FF14 opening cut scenes and CGI grade graphics are still the standard I measure all other games by. It's the first game I ever played where it was my avatar that was in a cut scene. If I had the time and inclination I am certain I could do an entire animated movie just using in game footage.

I also liked the physical level. I really wasn't enthusiastic about losing it.

The combat was true FF style and they actually did a remarkable job emulating almost turn based combat that FF became known for. Had the animations been a bit more elaborate and time consuming it would have went uncontested but the opening version of FF14 had just the right timing, just the right amount of lacking that the critics were able to rip it to shreds. I remember when the game was new many critics tried to malign the cut scene aspects but every game that has launched since FF14 have them and they still don't compare to the elegance that FF14 delivers.

It deserved better than it got.