FFXIV And Quest Design

[Gaddes]

Yeah, I completely agree that involving our Disciples of the Hand/Land would go a long way to feeling like they're actually part of our character, because unfortunately up to this point it's felt like a very detached part of our WoL. Having the additional dialogue options is the easiest step, even more so if they did them in MSQ scenes that aren't voiced, so I really wish they'd add those at the bare minimum. But I particularly like the idea of your gathering/crafting jobs making you an expert when a scene calls for it, like the HanuHanu reeds or the taco making moments. They really missed some golden opportunities to spotlight those classes. And if they DID add these little touches, you'd probably get the added benefit of people who don't normally level those classes feeling encouraged to try them out so that they could also see those specialized moments for themselves.

It's kinda sad that the only moments I can think of where we got any real acknowledgement of our WoL's uniqueness is the maybe 2 times ever that we could attempt to join in with healing someone... and that's pretty much it. To my knowledge tanks never got a moment like that, which for some folks I know is a real sticking point in the Vault...

[Morphiana]

In regards to the player interaction point of quests. I agree, it is frustrating when we only get to watch when certain things happen. The train scene in the most recent xpac should have been playable. WoW for all it's flaws does break up questing with vehicle based quests or quests that change your abilities. XIV'S MSQ at times let's you play as someone other big name but that's a rare treat that shouldn't be overused. MSQ and side quests can have engaging vehicle combat sections, sniper sections, giving the WoL temp. abilities for fun or letting them play as a lesser known NPC, etc.

There are ways to vary quest design outside of "do we want this to be a stealth quest, a pick up 3 return quest, a talk to this person quest, or using out binoculars to find something quest" as those aren't that different from one another or very engaging. They are just far easier to develop for.

One fun example would be playing as a bad guy NPC who has to avoid your WoL. It doesn't change much from the current stealth format, but if you're caught your WoL would instantly hit you with that classes hardest hitting ability. Would be awesome to be afraid of yourself!