[dev1033] Class name changes -> Specialization/Talent Trees Into Classic FF Classes

[Abriael]

The supposed "lack of predefined roles" does not come from the armoury system. It comes from the content we're now pitched against.

The armoury system has plenty systems in place to give each class a predefined role (diminishing returns on inappropriate armor, radical mana and HP differences, class affinity, class-exclusive abilities, AOE exclusive to casters).

Unfortunately when mobs are simply too weak, don't hit hard enough, don't resist enough and ultimately don't pose much of a challenge, those systems aren't tested to their limits.

The best way to solve (or at least the very first thing to do, probably followed by the implementation of more class-exclusive abilities and the nerfing of unbalanced abilities (Emulate, I'm looking at you) that allow people to fullfill other roles too easily) the problem is to increase the level of challenge posed by party-oriented mobs, and do so radically.

A raised challenge (that's needed and planned anyway) would push abilities to the limit and make the differencesbetween abilities belonging to the equipped class and those belonging to other class much more evident. And not only abilities.
Casters/DDs wouldn't be able to tank, other classes wouldn't be able to main heal and so forth.

AFTER the level of challenge is stabylized on an acceptable level we can actually start thinking on how to increase the definition of roles by adding new class-exclusive abilities and so forth.

But doing so before the mobs even pose a threat is kinda pointless.

[Spuffin]

I to lvled lancer just to lvl 20 for its good abilities and then threw it into the blender....

I hate how the current armory system forces you to lvl a class to a spec lvl to obtain x y ability and then makes that spec class completely useless by allowing you to use that same ability on any class regardless of lvl and that ability being jsut as powerful with a slightly increased cool down

[Kurokikaze]

Abriael I'm not replying to your post because I see what you do to other threads. White knighting is cancerous to the progression of this game. That is all.

To others; Shuichi of BG has made a nice flowchart that describes the how one would progress in the game:

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/7...branchflow.png

Note that you are free to go back and choose another class whenever you want.

Spuffin: That is what is happening under our current system and is what I and others want to fix.

[Demacia]

white knighting is cancerous to the progression of this game. That is all.

This. Cool chart by the way.

[Abriael]

Abriael I'm not replying to your post because I see what you do to other threads. Your white knighting is cancerous to the progression of this game. That is all.

The only thing that's cancerous to the progression of this game is the habit of some people to think that anyone that happens to think some of the present systems shouldn't be scrapped to be "fanboys" or "white knights".

If you can't answer with valid arguments, then just shut up, instead of insulting or belittling other paying customers that have as much right to express their opinions as you do.

[Rhianu]

Shuichi of BG has made a nice flowchart that describes the how one would progress in the game:

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/7...branchflow.png

Note that you are free to go back and choose another class whenever you want.

While I like the idea behind the chart, I don't agree with the level requirements it imposes. I don't think people should have to wait clear until level 40 before they can start defining their role in their job. Class specialization needs to start much, much earlier than that. Like around level 10.

[Kurokikaze]

While I like the idea behind the chart, I don't agree with the level requirements it imposes. I don't think people should have to wait clear until level 40 before they can start defining their role in their job. Class specialization needs to start much, much earlier than that. Like around level 10.

The exact starting point is still under debate. That was made so people can get a visual of what is being suggested based on the example given in the OP. I personally would have classes start speccing at 20. Getting to that level is fairly easy, at least now it is.

[Rhianu]

I personally would have classes start speccing at 20. Getting to that level is fairly easy, at least now it is.

Whether it's easy to level or not, I think people should be able to start clearly defining their class roles very early on.

[Demacia]

Whether it's easy to level or not, I think people should be able to start clearly defining their class roles very early on.

Early on? Definitely. Too early on? No thanks.

Level 20-30 seems fine to me. This is just my personal preference though as I really enjoy goal oriented content.

[Flower]

Yeah I really believe predefined roles would make the game A LOT better. Especially if we have a white mage / dedicated healing class. I only play a healer in any MMO (healer / bard). Not to say its hard to heal in this game, but the fact that the role of a healer and of a class that has that label is missing. I know you can heal with a con / thm just fine, its the fact that those con / thm can do so many other things thats the problem.