Are the numbers too high?

[Mychael]

In my original post, I mentioned that just because you aren't wearing gear it doesn't mean your character has forgotten combat or suddenly lost levels. It makes sense that a weapon, being an instrument to enhance your power, could greatly effect your end results, but I don't see why gear should be as much. (Don't get me wrong, I still think it should be effective, but balanced as it somewhat seems to be now.)

You don't "forget how to battle," however, your hands would blister beyond use if you attacked with a sword/axe/spear days on end without gloves; using a bow, again, wthout gloves, isn't the best idea. Also, some gloves improve your grip on the weapon, further improving your accuracy and attack power. Using a heavier weapon, some sort of strap around your wrist would help transfer the weight from your hand itself to the wrist, allowing you to lift greater loads. Without shoes, you would be momentarily pained and unfocused by every rock, twig, bone chip, etc. that happens to be lying around. Belts or certain body garments would help relieve pressure on the back.

It's not all that unrealistic. However, you're right that the increases should be 10~40%, rather than 50%+.

The biggest point I agree with in this thread is that gear should have more of an impact on defense.

[Eldaena]

You don't "forget how to battle," however, your hands would blister beyond use if you attacked with a sword/axe/spear days on end without gloves; using a bow, again, wthout gloves, isn't the best idea. Also, some gloves improve your grip on the weapon, further improving your accuracy and attack power. Using a heavier weapon, some sort of strap around your wrist would help transfer the weight from your hand itself to the wrist, allowing you to lift greater loads. Without shoes, you would be momentarily pained and unfocused by every rock, twig, bone chip, etc. that happens to be lying around. Belts or certain body garments would help relieve pressure on the back.

It's not all that unrealistic. However, you're right that the increases should be 10~40%, rather than 50%+.

Right. I agree with what you said. Properly made and fitted gear for your caliber of fighter (lol) would definitely help, but yeah I think the balance at the moment is about right really. Considering we can even better that properly made/well-fitted gear with materia. You are better with gear than you are without it indefinitely. I'm just saying you aren't completely useless without gear.

[Rydin]

Right. I agree with what you said. Properly made and fitted gear for your caliber of fighter (lol) would definitely help, but yeah I think the balance at the moment is about right really. Considering we can even better that properly made/well-fitted gear with materia. You are better with gear than you are without it indefinitely. I'm just saying you aren't completely useless without gear.

2 things....

1. you're right... you don't forget how to heal because you aren't wearing gear....
But I always think of all gear in a fantasy game being enchanted (with the exception of maybe starter gear) to help you do the things you really need to do

2. I get your point... Yes... in an ideal world getting to 50 is an accomplishment.... but thats what gear requirements are for
Instead of Level 50 giving you the best stats,... level 50 gives you the ability to wear the gear that gives the best stats
So you are still being rewarded for your leveling

[Eldaena]

2 things....

1. you're right... you don't forget how to heal because you aren't wearing gear....
But I always think of all gear in a fantasy game being enchanted (with the exception of maybe starter gear) to help you do the things you really need to do

2. I get your point... Yes... in an ideal world getting to 50 is an accomplishment.... but thats what gear requirements are for
Instead of Level 50 giving you the best stats,... level 50 gives you the ability to wear the gear that gives the best stats
So you are still being rewarded for your leveling

Level 50 gives you the best base stats and gives you the ability to wear gear that gives you additional stats on top of that. Yes, we are rewarded as we level and with the gear we are allowed to equip. It may not seem like much that we gain to some, but it is noticeable. Perhaps, when there is a level cap increase gear will prove to be even more beneficial, as will your level increasing. Perhaps, even to the point that you want it to reflect in what we have now. But the way I've heard you describe your thoughts on the matter seems more unbalanced than what we have currently. That is my opinion, though, that's all.

I feel like Yoshida and the development team have examined and re-examined the balance here, so it is a little insulting to them to question it when we don't understand how stats work in their entirety and we are still only at the original level cap for the game. Though, I do understand where your concerns are coming from, so I am sympathetic to the matter.

[Rydin]

Level 50 gives you the best base stats and gives you the ability to wear gear that gives you additional stats on top of that. Yes, we are rewarded as we level and with the gear we are allowed to equip. It may not seem like much that we gain to some, but it is noticeable. Perhaps, when there is a level cap increase gear will prove to be even more beneficial, as will your level increasing. Perhaps, even to the point that you want it to reflect in what we have now. But the way I've heard you describe your thoughts on the matter seems more unbalanced than what we have currently. That is my opinion, though, that's all.

I feel like Yoshida and the development team have examined and re-examined the balance here, so it is a little insulting to them to question it when we don't understand how stats work in their entirety and we are still only at the original level cap for the game. Though, I do understand where your concerns are coming from, so I am sympathetic to the matter.

No... you're right... I understand what they were going for... and it is their game.. their vision

re: the level cap increase... yes gear will do more... but then your base stats will also be higher

It doesn't bother you though... that you can be wearing:
Lvl 50 Ifrit/Moogle Cane
Lvl 46 Felt hat
Lvl 46 Felt Robe of the mind
Lvl 46 Boarskin Ringband
Lvl 45 Raptorskin Satchel belt
Lvl 41 Woolen Tights
Lvl 49 Mahogany Pattens

And I can wear
Lvl 5 Maple Wand
Lvl 41 Linen Deerstalker (A crafting/gathering piece)
Lvl 41 Linen Smock (Another crafting/gathering piece)
Lvl 43 Woolen Halfgolves (Yet another crafting/gathering piece)
Lvl 42 Vintage Shepards Belt (For gatherers)
Lvl 41 Woolen Tights
Lvl 43 Oak Pattens (The lower tier of your shoes)
Lower level than yours... and crafting gear to boot...

and because we can put the exact same materia on both sets...
We'll be no different

I take that back... You'll heal for 15 more on Cures and 30 more on Curas

are we saying this is the most balanced solution?

[Eldaena]

No... you're right... I understand what they were going for... and it is their game.. their vision

re: the level cap increase... yes gear will do more... but then your base stats will also be higher

It doesn't bother you though... that you can be wearing:
Lvl 50 Ifrit/Moogle Cane
Lvl 46 Felt hat
Lvl 46 Felt Robe of the mind
Lvl 46 Boarskin Ringband
Lvl 45 Raptorskin Satchel belt
Lvl 41 Woolen Tights
Lvl 49 Mahogany Pattens

And I can wear
Lvl 5 Maple Wand
Lvl 41 Linen Deerstalker (A crafting/gathering piece)
Lvl 41 Linen Smock (Another crafting/gathering piece)
Lvl 43 Woolen Halfgolves (Yet another crafting/gathering piece)
Lvl 42 Vintage Shepards Belt (For gatherers)
Lvl 41 Woolen Tights
Lvl 43 Oak Pattens (The lower tier of your shoes)
Lower level than yours... and crafting gear to boot...

and because we can put the exact same materia on both sets...
We'll be no different

I take that back... You'll heal for 15 more on Cures and 30 more on Curas

are we saying this is the most balanced solution?

The amount we heal for isn't the only thing the gear is affecting though. Your point isn't the most balance solution. =p

[Rydin]

The amount we heal for isn't the only thing the gear is effecting though. Your point isn't the most balance solution. =p

I guess we can agree to disagree
(GO EXCALIBUR!!!!)