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MONSTER

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail
Item: Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Multiplayer

AvailableJul 2, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X

DeveloperCreative Business Unit III

Overview

The fifth major expansion for FINAL FANTASY XIV Online. The new expansion will bring an abundance of fresh content, including an increased level cap, multiple new jobs, sprawling new areas, new allied tribes, new dungeons, and new core battle content such as FATEs, Hunts, Treasure Hunts, and sidequests, and much more.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail earns praise for its emotional depth, cultural themes, and Wuk Lamat’s compelling arc, but struggles with pacing, uneven character focus, and over-the-top moments, creating a divisive yet ambitious narrative.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail receives widespread acclaim for its emotional depth, character development, and narrative ambition. Critics like COGconnected and GamersRD highlight its epic direction and strong character growth, with the latter drawing comparisons to Final Fantasy X’s anime-inspired storytelling. Push Square praises the second half’s unexpected twists and well-established characters, while RPGamer notes the compelling payoff for Wuk Lamat’s arc despite some predictability. TierraGamer and But Why Tho? commend the empathetic portrayal of Wuk Lamat and themes of community, grief, and cultural exploration, with the latter emphasizing Latin American aesthetics as a fresh addition. IGN France and GINX TV also applaud the narrative’s balance of nostalgia and new adventures, particularly its emotional payoffs in the latter half. These reviews underscore a cohesive appreciation for the expansion’s heartfelt storytelling and worldbuilding. However, several critics point to pacing issues and uneven character focus as significant drawbacks. Vandal criticizes the story as slow-paced and filled with filler, while RPG Fan argues that Wuk Lamat’s overemphasis detracts from supporting characters and plot momentum. TheSixthAxis and TierraGamer note the relaxed tone feels sluggish compared to previous expansions, and Checkpoint Gaming highlights abrupt genre shifts and lack of nuance in characters like Wuk Lamat. GameSkinny and VGC mention over-the-top character portrayals and excessive cutscenes that dilute engagement. Additionally, TheXboxHub and SECTOR.sk observe that Wuk Lamat’s prominence overshadows the Warrior of Light, creating a lopsided narrative focus. These critiques reflect frustrations with structural pacing and uneven character development, despite the story’s thematic strengths. Overall, critics present a mixed but largely positive consensus, acknowledging Dawntrail’s emotional resonance and creative ambition while critiquing its execution. The expansion is praised for its rich worldbuilding, cultural themes, and character-driven moments—particularly Wuk Lamat’s journey—but faces criticism for slow starts, repetitive elements, and uneven pacing. RPG Site and Siliconera note that the story improves significantly in its second half, while Meristation and TechRadar Gaming highlight its potential as a new beginning despite early shortcomings. While some reviewers like Noisy Pixel call it “brilliantly-told,” others such as Vandal and Easy Allies find it underwhelming compared to the series’ earlier entries. Ultimately, Dawntrail is seen as a divisive yet ambitious step forward, balancing heartfelt storytelling with structural flaws that will likely polarize fans.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail dazzles with fresh classes, stellar dungeons, and refined combat, yet repetition and pacing issues mar its brilliance.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

