This is an old meme, but a good one. It's designed to infuriate and does a good job of that. Do you even know who is being referenced in the 'Which is better and why? Discuss!!' caption?
I used to but I don't remember, sorry. Andhaira?
All the m&M's i've played had simple char development (always boost the same skills)
The skills comment is a fair one to make, but you cannot stand by an implication that X's character creation and development on a whole surpasses anything M&M before it.
Some classes can be built in different ways. For example, you can build a crusader as a pure spellcaster, and they are good at it (unlike previous games' hybrids which sucked at spellcasting). Their promotion ability also complements both a spellcaster and a melee oriented build. Levels and skill points are limited so specialization is encouraged.
simple gameplay (spam damage spells or basic attacks)
Utterly unfair and disingenuous. You know as well as I do that X has "simple" gameplay as well. The Might and Magic series has never been known for its tactical complexity.
In general sure, but compared to its predecessors? You build a knight and all you'll do is use the basic attack all game. X has enemies that require guard breaking, and melee chars have some abilities to help break through blocking, or defend other party members. It's not that complex but it's more than spam basic attack.
x has more enemies that require different approaches, positioning matters sometimes (IE: the naga boss that will push you off the lighthouse)
The naga example is an interesting one, but I thought that entire mechanism was rather cheesy on their part; you're forced into it and forced to fight on her terms.
And I don't think that X has more enemies. Are you stating that as a stand-alone statement or are you linking it to the positioning aspect?
I'm saying it has more enemies that require different approaches from the default "spam attacks/spells until they die." Some previous games had unique enemies, like spellcasters that cast reflection, or those light wisps that dispel your buffs (can easily get you killed if you're a melee heavy party that relies on light magic enchants). This feels like more of the norm in X. IE: the first town is full of poisonous spiders and you need to manage that. if you just plow through mindlessly you'll get taken down by attrition.
lots of high quality puzzles to break up the combat
I can't recall a single puzzle from the game. Does that mean they're not memorable at all or does it mean I have dementia?
I dunno. Do you like puzzles?
most in depth class/race design in the entire series
M&M has always been rather human-centric, so I suppose this may be true. However, it doesn't qualify the entire series before X as being 'popamole'.
The point is that X has a little more depth in most areas, so I view it as less popamole. I greatly enjoyed every M&M game I've played and sneaking as early as possible to eeofol in 7, through tunnels full of massive behemoths, knowing that if i touch one my invisibility (and my life) ends, and also knowing that at my level of mastery, invisibility will run out if I don't move quickly, is still my fondest memory of the entire series. Popamole speaks to the simple nature of the series. It's not an insult and it's not always a bad thing.
At least you presented arguments this time. Why did I have to beat them out of you?
Welcome to RPG Fucking Codex.
Thanks. I didn't sign up to argue with people, I signed up to get feedback for my game (which is pretty popamole). But you know how it goes, you click on something and then you can't help yourself.