Basicly, what are your thoughts on classes in RPG games like TES, DnD, etc?
Do you even like classes? If so, which kinds of classes do you like? You know, this sort of thing. I'm asking because I've personally had a huge debate on this topic with pretty much all of my friends that I hanged out with at lunch, and am now curious about other people on the internet opinions on this topic...
I'll explain my thoughts on things and what had been said to me before already (And my reply to said things)... I'll also define specific terms and names that I might use in this post at the ending. Due to my Aspergers, I tend to name things differently...
I for one do not like classes in general. I rather have no classes at all, like in Skyrim. Only class system I personally and truly like are what I called "Base Class System". I hadn't played a game yet with "Base Class System" but I think Zenimax is doing that with TES-O from what I've heard. Now, don't confuse "Base Class System" with "Limit-Level Class System" though... Good examples of "Limit-Level Class System" would be Oblivion, Morrowind, and Daggerfall.
Why do I prefer not having classes? I prefer to 'class myself' and I believe that we don't need classes if we truly know how to roleplay. My friend told me that having no classes is NOT how to roleplay cause then that means he'll have to master everything to 'master the class'... I personally believe he is a "Master Sue". To me, if you truly know how to roleplay then you can easily just stick with the what you wish to use with a character. If you want to use a mage character, then roleplay as a mage and only use magic skills. Don't bother any other skills. Don't need to!
Also, what if you want to change your character's wishes and goals? (Classes are basicly wishes and goals that your character have)... Example: You originally start off with a character who wants to be a mage and master the arts of war magic but your character ended up changing his mind and wish to become a master sharpshooter archer instead, dropping all of his magical stuff. That's possible, if you ask me. Heck, I did something like that in real life. I originally wanted to become a chef but dropped that in order to become a Game Designer instead.
Lastly, what if the class you normally choose isn't what you look at? I've notice this a lot in some games and normally it isn't a problem since most RPGs I play are games that allow you to create your own class... But like what I was saying. What if you want to be a Battlemage and wish to be one of those heavy armor wearing battlemages with a sword in right hand and magic in the other? However, some games don't do this. Like in Arena, the Battlemage class can only wear leather armor... This really made me upset cause when I play as a Battlemage, I imagine myself wearing full steel armor and maybe a robe bottom of some sort while using a sword and magic in my hands...
Anyways. That's all. Time for your thoughts and some vocab words!
"Base Class System" - A class system which the classes are just bases for characters and only effect how they begin. Doesn't effect their leveling, what they can do, etc. Basicly, if you choose a Mage class... Your character will begin with some spells and probably have some of their magic skills up a little more than the rest but you can still end up being a full blown high level Knight and never once used magic.
"Level-Limit Class System" - A class system which only limits how the character can level up. Example: If you pick an archer class then the only way to level up is to use skills related to that class (Like Marksman)... If you ended up being something else, like a Mage, then you will never level up and be stuck at the same level.
"Complete-Limit Class System" - A class system which completely limits the character to their original chosen class. Example: Arena. You pick a class, like a mage, and stuck with it. Can't use anything else except what is specific in that class.
"Master Sue" - A player who just wants to master/beat the game either in general or with a specific character they've made.