76%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

24%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail has been overwhelmingly praised for its engaging mechanics, fresh content, and immersive experiences. Critics consistently highlighted the introduction of new job classes—Pictomancer and Viper—as a standout feature, with many noting their unique playstyles and satisfying combat roles. For instance, RPG Fan and Checkpoint Gaming lauded the “enjoyable new dungeons, trials, and the introduction of new jobs,” while Push Square praised the “depth and fun” added by these classes. The expansion also received acclaim for its dungeon and trial designs, with Checkpoint Gaming calling them “some of the best in Final Fantasy XIV to date” and IGN France highlighting their “varied and visually stunning” nature. Additionally, RPGamer and TheSixthAxis emphasized the polished battle system and revamped activities, which kept players engaged through strategic challenges and dynamic mechanics. The expansion’s focus on Duty Support and Trust System further enhanced accessibility for newcomers while offering depth for veterans, as noted by Siliconera. Despite these positives, some critics pointed to recurring issues that slightly dampened the experience. A few highlighted repetitiveness in quest design, with Vandal criticizing “tedious travel and dialogue” and Easy Allies noting “stagnation” in main story objectives. Others, like GameSkinny, felt dungeons lacked sufficient challenge despite their aesthetic appeal, while RPG Site pointed to minimal changes in gameplay loops and balance issues. Additionally, VGC mentioned a “disconnect” caused by breaks between active gameplay, and Gaming Age noted that while new classes added strategic depth, many systems felt like extensions of existing ones rather than groundbreaking innovations. These critiques, though varied, generally acknowledged the game’s strengths but suggested room for improvement in areas like narrative engagement and pacing. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority praising Dawntrail’s gameplay as a strong addition to the series. The expansion’s new jobs, dungeons, and combat mechanics were frequently cited as highlights, with COGconnected, TierraGamer, and GAMINGbible all emphasizing their fun and engaging nature. While some critics raised valid concerns about repetition or pacing, these issues did not overshadow the game’s broader appeal. As RPG Fan noted, the “engaging challenge level” and “unique raid series” exemplify how Dawntrail successfully balances innovation with the familiar MMO structure. The expansion’s ability to refresh core gameplay while maintaining the series’ signature depth has solidified its reputation as a standout entry in the Final Fantasy XIV saga.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail dazzles with fresh classes, stellar dungeons, and refined combat, yet repetition and pacing issues mar its brilliance.

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail’s graphics are a triumph—critics praise crisp visuals, vibrant environments, and cultural depth, calling it a major leap forward despite minor technical hiccups.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

91%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail received widespread acclaim from critics, with many highlighting a significant and impactful overhaul. Reviewers like COGconnected praised the "crisp and smooth" visuals, noting that the new region is "visually stunning and unique," while GamersRD emphasized improved lighting effects, high-resolution textures, and weather systems that meet long-standing fan expectations. Push Square and RPGamer both celebrated the enhanced environments, with the latter pointing to "stunning futuristic vistas" inspired by American landscapes, and RPG Fan lauding the "vibrant landscapes of Tural" as a standout feature. TheSixthAxis and TierraGamer highlighted the game’s "beautiful vistas" and "next-gen" environments, particularly in cutscenes and new zones. Cultural integration also shone through, with But Why Tho? commending the seamless blend of Latin American aesthetics into the game’s mythos, while IGN France noted sharper textures and improved urban lighting. These critiques collectively underscore a cohesive effort to elevate the game’s visual fidelity while maintaining its signature art style. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics pointed to minor shortcomings. Checkpoint Gaming noted that "some outfits and objects still look low-res" on PC, alongside inconsistent frame rates depending on hardware. Easy Allies and Noisy Pixel echoed similar concerns, suggesting that while the graphical overhaul is impressive, "some areas still need attention." TheXboxHub acknowledged that the game "still may not compare to modern titles graphically," though it conceded that the update significantly improved visuals. These critiques, while limited in scope, reflect the challenges of balancing ambitious design with technical constraints across different platforms. However, they do not detract from the general consensus that Dawntrail represents a major leap forward for the series. Overall, the majority of critics viewed Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail as a visually strong and immersive experience, with its graphical improvements widely regarded as a success. RPG Site, Siliconera, and TechRadar Gaming all emphasized that the new zones "showcase these enhancements well," while GAMINGbible praised the "stunning new locations" inspired by Central and South America. Even critics like VGC and Meristation highlighted the game’s dynamic weather effects and improved shaders as key strengths. While minor technical issues were noted, they were largely overshadowed by the consensus that Dawntrail delivers a visually rich, culturally inspired world that elevates the series’ aesthetic. As SECTOR.sk observed, the expansion’s "vibrant cities and lush environments" significantly enhance the gaming experience, reinforcing the idea that the graphical overhaul was both necessary and well-executed.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail’s graphics are a triumph—critics praise crisp visuals, vibrant environments, and cultural depth, calling it a major leap forward despite minor technical hiccups.

