The story, lore, visuals, music, etc are all amazingly well done and I will die on a hill defending the writing and localization of FFXIV, but these are the only elements keeping me subscribed. The actual gameplay of the game is lackluster.
  • Every patch is the same tired formula. Next patch includes linear dungeon number 61, boss who repeats the same attack patterns in a circle shaped arena number 49, daily beast tribe number 11. I would love to see even tiny changes, like the daily quest faction not being beastmen or a trial boss in an interesting arena; let alone substantial changes to the content and formula.
  • Such steep vertical progression makes me feel like my time and effort means nothing. Why should I struggle for the best gear when that same gear will be handed out like candy next patch, to be replaced by a new best gear? Likewise, every new piece of content (like those linear dungeons that get added every patch) replace what came before it instead of adding to it. So at the end of the day only one or two of those sixty some dungeons actual means anything, at least for the few weeks until it is replaced again.
  • There is no gameplay customization. None. The stats in FFXIV are so boring that they aren't even a consideration to the average player, so there is no way to use stats to customize your character. I have never encountered another MMORPG with so little way to change the gameplay. There are no talent trees, no weapon enchantments, or gear with unique effects. I am identical to all other players.