[Reminder] Classes Are Not Jobs [dev1033]

[gifthorse]

Unfortunately, they DON'T equal Jobs. And the building blocks are weak. The system is what we HAVE made of it, not what we will make of it, and the system has failed, unfortunately. Many of the current complaints have been about the inability to differentiate the classes. That criticism is not going to fade from a defense of the current system. The game HAS to change or it will fail.

I don't want this game to fail, but I do realize that the current system of F2P will not support this game or bring in new customers. If you think that you can make a PLD out of your GLD, then all props to you, but it isn't cutting it for the people who quit the game, and it certainly isn't attracting new players.

If you REALLY love this game and want it to succeed, then please don't defend the original systems, as much as you may like them, because they will end this game quickly.

The armory system is a great idea, but it does not allow the building blocks to create your own 'jobs', it needs to change. Add a class/job system on TOP of the already existing system, and you instantly create a few things:
1)The 'Final Fantasy' feel
2)A goal for low-mid level players to aim for
3)Class differential that allows players to feel unique in a group

Cairdeas, I think you are wrong in your statements, well-intentioned, but wrong. You CANNOT make a 'white or red mage by pulling the right skills from here and there'... you just make a 'grey mage'. Grey is mushy and boring. 'Any class can be any job'... that is gray. That is what the majority of MMO gamers have decided. Unfortunately, there is no MMO without a large player base.

I love the FF franchise and would like nothing less than to see FFXIV have a rich and fulfilling future. There needs to be change for that to happen.

I don't think this thread is a defence of the original system so much as an explanation of the underlying concept. Anyway, I think both systems can coexist, the armory system and a job system.

The Original Poster mentioned being able to assign/attach a name to your load-out. Now, suppose that if in attaching this name, your character received a boost to relevant abilities/stats and at the same time, received a decrease to certain other abilities. If this was the case, then you would become a specilist in that role, and you COULD become classic Final Fantasy staple job you always dreamed of playing.

For example, say you wanted to play the role of a Black Mage in a party. You've levelled up both mages to a certain level and have enough skills to support this role. You then opt to assign yourself the title "Black Mage", and with that comes a boost to your offensive spells. But at the same time it decreases the effectiveness of your defensive and healing spells. So, in effect, you're a very good DD, but a bad healer. Hence BLM.

All the armory system ever needed was extra support from the development team.

With the upcoming Role-specific gear (see the BLM gear sketches in the latest producers letter), then such a system could be even more viable by allowing us as players to demonstrate our roles in the gear that we wear.

With the changes outlined above, you could have the best of both worlds: freedom to play as you wish, role differentiation, classic final fantasy atmosphere, and endless possibilities.