MSQ Feedback

I really like the puzzles and I think the MSQ have to do more puzzles a lá Wild Arms.
It makes the msq more vivid and I really enjoy it. Would be nice if there are more content like this :)

I agree, it feels like we’re interacting more with the MSQ rather than go to that place or pick something up. This was a fresh of breath air.

I hope this feedback helps or is considered.

MSQ Pacing and Mini-Games
I feel the pacing in Shadowbringers and Endwalker, in terms of the MSQ mini-games, always provided a welcoming addition to the main story. I truly loved that approach.

However, I intensely disliked the one in Dawntrail, primarily from a plot perspective. The initial idea of aiding all the tribes to learn from them sounds cool at first, until you realize the way this entire concept is introduced is incredibly childish compared to the high stakes and mature narrative we've recently experienced.

Specifically, the section involving the Pelupelu people in Urqopacha was truly awful, especially with the trades. That region of the MSQ was draining and too long, and ultimately, I became completely tuned out. It completely failed to teach me anything about that culture, which was supposedly its entire purpose. The same flawed premise goes for the District 9 portion as well.

Lowbrow Humor and Gimmicks
I know lowbrow humor is a gimmick seen in many MMOs like World of Warcraft, but please: no more feces references or at least tune it down a bit. (This isn't a metaphor; there are literally too many feces references in the game like the Great Golden Gobbue, Disciple of the Land, A Likely Prospect, A Sordid Situation quests.) I know WOW has more, but still.

part 1

The story

I understand that not every story decision is going to appease every player, as everyone has their own preferences. However, based on my criticisms of the current trajectory, I feel the narrative needs to return to a more grounded style.

1. Focus on Established Lore
The story needs to become less reliant on futuristic elements like the ones seen in the District 9 portion of Dawntrail. Instead, there should be a greater focus on the Garlemald region, exploring its remaining territory, people, culture, and technological mystery. I feel the novelty of the District 9 setting has actively outshone and diminished the potential for deep, organic exploration of existing lore, like that of the Garlean Empire.

2. Restore the Adventure Guilds
The Adventure Guilds need to be relevant again. They were key to the early game and provided a natural sense of purpose before we were hired by the Scions. I would strongly advocate for more Adventure Guild content, as this framework naturally facilitates the feeling of being a free adventurer.

3. Grant the Player Autonomy
We need less Scions—ideally, no Scions at all—to follow us around. Their main story is complete. Furthermore, we should not have to bring the groups from Dawntrail with us on future missions either. Give the Warrior of Light back their own adventure. I do not want these key groups following us around like baggage once their story arcs are truly over.

I know this is a significant list, but I believe these changes are essential for restoring the fundamental feeling of adventure and player autonomy in the game.

Anyway, it's just my feedback to the game.

part 2

It's crucial to realize that everyone has different tastes and preferences, which is why some people enjoy the story while others don't. I'm in the latter group.

The issue, though, is that completing it is mandatory. If you check the percentage of players who've finished the story, you'll notice it's quite low—less than 10% overall. And that's a problem—it's already too much for new players to handle.

I like the game, and here's what I'd like... Let's imagine: I'd love to have just one big button—"Complete the story"—and then forget about it altogether. :) I'm not a fan of what you've come up with there, and I don't like being forced to make decisions, so I definitely won't regret it. And if I do, I can always start over in NewGame+ mode.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tuchkin

If you check the percentage of players who've finished the story, you'll notice it's quite low—less than 10% overall. And that's a problem—it's already too much for new players to handle.

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If you count all past players, yes. People who have not played for years. Counting them is just a way to try and make the figures support your argument. Counting active players is the only thing that is relevant.

According to Lucky Bancho, 86.36% of active players are in Dawntrail. 63.63% of active players have beat Dawntrail.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tuchkin

I'd love to have just one big button—"Complete the story"—and then forget about it altogether. :) I'm not a fan of what you've come up with there, and I don't like being forced to make decisions, so I definitely won't regret it. And if I do, I can always start over in NewGame+ mode.

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Isn't that what a skip is

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jeeqbit

If you count all past players, yes. People who have not played for years. Counting them is just a way to try and make the figures support your argument. Counting active players is the only thing that is relevant.

According to Lucky Bancho, 86.36% of active players are in Dawntrail. 63.63% of active players have beat Dawntrail.

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Still, you can't simply forget about all those who left the game. Some of them maybe just because it didn't "click", others because of bad decisions from the devs - so you may at least take a part of them into account.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Azurarok

Isn't that what a skip is

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Yes but we should not be forced to pay $50 for it after already payin $60. $110 entry barrier to just start the game is a little bit too steep, for a game with monthly subscription.
Yoshida talked about starting new players in 6.1, where are these talks?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alicie

Yes but we should not be forced to pay $50 for it after already payin $60. $110 entry barrier to just start the game is a little bit too steep, for a game with monthly subscription.
Yoshida talked about starting new players in 6.1, where are these talks?

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It is a little steep yes, but that wasn't the point. The option exists already, and if they have a problem with how it works currently that should be what they should be requesting instead of saying things others enjoy shouldn't exist at all for their convenience.