Better Materia System

[Darkillumina]

I've always disliked the current system and that's coming from a guy who got lucky on some ridiculous melds.

I would have preferred a system akin to FFVII where each weapon or piece of armor has a certain number of slots. Materia itself can be put in these slots risk free, which in turns offers a unique customization option for players. However, the high end materia could understandably be a rare drop from a end-game dungeon or boss to ensure that things don't get too ridiculous. Average materias can still be obtained from say, regular mobs or Spiritbonding. Once slotted however, you cannot unslot the item. Rare weapons can also have higher slots than regular old crafted stuff.

In addition you could have certain materia offer elemental status effects and the like increasing the customization option. Hell, a certain slot can be reserved for a certain type of materia!

Crafters can be utilized to slot the materia and will also play a role in creating the armor and weapons with slots. While HQ should have an extra slot guaranteed, the RNG should be in play to allow certain synths with the chance to have more slots.

This system then does everything 1.0's did without the headache and the RNG factor when melding. It keeps the economy moving, keeps crafters involved and promotes teamwork for the high-end materia's. It also requires you to think how you will slot your gear. With 1.0 you basically looked for your primary stats and boosted them without much deviation. This system allows for deep customization.