Den of Geek’s MMO expert reviews Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward, the game’s first expansion!
This mixture can be good or bad, depending on who you ask.
But, enough aboutA Realm Reborn.
Given its success, how doesFinal Fantasy XIV: Heavenswardits first expansionstack up?
The dungeons have all been enjoyable as well, if a tad bit on the linear side.
The new lore focal point on dragons is pretty awesome, but thats to be expected.
Its a stated law that dragons are always awesome.
Moogles and their adorableness also return forHeavenswardand play a minor role.
The ability to fly inHeavenswardzones is fairly gated.
This then has to be repeated for every zone.
Each zone is filled with hills, peaks, and teetering paths that lead up said peaks.
All in all, Square Enix made some solid improvements to the games zone design inHeavensward.
Leveling vs.
Endgame
Theres one slight problem with an MMORPG having expansive, immersive leveling zones, however.
Leveling doesnt last very long.
The nature ofFFXIVs class system helps mitigate this issue, but not everyone enjoys leveling alt classes and crafting/gathering.
There were no other paths to gain gear.
InHeavensward, players have more options at least.
There are three dungeons at level 60 as well as two challenging primal fights.
Finally, players can also farm tomes by taking out hunt mobs that are similar toFFXIs named mob system.
Interestingly enough, FATES inHeavenswardzones arent that great for EXP.
It seems Square Enix realized that too much faceroll can be a bad thing.
Overall, theres enough endgame content currently, but certainly not an overflowing amount.
This coming week players should be able to dive intoFFXIV: Heavenswards first raid which is called Alexander.
Alexander will have two different difficulties.
Story, Story, and… Did I mention Story?
One of the most interesting departuresFFXIV: Heavenswardtakes from most MMORPGs is its required story-based gating.
GivenFFXIVs natural penchant for storytelling, thats a lot of content to play through.
And a decently-sized chunk of dungeons/trials to sit in queue for.
And a lot of cutscenes to watch.
You do gain EXP for the quests, however, as long as you have the expansion purchased.
This momentum carries through toHeavenswardquite nicely.
On the bright side,Heavenswardhandles cutscenes in dungeons/raids much better than inA Realm Reborn.
Major cutscenes now play after the dungeon/raid finishes and not during.
Aint no one got time to sit through someone elses 12-minute cutscenes.
The game has improved significantly with the new zone designs and the way in which endgame flows inHeavensward.
If anyone out theres on the fence about givingFFXIVanother try, do yourself a favor and pick upHeavensward.
Heres your fair warning now: Cutscenes ahead!
Rating:
4 out of 5
