So I'm not seeing how this is them changing things up from 2.0/3.0

[KokonoeAiyoko]

1. No intention of adding new character customization options in the future.
2. Maps the same size as Heavensward with the same amount of areas.
3. Hunts returning in the same mindless zerg fashion.
4. No new graphical options.
5. More tomestones and they'll have the same weekly limitations.

We're getting an underwater feature, but so far it seems as if this is the same "safe" expansion Heavensward was. What's really here that's going to shake things up for the players? All the vibes I'm getting at the moment is that this is another Heavensward, which is confusing as the budget is a lot higher.

[St0rmchild]

It's certainly not getting harder/more challenging - notice how they intend to make gearing through dungeons easier/less work and give out a free gearbox when you hit 70 on a job.

For all the ambition SB was going to launch with, I see precious little of it.

[LittleChickenNugget]

Hopefully Stormblood doesn't have to turn into A Storm Reborn. At this rate, the more I find out about SB, the less excited I am for it. But I will give it a fair shot and if things don't start looking better/ taking a different style turn before the -next- expansion comes out, SB may be the last one I get into. Rinse repeat can only be fun for so long.

[dragonseth07]

As far as Tomestones, they are forever. They adopted them as a grind-for-gear alternative to random drops, and ditching them would make many upset for that reason.

[Lexia]

It theme park MMO doubled down to the max.

[Vexander]

I'm pretty happy. Don't fix what isn't broken.

Would have liked more character customization options, but our existing ones aren't exactly bad. Tomestones are forever, nothing new there. The dungeon changes are nice, I like guaranteed loot as its been described.

[Zojha]

All the vibes I'm getting at the moment is that this is another Heavensward, which is confusing as the budget is a lot higher.

Looks more like Heavensward Lite to me so far. Same thing with a few things less - Maybe they'll allow you to upgrade to the full version via mog station (And if:"Mog Station" isn't a meme yet, it's overdue to become one).

[KokonoeAiyoko]

Looks more like Heavensward Lite to me so far. Same thing with a few things less - Maybe they'll allow you to upgrade to the full version via mog station (And if:"Mog Station" isn't a meme yet, it's overdue to become one).

Yeah...I mean like, we aren't even getting a new race so what's the issue with adding new character customizations? If there's a bigger budget, why not add something? Starting to wonder if this is rushed.

[Vidu]

I dont understand why people even want fundamental changes to the game and are disappointed when they dont get them... I mean, if you dont want to play a game that works like this, why are you playing this game?

I can understand that the lack of more new content to the old features (as in: more character creation for example) is a bit disappointing, but seriously... why do people seem to expect a totally new game? I for one am happy with "more of the same formula" - if I want something breathing take new, I buy a new (and different) game.

[ThirdChild_ZKI]

1. They actually ARE planning to add more features later. Initially though, no.
2. Heavensward maps were already a major step above ARRs maps. Add in the dimension of underwater and perhaps it'll at least feel bigger.
3. People wanted open world content, so here you go. I'm personally not a hunt fan, but it has its audience.
4. The overall graphics and visuals are increasing such that they've had to change the minimum system requirements. Beyond that, they are pushing for 4K/PS4 Pro support.
5. While the endgame currency formula isn't changing, it would seem loot systems for dungeons is, AF gear returns to being a quest reward, and there's been no mention yet of crafted or other options.

Please look a bit more carefully. It's WAY to early to start tapping your foot and doomsaying. Furthermore, I've said several times that if people are expecting a huge departure from the way things are, they're not likely to be satisfied.