The direct translation is often very clinical and leaves minimal room for mystery or nuances. FFXII is my favourite of the main titles for many reasons but one of the most prominent is that the characters speak in a manner that fits a fantasy setting. Many MMO's simply lean on a rather dull approach where even the wisest and ancient of elves speak in modern day slang. FFXIV does something different and it does not suffer in the slightest for it.