What's the point with that quite lackluster story in Endwalker?

[Kaoru_Nagisa]

It is somewhat refreshing to see this thread still active, even if I feel it has long since become pointless; CBU3 and Yoshida clearly have a vision for the game, and its story, that runs opposite of what many people would have liked. For myself, at least, there is no longer a point in trying to bring the problems of it up, because nothing will be changing - they've made their bed, and chosen their audience. I appreciate those still fighting to showcase the atrocious state both the story and the game are in, however. This thread, for better or worse, stands as a testament to how poor of an expansion Endwalker is - what should have been our capstone to a 10-year long story, wasted and turned into the slop it is.

And this is what we can expect going forward? Atrocious.

I haven't bothered with these forums for a while now, as they too have not changed - the same voices trying to bring proper criticism, suggestions, and concerns to light, only to be shouted down by the same cultists who feel anything negative thing said about the game is a direct attack on themselves. It's an exhausting place, honestly, and I say this as someone who deals with the dribble of WoW's forums, lmao.

I've been spending much of my time with WoW. It ended up taking over as my "main" MMO, whereas ESO has been put in my secondary rotation that I sub to when I feel like/can afford to (which-- was recently, actually. Necrom is fun!). I also have added LotRO into the mix, finally, and I have to say - these three MMOs are likely to keep me satisfied for a long time. I can't recall a time in the past 10ish years where I felt as happy and relieved to go home and play an MMO, as I have since I left this game and moved to those three. It's done wonders for my mental health, and I have three games that all fill different needs in ways XIV never has - I couldn't ask for more, honestly!

And it is because of these MMOs, that I have finally been able to cancel my sub. I held on to it out of some misplaced nostalgia and attachment to my XIV characters, and due to the atrocious housing system; in a perfect world, I wouldn't have to be chained to an MMO I haven't logged on to in.... months, just to keep a house for the potential day I and my FC members return to this game. But as time has passed, I realize the likelihood of that has been slowly ticking down to a nice, solid "never". And frankly, in this economy? I can't afford to be paying for garbage I don't use. Especially so, when there are three other games far more worth what money I do have to spend on video games.

So I'm finally free. Free of this disappointment, of this wasted potential. Of the cultists, creeps, and lazy, terminally online complainers. My sub ends tomorrow, and I've finally uninstalled FFXIV - only keeping the screenshot folders, and even those will be getting pruned at some point when I feel like bothering, probably.

I wish I could say it was a fun journey, but over the months since I first floated away from it, I've come to realize I haven't really had genuine, all-encompassing fun or enjoyment with this game since Heavensward ended. I just kept lying to myself about it, or kept holding on for aspects it still was keeping me entertained with, even as other parts faltered. Up until I couldn't anymore, with Endwalker.

I think the only thing I'll really miss is the music - which I can listen to outside of the game, anyway. I'd miss my friends, but... most of them have left the game, as well, and many of us went to WoW (with some of us trying out LotRO, and a couple playing ESO off and on). My characters? The ones I was most attached to, I just yanked over with me to whatever other MMOs I ended up in.

Honestly, when I logged in to get stuff settled and pass money to the one friend who still actively plays, I felt... nothing, looking around the dead neighborhood we've inhabited for years. Only a small spark of sadness and regret when in our house, and I think much of that is more attributed to all the memories we made within it, rather than the place itself.

To those still finding things worth staying for, despite the problems you have with much of the game: godspeed. I am happy you can find those spots of entertainment and joy, genuinely. I wish I still could.

To those still keeping this thread active: godspeed. You have more fight in you to see change happen than I do, in the end. I'm too old to yell at an egotistical developer and his cult following, trying to see things return to how it was when I first fell for the game. I'd rather just give my money and time elsewhere, enjoying my free time and having fun adventures in gorgeous, thriving fantasy worlds with unique lore and settings that are allowed to exist outside of the PC.

I still appreciate this thread existing, and having given me an outlet for the feelings I felt alone in feeling back then. Though I no longer really interact with some in that one discord, I did appreciate the time I spent there, discussing things with others who felt as I did - and even having nice debates, and seeing the perspective of others, even if I may not have fully agreed all the time. I hope most of you are doing well, wherever your own adventures have taken you.

