Quote Originally Posted by Betelgeuzah View Post
Here's my issue with Yoshida's mindset:

What this essentially accomplishes, is that new players can skip the low-mid game's content so that they can play with their friends (who PL them). This is wrong on two levels: first, well, being able to skip most of the game sure does not sit well with me. Secondly, you create high level newbs that were essentially carried to the top like babies.

And with the second point, the biggest flaw becomes clear: Leveling is no longer an accomplishment of any kind. It takes practically no effort, and requires no dedication from the player's end. That said, important question arises: what is the point of having levels in this game in the first place? No dedication required. No skill required (which is a given). Leveling becomes as much of an accomplishment as getting Steam "accomplishments". You managed to create a character, ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED! That said, leveling becomes a waste of time. There is no point in even that tiny effort the game requires from you to get to level 50. It could be taken away and no one would care- whats the difference between 2 days of PLing and just, you know, starting at level 50? Former is just annoying and leaves you with no satisfaction (you just want to be done with it), the latter gets to the point directly and accomplishes what Yoshida seemingly wants to accomplish- to allow for newbs to jump right in and play with their friends.

All that said, do not assume that I am in favor of neither option. I like the leveling process. Once upon a time it required actual dedication, it felt like a real accomplishment once you were done and really, now, I always liked the fact that there was something new waiting for me around the corner, whether it be trip to Kazham or hunting for genkai items in Eldieme. Seeing a level 65 character was so BAD-ASS, being a lowly level 42 at the time. It may have been too rough of a process, but that roughness made it an accomplishment because it took dedication (and patience) to overcome it. Not Skill, but that is not a requirement and has never been.

It may not be what the game needs, but what I will argue is that making leveling into a mere annoyance you want to be done with ASAP is not what the game needs.

Alternatives: Level Sync. Instead of making the low level players skip the whole rest of the game in favor of doing the endgame stuff with a higher level friend, make the high level friend come down from his throne to help the low level player as an equal (strength wise) instead. You can still help him level, but it's not a matter of sucking on a thumb while you decimate the monsters but fighting equally where both members get to actually participate.

What I see as a downside to this is that the high level friend has to put in more effort to help the low level fellow, and has to re-do content he has done before and can't just keep doing his awesome endgame epic raiddungeonifrithypermodes. But let's face it: he has already dedicated himself to the game, and playing with a friend is ultimately pretty enjoyable regardless of your level. It's not a huge effort to ask. Not to mention the fact that he can also accomplish things for himself in the process. He can level new classes/jobs or accummulate spiritbond for his equipment.

Since (as far as I know) the EXP you gain from monsters is determined by the TNL of your current level (or in this case, synced level) the issue of XI where people could level to 75 in a level sync party in Qufim would be less likely to occur. Since there is a benefit in fighting mobs of your current level. I may be wrong in my assumption however.

All in all, I hope that Yoshida reconsiders his stance and thinks up some alternatives instead. I have made my opinion clear, and I think there is some weight to it.
Level Sync,EXP band,link account"not as crazy as wow version" you still have to level and still grow as you play but you get there little faster not a mad way of doing it. Vs get someone to pl you go watch tv and come back and gain 15-20 level of watching a movie.