Remember the climactic raid near the conclusion of Realm Reborn? The huge dragon Vishap making his way inexorably along the bridge leading to Ishgard, shouldering through huge fortifications while eight tiny adventurers fight to activate the bridge's defences and pour as much firepower into him as they can before he reaches the city...
I have very mixed feelings for Steps of Faith. I thought it was a brilliantly designed trial, breaking the regular mould with its scheme and mechanics; visually impressive, and suitably challenging for the story at that point. but in terms of playability... AAAGH! Eight players cooperating, once they've worked out the mechanics, no problem! Eight RANDOM players... Half the time Vishap just waited patiently at the beginning of the bridge while the players bickered about strategy and who was going to man the cannon. Players abandoned the raid frequently midway through, especially if the first attempt to thwart Vishap failed. I spent more time waiting for a full compliment of players than I did fighting! Little wonder this quickly became known as the Steps of Misery! Perhaps such strategy-intensive trials should be saved for challenges like Alexander and the Coil and alliance raids.
Two things brought this raid to mind today: we're nearing that end-of-chapter point before Stormblood, so we'll likely face some similarly memorable trial at the conclusion of Heavensward. And secondly, I've just played the music from that trial ("Faith in her Fury" - track 58 on the OST album Before the Fall). The music suited the raid perfectly and you can really picture the scene when it plays.
I think it is more brilliant if they don't nerf it so many times. It is to a point now you don't have to do any of the tower. Now we can just dps Vishap down midway.
The end of heavensward does not have to be as massive a fight as the steps of fate it can be a solo thing. It just has to help lead into Stormblood and give players a preview of what we face.
I guess in that respect the original steps of fate succeeded in that when it came outo. It made us realise the dragon horde was dangerous, here is hoping for a well do with final event that random groups van do together. :)