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics raved over Dawntrail's sound design, hailing Masayoshi Soken’s genre-defying mix of Mexican-inspired jazz, orchestral bombast, and '80s guitar solos as a masterclass in immersive, emotionally resonant music that elevates the game’s adventurous spirit—though a few noted minor lapses in consistency.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

100%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail received widespread acclaim from critics, with nearly all highlighting its exceptional variety, creativity, and immersive quality. Reviewers like COGconnected praised the soundtrack’s eclectic mix of styles, noting its ability to reflect the Mexican-inspired setting through classical, EDM, and unique instrumental choices. GamersRD and Push Square emphasized the work of composer Masayoshi Soken, who crafted epic battle themes, soothing city exploration tracks, and dynamic boss music that seamlessly integrate with gameplay. RPGamer and TheSixthAxis celebrated the blend of upbeat jazz, bombastic orchestration, and nostalgic '80s guitar solos, while TierraGamer and Vandal highlighted Soken’s continued mastery in creating a cohesive, immersive atmosphere. The diversity of genres—ranging from big band to trance bangers and synth-heavy tracks—was consistently lauded as a standout feature, enhancing the game’s adventurous tone and emotional depth. While the majority of reviews were overwhelmingly positive, some critics noted minor shortcomings. RPG Fan observed that while the music remains high quality, certain themes did not reach the same heights as previous expansions, though they still contributed to an overall cohesive atmosphere. RPGamer also mentioned that English voice acting occasionally lacked direction in early scenes, which slightly detracted from the experience, though this was a separate issue from the soundtrack itself. Additionally, some reviews, like Gaming Age, provided less detailed feedback, focusing more on general praise than specific critiques. These points, however, were exceptions and did not overshadow the普遍 enthusiasm for the game’s musical direction. The overall consensus among critics is that Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail’s sound design and music are a significant strength, with Masayoshi Soken once again delivering a soundtrack that elevates the gameplay experience. The variety of styles, attention to regional themes (such as the Mexican-inspired melodies praised by COGconnected), and the emotional resonance of tracks like the “daytime song in Tuliyollal” (noted by TheSixthAxis) were frequently highlighted as achievements. Even critics who mentioned minor drawbacks acknowledged the soundtrack’s consistency with the franchise’s high standards, as noted by Meristation and TechRadar Gaming. With its dynamic, genre-defying approach and immersive quality, the music of Dawntrail solidified its place as a key element of the game’s success, earning near-unanimous praise across platforms and outlets.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail shines technically, with stable servers and smooth performance across platforms—though PS5 and PC face minor hiccups, and Xbox sees isolated freezes, all framed as manageable flaws in an otherwise polished, scalable experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail receives generally positive feedback across platforms, with notable strengths in stability and server handling. On PS5, COGconnected highlights commendable smoothness during peak traffic, such as launch day, while Vandal acknowledges minor issues in balanced mode but downplays their significance. For PC, multiple critics praise the game’s ability to handle high player demand, with Checkpoint Gaming noting the Oceania server’s role in preventing major launch-day problems and GameSkinny emphasizing smooth performance post-graphics update. IGN France and RPG Site also point to graphical improvements and implied stability, respectively. On Xbox Series X, TheXboxHub acknowledges some freezing during area transitions but notes that servers managed player surges effectively, a marked improvement over previous expansions. However, platform-specific technical challenges are mentioned. On PS5, Vandal’s critique of performance issues in balanced mode suggests potential optimization concerns for some users, though it’s not a major focus. For PC, Checkpoint Gaming raises concerns about FPS inconsistencies due to increased graphical demands, while GameSkinny and IGN France contradict this by reporting smooth performance. TheXbox Series X faces more direct criticism, with TheXboxHub citing server-specific freezing during transitions, which, though minor, highlights uneven technical execution across platforms. These issues, however, are framed as isolated or manageable rather than systemic flaws. Overall, the critics’ consensus leans toward a stable and technically sound experience, with most praising the game’s ability to handle large-scale player activity. While PC and PS5 receive mixed feedback—ranging from minor FPS hiccups to balanced mode concerns—the Xbox Series X’s issues are more pronounced but not widespread. TheXboxHub’s observation that servers handled the surge better than previous expansions underscores a broader trend of improvement, while COGconnected and GameSkinny’s positive remarks on PS5 and PC performance reinforce the game’s technical resilience. Despite platform-specific quirks, the majority of reviews suggest that Dawntrail delivers a polished experience, with technical hurdles being more nuanced than catastrophic.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail boosts replayability with new classes, mechanics, and post-game depth, but repetitive zones and formulaic design risk alienating players over time.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

