IGN FF16 review is almost like a critique of FF14's own issues

[CStrife912]

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My man I think its time you come to terms with you not liking how CBU3 designs their games, I have done everything in 16 besides finishing new game plus which I'm just taking my time through now. The side quests and padding didn't actually affect me that much because I was enjoying the world building and characters or even the voice acting. However I wont defend all the side quests or some of the pacing because some of it could indeed have been trimmed out (The bridge one you mentioned I definitely agree with but at the same time I get to explore the world and wipe all the easy adds off the map)

You do exaggerate the QTE aspect of it though that's for sure...they exist and are there but they don't dominate the gameplay experience. I think as they lacked experience in transitioning via an action game they did it as a crutch for better or worse honestly. I mean like you said you cant say I'm wrong and I can't really say your wrong but the more general consensus wouldn't agree with all your gripes some sure though.

I play so many jrpgs and RPGs in general and I have experienced all manners of side quests, padding etc and I guess I am numb to it really. I mean heck I have a friend who just finished it and he is the most cynical hateful person I know when it comes to games and movies and he really liked it. More gripes with certain aspects of combat but I agreed with him there.

All in all it just screams the direction and style of game they make isn't for you, not saying aspects could be improved of course but I think at a core foundational design level...this isn't the business unit your looking for.

On another note, I have just started replaying FFX and shock horror in the game its been mostly talking and linear maps for about the 10 hours I've done so far. I think some of the fanbase needs to take some rose tinted glasses off when comparing them to each other.