Please Reconsider MSQ Changes

[SoulEchelon]

I'm sure the majority of us want new players to enjoy the cutscenes. I know I always felt bad when I was in a MSQ roulette with new folks who are straight up left in the dust as everyone else bumrushed through the dungeon.

But there MUST be a better way than this.

I'm 100% sure people have already suggested this, but I'll add to the pile: Make it so that the first MSQ run is soloable. Then, once a new player unlocks the MSQ roulette, have them be added to the pool of veterans. This way we vets will still get that lovely new player bonus, while new players will get to enjoy the story for their first run through.

Give them npcs, or use the Squadron system. All of this is already implemented in the game...why can't these systems be used for the MSQ dungeons as well? I just don't understand what they were thinking here. Everyone gets shafted - even the new players. Vets will refuse to join the MSQ thus longer waiting times, and once a new player has finished the dungeons in question, they'll be in the same aggravating boat as us vets.

No one wins with this system.

[Aylis]

I'm 100% sure people have already suggested this, but I'll add to the pile: Make it so that the first MSQ run is soloable. Then, once a new player unlocks the MSQ roulette, have them be added to the pool of veterans. This way we vets will still get that lovely new player bonus, while new players will get to enjoy the story for their first run through.

Give them npcs, or use the Squadron system. All of this is already implemented in the game...why can't these systems be used for the MSQ dungeons as well?

The only issues that arise with npc's is all the interactive elements would need to be disabled. The lore department would have a fit since as I recall some of those interactive elements is what explains why players get that shiny Reaper mount. Squadron doesn't unlock much later in the game too. The lore department would have another fit to retcon a lot of lore to explain why a virtual nobody in terms of story progression is able to command a small battalion.

If its soloable and cleared and they are able to take on the MSQ roulette with vets, technically they cleared it and wouldn't be a new player anymore, they would be a vet too now. So no more new player bonus at all. Unless it was treated as its own thing and in that case it wouldn't be a MSQ thing anymore since that part was already completed.

I do agreeit should be a solo instance, keep the interactive elements at its minimal to keep the lore team happy and still keep story continuity in check. Tone down the dungeon and boss mechanics. Stick Ultima Weapon as an 8 player trial. Drop the places from MSQ roulette totally. New players can still watch all their cut scenes in peace and everyone else can forget these mistakes existed in time.

[SoulEchelon]

snip

You're thinking within the current limits of how this game works. They can give npcs the same AI as a squadron, which means they won't go running off after each wave of enemies. In fact, there is at least one late game instanced mission where you have npcs following your movements and not their own. So, again, these systems are in place. It's all a matter of bringing them into the MSQ.

As for vets not getting a bonus, again - you're thinking within our current limits. The first solo run and the first roulette run can be counted as separate "new player" runs. The new player does them solo, gets MSQ Roulette unlocked, then for their first Roulette run the bonus activates. So, once again, it's a win win situation here. Everyone is happy. Your suggestion would be fine too, but it may be too drastic a change to make Ultima into its own trial. I only say that because they'll have to rip that and the fights afterward out of the dungeon, which could involve more work.