[dev1073] Stats without Physical Levels

[Sorel]

Its optional. You will have the option to either be automatic or distribute the points yourself.

Well that's the thing that strikes me as sort of odd.

Why would any player choose automatic, when they have the option of allocating their stat points manually?

I would think that every player cares enough about their character to not leave it to the computer to determine where to put their stats. That may be a false assumption on my part, though.

But if that assumption is not false ... why would the Development Team take the time to build an "automated" stat allocation system "based on class" that no player would likely use ...

... unless you don't have a choice. It MUST be used.

It's entirely possible that the "optional" part in Akihiko Matsui's quote isn't referring to the automated class-based point allocation system, but is actually referring to "optional points" players get in addition to the points provided by the automated class-based allocation system.

If you read the quote over again, and the Letter From The Producer #10 you'll see what I mean.

-NEW-
Shift to automated character development based on class rank, with optional attribute point allotment

The decision: attribute point allotment will no longer accompany gains in physical level, and will instead occur when characters rise in class rank. Although the amount in frequency of points awarded will be lower than previously, players will find that each point will have a more profound effect.