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Just one excellent example of story-telling in a MMO...

Pratt2112Pratt2112 Member UncommonPosts: 1,636
in Final Fantasy XIV

***WARNING*** I've tried to keep this post as spoiler free as possible. But, there are links to things that may spoil something anyway... Proceed with caution :)


So, I recently completed what is my favorite single story, so far, in ARR. It could well be topped at some point (probably will), but for now this one impressed me the most.

Here's a screenshot from it. Those who recognize it will know exactly which I'm referring to...

Now, it's obvious to say it was a very creepy, even disturbing story. What really impressed me, though, is just how much back-story there is to it.

Instead of going into an explanation of it, here's a link to a wiki page that does a much better job of it, including the bits of a journal you find throughout Tam Tara HM.

While the segment my previous screenshot is from really wraps up the creepyness of it all, connecting the lost journal entries with the events throughout the dungeon really shows how much thought went into what many would probably not even think twice about - if they notice it at all - while racing through to get their reward.

What I really found impressive, as well, is the fanfare sequence at the end of it, where instead of the usual /joy emote, you see this (clicky!) - with your character instead of mine, of course :p.

It's not a "major" thing on its own, but in this context, it really gave the story a sense of weight, and sets it well apart from what one could call "pointless filler content". Your character isn't happy about what they just did. It's a tragic turn-of-events, and they're visibly saddened by it. It's not a moment for celebration.

It's a brilliant bit of story-telling, in my opinion; easily one of my all-time favorites.

Comments

  • ZizouXZizouX Member Posts: 670

    This story comes full circle from your brand new adventuring days, up to the hard mode dungeon.

     

    When i did the dungeon as well, I felt it was amazing story telling.  This game has a LOT of it but some people just skip it all together.  Based on the "ending" i'm sure you've guessed we havn't really seen the last of her.. i can't wait to experience it.

  • ChrisboxChrisbox Member UncommonPosts: 1,729
    I couldn't agree more, many players won't even take notice to the details and the story but the way square enix weaves these tales in is brilliant. I hope to see more Tam Tara style side story telling in the game instead of filler pieces like you said. The cut scenes and the boss fights really made you understand the ****storm that paiyo reiyo's party became and it seems like a very realistic experience for a party at that time in the game. I laughed so hard when they said avere ran out of healing range. While I am a firm believer of standing your ground with the party, Paiyo Reiyo was pretty smart to leave that group and he knew it was going to be a wipefest.  Though I guess he's gonna have to get haunted for it now by Edda lol.    

    Played-Everything
    Playing-LoL

  • Pratt2112Pratt2112 Member UncommonPosts: 1,636

    Originally posted by ZizouX
    This story comes full circle from your brand new adventuring days, up to the hard mode dungeon.

     

    When i did the dungeon as well, I felt it was amazing story telling.  This game has a LOT of it but some people just skip it all together.  Based on the "ending" i'm sure you've guessed we havn't really seen the last of her.. i can't wait to experience it.

    Yes, that's something I neglected to mention in my post. What gives the moment all the more poignancy is that these aren't just random people you encounter in this particular place, or know of only through left-behind journal entries. You've met them personally, they've spoken to you, you've seen a kind of "dynamic" play out between them etc. So there's a connection made. Seeing it come full circle, as you say, and ending the way it does has a context. It's not just random.

    And I agree.. I don't think we've seen the end of them either :)


  • Pratt2112Pratt2112 Member UncommonPosts: 1,636

    Originally posted by Chrisbox
    I couldn't agree more, many players won't even take notice to the details and the story but the way square enix weaves these tales in is brilliant. I hope to see more Tam Tara style side story telling in the game instead of filler pieces like you said. The cut scenes and the boss fights really made you understand the ****storm that paiyo reiyo's party became and it seems like a very realistic experience for a party at that time in the game. I laughed so hard when they said avere ran out of healing range. While I am a firm believer of standing your ground with the party, Paiyo Reiyo was pretty smart to leave that group and he knew it was going to be a wipefest.  Though I guess he's gonna have to get haunted for it now by Edda lol.    

    Yeah, it's interesting that she appears to him, but not you. Considering the recent turn of events at that point. I mean, he may have tried to talk her out of it, prior to being held for her purposes. But you come along and outright kill the whole reason she was there in the first place. I can't imagine she's in your fan club anymore at that point - if she really was in the first place.

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