Our passive characters and why the 2.55 story fails (BIG SPOILERS) (rant warning)

[Krazymagic]

you don't even have complaint about how they handled Minfilia?

srlsy?

No. They are the story tellers telling their story. Nothing about it bothered me. I cant think of any other MMO that has made me feel as invested in the characters and story as FFXIV has thus far, especially with that ending. I take my hat off to them for that. What other mmo would invest so much time in creating those lengthy story cutscenes? You can dislike the story or how they handled it I guess, but I for one felt it was well done, and certainly value their vision and expertise on the story over teenagers on the internet who likely cant even write a proper essay.

[Riepah]

What other mmo would invest so much time in creating those lengthy story cutscenes?

Star Wars: The Old Republic. Their cutscenes were fully voiced and you actually got to make decisions which influenced the outcome.

[Osteichthyes]

One point that I would like to mention is that we actually don't know what our reputation is like anymore. Sure we were hunted out, but that was all turncoats and people under bribes. The leaders left without indication as to what their thoughts are not to mention the general populous. Also the Ishgard leaders are VERY suspicious of the entire affair. I think that we actually have a pretty well intact reputation once the blood-money runs out.

[Domira]

I feel a lot of the story elements are limited to the game mechanics themselves, often times you are asked to battle some threat and to go gather allies to do it. For us as the gamer, those allies are seven other people. But from the perspective of the npcs and our characters we probably gathered a whole army or so to fight this threat. In other words, because the game is often limited to solo, four man or 8 man, the power of our character might be exaggerated.

A example of this is after steps of faith, one of the npcs state that many people were lost during the battle. But from the perspective of the gamer, we only had 7 other people who helped defend. Another thing to consider is often time we view cutscenes and story elements outside of our character's perspective. Or in other words we get to view things happening when we aren't there. Which gives us information that technically our character really doesn't know.

[Ilenya]

I feel a lot of the story elements are limited to the game mechanics themselves, often times you are asked to battle some threat and to go gather allies to do it. For us as the gamer, those allies are seven other people. But from the perspective of the npcs and our characters we probably gathered a whole army or so to fight this threat. In other words, because the game is often limited to solo, four man or 8 man, the power of our character might be exaggerated.

A example of this is after steps of faith, one of the npcs state that many people were lost during the battle. But from the perspective of the gamer, we only had 7 other people who helped defend. Another thing to consider is often time we view cutscenes and story elements outside of our character's perspective. Or in other words we get to view things happening when we aren't there. Which gives us information that technically our character really doesn't know.

Note that a number of times (The two final dungeons for the 2.0 story, I believe the Steps of Faith as well) it is explicitly stated that we *are* a small team of adventurer's doing the job. In regards to the Steps of Faith, that was not the only place being contested, that was just the place we, the players, were tasked with defending.

[myahele]

Yeah, people need to separate gameplay mechanics and lore. And we all should get used to it for those who played other FF and RPGs.

Still, a sentence where they the the player weapons arent allowed will be good enough. But I would've prefered a non-win scenario ala Zack vs soldiers in Crisis Core

[Domira]

Note that a number of times (The two final dungeons for the 2.0 story, I believe the Steps of Faith as well) it is explicitly stated that we *are* a small team of adventurer's doing the job. In regards to the Steps of Faith, that was not the only place being contested, that was just the place we, the players, were tasked with defending.

Yea but small could mean anything. It doesn't give a direct number. Either way it wouldn't make sense, consider this too. From a player perspective you are grouped with 7 other warriors of light, who somehow lost their light the same way you did and who npcs also praise for being the savior of everything. Actually every player in game is a warrior of light so why not get everyone together and solve all of Eorzea's problems? Not only do gameplay mechanics interfere with the story, but so does the fact that the game is a mmorpg. Not too long ago mmorpgs weren't known to have good stories like single player rpgs. The main reason being is that you can not have everyone playing the main character. FF14 tells a interesting story for a mmorpg, but they break some rules by letting you be the main character anyway. The result is a lot of inconsistencies and questionable things like the OP has a problem with.

[Elusana_Celah]

I really didn't like the conclusion leaving so many things unfixed. Like the first thing I did after all events was teleport back to Ul'dah and walk around like nothing happened? Ok whatever. That kind of stuff falls on a huge peeve of mine and I'm having trouble getting over it that's why I'm ranting my frustration here =/

[Chasely]

Here's why the story sucked: we spent 25 levels gathering random crap for a party thrown in our own honor. Then, we wound up sitting alone at a bar where no one bothered to speak with us. Then, of course, they had to treat all characters like horny straight guys regardless of orientation and character sex. And let's not forget about the 7 nameless women who were raped and/or murdered for the sole purpose of driving the plot (and never mentioned again.) And yes, there's Minfilia, AKA the walking boobs. Her primary characteristics are lacking any kind of leadership ability (she can't make a single decision on her own) and looking good while bound.

it seems like no matter how much you do, the NPCs are so useless and lazy they need you to walk 10 steps, pick things up, and hand them to people standing right next to them. We spend more time running errands fit for new recruits than feeling like epic heroes. And the flattery they lay on us is downright embarrassing. "Oh great hero! Slayer of gods! Please, file those papers on my desk and refill the coffee maker." It's idiotic.

[Chasely]

Yeah, people need to separate gameplay mechanics and lore. And we all should get used to it for those who played other FF and RPGs.

Still, a sentence where they the the player weapons arent allowed will be good enough. But I would've prefered a non-win scenario ala Zack vs soldiers in Crisis Core

We actually had one of those at around levle 20, when we were investigating Ifrit.