I always play a bit of both, on extreme scales as well. Or in multiple shades of grey, depending on the lore. I think this is less about just "Overpowered or Underpowered" more than it is how these kinds of characters are written.
(Sadly, in FFXIV terms, my sub ran out and school has choked up my time from playing, but I still do lurk here quite a bit).
Overpowered characters are subjective depending on where you place them and how they are crafted. But I feel many RPers, when they see Overpowered, they think some perfect warrior type who knows everything - which, by the way, is what the definition mostly pertains too. But then that brings it's own problems, because just being Overpowered doesn't make a character bad in any way if it's done correctly. And I notice many RPers never take the personalities of characters into consideration, as there could be a lot more than simply their abilities.Â
Sadly, after years of experience, we're kind of hardwired to see it that way. All of us have both cringeworthy and hilarious horror stories about it.
However, I agree with Gaspard's points and Graeham's, the reason why we tend to see Overpowered characters in a bad light is because all of the perks are reaped, but never the negatives. Many of the strongest characters, by the stereotype, are not afflicted by anything they do, let alone in a world like FFXIV's. And some of the Overpowered types are played a bit unrealistically, i.e Overpowered character hanging out in a place that isn't suiting for their rank/ability rank.Â
However, Underpowered characters can also be just as bland, because there isn't anything interesting with a clean slate that is talentless or unlikable. Just as there is none with a character who cannot be stopped.
But I believe that with the right kind of quality of writing, either of these types of characters can be pulled off, and that's why I play both. Both tropes of Overpowered and Underpowered characters, given the right settings and personality, can be greatly compelling and even enjoyable. Know the lore, and think of how to play your character, Overpowered or Underpowered.Â
Overpowered characters are great, especially if they're done right because if you have ever been with an Overpowered character, or played one (at least in my experience), there's a lot more to focus on than just their abilities. Even the greatest beings have faults.
Underpowered characters are also compelling to watch. It's kind of like cheering on the underdog. They grow on you.
Overall, in my opinion - I love and play both types of characters when there is more to focus on than just how many abilities they have, or how talentless they are. I want to make both types for FFXIV, when I know how to do so correctly.
And just as a last note, in case no one has mentioned it. A character cannot be Overpowered if all of the forces around that character are just as equally powerful, so that it evens out. Same whole deal with the Mary/Gary sue thing. And vice versa for Underpowered characters.
TL;DR: Both types of characters are great in my opinion, but they have to be written with skill and not just focus on all of the positives or negatives. A.K.A character balancing. I RP both kinds of characters.
(Sadly, in FFXIV terms, my sub ran out and school has choked up my time from playing, but I still do lurk here quite a bit).
Overpowered characters are subjective depending on where you place them and how they are crafted. But I feel many RPers, when they see Overpowered, they think some perfect warrior type who knows everything - which, by the way, is what the definition mostly pertains too. But then that brings it's own problems, because just being Overpowered doesn't make a character bad in any way if it's done correctly. And I notice many RPers never take the personalities of characters into consideration, as there could be a lot more than simply their abilities.Â
Sadly, after years of experience, we're kind of hardwired to see it that way. All of us have both cringeworthy and hilarious horror stories about it.
However, I agree with Gaspard's points and Graeham's, the reason why we tend to see Overpowered characters in a bad light is because all of the perks are reaped, but never the negatives. Many of the strongest characters, by the stereotype, are not afflicted by anything they do, let alone in a world like FFXIV's. And some of the Overpowered types are played a bit unrealistically, i.e Overpowered character hanging out in a place that isn't suiting for their rank/ability rank.Â
However, Underpowered characters can also be just as bland, because there isn't anything interesting with a clean slate that is talentless or unlikable. Just as there is none with a character who cannot be stopped.
But I believe that with the right kind of quality of writing, either of these types of characters can be pulled off, and that's why I play both. Both tropes of Overpowered and Underpowered characters, given the right settings and personality, can be greatly compelling and even enjoyable. Know the lore, and think of how to play your character, Overpowered or Underpowered.Â
Overpowered characters are great, especially if they're done right because if you have ever been with an Overpowered character, or played one (at least in my experience), there's a lot more to focus on than just their abilities. Even the greatest beings have faults.
Underpowered characters are also compelling to watch. It's kind of like cheering on the underdog. They grow on you.
Overall, in my opinion - I love and play both types of characters when there is more to focus on than just how many abilities they have, or how talentless they are. I want to make both types for FFXIV, when I know how to do so correctly.
And just as a last note, in case no one has mentioned it. A character cannot be Overpowered if all of the forces around that character are just as equally powerful, so that it evens out. Same whole deal with the Mary/Gary sue thing. And vice versa for Underpowered characters.
TL;DR: Both types of characters are great in my opinion, but they have to be written with skill and not just focus on all of the positives or negatives. A.K.A character balancing. I RP both kinds of characters.
