Review: Final Fantasy XIV Patch 4.5 A Requiem For Heroes

21 Jan 2019
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Two weeks ago, we received the first part of the concluding story for Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood, bringing with it the continuation of the Main Scenario, and conclusions to both Return to Ivalice and The Four Lords.

We’ve got five reviewers, five categories, and a max possible score of 100. Let’s see how Patch 4.5 fares in our very first Patch Review!

Due to the one week delay on Blue Mage, it will not be factored into this review.


Our guest reviewer for Patch 4.5 is our good friend, and Twitch Partner, Mr. Happy


Warning: This review may contain spoilers for Patch 4.5 content.

Main Scenario

Fusionx: One of my favorite things from the X.5 patches are the incredible build ups that we’re given to lead into the next expansion. Sadly, while Heavensward left us with a large cliffhanger between parts 1 and 2, Stormblood still leaves us guessing as to what will actually happen. There were things I expected to happen, that didn’t actually occur, and for that, I’m caught of guard, but happy for it.

2/4

Xenedra: The progression of the story was the teeniest-tiniest step, but I did love the Warrior of Light finally having an interaction with Gaius. Additionally, the information we finally learned about what’s driving Varis was pleasantly horrifying, though very reminiscent of other Final Fantasy plots in a number of ways.

2/4

Aldianaux: From Matoya’s return to the tense parley attempt, and through the fall of yet another Scion, this patch’s Main Scenario Quests were amazing. I was particularly fond of the intermission during the peace talks- allowing the player to walk around and give advice to the leaders of the city-states was a great touch. I am incredibly excited to see what twists and turns await us in part 2.

4/4

Brin: I enjoyed this story just for the opportunity to learn more about Varis and his belief system. It gave us a lot of insight and answered a lot of questions right out of the gate. His motivations are fascinating, and I hope that he will be someone we get to have many more interactions with. The only reason this isn’t a 4 for me is that we’re left wanting more, that the story is broken up into two parts is always something hard to wait for a conclusion and there wasn’t really a cliffhanger that had me excited like patch 4.4 did.

3/4

Mr. Happy: While We definitely get a peek into the severity of our situation going into 5.0, it’d be unrealistic to call the first half of the MSQ as anything stronger than a 2 at most. We need Part 2!

2/4

Main Scenario Total: 13/20

Dungeon

Fusionx: The Ghimlyt Dark has some fun elements, and it’s great to see all of the different NPCs come in and lend a hand. That being said, many of these elements made it feel like this should have been a solo instance instead of a 4-man dungeon and the difficulty reflected that.

2/4

Xenedra: This felt like the quests that involve you running through a brief solo scenario, but with 3 friends. The look of the dungeon was reminiscent of Carteaneau, which was kind of cool, and I loved the paratroopers, but otherwise the dungeon itself is kind of a blur of fire and smashing the AoE button until you get to the next forgettable boss (though fast trash is always a plus). My favorite part was the high-fiving boss duo at the end.

2/4

Aldianaux: The Ghymlit Dark is a fun romp, but much too easy and kind of forgettable. The only things I enjoyed were the AI controlled NPCs fighting alongside you. It didn’t really push the envelope mechanics-wise like the Alliance Raid did, and the throwaway last boss encounter was not very inspired.

2/4

Brin: Coming off the heals of the Shadowbringers trailer, I had a lot of high expectations for this dungeon, but after running it a few times, I found myself wondering if something will have us revisit it with the story in Part 2, because while fun the first few times, It’s ultimately nothing special and one of the weakest parts of this patch.

2/4

Mr. Happy: The setting, the design, the music and the little details to make you feel like you’re part of a war for the future. However, the Garlean aesthetics are tiring by this point and the dungeon offers little challenge, even less-so than other dungeons done at max ilvls.

2/4

Dungeon Total: 10/20

Trial

Fusionx: The first time through Seiryu proved to have a couple of mechanical challenges to overcome with my group, however I haven’t had any issues with additional runs. I appreciate the rails disappearing results in you getting knocked into dangerous water instead of the incredibly stale “falling off a ledge.”

3/4

Xenedra: I found this to be the easiest, most forgiving fight of the trials so far this expansion, though, my healers might disagree with me! The most difficult part for me was remembering to move across the arena after the giant-water-dude slaps the ground. That, or tabbing back in quickly enough after Seiryu’s mid-battle CS attack to not get murdered by water. Also loved the pop culture references in this fight! “We must be swift as the Coursing River~♪ With all the fore of a Great Typhoon~♪ “

3/4

Aldianaux: This is another visually spectacular and overall fun trial. The mechanics are pretty easy however, at least compared to the fight against Suzaku. I’m glad that the team decided to give Seiryu a snake theme, as it makes him much more unique than just another dragon.

