With STORY MODE, people can re-live the FF7 story, starting with the Bombing Mission. But this time around, it's different. One person plays Cloud while another person plays Barrett! Once they finish the bombing mission, they have unlocked the next part of the story, and they have also UNLOCKED TIFA ON THEIR ACCOUNTS and can start to play her.
The game would be mission base by chapter since everything needs to be locked. Since Cloud and Barret is the first character in the bombing mission. The person playing Cloud would be a fresh account/newly created game while the person playing Barret with a new game would have to search servers in order to connect to the one playing the game. A seamless connection like the Journey(ps3) would be nice. Its more like a co-op. Since its per mission chapter, everything would be capped. So as an example, the Bombing mission would be capped at let say level 10 and also its stats. So characters that are already progressed through the game with let say 70 would be level 10 and also materias that are gotten are locked since you have to obey the rules of the game through story mode. Also for weapons, accessories, item, etc. You still gain experience and AP but will not level up until you connect to your own game. And your inventory is still the same. Items, materias, exp, etc.. that you got form other missions will be added. For the random battle I think it should be like Persona 3. You'll see a smoke. You can enter battle by touching it and leave by escaping. Since its active time battle, there is no difference in battle turns.
The BATTLE ARENA MODE is for PvP. You can pit your ferocious Red XIII against my Yuffie. Or maybe we can stage some virtual battles against Sephiroth!
This battle should be capped and it depends on your progress of your character in story mode. So stats are down to the base level and strengths are based on your equipment. Since its active time battle you have to choose your command fast. Cursor to memory should do the trick. some commands are stripped down or tweaked like KOTR, quadra magic, mimic etc, in order to fit the pvp system. Damage indicator, level, hp, mp, etc are not shown. Its either hit, miss, or resist. Its a lot of task for developers to revamp all skills for pvp.
The PLAY MODE is for everything else. Socialize and ROLE PLAY. Buy materia/gear for your characters. Play minigames. Go out into the world to gain experience. Have fun while you are "queued up" for a Story Mode instance. (See, that's where the game pairs you up with other people online to help you advance in the Story.)
This is like a town or city where you search for servers or players so you could progress to your next mission on story mode. Customized character on play mode like colors or models is a must. Random battle on world map with pvp would be debatable at the moment. My guess is just like the story mode. Each area are capped.
I like the idea but it would take everything to be revamped for online. I think there is more to improve it but the task is too huge for 1 person to solve all problems. I was thinking the same thing myself way way back.