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Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
Released On: Dec 7, 2021
9.0
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 30 Critic Reviews
92
93% Positive
28 Reviews
28 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 30 Critic Reviews
92
93% Positive
28 Reviews
28 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Endwalker is not the end, but it is very definitely an end. In the game, it is the end of the tale of Hydaelyn and Zodiark, the Ascians, and the Scions of the Seventh Dawn who rose to challenge them. In our universe, it is the end of the second era of Final Fantasy XIV, a midnight that transitions into a bright and new day for the players and developers, in which anything could happen. But for now, the clock is still striking twelve, and I’m absolutely thrilled to see what will happen at 12:01.
Wrapping up a story is never easy, even in a single-player game. Wrapping up a near decade-long arc and meeting the high bar set by previous expansions is even more difficult, but Endwalker manages both with aplomb. Even with the promise of a new adventure on the horizon, I was still sad things were over when I reached the end credits and immediately wanted to start a replay. By my reckoning, this is the sign of an exceptional, unforgettable experience, and I enthusiastically recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in FFXIV.
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 1,865 User Ratings
9.0
89% Positive
1651 Ratings
1651 Ratings
3% Mixed
54 Ratings
54 Ratings
9% Negative
160 Ratings
160 Ratings
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 1,865 User Ratings
9.0
89% Positive
1651 Ratings
1651 Ratings
3% Mixed
54 Ratings
54 Ratings
9% Negative
160 Ratings
160 Ratings
Endwalker exudes excellence. The minor shortcomings pale in comparison to the sheer magnitude of its achievements. It’s one of the most ambitious MMO expansions ever made, and a magnificent conclusion to a journey that boasts some of the best storytelling in this medium. Those harboring reservations about the time commitment should carefully consider that you’re missing out on one of the best experiences in gaming. It’s been a remarkable eleven-year journey, and here’s to many more adventures to come.
It’s obvious that Endwalker is going to be a favorite of many Final Fantasy XIV, while for others, it might not have hit that high bar that was raised with Shadowbringers. Regardless, Endwalker is still a fantastic addition to a game that was originally one of the worst received in the series. It truly is the comeback story of video gaming. Naoki Yoshida and his team should be commended for the incredible amount of world building and story telling that they’ve been able to pull off for, now, over ten years. Final Fantasy XIV continues to be a game that we would recommend everyone experiences. That is, as soon as the game stops being so popular that it’s able to resumes sales.
It’s something that delves deep into the existential question regarding life and death, and our reason for living under suffering. It also goes in an immensely different direction, one that it felt impossible to see coming. This is all enhanced thanks to the original soundtrack that goes well beyond what we could have hoped for, immersing us in a tale we will never forget. That’s not to say there aren’t flaws, though, as there’s a few moments throughout the campaign that felt like padding, and some of the solo instances, as creative as they may be, killed the flow of events. This is on top of a good chunk of gear being reused assets. Thankfully, all of this pales in comparison to the rest of the adventure, witnessing one of the most well-written RPG stories ever told. Truly, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before, in an MMO or otherwise.
It's impressive that the team is still able to take FF14's trappings and crystalise them into new forms even so many years on, from the way jobs and dungeons feel like the best they've ever been, to their confidence when it comes to experimenting with the relationship between gameplay and storytelling. But while there are some stunning vistas and lighting effects, and the detailing on new armour designs are enchanting, the age of the core game can't help but show, smooth as it is to play. This is a great final chapter to a story that'll stick with me, and I'm excited to see the team tell a new one—but I'm eager for some bigger changes to shake up Eorzea when they do.
For all that Endwalker suffers from pacing issues and the sheer amount of plot lines it lobs at us, an earnestness carries the entire story. Endwalker is jubilant in its sincerity, and tender in the way it treats life and death, mankinds' inevitable failing and flaws. It doesn't shy away from grand proclamations that would come across as cheesy if it was any other game, with any other cast of characters. But because it's FFXIV and because the Scions are people who accompanied us through Ala Mhigo's revolution, averting the apocalypse on the First, and much more, Endwalker's loud and bold demands for hope, light, and love fall more on the endearing side rather than hamfisted sentimentality. Endwalker is a fitting, emotional conclusion to a years-long journey for us adventurers, and I can't wait to see what's next.
The story is a major highlight of this expansion, bringing the "first arc" of FFXIV to a satisfying conclusion. Gives Heavensward a run for its money.
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PC
This is probably the best MMORPG at the moment, but it's definitely not a 10 out of 10, as many here seem to give it. Unfortunately, the story in this expansion significantly declined towards the end. After the final battle in Endwalker, which was visually impressive but morally questionable... just for clarity, we beat up the person who helped us save the world and had been indirectly begging for a long time to be shown what true friendship means... to death. Not exactly something a hero should do. Aside from that, it left a lot of unanswered questions. Anyway, the post-patches after the expansion saw a massive drop in quality. Yes, the story in Endwalker itself left many things open, but in the post-story, unfortunately, none of it was addressed. Instead, they essentially told an extra mini-story that was not only cringe-worthy but also made it clear that Square Enix seems to have nothing more to do with the previous story and all its aspects. I found that quite questionable. Honestly, I thought it was so bad that I'm not even sure if I'll buy the next expansion. Still, I give Endwalker a solid 7 points because, apart from that, it was a good expansion.
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PC
A step forward in story telling but a step backwards with everything else. Square Enix has continued to play it too safe in terms of content, never changing up the formula which is starting to get dull. Add that onto the awful stability of servers and terrible queues despite them being warned for years and you have a very lack-luster expansion launch fueled only by the fanboys that think SE can do no wrong.
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PC
Summary Endwalker is the fourth expansion pack for FINAL FANTASY XIV Online. Experience the climax of the Hydaelyn and Zodiark story, and encounter an even greater calamity than ever before as you travel to the far reaches of Hydaelyn and even to the moon.
Platforms:
- PC
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
Initial Release Date: Dec 7, 2021
Developer:
- Creative Business Unit III
Publisher: Square Enix
Genres:
