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

[Shazaam]

I'm sorry but theres not a single ounce of balance in anything you suggested. So what happens when you level everything, which people are actually really close to doing, and you have all traits...? Seriously, there shouldn't even be classes at that point and everyone is grey as you put it.

Perhaps I misworded my post, it would not be EVERY trait. Just one or maybe even 2 per class that become small bonuses like merits.

I am not suggesting that everything be available, but certain bonuses for leveling a class, akin to merits in FFXI. And at a greatly reduced benefit. Like I said, the number values should be reduced, changing Fast cast from 10% to a passive 2%. Perhaps one bonus for reaching lvl 50 that becomes passive. I like the thought that my main character in FFXI had an extra +2 to sword at level 20 from my having merited sword on my lvl 75 rdm.

It makes sense that after leveling my CON to 50 I would have some innate knowledge of magic, and thus I get a latent +2% magic potency bonus despite what job I pick. (again like FFXI merits)

Pick one or 2 certain abilities like 'fast cast' and let them have scalable increases as a passive (akin to merits). When you level everything, you get a number of small benefits like +3% heals done to you(PUG 50), +2% casting speed(CON 50), +1% damage(MRD40)... etc.

It isn't going to break the game, but it will set those who have earned the bonuses a 'bit' apart from the others.

[Abriael]

I am not suggesting that everything be available, but certain bonuses for leveling a class, akin to merits in FFXI. And at a greatly reduced benefit. Like I said, the number values should be reduced, changing Fast cast from 10% to a passive 2%. I like the thought that my main character in FFXI had an extra +2 to sword at level 20 from my having merited sword on my lvl 75 rdm.

Pick one or 2 certain abilities like 'fast cast' and let them have scalable increases as a passive (akin to merits). When you level everything, you get a number of small benefits like +3% heals done to you, +2% casting speed, +1% damage... etc.

It isn't going to break the game, but it will set those who have earned the bonuses a 'bit' apart from the others.

That honestly seems overcomplicated other than imbalanced.

Also, adding more passive stuff is, IMHO, not really a good idea.

The advantage of the current system is that, with all abilities being active, no matter how many abilities you have, you're still limited in their usage by stamina and plain time. You cannot use all your abilities at the same time, and while you may have a varied ability pool, you will always have to make a choice on which ones to activate at every given time.

Having abilities reduced as passives not only completely changes the system, making it way more boring, but it also completely removes the stamina/time limitations.

The only real problem with the current armory system is that you can use abilities from another class (as long as the affinity is high) pretty much like they were the abilities from your main class, basically giving those abilities a main role (and often replacing the abilities of your current class) instead of a support role like they should have.

That's why, IMHO; simply reducing affinity across the board would help. When I use a THM spell on a CON, it's potency shouldn't be almost the same as if i use it on THM. It should be nearer to 70%
If i use a THM spell on a physical class it should be reduced even further, like 50%.

That way people would be encouraged to stick to their role more, using cross classed abilities as a source of flexibility, without having full fledged tank/dd/healer/nuker hybrids.

[Shazaam]

@Kaze

Good points. My thinking wasn't as well thought out.

However, I think that there should be a reflection of the other classes you have leveled as 'character growth'. This was one of the main themes of FFXIV as far as I can remember. I think that simply being able to use the abilities of other classes is what leads to the 'gray' affect. Perhaps affinity (up to 50 or 70% as you suggest) should be controlled more by the level of the other classes?

I just want my char to reflect the fact that I have leveled CON or GLD to 50 even when I play a different class. (No, I have no class past 30 in FFXIV just to be honest)

And perhaps they could add an 'Affinity Percentage' bar to the abilities you are equipping? Surely that wouldn't be too hard if affinity is an actually calculated stat in FFXIV.

[Abriael]

However, I think that there should be a reflection of the other classes you have leveled as 'character growth'. This was one of the main themes of FFXIV as far as I can remember. I think that simply being able to use the abilities of other classes is what leads to the 'gray' affect. Perhaps affinity (up to 50 or 70% as you suggest) should be controlled more by the level of the other classes?

That may be a better idea, but slightly redundant. I mean that something like that is already in place, in a way.

If I have say GLA at 50, and CON at 20, and I equip Cure 2, it will still be Cure 2, no matter the fact that I'm level 50. On the other hand, a 50 CON will have Cure 3. That obviously has a much higher potency.
So no matter what, in the end, even as a 50 gladiator I'm not nearly as powerful as a healer as a 50 CON. This even more so if affinity is lowered across the board.

Unless I level CON further, I will still have to use abilities way under my level, further limited by affinity.