Is it just me, or did 5.3 represent a big decline in storytelling? (spoilers)

[Cled-cat]

Just you, this patch had fantastic story and I’ve never felt so close to the scions (especially our new best scion, G’raha)

[Theodric]

I'm inclined to agree, though it's been that way for a while. Elidibus, much like Varis and Regula, proved to be one of my favourite characters. I thought all three were handled terribly - Varis and Elidibus both did a complete 180 in their final scenes and Regula was woefully underused even when it made sense to bring him up as an example of an Imperial Garlean that wasn't an outright psychopath.

After playing FF7R and seeing how much respect the antagonists within are shown, I'm rather disappointed in the way in which they're handled in FF14. I fear this game has become far too much of an ego stroking power fantasy with so little consequence of note for the vast majority of protagonists. The Crystal Exarch, in particular, felt very jarring. The time travel alone was contrived enough, though for him to turn into crystal and then transfer his memory to his original self with no harmful side effects struck me as very boring, as if the writers were terrified of doing anything but play things very safe.

That we're now back to dealing with a one dimensional villain in the form of Zenos is also something that makes me wary. His companion, taking on the form of Asahi, looks to be little better in terms of depth.

Overall, there was far too much focus on 'feels' for my liking. The early quests involving helping a bunch of children felt uninspired - because we've explored those exact same story beats many times already in other quests.

I'll reserve my full judgement, of course, but I expected many more revelations about the original state of the world in 5.3.

I'm also hoping that the writers figure out a way to portray more Imperial Garleans along the lines of Regula if Ilsabard is an important destination the story moving forward.

I'm not saying the story is terrible, mind you - just that it isn't as flawless as some are painting it as. Though when certain posters are coming into the thread to say 'just you' when not even bothering to acknowledge that other posters are in agreement with the OP, I suppose we can't expect in-depth feedback from them.

[Lauront]

I'm inclined to agree, though it's been that way for a while. Elidibus, much like Varis and Regula, proved to be one of my favourite characters. I thought all free were handled terribly - Varis and Elidibus both did a complete 180 in their final scenes and Regula was woefully underused even when it made sense to bring him up as an example of an Imperial Garlean that wasn't an outright psychopath.

After playing FF7R and seeing how much respect the antagonists within are shown, I'm rather disappointed in the way in which they're handled in FF14. I fear this game has become far too much of an ego stroking power fantasy with so little consequence of note for the vast majority of protagonists. The Crystal Exarch, in particular, felt very jarring. The time travel alone was contrived enough, though for him to turn into crystal and then transfer his memory to his original self with no harmful side effects struck me as very boring, as if the writers were terrified of doing anything but play things very safe.

That we're now back to dealing with a one dimensional villain in the form of Zenos is also something that makes me wary. His companion, taking on the form of Asahi, looks to be little better in terms of depth.

Overall, there was far too much focus on 'feels' for my liking. The early quests involving helping a bunch of children felt uninspired - because we've explored those exact same story beats many times already in other quests.

I'll reserve my full judgement, of course, but I expected many more revelations about the original state of the world in 5.3.

I'm also hoping that the writers figure out a way to portray more Imperial Garleans along the lines of Regula if Ilsabard is an important destination the story moving forward.

Agreed with this. I think there are some potential green shoots in how they handled the Convocation crystals, as it does provide a potential avenue to eventually write Hydaelyn out of the story, but I am reserving judgement and waiting to see how the other patches shape up. Overall, it was rushed, but at the same time it wasn't terrible - just could have been better, and my final view will very much depend on the end of the road direction they take it in.

[Oichi]

Personally, I loved this patch. Loved the story, the solo duty, the dungeon, the trial, everything. No, I am not a fangirl of the Exarch, nor do I hate Zenos and Asahi with my guts. Yes, I feel sympathy for Emet-Selch and Elidibus. And I like my Scion companions. But none of this matter. I just really loved the way things wrapped up and everything that led to it. As simple as that.

[Iscah]

I did think the last moment with the Exarch was a bit... cheesy, knowing that we will save him in the end anyway. I did not really feel a sense of doubt and urgency about him not being able to be transfered back into G'Raha. It was cute and a bit emotional, but trying too hard nonetheless.

I wrote in the lore forum discussion as well - I think that scene could have been more impactful if they had gone the route of having the Exarch truly die, with only his memories and not his soul passed on to young G'raha. However, it might have been hard to convey that his soul was truly free and not left within his immortal body.

That quibble aside, and against all care about a perfectly told story - ultimately I'd rather have an imperfect one that makes me happy and has good things happen to characters I like. So I'm just delighted that we were able to bring him back with us and I cannot wait to take G'raha on an adventure at last. May it be the first of many.

[Yeol]

Shadowbringers 6/10.

[Lethros]

In my experience the next day and days after finishing the quests I was left with a depressing afterfeeling. Although I especially already didn't like the direction we were going earlier in 5.x, it is at this point I no longer care about the MSQ.

[Xatsh]

I thought it was good. Although the Emet story Arch I enjoyed much better. I sorta think that was because we have a whole initial expansion building with him and just a few patches with Elidibus.

Zenos I am not a huge a fan of. He is just the crazy kill everyone villain, lacks the complexity and emotional ties when compared to Emet and such.

Over all I rate this a little less then the initial ShadowBrinders story but still way above average in terms of story telling. To be honest I think it was a fitting end and wrapped up everything well.

[Sated]

This patch gave me everything I had been hoping for and more out of the story, so can't say relate.

Thrilled on all accounts, and for the first time actually excited to see Zenos again.

[Derio]

I thought it was good. I went in with expectations that he wont have a better ending that Emet, so my expectations werent set too high. I believe the filler quests like gather bread are there to really just break the tension. I do think that those quests are necessary for storytelling, not because they drag the story out, but because they show a sense of stopping to do the little things here and now again.