For now, it's good to be free. Was my journey worth it?

No. No it wasn't. Not when this was the payoff.

[Boblawblah]

So I'm finally free.

I think that's going to be great for you. You should never feel trapped playing a video game. I mean, unless the video game is about getting trapped, then obviously you're supposed to feel trapped. Anyways, good luck with whatever you play in the future!

[Theodric]

Unfortunately that describes a growing number of the newer posters from what I've seen. They're also entirely oblivious - either willingly or otherwise - to how different the game used to be back in the 'good old days'.

In my opinion the golden era was ARR/HW/StB when there was more of an attempt to take a jack of all trades approach and cater to different groups of players. It's slim pickings for anyone who has a deeper interest than the Scions or content along the lines of Eureka/Bozja and Ishgard Reconstruction as opposed to new gpose features and furniture designed with 'venues' in mind.

It is what it is, though. It remains to be seen what 7.0 brings with it but much like Kaoru other games offer more of what appeals to me at present. The most one can do at this point is either leave entirely or drop some feedback now and then in the hope that maybe, just maybe, it'll be seen and passed along to the development team.

[TheDecay]

Unfortunately that describes a growing number of the newer posters from what I've seen. They're also entirely oblivious - either willingly or otherwise - to how different the game used to be back in the 'good old days'.

In my opinion the golden era was ARR/HW/StB when there was more of an attempt to take a jack of all trades approach and cater to different groups of players. It's slim pickings for anyone who has a deeper interest than the Scions or content along the lines of Eureka/Bozja and Ishgard Reconstruction as opposed to new gpose features and furniture designed with 'venues' in mind.

It is what it is, though. It remains to be seen what 7.0 brings with it but much like Kaoru other games offer more of what appeals to me at present. The most one can do at this point is either leave entirely or drop some feedback now and then in the hope that maybe, just maybe, it'll be seen and passed along to the development team.

You are completely right that many gameplay features seem to have been abandoned in EW, such as exploratory content. The lack of depth is very clear to see. And as I've explained in another topic, I believe this can have long-term consequences for FF14 if there's an emergent new MMO that really pulls off PvE combat well (the fabled Riot MMO perhaps):

The reason I think low complexity is damaging to FF14 in the long run is because it will leave the gameplay-focused players extremely unsatisfied while keeping the "casual" or glam/RP/modding-focused players mildly more satisfied (I say "mildly" because I don't believe going from Stormblood gameplay to ShB gameplay really made many casual players much more satisfied with the game than going from HW to SB did because of the removal of a lot of HW jank). While many of the gameplay-focused players continue sticking with FF14 because, let's be real, the MMO landscape is pathetic, it creates real opportunity for a new entrant to capture its unsatisfied players very easily, and I think this is the real long-term danger for FF14.

[VelKallor]

such as exploratory content

As has been discussed in previous threads ( which you didnt read ), the issues with those were both the future proofing issue and the fact the previous metrics were mixed, one of which is linked in a prev thread, less than 15% made it all the way in all zones. The content itself had poor longterm potential, which is one of the major issues with a zone of this type.

Bozja now is more or less a dead zone, with only PF parties running here and there once its current timeframe has elapsed.

it makes sense that SE would put their focus elsewhere.

The reason I think low complexity is damaging to FF14 in the long run is because it will leave the gameplay-focused players extremely unsatisfied while keeping the "casual" or glam/RP/modding-focused players mildly more satisfied (I say "mildly" because I don't believe going from Stormblood gameplay to ShB gameplay really made many casual players much more satisfied with the game than going from HW to SB did because of the removal of a lot of HW jank). While many of the gameplay-focused players continue sticking with FF14 because, let's be real, the MMO landscape is pathetic, it creates real opportunity for a new entrant to capture its unsatisfied players very easily, and I think this is the real long-term danger for FF14.

Aveyond said that too...then bragged how he would be going to fresh content like Ashes of Creation...which was when i started laughing my head off. If he is going to pick a game, hed be better off picking one that ISNT vaporware.

