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- Square Enix
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- Square Enix
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail
Released On: Jul 2, 2024
80
6.5
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 20 Critic Reviews
80
70% Positive
14 Reviews
14 Reviews
25% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 20 Critic Reviews
80
70% Positive
14 Reviews
14 Reviews
25% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Final Fantasy 14 Dawntrail introduces some of the game’s best dungeons and trials yet alongside a compelling story that, while slow to ramp up, delivers resoundingly in its second act, setting a promising precedent for the future of the MMORPG on all counts.
Dawntrail may not be as much of a reinvention of the wheel as it was made out to be. However, it also proves that this formula is still capable of featuring incredible stories and taking us to places that can surprise and challenge our understanding of the world, both in and out of the game. It represents a huge step forward in the worldbuilding of Final Fantasy XIV and its gameplay, giving the player appropriate challenges for the hundreds of hours they likely poured into it to get to this point. If this is any indication of what’s to come, then FFXIV’s next decade is looking as bright as dawn.
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 984 User Ratings
6.5
53% Positive
525 Ratings
525 Ratings
13% Mixed
127 Ratings
127 Ratings
34% Negative
332 Ratings
332 Ratings
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 984 User Ratings
6.5
53% Positive
525 Ratings
525 Ratings
13% Mixed
127 Ratings
127 Ratings
34% Negative
332 Ratings
332 Ratings
There are plenty of valid criticisms of Dawntrail but there are also a lot of criticisms that stem from a misunderstanding of the storyline. The story is not perfect but I did personally enjoy it a lot. Act 2 is nowhere as good as people claim it is, and it mostly comes down to the fact that Square Enix is not good at portraying world-threatening enemies.
Same thing happened in Endwalker, we had a world-wide apocalypse happen but nothing came of it. It's not even mentioned in the new world.
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Dawntrail is largely about working through flaws of all kinds, which it certainly has. But it has its highs, too, that I’d argue are worth fighting for—much like the lands of Tural, full of joy, full of better things. I enjoyed this new FFXIV journey thoroughly, but I know where it needs to build from, and any good adventurer knows to pick up that experience and forge ahead.
A rich world and amazing dungeon design more than make up for dips in the story.
Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is very messy, but still greatly enjoyable. Wuk Lamat is a lovable character who I hope sticks around, with a satisfying character arc tying in with the expansion’s themes. Viper is a blast to play, and every dungeon or trial holds something new and unique. While the expansion isn’t the best FFXIV has to offer, it has so much heart you can’t help but smile.
Overall, from stunning new locations, exciting new jobs, multi-dimensional characters and heaps of new content that I will be spending the next few weeks on, Dawntrail was the perfect way to introduce the start of a new arc to Final Fantasy XIV and as a result, still has a lot of story to tell.
Dawntrail shoves your character so far into the background of its story you may as well not be there. That said, the vibrancy and personality of Tural is a real breath of fresh air, and the dungeon bosses have never been more satisfying to take down.
There was plenty of world building in this expansion to set up for things to come. Let them cook! Yes, if you hate Wuk Lamat as a character, I suppose you'll struggle in the MSQ as she is the main protagonist of the story. It's ok to not have it be YOU all the time? You've been in that role since 2010. I'm fine helping from the sidelines for awhile. Music, zones, graphic update, new jobs etc. all great. Is everything perfect? No. The developers are human, and humans are imperfect beings, and you shouldn't be looking for perfection. That's unrealistic. Some pacing fixes and allowing more time for VA's to work and deliver the story (there wasn't as much voice acting it feels this time), will be helpful going forward. But rather than crap all over the hard work of making a game, let's deliver respectful feedback to the developers eh?
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Overall, from stunning new locations, exciting new jobs, multi-dimensional characters and heaps of new content that I will be spending the next few weeks on, Dawntrail was the perfect way to introduce the start of a new arc to Final Fantasy XIV and as a result, still has a lot of story to tell. ****/
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It's a let down... a massive let down compare to the rest of the MSQ in final. Story wise? it's a flop, but it's expected since Sweet baby inc. is involved.
Dungeons? good, graphic update? amazing.
What to do after you are done with msq? almost nothing, same stuff as in post endwalker.
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Dawntrail isn't bad. However, Dawntrail isn't good, either. Dawntrail hits a very awkward zone of 'it's there'. Both story and character hooks are lacking - if you are not immediately invested in the storyline's focus character, Wuk Lamat, you may find yourself struggling to stay engaged with the story beats that Dawntrail is giving you.
Much like Dawntrail's story, Wuk Lamat isn't bad... but she isn't good either. She's very much your typical shonen protagonist. But if you aren't into shonen protagonists then you may find her a bit dry regarding her character traits and her themes.
While the MSQ picks up in the final fourth of the story, tossing in stakes and excitement missing from earlier parts in the game, it unfortunately comes far too late. Much like how a movie that has an amazing final 20 minutes but a boring hour before it, it simply wasn't enough to raise the score for me.
Plus sides for Dawntrail are that the dungeons and trials are incredibly well done and engaging. The mechanics are fun, provide more challenge than previous mostly braindead dungeons in other expacs, and have an excellent variety in visuals and boss types. If you enjoy the combat of FFXIV, then Dawntrail has some excellent content for you to look forward to.
Ultimately, Dawntrail is a very hit or miss expansion pack. If you are immediately charmed and invested in the characters Dawntrail has to offer, you will likely have an amazing time. However, if they don't resonate with you, you may just find yourself trudging forward with the hopes of something good to come in the post MSQ quests.
As a result, I had to give Dawntrail a 4/10. It's not the worst thing out there. It's not the best thing either. It's just sort of below average with room to improve when the post MSQ patch quests are released.
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Summary As hope's light dawns once more, a hero looks to new horizons... Winds of opportunity bring a visitor from the New World, seeking the Warrior of Light's aid in a rite of succession to determine Tural's next ruler. Alongside Alphinaud, Alisaie, and Erenville, the Warrior of Light embarks upon a journey across the Indigo Deep. Should rum...
Rated T
for Teen
Platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- PC
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series X
Initial Release Date: Jul 2, 2024
Developer:
- Creative Business Unit III
Publisher: Square Enix
Genres:
