Despite my negativity over the lack of creativity regarding the overall endgame, on a micro level, the new content so far is well made and enjoyable. As long as you’re OK with just more of the same, then hey, you’ll probably be pretty happy with Heavensward!
Visually, the new dungeons are still a treat. You’ll be fighting through a cathedral with light that beautifully stains the dungeon a eerie amber color. There’s also a library dungeon complete with demon book enemies that will bring back memories of Final Fantasy V and Final Fantasy IX. Sure it’s all pretty much the same stuff you’ve been doing since Satasha at level 15, but it’s still just as fun, and just as gorgeous.
The new primals are also just as brutal and unforgiving as ever, especially on extreme mode. Ravana, the completely new primal added in Heavensward, will feel similar to the older primal fights. It relies less on gimmicks and is more about memorizing its phases, avoiding attacks, and keeping that DPS high. This balances nicely with Bismarck, a thrilling and unique battle atop a floating island. As you battle his subjects, you’ll have to harpoon him in as he attempts to ram you off the edge. Once you have him snared, you’ll have an opportunity to (no pun intended) wail on him, and bring him down.
Still though as a whole, Heavensward’s battle content is underwhelming. Not because it isn’t quality content, but because when you look at the big picture, it’s no different than what players have done since FFXIV majestically relaunched with A Realm Reborn. If that’s OK with you, then go have a ball. But if you wanted a shake up of the endgame, brace yourself for disappointment. After that new content smell fades away, what you’re left with is the same old routine.
Anyway, we’re coming down the stretch with our review in progress of Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward. With just a couple of things left to do, we’ll be wrapping this up with a formal review the next time we check in. We’ll take a look at how everything we discussed so far fits into the big picture, along with bringing in some other smaller aspects we’ve yet to discuss. Oh and yes we’ll finely be dishing out that oh so important review score. Be sure to check out part 1 and part 2 in the meantime. See you then!
It’s unfair to score a MMORPG so soon after release. Final Fantasy XIV’s first expansion, Heavensward, is now available and we have boots on the ground. Resident FFXIV fan and Managing Editor Ed, will be telling us about his adventures in Ishgard until he’s experienced enough of the new content to properly score the game. He has over 10 years experience with Square Enix’s MMORPGs and is more than ready to break down whether or not Heavensward will be an expansion to remember.