Quote Originally Posted by Eloah View Post
I think the OP is confused by what splitting a story implies. Literally it would be telling one story seperated into multiple parts, that can function as solo stories. The Hydaelyn and Zodiark saga is an example of split story telling, as it incorporates the original launch and the expansions ARR to EW. But each expansion can function on it's own.

What the expansions listed, and arguably every expansion thus far, does is called story threading, which focuses and connects a story through character experiences. Each expansion deals with characters whose experiences drive the story and connects the plots of seemingly "unrelated things". Every expansions base story, besides possibly Shadowbringers, has the focus shift as the story demands. ARR shifts from humble beginnings to fighting the "big bad"; common in most JRPGs. HW shifts from ending a war, to ending a corrupt religion. StB shifts between two characters trying to end the same conflict in their respective regions. EW shifts from trying to stop the Telophoroi to trying to stop the return of the final days. And DT shifts from a "peaceful" rite of succession to trying to prevent an invasion from another world. These all connect by the characters shared experiences.

Admittedly, how the sections of the story connect can feel a bit "flimsy" at times, but they are still important overall. Garlemald is that connection point in Endwalker, and is arguably one of the better ones given its relevance to the overall plot.
ShB still had a pretty sharp turn from killing the Lightwardens to everything that came after the gunshot, but the two flowed into each other much better than most of the other focus shifts. One part it did especially well was the lull between Innocence and The Tempest where the WoL was facing a fate worse than death, the First was on the brink again, and some characters were desperately trying to find a solution while others were resigning themselves to their fate. The game hasn't had a lot of segments like that which were slow and low-action but with such a heavy atmosphere.