Mystery

[Jeeqbit]

This revelation struck me when Dawntrail story trailer dropped and I realised that the trailer literally spoiled the story. I was immediately able to guess how the story would unfold and aside from specific details, I was more-less spot on.

I wouldn't say the trailer spoiled it, but rather the formula and fanfest information:

• 5 zones names were revealed, with pictures or concept art.
• All the leveling dungeons and their concept art were revealed.
• We knew the new world map would likely be traveled through based on proximity to Tuliyollal, allowing us to guess the order of the zones. The zones were labeled on the official world map too!
• Each zone has 1 dungeon tied to it. Since we could guess the order of the zones based on Tuliyallal proximity, we could also correlate the aesthetic of the dungeons to each zone and the order we would likely progress through them.
• We know we are doing a dungeon every 2 levels, so we know the pacing of progression through these zones and that, based on the map, we will end up at Solution Nine.

So here is how I figured out most of the plot months before release:

• Valigarmanda was revealed in the first keynote as well as in 6.55. We knew the first trial boss was the X3 boss (93), therefore we knew Valigarmanda would be in Urqopacha and that it would therefore be one of the first zones along with Kozama'uka which is immediately "before" it on the map.
• It was logical that we would finish exploring the south of the map before going to the north, so Yak T'el was obviously the third zone.
• We knew Shaaloani was the first zone to the north just based on the map and we knew from both the keynote and Blue Mage lore that it has lore relating to ceruleum.
• It was easy to guess there was probably another zone beyond Shaaloani, that would act as the "under Solution Nine" area. It only told us Yyasulani initially.
• It was easy to guess Solution Nine would be the next area based on the map... but it was revealed as a city state anyway.
• The collectors rewards, city state name and picture of Heritage Found made it obvious there was FF9 lore involved in this area and that it dramatically shifted from the "holiday, forest vibes" of Tuliyollal by the time you reached there.
• We knew it was heavily about a transition of power via a contest with a foe that wanted really bad things (which they even revealed to us in a keynote was Zoraal Ja I think) and this was mentioned in 6.55 as well.

If I may digress for a moment - some of you may know this feeling of just having bought a new game when you were younger (Monster Hunter Freedom for me) and you'd be looking at the box wondering what adventure awaits within.

I do, and I think that's why some people want to avoid the trailers and live letters. It's absolutely true that they spoil you in those. But they try just to spoil it enough to make you excited, but without spoiling the whole thing.

The problem is that if played the game for years, then you know the formula and you know how it'll go. Dungeon every 2 levels, trial at 93 and 99 - it allows you to predict what's coming. If you are having a conflict with a character, you're probably fighting them in the next dungeon or trial at (formula level).

Unfortunately, I think they have to do this to a degree. They can't just "not have dungeons and trials" unless the story calls for it, because then that would be reduced content.

[Gwenkatsu]

I'm someone who just plays the game, ignoring all external source of information (trailers, live letters, whatever). So when I started, everything in Dawntrail was a mystery to me. And when this bizarrely misplaced sci-fi megacity popped out of nowhere, I hated this extreme change of tune so much, that I basically stopped playing DT for about 2 months. So much for mystery.
Maybe I should start watching trailers, so that I know at least where I'm heading at...