Auto attack: A complete battle system

[Xzen]

Rather than changing the style of attack completely, what would be the best way to go about preventing people from complaining about spammy actions or "lack of strategic actions"?

I think even with Auto Attack you would still be spamming 1-0 just like you do now or worse. Fall asleep waiting for TP ala FFXI.

[Naqaj]

Like what? Honest question, since the only one I know of is Vindictus. I think even Guild Wars 2 is going the auto-attack route.

Another one that's actually available is DC Universe Online, which has a great combat system without auto-attack. The game has a lot of issues outside of combat though, I wouldn't recommend it without a trial first. Actually I wouldn't recommend it at all, as it will seriously spoil your experience of combat in the classic MMOs.
The strongest contenders for action combat MMOs are still not available, Blood&Soul, GW2 (not really auto-attack, but a toggle system, and VERY dynamic) are all still in development, TERA is only out in Korea.

[Xzen]

Another one that's actually available is DC Universe Online, which has a great combat system without auto-attack. The game has a lot of issues outside of combat though, I wouldn't recommend it without a trial first. Actually I wouldn't recommend it at all, as it will seriously spoil your experience of combat in the classic MMOs.
The strongest contenders for action combat MMOs are still not available, Blood&Soul, GW2 (not really auto-attack, but a toggle system, and VERY dynamic) are all still in development, TERA is only out in Korea.

You pretty much nailed all of the games I would have given as an example.

[RemnantWolf]

I like the basics of this idea I only add that you should be able to change stances depending on the situation. Like switching to a defensive stance if your parties tank is KOed or switching from slower stronger attacks for high defense mobs to light fast ones for smaller enemies.

[Physic]

Auto attack wasnt the problem with battle, as your skill repetoire grows you use a lot of different attacks, every attack served a purpose. BUT then again this was back in the day where you were rewarded for fighting difficult mobs that used a variety of abilities. Now the best exp is from groups where you barely do anything and most of your skills dont matter. Got to remember, the game used to reward you for being effective in battle, so spamming basic attacks was only a good idea if it actually was the most effective.

[Teknoman]

I like the basics of this idea I only add that you should be able to change stances depending on the situation. Like switching to a defensive stance if your parties tank is KOed or switching from slower stronger attacks for high defense mobs to light fast ones for smaller enemies.

Thats why im hoping they go back and look at the different displays on the main XIV site.

[Masamune]

If it's anything at all like FFXI, I will fall asleep playing. That system is old and boring and I like the fact FFXIV has an action type style to it. I'm involved with the attacking not just waiting for the ability to ohmygooses special attack. I don't see how there is spamming when I have two lines of actions I am constantly using to heal, attack and shed off damage. Please work with the system now and not scrap it for something that has worked previously to just attract and silence players. I have liked most of the fixes besides the targeting, but that was fixed as well. All I can do is hold my breath and trust Yoshi-P.

[IndecentSoul]

Argh well typed out a reply but apparently it didn't post.

Pretty much I like the way FFXIV does it. I like being in control 100% of my characters every action. I can spam attacks to burst or I can ease them out at my leisure. It makes the game feel more immersive.

The one problem I had with auto attacks in in FFXI I often found my self just setting my character to auto attacking a mob while I would watch tv, read a book, or something else that wasn't FFXI. Then just every once in a while check my character to do a WS, use a ability, or to see if my target was even still alive.

[Reika]

Archers will hate auto attack. Spamming arrows = waste of arrows.

[Physic]

ahhh well, too bad auto attack, and a new system where it is required is coming, man it sounds like it will be bad