AoC is going to be a free for all full loot pvp game with a lifespan of maybe six months AT BEST...if it ever gets released..

As far as I can see: FF 14 has a long and happy future ahead.

[Theodric]

You are completely right that many gameplay features seem to have been abandoned in EW, such as exploratory content. The lack of depth is very clear to see. And as I've explained in another topic, I believe this can have long-term consequences for FF14 if there's an emergent new MMO that really pulls off PvE combat well (the fabled Riot MMO perhaps):

Yeah. That being said, I've pretty much resorted to using other MMO's as a way to get my fix for exploration and immersion these days. There's a lot of ways in which FFXIV could have added some cool things to the game world to see and do but even after many suggestions on that front the design isn't evolving in the slightest. At most you get aether currents and the sightseeing log as opposed to hidden quests or treasure to find.

As much as I enjoyed FFXVI for the most part, in terms of exploration the same approach was taken. There's very few hidden items to find of worth and scant treasure chests. As for the story itself, it's another JRPG without alternate endings or player agency. I liked that games such as Breath of Fire IV and Shadow Hearts had different endings.

As for upcoming MMO's, I've my eye on a handful. Whether any are the ones to breathe some new life into the industry remain to be seen but simply prioritising being an actual game will give them a major boost. FFXIV's been around for ten to thirteen years depending on how you decide to count. It claims to be willing to stick around for at least another decade and I think it will - since FFXI and WoW are still around. Though I do question how much of FFXIV's success is down to it being a new place for those who became disillusioned with other MMO's to hang out in simply because it isn't them.

I'm cautiously optimistic for Ashes of Creation. Despite it being pushed as PvP focused, I've been watching their monthly updates and their approach to the other aspects of the game is pretty intelligent. If it can live up to even half of the promises made then I think it has a lot of potential. It's recognising some of the flaws present elsewhere in the industry and seeking to address them but also striving to be an MMO for people who actually enjoy MMO's...as opposed to being an MMO rapidly devolving into mostly being a solo experience.

I'd say my main concern is with the potential monetisation practices but at this point when FFXIV is locking exclusive emotes and such behind £250 limited edition statues, I can't bring myself to shun a game purely on that basis.

[VelKallor]

Despite it being pushed as PvP focused

1. AoC is vaporware. Dont expect ANY kind of hint for a release date until at least 2025..if ever.

2. A sub based full loot open world pvp game has a shelf life of six months, I give it four months before they do a screeching U turn a la New World. if not, they have a maximum of one year before they go buy to play or free to play. Pvp focussed games have high player turnover and low player population - no one pays to be someone elses chew toy.

Within 2 weeks the roving gank squads will be busy driving people away successfully. I cant wait for the lesson to sink in.

I refer you to Josh Strife Hayes videos on the genre.

[BRVV]

As has been discussed in previous threads ( which you didnt read )

Any proof for that claim?

1. AoC is vaporware

Or that one?

[Theodric]

As I said, I'm remaining cautiously optimistic. The nature of the industry and funding for MMO development has changed over the years and it'll either be a success or it won't be. There's multiple MMO's on the market at the moment which are doing decently well for themselves including WoW, ESO, GW2 and FFXIV. Eventually something else will come along and either dominate the market or at least carve out a comfortable and successful niche for itself. It's just a matter of when.

I'm not particularly married to any given MMO, personally - though any that actually set out to have distinct zones for each playable race and are willing to have good looking, conventionally attractive muscular elven and human men immediately catch my eye.

[VelKallor]

Or that one?

Sure. Easy. Got a release date for me?

And the answer is, fortunately or unfortunately, not for a while. Despite several years of coverage and ongoing updates, the game is currently still in Alpha and we could easily be as far as two years from a real Ashes of Creation release date.

Ashes of Creation has been in Early Access on Steam since 2019. The final game is scheduled for release in 2022 and is currently being migrated to Unreal Engine 5.

One comment on Reddit said that they had a cash shop for cosmetics that rivals Star Citizen.

This is July 2023 , they havent even gotten to stable beta. Ill change my mind when they announced a release date.