Heavensward is an expansion I approached with low expectations after playing the slog that is ARR. Many friends of mine convinced me to give this expansion a shot, and I slowly found myself witnessing an MMO narrative that left an indeliable mark on my gaming journey.
First and foremost, Heavensward introduces a cast of characters that's nothing short of captivating. From the enigmatic Estinien to the resolute Lucia, these personalities add depth and power to the narrative while Aymeric, Ysayle, and Haurchefant, on the other hand, bring loveable qualities to the forefront. Their interactions and character development were highlights of this expansion for me and always had me moving to the next quest wanting more.
What truly sets Heavensward apart, though, is its storytelling. It takes bold strides and maintains a different pacing compared to A Realm Reborn. The writing feels carefully perfected and is filled with genuine passion and emotion. The expansion delivered some of the saddest and most powerful moments I've ever experienced in gaming. The journey was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I was completely immersed in the world of Ishgard and its rich history of Dragons. I don't think I'll see a better story about Dragons and war for a long time. Game of Thrones could never.
The soundtrack of Heavensward is, in a word, breathtaking. "Dragonsong" stands as one of the greatest musical compositions ever created by human hands. What's even more brilliant is how the meaning behind the lyrics gradually unravels throughout the expansion if you've heard it before the ending and were confused on its meaning. Hearing various instrumental versions of the song all the way until the the climactic showdown with Nidhogg was a genius touch. It enhanced the anticipation and made the final encounter all the more memorable.
Speaking of Nidhogg, the confrontation with this dragon is a masterpiece of climactic storytelling. Staring down the beast while he pins down Hraesvelgr is an intense and empowering moment. It makes you feel like an absolute badass, a hero in the truest sense. This encounter alone is worth the price of admission, and it left a lasting impression on me.
However, not everything in Heavensward is perfect. Despite the apparent increase in writing quality, there are still quests that feel like tedious fetch quests or lack the depth of storytelling seen in the main narrative. It's a minor blemish on an otherwise stellar expansion. One thing worth pointing out is the initial villain's initial significance. I have to admit that Thordan, while a formidable opponent, didn't quite match the intensity and emotional weight of the Nidhogg storyline. His Knights of the Round were a spectacle, but I didn't feel as invested in the battle against him. This, however, is more a testament to the incredible depth of the Nidhogg narrative rather than a significant flaw.
When comparing Heavensward to its later post-quests after Revenge of the Horde, the writing quality did not seem to reach the same heights. The former set an exceptionally high bar as a remarkable chapter in the Final Fantasy XIV saga, offering a rich narrative, unforgettable characters, and an awe-inspiring musical score. Despite this, The Far Edge of Fate serves as a serviceable buildup to Stormblood, while Soul Surrender seems to be setting up Shadowbringers, which I find quite an interesting choice. Despite this, I can't deny that the writing was enjoyable and kept my attention the entire time.
In conclusion, Heavensward is an expansion that touched my heart and soul. After being in disbelief that it could be any better than ARR, I have to say all of my friends were right, and I'm glad I listened. Its flaws are minor compared to the grand tapestry it weaves. It's a testament to the power of storytelling in gaming, and I'll forever cherish the memories I made in the cold skies of Ishgard.
First and foremost, Heavensward introduces a cast of characters that's nothing short of captivating. From the enigmatic Estinien to the resolute Lucia, these personalities add depth and power to the narrative while Aymeric, Ysayle, and Haurchefant, on the other hand, bring loveable qualities to the forefront. Their interactions and character development were highlights of this expansion for me and always had me moving to the next quest wanting more.
What truly sets Heavensward apart, though, is its storytelling. It takes bold strides and maintains a different pacing compared to A Realm Reborn. The writing feels carefully perfected and is filled with genuine passion and emotion. The expansion delivered some of the saddest and most powerful moments I've ever experienced in gaming. The journey was a rollercoaster of emotions, and I was completely immersed in the world of Ishgard and its rich history of Dragons. I don't think I'll see a better story about Dragons and war for a long time. Game of Thrones could never.
The soundtrack of Heavensward is, in a word, breathtaking. "Dragonsong" stands as one of the greatest musical compositions ever created by human hands. What's even more brilliant is how the meaning behind the lyrics gradually unravels throughout the expansion if you've heard it before the ending and were confused on its meaning. Hearing various instrumental versions of the song all the way until the the climactic showdown with Nidhogg was a genius touch. It enhanced the anticipation and made the final encounter all the more memorable.
Speaking of Nidhogg, the confrontation with this dragon is a masterpiece of climactic storytelling. Staring down the beast while he pins down Hraesvelgr is an intense and empowering moment. It makes you feel like an absolute badass, a hero in the truest sense. This encounter alone is worth the price of admission, and it left a lasting impression on me.
However, not everything in Heavensward is perfect. Despite the apparent increase in writing quality, there are still quests that feel like tedious fetch quests or lack the depth of storytelling seen in the main narrative. It's a minor blemish on an otherwise stellar expansion. One thing worth pointing out is the initial villain's initial significance. I have to admit that Thordan, while a formidable opponent, didn't quite match the intensity and emotional weight of the Nidhogg storyline. His Knights of the Round were a spectacle, but I didn't feel as invested in the battle against him. This, however, is more a testament to the incredible depth of the Nidhogg narrative rather than a significant flaw.
When comparing Heavensward to its later post-quests after Revenge of the Horde, the writing quality did not seem to reach the same heights. The former set an exceptionally high bar as a remarkable chapter in the Final Fantasy XIV saga, offering a rich narrative, unforgettable characters, and an awe-inspiring musical score. Despite this, The Far Edge of Fate serves as a serviceable buildup to Stormblood, while Soul Surrender seems to be setting up Shadowbringers, which I find quite an interesting choice. Despite this, I can't deny that the writing was enjoyable and kept my attention the entire time.
In conclusion, Heavensward is an expansion that touched my heart and soul. After being in disbelief that it could be any better than ARR, I have to say all of my friends were right, and I'm glad I listened. Its flaws are minor compared to the grand tapestry it weaves. It's a testament to the power of storytelling in gaming, and I'll forever cherish the memories I made in the cold skies of Ishgard.