MSQ Needs Further Condensing

[van_arn]

We used to have a quest drought at (I think it was) 47 and couldn't continue MSQ. Had to turn to FATEs back in the day. But then they streamlined how they were doing leveling in ARR. This made the fetch quest padding that we relied on for exp no longer needed, so they could toss it out. They really didn't remove much story stuff. The design of this game is around telling a story. That's why everyone has a main storyline they must follow and even have some optional content locked behind doing it. They want people to experience that.

A necessary component of a well-told story is solid editing.

I hope they continue to edit the msq to tell the story as concisely as possible. Delete all filler.

[ItMe]

A necessary component of a well-told story is solid editing.

I hope they continue to edit the msq to tell the story as concisely as possible. Delete all filler.

Along with this, would it kill them to give the Scions more personality before Heavensward?
Replaying ARR so much of their dialogue is interchangable.
When condensing ARR they even took out the quest where an Imp has disguised itself as one of the Scions and you've gotta throw bombs at them to uncover the imposter. It was a cute scene that gave us some insight into some of the Scions, and now those quests have been culled.
I had friends waiting for the ARR changes to pick up 14, and none of them made it through despite how much shorter it is just because so many of the characters don't have personality yet. Even when replaying it I only enjoy my interactions with those characters because I'm fond of who they ultimately become.
If they're gonna edit, I think they should consider not just what they can remove, but what they can add to ARR to make it a smoother experience.

[TaleraRistain]

A necessary component of a well-told story is solid editing.

I hope they continue to edit the msq to tell the story as concisely as possible. Delete all filler.

Cutting filler is fine but asking to shorten leveling by putting in still frame pictures instead of cutscenes like the OP suggested is not in a story-focused game.

[Kaurhz]

I think bridging the gap between how often you need to stop to play level catch up to the story is sufficient enough to 'condense', perhaps they can involve other measures like allow flying from the getgo for the more dated expansions so people have an easier time getting around, and aren't needing to get aether currents later on.

ARR story condensing only worked due to how much actual useless filler it had which ultimately had no bearing on the storytelling later on, but as this goes forward, doing this in HW/SB, and most especially Shadowbringers can easily result in the overall narrative feeling very fragmented which is not good, especially for an MMO which already has a heavy focus on storytelling in the first place.

[lolicon09]

This is a themepark MMO, and a Final Final Fantasy game on the top of that. Buy a skip if you think that the end game is the only thing that "matters". Personally, i like how the game already is

[dinnertime]

I don't think they need to condense the MSQ further, but give an option for a more condensed version of the MSQ anyone can watch. Would be useful for people who did skip the story using the books or just people who want a refresher on what happened before.

[Equitable_Remedy]

The game suffers greatly from trying to be both an MMORPG, and single player story focused RPG.

I could not disagree more—this is exactly one of the great strengths of the game over other MMOs.

WoW is great, but try playing it for the story.

[BlitzAceRush]

I agree, what a lot perceive as a weakness is simply a difference, a point that makes it stand out and draws those interested in that, of course you'll draw people who could care less about that, but it's for them to decide if it's a deal breaker or not.
So many MMO's didn't look past "WoW is popular I'll be like WoW" but then when people asked. "But what sets you apart?" They had no answer, that's the nice thing about there being mutiple choices of what we play, one game dosen't have to appeal to everyone or try and do everything.
It's totally fine to feel that a story focus doesn't belong in an MMO, there are MMO's for those who feel that, and 14 for those that do.

[Kes13a]

*yawns* another "I am too special to have to do actual story... I want to just be max level without effort" thread.

look, I get it, you bore easily, after teh first couple times its dull and you are a completionist and want all the classes.

they sell skip potions , I recommend looking into them.

I dont mind the story, and often I'll see things I didnt the first couple times, its rare, but it happens. or I'll do different side quests. MSQ runs are for xp, usually a decent amount and I am willing to be a little inconvenienced for extra xp.

IF you are talking about your first time through all of this... my question is: What have you got against story? (because after the first run through with a character, you never have to see again except by choice)

[Seraphor]

There's really no reason to rush to endgame.
So you can spend a couple weeks doing savage and then afk in Limsa for 2 months?