Quote Originally Posted by Theodric View Post
I'm inclined to think that if the story was 'ruined' by exploring the nuances and horrors of war from both sides of a conflict then the investment and interest was perhaps not there to begin with.

Furthermore, only Valens, Zenos and Asahi were written in such a way as to lack any redeeming qualities or sympathetic motives. The others were far more complicated than many here give credit - or are willing to concede when faced with choosing to take the story as it is written rather than whatever emotional reactions get in the way.

Much like we can see with some of the reactions aimed at Alisae and Alphinaud's father.

Then again, I've never cared much for 'morality' arguments. Especially when the writers themselves are repeatedly on record as stating such things are a matter of perspective and that each character is the hero of their own story.
No, it was ruined by the story twisting itself in weird ways in order to make an unlikeable character "sympathetic" or "redeemable". I mean the pieces were set for a trash fire at the end of Castrum in southern front. Literally the most pants on head stupid error was made to make this character a threat, on top of WoL is a dunce in cutscenes syndrome. Then in the follow up, she is practically ruining her trousers in sadistic glee at tempering resistance members. Not to mention gleefully turning others into bioweapons. Then, of course, at the end we get a "they're not all bad!" ending. Garbage. Nothing nuanced, and as someone who enjoys the RTI raid series and XII I was disappointed. Also the IVth aren't saints, as they engage in necromancy and making their own in bioweapons.