Shadowbringer: Summoner Changes Discussion

[Elgeron]

So far I really like it. The pet feels more important. The great focus on rotating summons is surprisingly enough quite loyal to the way the summons have worked in older FF (summon for a single attack, being able to summon different ones through combat). The focus on controlling pet makes wonders for the job identity while offering more control over Ruin IV and making the player plan their rotation more carefully. Dreadwyrm trance and Phoenix Trance are similar enough not to feel confused, but work differently enough to felt as different phases of the same rotation. Having to plan around your opening in dungeon depending on which phase you are is great. While Titan could still be better, having each Egi have different roles and uses is, IMO, a good idea and give you access to more skills without being filling the skill bar too much.The class is hectic and intense, there is always something to do and feels so fast compared to the other casters. Is really its own beast. I think it may be hard but is not bad to be so, it really differentiates from the other two and caters to a different play style. While there may be some issues, like Dreadwyrm trance being locked by Summon Bahamut, which can be a bit clunky, I'll definitively maining it this expansion, really liked it in SB, but ShB so far is really great.

[Valmarus]

I'm finding that low level SMN ability to solo mobs in the field has been utterly destroyed by the pet changes. At level 38 with healing focused chocobo companion I'm constantly finding that mobs as low as lvl 31* (depending on the mob) are quite capable of bringing you to the edge of death. I've got fairly good gear for my level also but taking the brunt of all attacks, well, we're just far too squishy for that. Without the pet between us and the mob they're just tearing through my HP. It makes doing fates certain other activities problematic. I've said it before but it seems like this patch has been completely balanced around lvl 60+ with little regard for getting there.

*Just thought I'd add this note that this was a malboro type mob which granted are more difficult than other mobs comparatively just so I don't look too incompetent. But a 7 level advantage on my part should make it a walkover.

[ShariusTC]

Lv 78 and i love the changing of SMN so far, we lost some skill but our oGCD go up instead, so it's feel our new rotaion more busy than the old one, also the phoenix phase make me feel like i am a walking nuke in big pull, lol