Poor FFXIV

[Kirith]

I'd like to point out, again actually. That FF13 follows the Final Fantasy Formula pretty well. As it was established in FF2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The only ones it deviates from are 1, 3, 10, 11, and 12.

Every form of entertainment industry follows a basic formula. Often not because it likes to, but because it's the only way to capitalize on people's enjoyment, which can be quite fickle. Movies, literature, music, anime... it's normal. Unfortunately following a formula only assures that you will sell your product to the general audience, not that it will be an exceptional or memorable product.
The mistake is here: some companies believe that throwing money at a crap product that follows a cheap formula will give them a masterpiece...all it does, and of this FFXIII is a prime example, is boost their sales thanks to publicity and hype.

Square-Enix may be a better company today that makes better games than it did before, but when compared to the old era's Square masterpieces... its new games are simply put to shame.

[Cairdeas]

Every form of entertainment industry follows a basic formula. Often not because it likes to, but because it's the only way to capitalize on people's enjoyment, which can be quite fickle. Movies, literature, music, anime... it's normal. Unfortunately following a formula only assures that you will sell your product to the general audience, not that it will be an exceptional or memorable product.
The mistake is here: some companies believe that throwing money at a crap product that follows a cheap formula will give them a masterpiece...all it does, and of this FFXIII is a prime example, is boost their sales thanks to publicity and hype.

Square-Enix may be a better company today that makes better games than it did before, but when compared to the old era's Square masterpieces... its new games are simply put to shame.

If a story can make me cry or become emotional through its already won in my book. Nier did it so hard though, It kept breaking you down constantly hitting you with these sad revelations. The story was epic. But sad as well.

From the Queen in the Desert being killed by wolves, to Emil/No.7 sacrificing himself to save Nier and Kaine. To Kaine having to deal with her physical differences to normal people, the ridicule she went through because of it and the anger that was bred into her.

It might have been developed by Cavia with SE staff members assisting and published by SE. but it was litterally the best story SE has released in a game since probably ROTZ.