I’ll go back and review the other expansions and base game for FFXIV, but I just finished 5.0. I know there’s other patches - in fact I’m now around 5.4 I think.

I have heard the superlative thrown around that Shadowbringers is the “best FF game to date” and I have to say: I disagree with that sentiment. I would say the first 1/3 of Shadowbringers is terribly boring and not exceptionally interesting. There were certainly moments that had my attention, but overall I was stuck in the mindset of “this is what everyone is praising?”

But then I hit Il Mheg. And everything after. With the introduction of Emet-Selch as a character proper in this expansion, I found myself complete hooked into what was happening. As his story, his struggles came to light I found myself deeply empathizing with him, even as I found his actions monstrous. His motivations were painfully human, and I found myself desperately hoping that any other conclusion than the one we got would happen. I didn’t cry, but I was pretty damn emotional. It’s been a week and I’m still thinking about it. Every time I run Amaurot for those damn tomestones I get painfully sad.

While I would say Shadowbringers is strong, it is not the best FF game to date - it’s first two zones outside the Crystarium are dull and boring. It DOES, however, have one of the most compelling and interesting antagonists I’ve seen to date in a video game. If nothing else, I would recommend the expansion on the strength of how Emet-Selch is written as a counterpoint to your own character. He is a deeply effective foil through which hard concepts are explored. The old adage - “every villain is the hero of their own story” has never felt more appropriate a summary.

I’ll go back and review the other expansions and base game for FFXIV, but I just finished 5.0. I know there’s other patches - in fact I’m now around 5.4 I think.I have heard the superlative thrown around that Shadowbringers is the “best FF game to date” and I have to say: I disagree with that sentiment. I would say the first 1/3 of Shadowbringers is terribly boring and not exceptionally interesting. There were certainly moments that had my attention, but overall I was stuck in the mindset of “this is what everyone is praising?”But then I hit Il Mheg. And everything after. With the introduction of Emet-Selch as a character proper in this expansion, I found myself complete hooked into what was happening. As his story, his struggles came to light I found myself deeply empathizing with him, even as I found his actions monstrous. His motivations were painfully human, and I found myself desperately hoping that any other conclusion than the one we got would happen. I didn’t cry, but I was pretty damn emotional. It’s been a week and I’m still thinking about it. Every time I run Amaurot for those damn tomestones I get painfully sad.While I would say Shadowbringers is strong, it is not the best FF game to date - it’s first two zones outside the Crystarium are dull and boring. It DOES, however, have one of the most compelling and interesting antagonists I’ve seen to date in a video game. If nothing else, I would recommend the expansion on the strength of how Emet-Selch is written as a counterpoint to your own character. He is a deeply effective foil through which hard concepts are explored. The old adage - “every villain is the hero of their own story” has never felt more appropriate a summary.

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Take part in the next saga of the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XIV Online with the next legendary expansion pack—SHADOWBRINGERS! Explore breathtaking new environments, encounter exotic new races, master exciting new jobs, and fight alongside prominent characters with the new Trust system as you embark on a new journey as the Warrior of Darkness! With over 14 million adventurers worldwide, join the next chapter and become what you must.

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