I don't really feel Tanaka or the original team had any vision, and that's the main problem with this game. I can't see a clear style, clear story, there's just no impact, a bit all over the place. I mean compared to say, FFXII, that was a clear vision; the style was obvious, races clear, music worked so well, fun battles, fun enemies, story was lacking sure but it had a good 'feel' to the world and it's people/places. This game lacks that and I'm not sure they can fix it now (not in the original zones at least, perhaps with expansions though!) When I try to picture to myself what their original vision was, I'm not sure. I just think 'an MMO' which imo, is a bad place to start. World, characters and lore should come first, not just 'we're making an MMO.' The game should stand well even if it wasn't online, which let's face it, this game doesn't.

I know for most people battle and content is their focus for sure, but I think without a game with a great original artists vision and feeling, the whole thing will be a lackluster. Which is why I think Tanaka was a problem, not to say it's all his fault but I think he's made his ideal MMO in FFXI (he even said that!) so he lacked a 'vision' for this. Really needs some TLC overall! Hoping Yoshi-P will realise this.