The Definitive Dawntrail Review (Heavy Spoilers) & Main Scenario Retrospective

[Kaldaka]

I truly could not agree more with this post.

Though there were some very intriguing sections to the story it was often unable to deliver a literary standard above that of the constant feel that I was reading a two-bit fanfic which unfortunately made me want to start spamming escape to skip past it as much as possible - this I considered a cardinal sin even through Stormblood of all unholy things. Followed up by the absolutely TERRIBLE voice acting throughout the entire expansion and forced cultural appropriation I can't help but feel that this expansion does not belong in the Final Fantasy franchise, especially not in association with XIV's long and florid history.

Of course, not all of it was terrible. Erenville was an ok companion when Wuk Lamat permitted him more than three words, Cornservant brings a smile, some of the music was enjoyable (I particularly like the settlement theme as it feels like it was inspired by the old ps1? game Grandia). Perhaps for the first time in a long time I thoroughly enjoy boss battles, the mechanics are interesting and enjoyable (as long as we don't include Deadwalk into this statement). Cinematography is gripping and animation is excellent.
However, as it is a game that revolves around it's core story, these things should not be its saving grace, let alone the unstable foundation that holds it up.

Things I think would have made this experience better:
(Obviously these things can't happen, but I feel they would have made it a far more enjoyable experience).

- Change the writer: Give characters other than Wuk Lamat the chance to breathe and shine and have an actual reason to be there - As it stands they may as well not have ever have gotten on the boat as the entire experience is entirely Wuk Lamat and everyone else is an unjustified extra. Even WoL has become nothing but a glorified babysitter on what felt like a bad joke in an attempt to provide a meme of a holiday/relaxed experience.
- Replace the majority of the Dawntrail VA's. Finding people with actual acting ability would be a good start.
-----VA's I felt did a good job: The Scions, Erevville, Zoraal Ja, The old catto sherif in Texas, Gulool Ja ja, Gulool Ja.
- Review the music selection: There is a scattered vibrance to the ost, however the diversity feels as though it has been lost. Often music trickled into the backgrounds or felt as though it didn't fit. I.e: Yak T'el's Lower area (Mamool region).
-- PLEASE DELETE THE FILES OF THE CREDIT SONG! It sounded like rubbish kareoke and was so bad I had eradicated it from my memory until I saw the guy below me mention it--

The conclusion I came to by the end of this expansion was this:
I genuinely cannot in my wildest dreams believe there is a story I like LESS than Stormblood.

PS: Did anyone else realise until 95/96 we were playing pokemon?
Starter Pokemon: Red Lion, Green Cat, Blue Lizard.
Objective: Collect 8 gym badges to challenge the previous champion and become "the very best".

[Alchemii]

PS: Did anyone else realise until 95/96 we were playing pokemon?
Starter Pokemon: Red Lion, Green Cat, Blue Lizard.
Objective: Collect 8 gym badges to challenge the previous champion and become "the very best".

>:V If we're playing pokemon why didn't I get to choose who I help? I'd have at least chosen Green Cat or Blue Lizard. No way I'd have chosen Red Lion.

Sorry for the late response I just wanted to make that comment XD