Quote Originally Posted by Malakhim View Post
Incorrect.

Final Fantasy II had no rigid class system. Growth was similar to that of a SaGa game, and of course it did being that Akitoshi Kawazu was one of the lead designers on it. The idea for a "weapon skill level" in FFXI probably emerged from here as well.

Final Fantasy VII had a materia system in which you customized your character abilities based on materia equiped. There was no rigid class system.

Final Fantasy VIII had a junction system in which you customized your character abilities based on Gaurdian Forces(GF) equiped. There was no rigid class system.

Read up on your FF history.
I'd like to point out that while FF7 and 8 had free range skill selection (Similar to XIV) Each character was based on a specific job from older FF's.
Cloud Soldier, Tifa Monk, Barret Beserker/Gunner, Vincent Ranger, Yuffie Ninja, Red XIII Monster, Cait Sith PuppetMaster (ok it was the first PM in FF yes.) Cait Sith's Moogle Gambler, Cid Dragoon. Quistis Blue Mage, Selphie Ninja, Zell Monk, Squall Fighter,

If you wanna put it lightly FFXIV and VII had almost mirror Systems. The Character is defined by their Weapon, but they can equip any skills they already know/own.