So... This is the "improved encounter design"?

[Raikai]

Edit: Just a disclaimer since this is not in the thread title, but this is about Savage fights in case it's not clear

I'm a Party Finder raider (for logistic reasons), and as I'm slowly going through the new Arcadion fights, almost done with M2S clear, I can't help but feel a bit... disappointed?

Not to the fights themselves! They are well made, I don't take that away, but they are literally more of their 'safe formula' of symmetrical cleaves, mirrored, clockspot based mechanics, or events that are either X > Y or Y > X. Many elements are just things we already know but slightly dressed up. We still need 4 melees and 4 ranged units to resolve mechanics perfectly.

I did take a peek on M3S and M4S guides and it didn't really change what I think either. As I cleared this week's worth of M1S I kept thinking to myself how interesting would be if the Black Cat's clones were actual priority adds to micromanage instead of just animations?

The reason why I feel disappointed is because, based on the key notes, I thought we'd see an actual shake up on that formula, maybe taking more risks more out-of-the-box elements, or even paving the way for new types of job utilities to debut in the future.

I wonder if I got that feel totally wrong or delusional from the Fanfest? But if not, based on the extent of what we got, I kinda fear for the "job identity focus" in 8.0.