Random observation

[Tiramu]

Maybe I'm missing something since there's a few FF games I haven't played in more than a decade but I'd be very glad if you could point me to a time where Bahamut (or any dragon really) destroys the world and that's used as the narrative justification for a drastic shift in level design.
AFAIK the only time this happens in FF is with the World of Ruin in FFVI. Maybe Sin in FFX too but that's missing the shift in level design element - and in both cases it's not a dragon in specific that causes it either way.
Plus it's not like XIV doesn't wear its WoW inspirations on its sleeve, the game was reworked in 2.0 to be more like WoW and Yoshi-P has even gone on record saying that he forced the dev team to play WoW up until Mists of Pandaria so they'd have an idea of what a modern MMORPG should play like.

While he might not actually carry out a murderous rampage every time he is an antagonist, the intent to do so, and you having to stop him, is consistent.


Final Fantasy 9:
He is summoned and levels the kingdom of Alexandria. Alexander defends it with a magical shield - while being destroyed in the process, he prevents its total destruction.

Sound somewhat familiar? I think it does, its pretty much the exact same idea, just different setting and defender.

Its one of the games most iconic moments.

Final Fantasy 6:
While not Bahamut, yeah... World of Ruin and the dragon gods.


Final Fantasy 3:
He is the king of dragons and destruction, you have to defeat him because he will destroy the world if you dont. While he doesnt destroy the world, his intent is there.

Final Fantasy 12:
Bahamut is a fortress in the sky reaping havock on the world below. More spiritually similar, but the idea that Bahamut brings destruction to the human world is there.

Final Fantasy 8:
IIRC Bahamut and Tiamat are the dragons aligned to the sourceresses who want to destroy the world. Although I might be mistaken on that part. I remember Tiamat being a boss trying to prevent you reaching Ultimecia in the "other world".

Final Fantasy 11:
He sees humanity as a threat to the planet and sets out to destroy humanity.


He is laying in wait in a few of the other early FF games too.

While you are absolutely correct that XIV draws gameplay inspiration from WoW, I dont believe its doing so with storytelling, at least not in a significsnt way. I think its drawing inspiration from its own series and other SE ips.