A Simple Lack of Fun

[Biggs]

I really don't want this to turn out as a full-blown rant, but I suppose some things can't be helped. I started this game at release, dealt with and accepted every negative aspect within at that time, and every one since. But, I feel that this patch is the breaking point.

Before Oct. 4th, I really felt I had the option of doing things my way, solo, without the help of anyone else if necessary. Given, this was a more gradual approach in progression opposed to grouping up, still, I could solo efficiently for acceptable losses. Always before leaving Ul'dah I would attempt to form a group to grind with. I would put up recruit, shout for 30min or so, ask every one of my five linkshells, send tells to every person online in my friend's list of 140 people. Fifty percent of the time I could get people to go out. The remainder was all solo.

Come October 5th, I can no longer solo for anything near worthwhile EXP, and I feel it directly related to the linking system. My targets are always ranks above me because I enjoy the challenge of seeing what I can chain for the best EXP. If I try this today, what I get is a large, compact grouping of target mobs who range in level from 25, which is also my own, to level 29. I can defeat the Lv29's with difficulty, but certainly not when they are suddenly accompanied by 4 others.

I heard someone in my LS say that the new system now requires skill and planning, and the linking mobs make it more difficult. I chuckled, because at that moment I was in a successful group killing crabs in La Noscea, and found it to be more hack-and-slash than ever before. Mobs all over the place, damage all over the place, and most importantly, enmity flying everywhere. No skill, no difficulty, just spam.

It makes me wonder why we have all of these abilities that we gain as our character progresses if we only need AoE weaponskills, Curaga and Siphon MP.

You know they make a TON of solo rpg's right? Not even just SE, but TONS of companies make role playing games where you can solo till your hearts content. Matter of fact, Dark Souls came out and Elder Scrolls is right around the corner. Both of those are excellent rpg's for those that want to play with themselves (pun intended). This is an MMO. Just FYI

Also, you are aware that the company leves are all solo leves yes?