my gripe wasn't what PLD was trying to achieve look-wise, because out of action I dig it. It's just that in-battle the end result is unimpressive. It feels more like Dooby than Carrot.

Yeah, yeah OK. Back to your original post, Flash isn't very impressive. As for end results... kind of depends on the thing. It would be nice to have a thing or 2 more along the lines of Circle of Scorn. But some of the other PLD abilities are really strong as is. Like, really strong.

DRK and WAR have exactly the same kind of CD mangement. That is part of Squares basic tank design in this game.

No, that's more of encounter design. As has been pointed out, WAR and DRK are a lot more dynamic in their management, but yes, in the end the encounters are static. That's a big enough topic for its very own long discussion thread though.

[Atoli]

I prefer how PLD plays to how WAR works. It's simple, straightforward and reliable. I like it, I know others who like it.
The class does not need a redesign just because you deem it boring. It has issues, and those issues should be fixed, but that's all.

[Kosmos992k]

I want to address this point, because my gripe wasn't what PLD was trying to achieve look-wise, because out of action I dig it. It's just that in-battle the end result is unimpressive. It feels more like Dooby than Carrot.

I mean, if you want to play as a Dooby, that's fine. Just not sure a Final Fantasy game is the best venue for it.

If you don't like it, don't play it.

Seems to me that WAR and DRK are about playing on the end and being reactive. PLD is more about playing conservatively and planning ahead. Horses for courses...