31%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics highlight strong positives regarding the replay value of Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail, emphasizing its expansion of content and mechanics that cater to diverse player preferences. GamersRD praises the new challenges, activities, and classes, noting that dungeons and post-game content keep players engaged beyond the main story. Push Square and TierraGamer similarly commend the Pictomancer class, customization options, and flexible pacing, which allow for experimentation with playstyles. Gaming Age and IGN France highlight the introduction of new jobs, raids, and dungeons as key drivers of replayability, while GAMINGbible and RPG Site stress the narrative depth and varied gameplay that encourage exploration. These reviews collectively suggest that the expansion offers substantial incentives for returning to the game, particularly for fans of its core systems. However, some critics point to limitations in the expansion’s long-term appeal. Easy Allies and RPG Site express concerns that the lack of varied zone content and repetitive quest structures might deter players over time, especially those already familiar with the game’s formula. VGC notes that while post-game content shows promise, the main campaign’s pacing could discourage replays, and TechRadar Gaming acknowledges that progression remains largely unchanged despite engaging new mechanics. Additionally, SECTOR.sk suggests that the expansion’s impact may not be immediately apparent to all players, requiring future updates to fully realize its potential. These critiques highlight a tension between the game’s ambitious additions and the risk of player fatigue or formulaic repetition. Overall, the consensus among critics is cautiously optimistic about Dawntrail’s replay value. While many praise its expanded content, customization, and post-game depth as significant improvements, others caution that the expansion’s success depends on individual preferences for its core mechanics. Critics like GamersRD and Push Square argue that the new features provide ample reasons to revisit the game, whereas Easy Allies and RPG Site warn that the lack of innovation in certain areas could limit long-term engagement. Despite these mixed perspectives, the majority agree that Dawntrail enhances the Final Fantasy XIV experience for existing players, offering a balanced mix of novelty and familiarity that justifies its replayability for most audiences.

TL;DR

replay value

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail boosts replayability with new classes, mechanics, and post-game depth, but repetitive zones and formulaic design risk alienating players over time.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

73%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

27%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment toward Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail is overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising its narrative depth, gameplay enhancements, and visual improvements. Reviewers like COGconnected, Push Square, and TierraGamer highlight the expansion’s engaging story-driven experience, emphasizing its compelling characters, diverse locations, and improved graphics that elevate the MMO’s already strong foundation. The introduction of new jobs, such as the Sylph, and expanded world-building are frequently lauded, with RPGamer noting it successfully maintains player engagement despite not being groundbreaking. Additionally, the soundtrack and environmental design receive consistent acclaim, with Push Square and GINX TV praising its ability to immerse players in a richly detailed universe. Many critics, including Vandal and But Why Tho?, acknowledge the expansion’s innovative mechanics and artistic direction, even if they concede some narrative shortcomings. However, several critics point to notable flaws that temper the enthusiasm. Checkpoint Gaming and Game Informer criticize pacing issues and a confused story, arguing that the expansion struggles to balance its calmer narrative with challenging gameplay. Vandal specifically calls out the story as disappointing, though they acknowledge the gameplay’s innovation. Others, like Gaming Age and SECTOR.sk, note that while the tone and pacing shift, the expansion’s rich narrative and engaging mechanics still resonate positively. Additionally, TheXboxHub mentions technical issues, though these were minor and didn’t detract from the overall experience. The consensus is that while Dawntrail delivers a satisfying experience for fans, it falls short of being a revolutionary entry in the series, with some critics like RPG Site describing it as a “safe” but transitional expansion. Despite these critiques, the majority of reviewers view Dawntrail as a strong and worthwhile addition to the Final Fantasy XIV franchise. Critics such as GAMINGbible, Noisy Pixel, and Siliconera emphasize its potential to set the stage for future content, with Siliconera noting it “comes together well by the second half” despite early hiccups. While some argue it doesn’t reach the heights of previous expansions—RPG Fan and VGC mention this—it is widely regarded as a solid foundation for the game’s next decade. The mixed reception reflects a balance between appreciation for its technical and creative achievements and frustration with narrative and pacing issues, but overall, Dawntrail is seen as a successful expansion that reinforces the series’ enduring appeal to JRPG fans and MMO enthusiasts alike.

TL;DR

Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail dazzles with immersive storytelling, fresh jobs, and stunning visuals, but falters under uneven pacing and a disjointed narrative—yet remains a vital, if imperfect, leap forward for the series.

MONSTER

Reviews

65 reviews found

100

TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Jul 22, 2024