Dawntrail is over. The FF14 7.3 patch this week introduced a conclusion to Closing Fantasy 14’s divisive enlargement story, and did so in fashion. I am probably not right here to speak about narrative, nonetheless; with out getting too deep into spoilers, the finale performed out in comparatively the way I believe most individuals anticipated, although that did not cease me from yelling out loud twice throughout its closing scene. That is pretty customary for the MMORPG; whereas ‘third patch’ climaxes are usually nice, they’re normally a identified amount by the point they arrive, with all of the items already on the board. What has me most excited for the longer term is every part else; a litany of smaller however necessary modifications that recommend Sq. Enix is listening to suggestions.
The largest issues with Dawntrail aren’t truly new. A lot of them have been recurring in Closing Fantasy 14 for for much longer, however they had been simpler to disregard when the story was so compelling that you just had been hanging off each phrase. As somebody that truly enjoys a little bit of mundanity in my MMORPGs, and located the setup for Heritage Discovered moderately intriguing, I used to be nonetheless in a position to largely shrug off the fixed barrage of ‘Communicate with three NPCs’ each different quest. However there is no query it is change into an enormous speaking level as a serious indicator of FF14’s usually very protected, by-the-books quest design. Fortunately, patch 7.3’s MSQ appears like a direct response to this, and a notable step in the fitting route.
I will do my greatest to keep away from any notable story spoilers, however there will probably be some mentions of mechanics right here, so maintain that in thoughts should you’ve but to play the brand new replace. Whereas there’s nonetheless loads of speaking, the pacing feels higher, and the instances the place you’re despatched to hunt out a number of NPC conversations are utilized in a better method. After gathering info, your companions truly ask you to look at the small print and are available to your individual conclusions, moderately than merely telling you what you’ve got discovered.
The spotlight is the lab sequence, which presents a sequence of precise puzzles. These are comparatively easy, with nothing so advanced as Endwalker’s ‘Secret within the Field’ optionally available quest, or the legendary riddle fest from A Realm Reborn that’s ‘The Biggest Story By no means Advised.’ That is MSQ, in spite of everything, and it appears like Yoshida’s crew are gently testing the waters to see what gamers are pleased with. Personally, I am giving them an encouraging smile and a thumbs up; even when the problem is not excessive, it is good to really feel like I am truly participating with quest missions moderately than merely being dragged alongside as issues occur round me.
I am additionally very enamored with the brand new dungeon, which comes as much less of a shock given Dawntrail’s high-quality battle design. However, there is a continuation of the experimentation we have seen currently; one boss performs with visible tells by creating false warnings, whereas one other separates out the occasion and forces you all into one-on-one showdowns in particular person, cramped arenas. It isn’t a mechanic I would wish to see repeated on a regular basis, however it’s some of the novel and thrilling encounters shortly.
Additionally of word is a continued step up in manufacturing values. Dawntrail made some good strides right here (in actual fact, I imagine the improved digicam work and cutscenes are exactly why it felt so notable when some key moments had been left voiceless), however the sheer expressiveness of characters simply retains getting higher. I usually level to the unimaginable, foolish balcony cutscene on the finish of Shadowbringers patch 5.3, made throughout the early days of lockdown, as a selected excessive level of FF14’s animation, and it lastly appears like that stage of character is now being achieved throughout the board.
The patch’s title, ‘The Promise of Tomorrow,’ might need ostensibly been concerning the core themes of the post-Dawntrail story, however it additionally appears like a sly nod to Inventive Studio 3’s makes an attempt to make modifications that may influence the way forward for Closing Fantasy 14 as an entire. There is definitely nonetheless extra work to be performed; as sturdy as patch 7.3 is, the launch providing nearly totally contains one-time actions, with solely the alliance raid and excessive trial to carry us over till 7.31 opens the way in which to a brand new Cosmic Exploration location.
These solely concerned with fight will probably be ready even longer till the deep dungeon arrives in patch 7.35. This, nonetheless, will probably be yet one more signal of what is to return; Yoshida mentioned in Dwell Letter 88 that the Pilgrim’s Traverse is a testbed for “a couple of issues we need to change with FF14 general,” which features a philosophy shift in direction of discovering methods to ensure each kind of participant has sufficient content material to maintain them happy. The true proof will probably be within the 8.0 pudding, and we’ll have to attend somewhat longer to see what that appears like, however primarily based on the present developments I am already reserving my seat on the desk.
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