SMN vs BLM

[Satori-ken]

I can't decide, i know it's "what i enjoy playing", i'm not asking about being FOTM or OP, just what feels more useful endgame. I know both are viable, so let's just make it a poll, what would YOU choose?

[Urthdigger]

They specialize in different areas, so it really depends on the event and the rest of the party.

SMN's forte is their DoT focus, allowing them to continue to deal damage while focusing on other things. This makes them good on fights that require a lot of moving around, like primal fights.

BLM's forte is burst damage, as well as area damage. They are far better suited for taking out adds quickly, and are especially useful in primal fights to help take down the nails/plumes/heart that will make the primal's massive attack a 1-hit KO.

I'd probably say BLM, as when they're needed they're REALLY needed.

[Estellios]

For what it's worth, Summoner is the only non-healer that can Resurrect in battle without needing to use a Limit Break which comes in handy.

[BlossomRose]

I'd probably say BLM, as when they're needed they're REALLY needed.

I strongly disagree:

1. Garuda has no mechanic that requires a BLM specifically, and SMN aoe can help nail the feathers easier by binding them.
2. Ifrit's nails can be downed by the SMN limit break too, which is IDENTICAL to the BLM one.
3. Being able to DPS Titan and his heart while avoiding mechanics makes SMN just as good as BLM.

Neither really shines more than the other, and I say this having cleared Turns 1-4 of BC with different groups.

Hate to say it, OP, but it does come down to which you find more fun to play.

PS, yes, being a SMN with Swiftcast means you can instantly rez someone who dies in battle.

[SugarPeanut]

IDK - People really <3 me when I join parties, but at the same time its awesome having a smn in the mix too. I do not think there is any one game-breaking strategy-definite reason for one to be better than the other. it comes down to play preference to you and only you. Every class has its advantage, and every class has something it cant do like the others - otherwise why have different classes, we should all just chat and say a/s/l ? :P but, no really, the important thing is that you enjoy what you are doing hehe.
Thing I can sayabout my black mage is they are burst damage - super long cast times on just about everything for the most part ( cuz swiftcast is a cool down hehe ), but sure packs a punch. Sleep is an awesome thing that I use a lot too.
I do wish I had cute little pokemon pets like smn o.o

[Satori-ken]

I think i'll be going SMN, mainly because everywhere i see more and more BLMs.
I also have more fun with SMN.
Thanks Everyone for your input

[seekerofpower]

Summoner... because we get a horn. /end thread

[Orbital-Dragon]

I honestly feel like Summoner is going to get some decent alterations in both Skill Sets and Summon Appearances within the next couple major patches, where as I think Black Mage will only get minor balance changes, so I am definitely going with Summoner here.

[seekerofpower]

I honestly feel like Summoner is going to get some decent alterations in both Skill Sets and Summon Appearances within the next couple major patches, where as I think Black Mage will only get minor balance changes, so I am definitely going with Summoner here.

They've already said they will not change the appearance of the current egis.

[KittenJitsu]

I disagree with BlossomRose while Urthdigger nailed it on the head. Smns shine when a boss requires the party to move a lot or tank and spank while BMs are best with boss mechanics that require killing other stuff than just the boss. I would much rather have two BMs than two Summoners in a Sunken Temple of Qarn, but SMNers do really well on the last boss in Brayflox's Longstop.

So here is my suggestion. Level both classes to 15, then decide. We can't decide for you based on what the class does better. That is irrelevant because parties will take either 1 BM or 1 SMR or both in any party.