Item: FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers
Rating: 8.5
Author: Michelle Bryant

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.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers

Review Title

Player Score

Michelle Bryant