Well. what end-game content would you suggest?
The way I see it end-game content will still have engaging stories so it won't be JUST about grinding items. That's enough for me (story), but we can only wait and see.
Not really just aimed at you Lyc. Just happened to hit quote on yours...
The most perfect endgame system in an MMO that I have EVER seen: FFXI.
Some people might already be groaning, but hear me out.
In FFXI, there is the same gear "struggle" that each RPG has. (MMO by extension)
However, there is such a small difference in actual performance between the variants!
Some crafted gear are better than anything else in the game.
Some gear from very long quest chains come to within 98% of the quality of the "Best" item.
Example:
Take your SAMurai and do Dynamis for the next 2 years non-stop to FINALLY get your relic sword. (Best).
Or!
Go do some ZNM for second place. Could have your toy within a few weeks!
Or!
Do some ENM for third place. Could have it on the first trip!
The difference between the best and third place... not much.
I lie a little. The relic is friggin awesome! But the Hagun (3rd place) is much MUCH MUCH more solo friendly.
Gear aside.
FFXI has an endless list of activities you can parttake in as your endgame activity. You can do one, multiple, or even ALL of them if you really wanted to (get ready to divorce your wife and quit your job!).
ENM, ZNM, Dynamis, Sky, SEA, Assault, Besieged, and more! I really can't even remember them all!
And each one has it's own specific little niche that they cover.
In ZNM, you need to take "photos" of rare creatures for an npc. He awards you points based on the creatures health, etc.
Those points you can spend to buy "bait" for big badass boss creatures.
Put the bait item at the specified location, badass spawns, you kill him - get your loot!
Or. ENM. You embark on a little quest to some exotic location to acquire an item. That item is the trigger to start a mini-dungeon boss battle.
You fight and succeed in the battle - you get your loot.
There is even a dungeon event with 3 chests. Pick one. If you pick the right chest, you get loot and walk away. If you pick the wrong one, it turns into a badass chest with teeth that needs to die. There is a time-limit. If you're really good, you can solo ONE chest and try again.
SOLO ENDGAME!
Small group endgame (assault)
Large group endgame (Sky, SEA)
MASSIVE group endgame (Dynamis)
REALM-WIDE endgame (Besieged).
I mean really... it was the most awesome and dynamic endgame system I have ever experienced!
Not to say FFXI didn't have it's problems. And since they raped it by increasing the levelcap to 99, it really has fallen apart.
But back then... It was awesome!
