FFXI isn't really anymore. It used to be the prime example of forced level grinding, then they introduced Abyssea. Before that expansion, and post level 60, you could go a week or two without getting any levels. If you solely focused on grinding all day, you could maybe get a level, but with how the game was, and the fact that no one really wants to just grind all day, and having other things you "need to do in game", leveling up took quite a long time. In Abyssea, even in the mediocre parties you could get a couple of levels with a few hours of fast grinding. Then they put out more expansions that made it even easier than ever before to build your character fast (and do things solo that always required a party before). Now you can go from level 1 to 99 in hours (or days if you want a break).
There's a reason for all this though. Declining population and interest in the game. Right before the first expansion that made it easier to level up, finding an exp point party was getting pretty difficult. You don't just throw together 6 random people and go kill shit, the party needs certain roles filled. Mages, especially White Mages were in short supply and high demand. You being able to go level was entirely dependent upon being able to find a healer that was also looking to grind, at the same time multiple other parties were looking for one. Every change and expansion they've introduced that is exp point related has all been based on the idea of making it easier and faster to level up. This game used to demand you team up with other people to do just about everything, and now you can virtually do everything solo, and do it a hell of a lot faster than ever before. It's not really a grind anymore, but it's also all kind of pointless now. There's really no sense of accomplishment because everything is handed to you on a silver platter.
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With my face against the floor I can’t see who knocked me out of the way. I don’t want to get back up but I have to so it might as well be today. Nothing appeals to me no one feels like me, I’m too busy being calm to disappear. I’m in no shape to be alone contrary to the shit that you might hear. You can't wake up, this is not a dream. You're part of a machine, you are not a human being With your face all made up, living on a screen. Low on self esteem, so you run on gasoline
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Terra's grinding doesn't feel forced at all IMO, just spent a few hours and made it from lvl 15 to 22 or so. I did have a few XP boosts the best of which is a free 7 day 2x xp boost that anyone can get along with a 7 day flying mount token and some other useful stuff. The enchanting is super simple too, I have been replacing my weapon every few lvls and maxing it out super easily.
The combat in Terra is pretty fun too, my character shoots energy balls from its staff so its almost like a shooter when I use my main attack, but with added wow hotbar spells. I am playing as a summoner/ healer/ support caster that is great for soloing. I can summon a defensive and offensive summon then just blast em with my staff Been powering through some quests
-------------------- Don't worry about me, I've got all that I need. And I'm singing my song to the sky You know how it feels, With the breeze of the sun in your eyes. Not minding that time's passing by I've got all and more, My smile, just as before. Is all that I carry with me I talk to myself, I need nobody else. I'm lost and I'm mine, yes I'm free
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