Quote Originally Posted by Kurokikaze View Post
That all comes down to personal opinion. Whether you want;

1. Current classes to stick around and have new classes FF be introduced. <-- This doesn't fix any problems and just adds more classes that would require balancing.
2. Current classes to be replaced by new FF classes. Gladiator renamed to Paladin, etc.
3. Specializations for the current classes that lead into new FF classes. <-- This thread
I think you're leaving out another option which is to add another system on top of the current armory which compliments it, creates class uniqueness, and retains a lot of customization options.

First let me just address the problems I have with 1-3.

1. Current classes to stick around and have new classes FF be introduced.

The problem I have with this is that it isn't really compatible with the current armory system because with the current system class=weapon. Original FF classes aren't necessarily defined by the weapon they use. A DRK should be able to use a sword, an axe, a scythe, etc. Keeping what we have now and adding old FF classes will also just create a lot of skill redundancy and have way too many skills being mixed and matched that we will still be left with the issue of class uniqueness and role identification not being properly cleared up.

2. Current classes to be replaced by new FF classes. Gladiator renamed to Paladin, etc.

I don't think we should rename any of the current classes because as they are now they are defined by their weapons. A Gladiator isn't a Paladin it's a sword expert. If we are going to bring back the classic FF classes as pure classes in a single system then we should just get rid of what we have right now and completely redesign them a la FFXI-2. This would be a massive overhaul of the game and I think if it came down to this the development team may not get a budget for it and FFXIV will be trashed by SE.

3. Specializations for the current classes that lead into new FF classes.

My first problem with this is just that it's used by every MMO out there. It's really boring and played out. This type of system more than any other would turn FFXI into a WOW clone which many of us don't want. Another problem is that again class=weapon, why would a Gladiator transform into a Dark Knight and only be able to use a scythe? Saying that GLA -> DRK puts a huge limit on customization, DRK should be able to come from GLA, MRD, or even THM. This is trying to force a skill tree/class transformation framework onto a system that was designed around customization and mixing skills and abilities from different disciplines for personalized character growth.

4. Compliment the existing armory with a new "Advanced Job" sytem that creates traditional FF classes.

So a fourth option would be to keep the current system class=weapon and augment that with a title system like was originally intended. A character earns a title like Dark Knight which allows them access to traits and abilities that can only be used while this title is active. They can combine their title with different weapon classes to customize their character and define their specializations. This creates a new kind of class/sub class system that is really unique in MMO games and follows themes already established in FFXI. A DRK/GLA is a dark knight that uses a sword so while they have certain DRK unique abilities, they would be specialized in sword class skills. A DRK/MRD is a dark knight that specialized in axe combat, etc.

Titles could possibly be unlocked FF Tactics style where certain ranks in certain weapons gave you access to titles or open up quests for titles, or it could be more FFXI style where you had access to all title quests after a certain level. Certain class abilites could favor certain titles so for instance Cure could favor WHM and PLD, but be less effective when used by a DRK. Also certain Title/Weapon combinations may not be allowed like you might not be able to combine DRK with archer. This system would bring back our old class favorites (Ranger -> Ranger + Archery or Ranger + Musketeer) but do it in a way that stays consistent with the FFXIV themes. I personally think this would be extremely fun system to play in.