Current State of End-Game Contents - A Blog Post from A Japanese Player

[Zantetsuken]

The OP's post only scratches the surface of the problems in the game. Here is what is needed to fix things, IMHO:

• No content should be 'dumbed down' with ham-fisted tools like the "echo buff". Doing so diminishes the achievements of those who worked hard to conquer it, and it heaps condescension on those that haven't.

• No boss fight should be 100% scripted -- Every Boss should use AI to determine the majority of their actions -- based on their own internal cool-downs, triggers, and the behavior of the players.

• Mainstream boss attacks may inflict insti-kill, or perma-death, but NOT BOTH simultaneously.

• Every boss' stats and drop rates should be together modified from a range (eg. +/-10%) that is randomly applied each encounter.

• Every boss should have a 1~2 extra abilities (from a pool of ~4) that are randomly assigned to it each encounter.

• Every boss and FATE boss should have an ultra-rare (~0.5%) drop, even if the drop is just vanity.

• Bosses and FATE Bosses should enter 'desperation mode' when their HP falls below an assigned ranged of 10~15%. During this mode, they may become faster, more powerful, erratic and/or gain new attacks.

• The vertical gear system should only exist between level caps... as gear reaches the cap, it should branch out and become horizontal providing players with a variety of options for builds.

• Old content should have its party number/build requirements reduced or elimitated when new replacement content is released. (with the obvious exception of CT or other alliance raids)

• If server load is a problem, instanced content should be soft-gated through a variety of methods. Some should have cooldown timers, some should require farming entry items, some use currency (eg GC seals) to enter, etc etc...

• Standard Dungeons should feature an 'open-world exploration option' where players can casually enter and mine, harvest, treasure hunt and encounter FATE bosses which drop some thematic loot.

• Job skills and Limit Breaks should be revamped to reward players who coordinate attacks and actions.

• (a personal wish) New explorable zones.. more open, with higher lvl monsters that pose a serious agrro threat to players

Not only will these changes make the game better, but they will make the player community better as well. In FFXI, even PUG players would often /comfort someone who lost a BNCM battle and they would donate some of their own winnings to lessen the loss.

Randomness and AI add another important factor to the outcome of a battle. To put it bluntly: Without randomness in battles, players can (and will) only heap blame each other if they lose.