EQ2: Thoughts and Ruminations
by Wuphon's Reach
The problem I see with this is that the pace of the game in the first dozen levels is so fast that it's difficult to make a meaningful choice so early. On the other hand, it makes rolling up alternate characters to experiment much quicker.
If I was going to re-design it (wishful thinking):
Levels 1-9 - no archtypes at all. Leave the heroic opportunity system off the table until level 10+. Give everyone the ability to do a little bit of everything, but nothing class-definining. So, everyone could heal a bit, nuke a bit, and do a bit of melee damage. Nothing like experimentation to decide which role you prefer.
Level 10 - Now you pick an archtype (fighter, priest, mage, scout).
Level 20 - This would be the first sub-class level. (Similar to the existing levels 10-19.)
Level 30 - Pick your final class specialization.
My thought is that by forcing everyone to pick an archtype at level 3, a sub-class at 10, and final class selection at 20, they compressed too much choice into too narrow of a range. Expanding of the decision over an additional 10 levels would have given them a few benefits:
- Players are better informed when it comes time to choose.
- Easier class balance due to more levels at the lower end where you can introduce new spells.
Subscribe via RSS