Live Letter Thoughts

[aveyond-dreams]

I remain unconvinced that picking up new characters in 6.1 would have been to the game's detriment especially when that patch's story had a lot of filler that could've been cut in order to move the action along. Using nuanced and mature storytelling would also probably be appreciated by more players especially those of us who take a deeper look at the story. I believe these things would be more appealing and less divisive overall, so I will continue to advocate for them.

If I have any bias is that I gravitate more towards what characters/settings are more fleshed out, with my frame of reference being the numerous single-player titles I've played in the past along with other media I've consumed. I will therefore hold FFXIV to a standard based off these things, especially if it wants to brand itself as a single player title in some respects. The solutions I have provided are conducive to doing that.

There is something to be said about this phenomenon we see in which players are resistant to outside suggestions that aren't explicitly sanctioned (even if later on they are). It is often discussed in relation to players who are so heavily invested in specifically WoW and its way of doing things that they reject positive and proven ideas that have worked in other game's even if it would be in their benefit.

It is possible FFXIV may have a similar scenario occurring, wherein certain players are unwilling to entertain discussions about things like new characters especially when even the fans of the scions are getting tired of them themselves, and other relevant issues pertaining to story, content, and gameplay. The fact that there are players who insist that Beastmaster could only be a limited job when even WoW's Hunter class is able to tame pets and participate in all content is something I struggle to wrap my head around. Why is there such insistence that it must fit the established paradigm in this game, rather than taking what works in another?

I believe that their frame of reference may play a part in this. If it is too limited, such as in the case of WoW players who are against some of the QoL improvements FFXIV has made over the years, then perhaps that is the reason why we are witnessing some of the reactions from people in this game here only the reverse scenario.

[Zanarkand-Ronso]

I remain unconvinced that picking up new characters in 6.1 would have been to the game's detriment especially when that patch's story had a lot of filler that could've been cut in order to move the action along. Using nuanced and mature storytelling would also probably be appreciated by more players especially those of us who take a deeper look at the story. I believe this would be more appealing and less divisive overall, so I will continue to advocate for them.

Nobody argued that, the Fact and Point is they just simply didnt. You dont just add in characters just because, the story was written that adding a new party member just wasn't relevant to the narrative. Disagree with it all you want, but thats just how it is, and it didn't hurt the game. 6.1 is the START of the new journey, by design its filler & exposition to set things up.
They will tell their story how they want to tell it.

[aveyond-dreams]

Nobody argued that, the Fact and Point is they just simply didnt. You dont just add in characters just because, the story was written that adding a new party member just wasn't relevant to the narrative. Disagree with it all you want, but thats just how it is, and it didn't hurt the game. 6.1 is the START of the new journey, by design its filler & exposition to set things up.
They will tell their story how they want to tell it.

I remember recruiting Leliana quite early on in Dragon Age Origins, that was fun. Her character was then subsequently fleshed out as I played the game. It has been done before, to great effect, and I see no reason why FFXIV could not have done something similar in 6.1.

[Zanarkand-Ronso]

I remember recruiting Leliana quite early on in Dragon Age Origins, that was fun. Her character was then subsequently fleshed out as I played the game. It has been done before, to great effect, and I see no reason why FFXIV could not have done something similar in 6.1.

Of course you dont, because your sitting here comparing FFXIV to other games you obviously like more, and are written in your preferred format.
You like things your preferred way, and want FFXIV to cater to that Preference. So far, it sounds like its not going to. You should take FFXIV's storytelling as it is, not how other games do it, or how You want it.
Like Atelier said, it sounds like you want a completely different game called FFXIV.

Whoever this mystery Reaper is will be introduced the way FFXIV will introduce them, and then will go from there.

[aveyond-dreams]

Of course you dont, because your sitting here comparing FFXIV to other games you obviously like more, and are written in your preferred format.
You like things your preferred way, and want FFXIV to cater to that Preference. So far, it sounds like its not going to. You should take FFXIV's storytelling as it is, not how other games do it, or how You want it.
Like Atelier said, it sounds like you want a completely different game called FFXIV.

Whoever this mystery Reaper is will be introduced the way FFXIV will introduce them, and then will go from there.

