One of my biggest concerns about Evolved Mode is how it will handle Astrologian.
AST has always had the potential for a very strong identity: cards, timing, prediction, and the feeling of manipulating fate. Sadly, I do not think the game has fully shown that strong identity in gameplay as much as the job fantasy suggests.
Personally, I am not a big fan of the current PvE AST. My favorite version was Shadowbringers Astrologian. I sadly did not play Stormblood AST, so I cannot judge that version, but Shadowbringers AST felt much more enjoyable to me.
At the same time, I do not want AST to become as simple as its PvP version. PvP AST works well for PvP because that mode needs fast and direct actions, but PvE is different. PvE needs more RPG depth, stronger job identity, and meaningful decisions.
For Evolved Mode, I hope AST gets a fresh direction: easier to understand, but not shallow. The card system should still matter. It should not just become “press card, give buff.”
I want Evolved AST to feel smooth, but still unique, thoughtful, and worthy of being an Astrologian.
Continue reading...
AST has always had the potential for a very strong identity: cards, timing, prediction, and the feeling of manipulating fate. Sadly, I do not think the game has fully shown that strong identity in gameplay as much as the job fantasy suggests.
Personally, I am not a big fan of the current PvE AST. My favorite version was Shadowbringers Astrologian. I sadly did not play Stormblood AST, so I cannot judge that version, but Shadowbringers AST felt much more enjoyable to me.
At the same time, I do not want AST to become as simple as its PvP version. PvP AST works well for PvP because that mode needs fast and direct actions, but PvE is different. PvE needs more RPG depth, stronger job identity, and meaningful decisions.
For Evolved Mode, I hope AST gets a fresh direction: easier to understand, but not shallow. The card system should still matter. It should not just become “press card, give buff.”
I want Evolved AST to feel smooth, but still unique, thoughtful, and worthy of being an Astrologian.
Continue reading...