FF11 with realtime mechanics (it's actually real-time ATB, not a pure real-time) dated 2002
You mean, *not* an action game? Which was my point?
Plus, MMOs are a different beast. You're comparing apples and oranges.
Not even Dragon Quest 10 is turn-based because of that.
You should just accept that FF long moved from turn-based combat
FF10 was the last true turn-based game.
Others employed the classic ATB or similar systems.
Regardless, it was *never* pure action, which was my point since the beginning.
Why it can't be both?
Major, especially online, RPG are so heavy in metagaming and "thinking and preparation stage" that make ANY old-school turn-based game looks like a child play.
There are a complexity layer that just not available in turn-based - namely "timing of abilities", when game, for maximum possible performance, requires abilities to be placed at the exact (calculated) point of time - this just add a whole dimension into depth of game mechanics. It's a very hard math and metagame stuff - "should I use proc now, or 1 sec later when a buff come out of cooldown - what course will maximize dps". And do not confuse things here - this is not a question of reaction (a little practice on a doll will get your muscle memory in place), it's about very deep understanding of how game works and ability to make a quick and precise decision under pressure.
Basically no one stops you from slow thinking and strategize any time you want before the battle and then require carefull execution of this strategy. And that's the route that modern game follows.
All games have a strategy layer to them. That is not unique to a game being turn-based, realtime or something in-between. You're mixing things up.
It's up to the game designer to create games in ways that maximize the potential of whichever system they chose for the game.
And the "depth", "challenge" or "difficulty" has nothing to do with it.
There are casual Action RPGs and hardcore Action RPGs, much like there are casual Turn-Based RPGs, and hardcore Turn-Based RPGs.
Most JRPGs have often targeted a more casual audience.
I am saying that there are multiple ways to make a game, and all of those are valid ways.
One should not exist for the detriment of the other.
If you dislike turn-based games, good for you. That's your opinion, that's what makes you happy. There's no wrong opinion.
Saying that it's "outdated" or that games must "evolve" past that is just plain wrong and miguided.