Still the Warrior of Light in 6.x and beyond? [Spoilers through ShB]

[Theodric]

Even putting aside the other Final Fantasy games, there's the simple fact that FFXIV is an MMO and by their very nature such games seek to appeal to a broad and diverse audience. It's perfectly possible for the game to set out to tell a variety of different stories throughout the duration of its existence - and not all of those stories or characters will appeal to absolutely everybody, nor should they given that things would be rather bland if everybody settled for just fawning over the same handful of characters at every turn.

If we do look to the other Final Fantasy games, though, I'd note that each one typically sets out to do something different in order to set itself apart from the others. Stories also, by their very nature, are taken very different by the one partaking of them. What is 'hopeful' to one person does not necessarily come off as such to someone else.

There's many different elements to consider. Localisation differences alone mean that some things might hit completely differently, though one's background, culture and other beliefs will impact how they see specific characters and factions. Such is particularly true of those who recognise nuance and do not cling to the habit of pushing things in one of two categories such as 'good' or 'evil'.

At any rate, I for one am delighted to see a return to being a humble adventurer! There's so many different things to see and do that I do not doubt that we will be kept very busy!

[Cleretic]

While Final Fantasy can (and often does) touch heavy subject matter, it has never been grimdark. There is always hope and a happy ending waiting for the protagonists, even if it takes a ton of effort and there's no guarantee said happy ending will last. Grimdark is typically given a "the world is shit, nothing you can do will improve it, just try to survive" feel.

... which I can't objectively speak to, but XIV has never felt that way. A Realm Reborn has being instrumental in saving Eorzea from Garlean conquest, later repelling primal threats while working with Alphinaud to build a non-political military force that can act freely. That goes south due to Teledji, but after that it's been nothing but up - we expose the lies behind and stop the perpetuation of the Dragonsong War, liberate Doma and Ala Mhigo from Imperial oppression, and drag the First back from the brink - saving the Source in the process. Endwalker sees it climax with us saving not just Etheriys but the universe not only from a premature heat death but from Meteion hoarding souls in Ultima Thule so new life outside Etheirys could instantiate once more.

That's not to say the story has no grim or dark moments, but tonally it's never gone there. Costs are paid but hope lives on.

Yeah, 'grimdark' is a term coined to describe Warhammer 40k. Trying to use it to describe any Final Fantasy, which are all ultimately hopeful and positive even when extremely bad things happen, is either completely misusing the term or dreadfully misreading Final Fantasy.