So I thought this might be a fun class mechanic, having strength in certain areas in one facet, yet pivotal weaknesses in others. By banding together, these set of classes would essentially complete each other. RPG's really encapsulate this idea, so I guess I'll take the basic idea from D&D or something.
Warrior: Frontline attackers that also serve to protect the backrow support
Strengths: High HP, DEF, ATK
Weaknesses: Slow, no long range options
Magicians: Dynamic class that can play either an offensive or defensive role
Strengths: Various utility magic, can debuff enemies or buff party
Weaknesses: Weak defensively, reliance on MP (resource management)
Archers: A class that specializes in long ranged attacks and crowd control
Strengths: Damage over long range, mobile, reduce enemy mobility
Weaknesses: Weak defensively, few close range options
Thieves: Tricky class that requires ingenuity
Strengths: Jack-of-all trades, mobile and fast, can steal items, poison enemies
Weaknesses: Needs more player effort to use effectively, no real strengths
Maybe have certain class skills that are special to only that class, that also symbolize their strength. So, for example, since warriors have high hp and def, and the others only have moderate to low amounts. So have a skill that signifcantly boosts that.
Comments
Warrior - Paladin
Magician - Bishop
Archer - I believe it was Bowmaster who held the niche
Thief - Night Lord
Although certain changes has made the party niches useless, particularly Bishop being seen as one of the weakest classes in the game alongside Jett. I know that Bishop used to be one of the strongest classes in Pre-BB, and even Post BB it held utility and offensive ability, using Angel Ray for damage and buffing via HS and Advanced Blessing. Paladin is still touted for its Defensive buffs and abilities despite party play being almost non-existent. MM has de-throned BM, gaining a buff when its a certain range from a monster....and NL is...well everyone plays it for simplicity. Unfortunately these days... L I N E S T O R Y !