Comments on: Editorial: Get a Job!

By: Matt Dance

Matt Dance — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 15:15:45 +0000

I want to ask: is “classes” the preferred nomenclature when a character’s abilities are essentially predefined, and “jobs” when you choose what they’ll be?

By: Mel

Mel — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 20:26:15 +0000

You mentioned SoA and I must point that out because <3

By: Ethos

Ethos — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 16:00:21 +0000

Yeah, I really love XIII’s system as well. It really felt like you were directing the flow of battle. Such a different feel and take on job systems. I don’t think I’m too picky, though, as long as I get customization. FF9 has classes instead of jobs and I dig it, I also dig FFXII’s system of essentially choosing each character’s class. Or even Skies of Arcadia’s weapon element-based way of upgrading magic. Any system in which I can make meaningful choices.

By: Matt Dance

Matt Dance — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 23:34:59 +0000

I concur. I think it’s helped the FF series to switch up predefined characters with systems though. The designer(s) were always pretty aware in those games without classes to make sure whatever party you have in the storyline is well balanced enough to be useful while still challenging. XIII was cool in that each character could fill a few roles when necessary – per your example, I wouldn’t keep one on Sentinal usually, but when I need to take a step back and heal and rebuff, having a Sentinal is definitely useful. I also loved how you switched roles on the fly.

By: Deimosion

Deimosion — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 19:29:20 +0000

I loved the X-2 job system, but it did have some issues with balance. Also the fact that they allowed job-change animations to be turned off? Excellent.

By: Ethos

Ethos — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 17:57:51 +0000

Good thing LFoPD went with a job system, then! What did you think of FFX-2′s job system?