Why do I think Stormblood will be better than Heavensward

[Inuk9]

Battle system changes - While HS only put some new actions for the jobs, SB will revamp the entire battle system, so even low lv skills will be changed, added or removed. And btw, the job gauges looks sexy.

The cross role system is a cool upgrade too, so many usefull skills with only 5 slots to fill in. Expect to make a lot of hard decision of what to use.

Artifact armor from the get go - As soon do you get your lv 70, you will be gifted with your cool brand new artifact armor to run the endgame dungeons without being undergeared. I hope they do a cool first step for relic weapon too, like ARR.

PVP Changes - Yeah, finally I can try pvp without having to pop 10 cooldowns in 5 seconds. They went for a more simplistic system, more like Guld wars 2 (who has a very sucessfull pvp). This pre-season will help to adjust and who knows, the next step will include a siege castle/territory war between clans...

[RukiaFae]

Cleric stance change. That is all lol.

[Inuk9]

Yeah cleric stance was a pretty awesome change. I play on gamepad, so I can't count the times that I hit the stance buttom and dind't work. That was annoying as hell.

[Mejingjard]

We had Artifact set at the end of 2.0, and it was not enough for most to run dungeon
Demon Wall, i'm looking at you, sweet noob killer, gone to soon ^^
I hope we will face that same level of challenge again !

[Kaurie]

... While HS ...

Triggered! Why do you use HS instead of HW? It'd be like using SM for Stormblood...

Anyway, I agree, I am stoked for the battle system changes and cross role system. I especially like that the upgraded cross role system adds a small element of customization and builds.

[Inuk9]

Triggered! Why do you use HS instead of HW? It'd be like using SM for Stormblood...

Anyway, I agree, I am stoked for the battle system changes and cross role system. I especially like that the upgraded cross role system adds a small element of customization and builds.

Damiit, you got me =P

[Arutan]

Artifact armor from the get go - As soon do you get your lv 70, you will be gifted with your cool brand new artifact armor to run the endgame dungeons without being undergeared. I hope they do a cool first step for relic weapon too, like ARR.

Well yes and no, only the FIRST of your lvl 70 will get the right to an AF, you will need to buy the others.

Triggered! Why do you use HS instead of HW? It'd be like using SM for Stormblood...

FFXIV - SM, if you know what I mean

[Leigaon]

I have an optimistic outlook for this also, just purchased my PC version for it. So I hope I get an early access code to download it before the physical copy comes in.

The fact there's just a bit more cross over between roles is great for me. There have been times where I've been revived as a SMN to help cast raise, and a BRD to help replenish MP. The BRD doesn't do their song and ends up DPS'ing the boss that's still no where near close to dying. In a situation like that, I'd gladly give up my MP to a healer, or as a melee giving a revived tank Goad so they can get their TP back quicker.

The HUD graphic is great to implement, so I'm not looking at numbers all the time.

[RaizeGraymalkin]

Better jobs alone make it better. Rest is just gravy.

[Dameron]

Personally, I have a mixed outlook on Stormblood.

Having some abilities removed is probably a good idea, so long as it only concerns the ones that are never used. Like Feint, for instance. Yet sometimes things like this can lead to a slippery slope where commonly used abilities are removed for the sake of "convenience" or "quality of life", which I am firmly opposed to. I'm keeping a wary eye on this one.

Getting artifact armor from the get-go is something I'm opposed to. Exactly what will be the point of the level 60-70 dungeons if we get a full set of gear upon reaching level 70 anyway?

As for the PvP changes... Just no. Absolutely not okay. FFXIV might not be a primarily PvP-oriented game, but this is just straight dumbing down content. I have friends who might not even buy Stormblood anymore just because of these changes.

However, what I am looking forward to in Stormblood is the continuation of the story, the new PvE content, the new abilities and the new jobs.