As I have said before:

There is something to be said about this phenomenon we see in which players are resistant to outside suggestions that aren't explicitly sanctioned (even if later on they are). It is often discussed in relation to players who are so heavily invested in specifically WoW and its way of doing things that they reject positive and proven ideas that have worked in other game's even if it would be in their benefit.

It is possible FFXIV may have a similar scenario occurring, wherein certain players are unwilling to entertain discussions about things like new characters especially when even the fans of the scions are getting tired of them themselves, and other relevant issues pertaining to story, content, and gameplay. The fact that there are players who insist that Beastmaster could only be a limited job when even WoW's Hunter class is able to tame pets and participate in all content is something I struggle to wrap my head around. Why is there such insistence that it must fit the established paradigm in this game, rather than taking what works in another?

I believe that their frame of reference may play a part in this. If it is too limited, such as in the case of WoW players who are against some of the QoL improvements FFXIV has made over the years, then perhaps that is the reason why we are witnessing some of the reactions from people in this game here only the reverse scenario.

In any case I will continue to advocate for that which is aligned with my preferences. I would like to see a well-crafted story like that of Heavensward's where our main party at the time was more compelling than the one of Endwalker. That expansion is more befitting of being associated with "tales of loss, fire, and faith" with those protagonists compared to ones whose sacrifices were reversed and who, instead of losing anyone over the course of Endwalker, were gifted boons by their own parents and ultimately never faced lasting consequences as a result of their recent actions. I believe that should a more Heavensward-like approach been adopted for 6.0, both you and I would have found more satisfaction by way of reaching a compromise, which is what a significant number of players feel isn't happening at the moment.

For all the fears internally about FFXIV ever including more challenging small group content like WoW has, it is being introduced this expansion along with Deep Dungeon which provides a different experience that is challenging through different means. Adopting ideas from WoW, another video game, is poised to turn out well for them once it releases. FFXVI appears to have adopted some of the more iconic scenes from Devilman wherein Sirene rips off Akira's arm, and displayed that same scene in the recent trailer. Things that worked in one, worked in the other. There was also a curious comparison drawn between Minfilia's halting of the flood of light and an Elven queen in WoW doing something similar in a youtube video, which while having different lore still made for interesting moments in both cases.

Again, it all comes down to the frame of reference. This game has and will likely continue adopting scenes and story beats from other games, and will hopefully do them justice.

[Zanarkand-Ronso]

As I have said before:



In any case I will continue to advocate for that which is aligned with my preferences. I would like to see a well-crafted story like that of Heavensward's where our main party at the time was more compelling than the one of Endwalker. That expansion is more befitting of being associated with "tales of loss, fire, and faith" with those protagonists compared to ones whose sacrifices were reversed and who, instead of losing anyone over the course of Endwalker, were gifted boons by their own parents and ultimately never faced lasting consequences as a result of their recent actions. I believe that should a more Heavensward-like approach been adopted for 6.0, both you and I would have found more satisfaction by way of reaching a compromise, which is what a significant number of players feel isn't happening at the moment.

You arn't looking for a compromise, you are looking to get a specific style of writing, what YOU want. I honestly dont care how the author chooses to write, and Im not going to sit here and tell them how they should write, and bring up other works and tell them they should be like so-so. This isn't a resistance to outside suggestions, this is me saying the Authors vision should be delivered THEIR way, not somebody elses way. This isnt Dragonage, or Game of thrones, or -insert title here-. If you want that, I believe you should go enjoy those titles, instead of trying to make and turn somebody elses work into another work.
Its just like how there was a time, and sometimes still is people form WoW that like to come into FFXIV and say it needs to be like Wow. Saying FFXIV needs to have the same systems to be successful. Lo and behold, FFXIV isn't using those systems, and is still very successful without it. Meanwhile WoW has to steal from others to be successful.

I sure hope you arn't trying to apply that crap on me. Ive said that FFXIV introduces new characters every expansion. And they appear when relevant.
And I am not against mature themes or tones being put into FFXIV, but I do reject that FFXIV needs to be a certain way to succeed. I think thats a load of nonsense. Time and time again people talk doom and gloom on this game, and it always pulls through with something fantastic and exciting.
History of this game has proven they know what they are doing and they do what people like.
Sure, not everybody will be happy. But I trust their decisions on the games direction more then somebody who will spend so much energy complaining about a character eating a Hamburger, or think every instance of fun and joy is bad.

