Square Enix blew it for some of us, but I'm still here...

[Shuon]

Actually what did you want to get out of the game?

Were you looking to dive straight into raids and combat? because it seems like you were, with tall the cutscene-skipping and what not - but that itself is quite repugnant to the final fantasy franchise, that it is story based.

What I hated the most in ffxi was that main scenario was almost optional - I pretty much got to 75 and halfway through wotg without actually doing much of the main story (got to eld'narche for roz; stuck at minotaur for CoP cuz no1 wanted to do it; toau barely did anything). I was really glad that ffxiv weaved the story into the gameplay and that anyone could enjoy the story - moreover, HW quests are way better (save the moogle ones but it was only 3 quests that got stuck in the middle of the main scenario, unlike the chain of pre-Titan quests).

It's a philosophical issue - i dont understand why you are in a rush. enjoy the story, talk to NPC - after all that is what final fantasy is about.

[TinyMonster]

Snip

I didn't want to write anything at first but since it's about first impression here goes...

1) Theres a lot of reason to go back to a map.. Like Gathering, level other classes, help friends. The zones looks amazing anyways so I don't see any issues here.. I haven't personally went there myself but have seen them with my family member's toon.

2-3) What did you expect? We are in Ishgard! A place where nobody knows about our exploits, what we accomplished. We have to gain our reputation back. They also have struggled for a very long time, and we are complete strangers, if it wasn't for the people we met in Coerthas to begin with, we wouldn't have been to Ishgard in the first place!

4) Everyone I play with are having a blast, and many people are actually new players, and love that it's gated behind the MSQ as it should be! There is no reason before the end of 2.0 to go to Ishgard and you would know why if you have paid attention to the story.

5) For me, FFXIV is quite epic especially with the new jobs, zones, gear. The experience is what makes it Epic. heck, I remember the first time I have set foot in Ifrit HM and found it so epic when we downed it or even worse Titan HM and EX was an accomplissement in itself. I am sorry you are dissapointed in this game but maybe it's just not a game for you.

[AskaRay]

I looove the exploration on the map. Finally there's a reason to look at everything these beautiful maps have on them.

And I find this game pretty epic, and I already enjoy the story much more than 2.0 (though I did love the story then, too). Also, I'm not sure what kind of quests you'd want to have. There are always fetch quests, "kill x monster" quests, and escort quests in every RPG. Give some examples of types of quests. I personally think the MSQ instances are much better designed this time.

[Catwho]

You haven't seen the cutscene right before accessing Ravana, have you?

That was definitely among the "whoa wasn't expecting THAT" parts of the story so far.

If you do the fetch quests as you unlock them, you do end up running all over the map and back. Guess what? You start to learn the layout of the terrain and the local landmarks. Then when you finally do all the durn quests and unlock the aethercurrents so you can fly, it makes having slogged through all the snow on foot all the sweeter. I'm proud of the fact that I've only used my compass and haven't looked up any aethercurrents yet, but I'm only done with Wsestern Coerthas and Dravanian Forelands. Much more to come!

[Renvalt]

I will tell you right now, OP: I actually enjoy the story. Some of the things I didn't know (or that didn't occur to me) have been revealed to me, and have blown me away. Things that make Ishgard's "holiness" not seem so holy, or the stuff about a certain Primaless that I was unaware of (as well as her relationship with a certain huge ass dragon). Also, the fight between Ravana and said aforementioned Primaless was badass, and I was literally jumping for joy when I realized what was going to happen (as well as when said fight was taking place).

Also, I have flight unlocked in both Dravania Forelands and Coerthas Western, and so far I've found no area (that was actually relevant) that I couldn't access without flight - it just took longer and required more creative thought on my behalf. And I applauded Yoshida for hiding some of the currents where he did.

As some people have echoed, I think you're too drunk on your FFXI power fantasies to really notice your ignorance of the game's story. I mean, Naja treated you like a chump in Aht Urhgan, right? Not to mention that getting to that place actually required you to fetch shit.

Ohhhhh WAIT a minute, I know what you refer to when you speak of "epic storyline": Chains of Promathia. In which I will kindly tell you: while I didn't play through said storyline during my time in that game, I know full well that I couldn't make sense of half of that shit, and that the story seemed "jumbled" when I read a synopsis.

As far as the end of ARR goes, pretty sure I should point out that you only "skipped" until the scene of the capture. At which point I'm about like to call out your bullshit. You didn't pay attention to a good chunk of the story and say that the "ending" was epic, but then show dismay when Heavensward treats you as a nobody. Have you forgotten how much effort (lore-wise) it took for us to even GET the Ishgardians to let us in? Hell, we were associated with a heretical House lord at the beginning of our dealings with Ishgard (prosecuted by a heretic themselves, no less). Also, heretics are more than what they seem.

Play the story, and find out for yourself.

[Bracken]

was just talking to the FC about the expansion and how we all think they have actually made FFXIV:Heavensward feel like and actual final fantasy game. we're all enjoying it here.

[HumsterMKX]

Everything is actually quite ok... other then the Flight per zone only thingy (>...< By the time I'm done with the zone, only then I get my chocobo to fly. Then repeat, the same thing.

[RyuRoots]

"My friends and I are thoroughly disappointed with Heavensward."

This is all I have to say: http://puu.sh/iyj8R/77818fc039.jpg

[Renvalt]

"My friends and I are thoroughly disappointed with Heavensward."

This is all I have to say: http://puu.sh/iyj8R/77818fc039.jpg

I'm not the only one that found those bros funny, then. Between the tribe that comes after them and those guys, I haven't laughed this much in ages.

[Shyluv]

I'm only 54 on my AST so I'm not far story wise, but I loved every second of playing so far. I was blown away a couple of times.