Let's keep Character Crossovers from other Square-Enix titles out of FFXIV.

[Fatestorm]

[insert lots of bleeps about this bloody laptop and backbuttons]

Let's say they introduce Terra when we go into the Magitek mount quest line. Or Kefka when we finally venture out into Imperial lands. Or even a notable character related to the Crystal Tower or Eureka. All things which are possible, as a fan-service to previous titles.

What's the result going to be?

This, right here. Threads upon threads of people fussing over trivial things that in no way alter the scope and gameplay at all. Little events that distract players from the main story, like seasonal events, that could be incorporated into the world of Eorzea due to its aether imbalances and such. But that's ultimately all it is, seasonal events. Would you really quit over something so silly, such as that, something you arent forced to participate in?

YoshiP said that they would create a way to validate why she could and would be brought into our world; not that she was going to have some massive crucial role into the fate of the world. It's no different than easter egg hunts, or reindeer games, or building snowmen. It's there for fun, that's it. If it's not your cup of tea, then don't drink it.

Personally, I like it and I want to see what other crafty little things they can incorporate in and how.

Everyone plays Final Fantasy games for different reason. Some for sheer nostalgia of the franchise. Some just to battle. We know for a fact some people play FFXIV just for the gameplay--people spam left click to skip all story, which they couldn't care less about, to get to more battles and to level faster, etc.

For the people who like the series just for nostalgia, I understand how crossovers are cool content.

However, I play Final Fantasy because I want to be edified by a great story. This demands a great plot and great characters. My entire concern in this thread is to that end alone. When I hear Yoshi say that he's going to make series crossovers "a natural part of Eorzea's history," I feel that this is a damaging move to the story and plot--the whole reason I play the game, and I tried to make an argument for why I think that is the case.

For someone who cares most about story, I have to disagree with you. Lightning or Cloud showing up in FFXIV, and being a natural part of Eorzea's story and lore, is a bigger deal than making snowmen or reindeer suits. It may be the same old same old seasonal event from the perspective of someone who plays for nostalgia or for battle, or who is just an item collector--but for someone who plays for the story, it matters.

I don't want to come across like I'm throwing a tantrum if I don't get my way. I'm really concerned about this, and I wanted to express my opinion in a reasonable manner. I will still play FFXIV if these crossovers go forward, if I can ignore them enough or like the game enough to turn a blind eye to the crossovers. But if this game does become a fanservice-fest, it really is something I would quit the game over. You say it's "something so trivial," but a strong, integral story is not trivial to me.

You say that we won't be forced to participate in it. That's your own assumption--but even if you're right, Yoshi has already said that he's making these crossovers part of the lore. Thus, for people who care about lore, you're forced to participate. That's my whole point.

[Zenaku]

FFXIV is a fan service they going to keep adding stuff from other FF. Look at darnus was he not sephiroth of FFXIV? Sure this time they added the real person in the game and is till don't see a issue. FFXIV have become a fan service adding things from other games. How come your not bad that they added crystal tower? or gold saucer? Is it because that something you want to see? but people who want to see other FF chars in FFXIV can't have it because it ruins the game for you? What if the ideas and stuff you want ruins the game for them?

There no point in making 50 topics about the same thing it's going to happen and i'm going to enjoy it even if they do may end up being dumb.

[Akujin]

Quests incorporate lore all the time, but remain apart from the main story and the direction it's heading in.

It is an easy thing to incorporate events and side-quests that take a dash of this, a splash of that and make something that references the main world lore, without being a key part of it.

You may assume that I'm only a gamer for the battle thrill, that is wrong, battles are a means to an end for me, the ends being the stories that unfold infront of me. Though I've never really gotten into the whole 'I am the hero' mentality and things such as the lack of acknowledgement to my 1.0 self to the present storyline dont phase me. I do care about the lore, quite a bit. Which is why I'm also stressing the point that if it is not part of the main story arc itself, then it's no different than a seasonal event that takes a piece out of the world's lore, but remains on its own independent path. And once it comes to a close, the world's lore remains unaffected by it. As a player you have gained a different insight on a piece of the world as a whole you may not have realized before, but it doesn't alter your ability to get the main story as intended.

One thing that has always set FF games apart from other games for me is that the stories are a very big piece of what they are all about, they design the story, in this case, world lore and everything else around that, not the other way around. They dont do things sloppy, they dont half-ass it either. And I dont expect them to do any such thing this time around.

I don't think you're having a tantrum, I really don't. But at the same time, don't be surprised if this isn't the last time you see something like this happen, because I sincerely doubt it will be. And if you feel that walking away is the decision best suited to you in that case, then it is what it is.