3/4

Brin: I liked how the trial did something more with water. Swimming so far in this expansion that introduced it has been safe, but I loved when the fight transitioned and had you fall and swim towards the arena. My issue with The Four Lords, is the same issue I had with Heavensward and The Warring Triad, and it’s that these fights are side content. They aren’t built into the story as much as other content, so I often forget that they exist in some way. They are however, fun to take part in and are mechanically well done, but I feel disconnected with the story that drives us to them. That being said, I felt the conclusion of The Four Lords story was very satisfying.

3/4

Mr. Happy: Seiryu may be on the easier scale of the Primals for this expansion, but his pacing, music and design make him among the most fun to fight. Oh and the memes on the adds…the memes…

3/4

Trial Total: 15/20

Raid

Fusionx: Going into this raid and hearing about the second coming of Ozma had me worried. That being said, the raid requires your attention, but doesn’t feel as punishing as it could. The 24-man Raids have gotten better with every expansion and the Orbonne Monastery doesn’t disappoint with what is probably the most cinematic phase change in the entire game.

4/4

Xenedra: I. Love. This. I’ve never played tactics, so I don’t have that same giggly appreciation for the story and characters that some do, but I still really enjoyed it and how they used (assumed) elements from it to expand on Final Fantasy XIV’s lore. As for the raid itself, I found it quite fun, including having groups learn through seven wipes on the bosses. It’s unarguably my favorite of the 24-man Alliance Raids and Thunder God is my favorite fight, even after the dozen or so runs I did in order to snag my Bard body piece, modeled after Final Fantasy XII’s Balthier.

4/4

Aldianaux: I love Final Fantasy Tactics. My head exploded when I saw Agrias’ name, and her mechanics did not disappoint. Then my jaw hit the floor when I had to fight the Thunder God with all of his Crush attacks! I knew we were going to fight Ultima, and I knew it was going to be amazing. But they actually had each phase! How will the next Alliance Raid series compare at all?!

4/4

Brin: The Return to Ivalice series has been one of the major standouts within the Stormblood expansion. And the latest chapter introduced in patch 4.5 delivers on every level. The visuals, the bosses, and the story come together in such a way that it overshadows the main scenario, and even the 8-man Omega Raid. Square-Enix is going to have a tough time topping this in Shadowbringers

4/4

Mr. Happy: Return to Ivalice has been an incredible journey to experience and this finale makes me want Matsuno-san on the scenario writing team permanently. Between teasers for the new race, to tear-jerking cameos of Final Fantasy Tactics characters, to incredible boss design, everything in this 24-man Alliance Raid is damn near perfect. Make sure to watch the bonus cutscene at the end!

4/4

Raid Total: 20/20

Other

Fusionx: There were some great changes made with this patch. Air Force One is a great addition to the Gold Saucer, and Eureka updates are always appreciated. I don’t know why it took this long to allow 2.x Primal Mounts to fly, but we finally have that. I was incredibly surprised to see them introduce loft furniture items, I was then subsequently disappointed to learn how they work.

3/4

Xenedra: Furniture! You knew this would be my favorite part in this category. The past few patches have had a few items of furniture added. Some were good, others were so-so. This time however, the added furniture pieces were excellent all-around. Adorable food displays, new plants, a sink and lofts? Thanks, team!

4/4

Aldianaux: The changes to all of the Jobs were underwhelming, but understandable seeing as how we’re only 6 months away from Shadowbringers. The recast timer reset change is probably my favorite among the many adjustments that were made this patch. The amount of times I’ve started a dungeon with Aetherflow down has to be in the hundreds. No more! Thanks Yoshi-P.

4/4

Brin: In the end, we had a lot added with this patch. New attractions in the Gold Saucer, and new rewards to drive your time back into one of the many mini games that are offered should keep people busy. I also loved the changes to the Mount roulette and finally being able to see the 2.x Primal Mounts fly.

4/4

Mr. Happy: Often I’d give FFXIV perfect Quality of Life scores, as every patch offers so many improvements. The New Gold Saucer content, Eureka adjustments and the ability to finally fly with the original Primal Mounts are but drops in the collective bucket of what was improved this patch.

4/4

Other Total: 19/20

Patch 4.5 Total: 77/100


You can listen to our full review, as well as Patch 4.5 spoilers on Aetheryte Radio Episode 119.