[Atelier-Bagur]

I remain unconvinced that picking up new characters in 6.1 would have been to the game's detriment especially when that patch's story had a lot of filler that could've been cut in order to move the action along. Using nuanced and mature storytelling would also probably be appreciated by more players especially those of us who take a deeper look at the story. I believe these things would be more appealing and less divisive overall, so I will continue to advocate for them.

If I have any bias is that I gravitate more towards what characters/settings are more fleshed out, with my frame of reference being the numerous single-player titles I've played in the past along with other media I've consumed. I will therefore hold FFXIV to a standard based off these things, especially if it wants to brand itself as a single player title in some respects. The solutions I have provided are conducive to doing that.

and yet it feels like you're trying to find solutions to issues you deem need to be "fixed" when they really dont. Maturity? This game already has plenty of that. Characters and settings that are fleshed out? Yup that as well.

Honestly the best thing the devs should do is to continue providing more with what we already have. My standards for this game is to see it continue to improve the basic foundations it laid with its story and gameplay. Not shift directions when there really isnt a need to make this game into something that isnt FFXIV. It always sounds like you want this game to be another game entirely and this is where I clash with your viewpoints. Those arent "standards" those are full on opinions.

[aveyond-dreams]

and yet it feels like you're trying to find solutions to issues you deem need to be "fixed" when they really dont. Maturity? This game already has plenty of that. Characters and settings that are fleshed out? Yup that as well.

Honestly the best thing the devs should do is to continue providing more with what we already have. My standards for this game is to see it continue to improve the basic foundations it laid with its story and gameplay. Not shift directions when there really isnt a need to make this game into something that isnt FFXIV. It always sounds like you want this game to be another game entirely and this is where I clash with your viewpoints. Those arent "standards" those are full on opinions.

I expect for characters to evolve in meaningful ways by way of growth, loss, change, or death. The scions did not provide this to a sufficient degree in Endwalker, and in some cases showed regression rather than progression. To then have these characters tell everyone else to forge ahead based off trauma that they either suffered so long ago or show no lasting impact from did not have the intended impact they thought they were going for.

The maturity of Endwalker was tainted irreparably by the extended focus on slice of life and humour. There is a time and place for such things, the expansion about an apocalypse wasn't the best place for them, certainly not to this degree. It feels that FFXIV shifted from a high fantasy game in Shadowbringers to one that struggles with its identity in Endwalker. This wasn't in the best interest of those of us who wanted to see the themes and setting of the game done justice. Hence why some of us take issues with the Loporrits dancing atop Zodiark's resting place, a coffee shop being opened in Ultima Thule, and the infamous burger scene.

I want FFXIV to be FFXIV. A high quality fantasy game with excellent storytelling. I believe this was accomplished in Heavensward and Shadowbringers. I would like to see it meet or exceed the standards of those two expansions at the bare minimum moving forward.

[VelKallor]

Hence why some of us take issues with the Loporrits dancing atop Zodiark's resting place

Drat those people having FUN and celebrating life. The NERVE...

a coffee shop being opened in Ultima Thule

....you skip cutscenes, dont you?

, and the infamous burger scene.

[Seera1024]

and yet it feels like you're trying to find solutions to issues you deem need to be "fixed" when they really dont. Maturity? This game already has plenty of that. Characters and settings that are fleshed out? Yup that as well.

Honestly the best thing the devs should do is to continue providing more with what we already have. My standards for this game is to see it continue to improve the basic foundations it laid with its story and gameplay. Not shift directions when there really isnt a need to make this game into something that isnt FFXIV. It always sounds like you want this game to be another game entirely and this is where I clash with your viewpoints. Those arent "standards" those are full on opinions.

He's allowed to have the opinion that it needs to be fixed and therefore present solutions to that problem.

And this is coming from someone who doesn't share his view point. I feel like the direction the game is going story wise is just fine.

On the topic of this thread: This is going to be one packed patch and hopefully, everything goes smoothly with the patch release.