[Fatestorm]

You may assume that I'm only a gamer for the battle thrill, that is wrong, battles are a means to an end for me, the ends being the stories that unfold infront of me.

Yeah I didn't mean to say that YOU yourself weren't interested in story, I was just giving some examples of things people play for. I respect that you care about this game's story too, and I do hope with you that they design this game and its content for the story and not the other way around. I just can't help but think they made the decision to put Lightning in this game first, though, and then sat down together and said, "Ok, what can we do to make this work, story-wise?" If they must go ahead with this sort of thing, I really do hope that it's not too egregious, like you suggest. I mean, Yoshi did say he was wanting to keep 14's story it's own story; what had me so confused is that he seemed, to me, to betray that very sentiment with crossovers. If it's as you say--crossovers happen but they are NOWHERE near the main story and all--then it's something I can live with I think--depending...

FFXIV is a fan service they going to keep adding stuff from other FF. Look at darnus was he not sephiroth of FFXIV? Sure this time they added the real person in the game and is till don't see a issue.

I suppose I can't make you see the issue then. Nael van Darnus was not Sephiroth--he was Nael van Darnus. If Sephiroth himself shows up, that's a problem for people who care about story integrity.

FFXIV have become a fan service adding things from other games. How come your not bad that they added crystal tower? or gold saucer? Is it because that something you want to see? but people who want to see other FF chars in FFXIV can't have it because it ruins the game for you? What if the ideas and stuff you want ruins the game for them?

There no point in making 50 topics about the same thing it's going to happen and i'm going to enjoy it even if they do may end up being dumb.

I can't speak to Crystal Tower and Golden Saucer specifically as I don't know much about how they will be implemented, but I will repeat what I said in my original post. An homage is fine, the very entity itself from another game I have problems with. Let me give you an example--a casino of sorts in Ul'dah, like the Platinum Mirage, but calling itself the Gold Saucer--is fine with me. The actual Gold Saucer from FF7, getting sucked through a dimension by Atomos and popping up in the Sagolii Desert outside Ul'dah, I would have a problem with. But even if it were the very same Gold Saucer, it's still different than having an actual character from another Final Fantasy show up in this world. So it's not a matter of me being prejudiced against some Final Fantasies and not others.

I only made 1 topic about this issue, and my whole goal is to try and prevent this from happening, precisely so that this game doesn't "end up being dumb," as you put it.

[Vilhem]

I personally am indifferent about Lightning making an appearance. I mean, cool event idea and all, but I'm not worried about it breaking lore or whatever. I was under the impression that the "lore" Yoshida mentioned in that interview was just to explain her appearance in Eorzea, but nothing crucial or integral to the more serious storylines involving Louisoix, the elf kids, or the Archons.

Her story most likely will not have any overall impact. Like, if you never bother with her questline, you're not missing out on much (sorta like Hildibrand).

That said, Ferne has been hinting at a Sephiroth cameo. I think we should start there too >.>

[yukikaze_yanagi]

as far as i understood, this is a promotional event, not something to remain forever. What's the problem then ? Also, in the series the void link all the final fantasy world together (kinda), just look at gilgamesh coming from the void in in at least 3 games.

Whatever reasons you can come up with lightning in the game however remember you could got worst. Like, something totally unrelated, totally thrash, and to remain forever in the game as guest star. i'll give you an hint:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAibYnDUH6c

[Mjollnir]

Presumably lore-wise she'll fit in fine, but as you mentioned that's not your point.

I've got no problem with a cameo from her, Shantotto and/or Tidus; I can't see it being anything but a cameo for a specific event though. Part of the main story? I don't think there's any reason to expect she would be.

Please look forward to it!

[Aish]

Shantotto

She's already embedded in the Eorzea lore about BLM isn't she? Thaumaturges practice Necromancy. I could see it happening!

[Seirra_Lanzce]

She's already embedded in the Eorzea lore about BLM isn't she? Thaumaturges practice Necromancy. I could see it happening!

is called Gem of Shatotto. Thou Shatotto as i remember is not the same as Shantoto, and Shatotto is a male.

[RahfaelFavinco]

Shantotto found a way to traverse dimensions in one of the FFXI add-ons, I think if she cameo'd in ARR it would be perfectly justifiable. Same with the Gilgamesh quests.

Personally, I don't think Lightning or any future cameos will be part of the main story, so I'm not worried about them when it comes to that. I'd love to see more cameos, as long as they don't impact the main story. So I'm fine with it.