Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers

 PC
User Score
9.1

Universal acclaim- based on 1547 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,419 out of 1547
  2. Mixed: 26 out of 1547
  3. Negative: 102 out of 1547

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  1. SevenDevils
    Jul 12, 2019
    10
    The best FF storyline in two decades. Also, the best composer since Nobuo himself.
  2. Nedkelly
    Jul 13, 2019
    10
    This expansion is really good, really love it.
    Changes to the jobs are really nice and diverse.
    I love new instances, the story, they even improved pvp.
  3. exhalo
    Jul 10, 2019
    10
    The best mmorpg ive played since vanilla wow, and one of the best games ive ever played. Breathtaking!
  4. jakkyr
    Jul 20, 2019
    10
    I love this game already, but this expansion made me love it 1000x more, the only real thing that is a problem now is the healer category as I've heard, other then that every other aspect of the game has been vastly improved. Story is great, music is great. I hope only for the best for this games future, because it is in my personal top 3 for games of all time.
  5. Kezian
    Jul 30, 2019
    10
    FF14 is amazing ! If you never played it, download the free trial and see for yourself !
  6. NoctisStrife
    Jul 2, 2019
    9
    Great Story,best so far.Though still have some jobs’ balance issues need to be fixed.Such as the damage and support between Melee DPS.And new job’s practicality.
  7. GauZanTa
    Jul 6, 2019
    10
    Amazing Experience! This is the best story since Hanvensward. And more than the other FF games of the past 20 years.
  8. ArturPKMN
    Jul 3, 2019
    10
    The new classes, the soundtrack of each new region, the immersion, the maps, the new dungeons and the history ... everything is incredible. Square Enix is outdone! Great MMO!
  9. apexprime
    Jul 4, 2019
    10
    Just when I thought that it couldn't get any better. So much heart has been poured into this expansion.
  10. Tonigiri
    Jul 4, 2019
    9
    This expansion to FFXIV is the best one yet! I couldn't believe this level of quality could even be reached. The world, the character development, the music and story especially were top notch this time around. It does feel slow if the story isn't what you're interested in. Many, many long cutscenes and dialogues. This entry solidly made me realize that this is a Final Fantasy game firstThis expansion to FFXIV is the best one yet! I couldn't believe this level of quality could even be reached. The world, the character development, the music and story especially were top notch this time around. It does feel slow if the story isn't what you're interested in. Many, many long cutscenes and dialogues. This entry solidly made me realize that this is a Final Fantasy game first and foremost with great multiplayer elements to go along with it. I can't wait to see how they top this.… Expand
  11. Caen
    Jul 7, 2019
    10
    This expansion is a labor of love I've not seen in decades, it truly shines with its story, music, voice acting, and direction. It is an expertly crafted masterpiece through and through.

    The main villain is very special and well written, and the role quests have been a blast (I main a healer). I had lofty, almost impossible expectations for this game, and it delivered so hard, it not    This expansion is a labor of love I've not seen in decades, it truly shines with its story, music, voice acting, and direction. It is an expertly crafted masterpiece through and through.

    The main villain is very special and well written, and the role quests have been a blast (I main a healer). I had lofty, almost impossible expectations for this game, and it delivered so hard, it not only dethroned Heavensward for my favorite FF14 expansion, it overthrew Burning Crusade and Wrath of the Lich King as my favorite expansion for any MMORPG ever.

    This 10 is not given, it is earned.

    Thank you FF14 dev team for this masterpiece.    … Expand
  12. TRS122P
    Jul 10, 2019
    10
    Words almost can't do this game justice. Not only is this by far the best FFXIV expansion, it may be the best Final Fantasy story since X. This expansion shows why FFXIV is the best MMORPG on the market. Square Enix really takes the "RPG" portion of MMORPG seriously. Shadowbringers proves that you can have an amazing online game with a top-notch story. Naoki Yoshida has set a new, veryWords almost can't do this game justice. Not only is this by far the best FFXIV expansion, it may be the best Final Fantasy story since X. This expansion shows why FFXIV is the best MMORPG on the market. Square Enix really takes the "RPG" portion of MMORPG seriously. Shadowbringers proves that you can have an amazing online game with a top-notch story. Naoki Yoshida has set a new, very high bar for MMO's and RPG's in general.… Expand
  13. Jaybot
    Jul 9, 2019
    10
    The developers of this game have truly outdone themselves with this expansion pack. The storytelling, new features and adjustments make this game feel brand new.
  14. PowerGI
    Jul 9, 2019
    10
    I have not played a game with a story that I truly enjoyed that much for a very, very long time. The fact that this is coming from a MMORPG is mind blowing. I had goosebumps the whole time. You need to know the story from the other previous expansions though to truly enjoy it at the max.
  15. Korav
    Jul 9, 2019
    10
    Masterfully crafted in every aspect, this is peak performance and hopefully it stays that way for more expansions to come, don't hesitate and get playing!
  16. Hekyuro
    Jul 12, 2019
    10
    This is truly a majestic expansion. The score, the stage and character design, the story (oh my, that story), character development, the dungeons and trials, and the pace of it are all amazing. This is by all means a step up from previous expansions and base game, which were great to start with.

    You will easily fall in love with Shadowbringers, it is such a breath of freshness and    This is truly a majestic expansion. The score, the stage and character design, the story (oh my, that story), character development, the dungeons and trials, and the pace of it are all amazing. This is by all means a step up from previous expansions and base game, which were great to start with.

    You will easily fall in love with Shadowbringers, it is such a breath of freshness and uniqueness into this game. It is a very emotional one, in all the positive kind of ways. Can't wait for what's to come!    … Expand
  17. airankenhot
    Jul 13, 2019
    10
    Now it's the best mmorpg not just one of the best. I‘m ready for FF14 X nier:aotumata I can't wait
  18. Shyngo
    Jul 28, 2019
    10
    This has been by far the best expansion launch in any MMO I've ever seen. And the game keeps improving as the devs listens to the community pleas, 10/10
  19. Advent2718
    Jul 21, 2019
    10
    This game has surpassed my expectations and has taken up all my free time since launch and early access. Amazing game by the developers and everyone who worked hard on this and amazing music from Soken.
  20. Pandorazellas
    Jul 21, 2019
    10
    Not only is this the best Expansion i’ve played in XIV, i’d go as far as to say this is also the best FF game i’ve ever played, and could even say it’s the best game overall that i’ve ever played. The music, the the visuals, the storytelling. It all left me one great big emotional mess. It’s going to be a long time before anything tops this game experience for me
  21. WolfofMiibu
    Sep 25, 2019
    10
    Must play. Square Enix are on it. GOAT. Very good. Best MMO out there. Recommend to everyone.
  22. Ren0117
    Aug 5, 2019
    10
    One of the best FF’s to date! The music, the story and the backstory for the story creates a masterpiece that game developers in the west can only wish to compare to nowadays due to corporate greed! Kudos to square, Yoshida - San, and the devs of final fantasy!
  23. CrispyJakal
    Aug 17, 2019
    10
    Great Expansion, Story has only gotten better with XIV as time has gone on, great new features such as the trust system, personally loving the Monk rework making it a true powerhouse dps.

    No better time to come back to the game.
  24. Arctics
    Aug 26, 2019
    10
    The best Final Fantasy game in 2 decades. The story will grab you and not let go, and you'll love every minute of it.
  25. FF14er
    Sep 11, 2019
    10
    FF14 is a perfect MMO!
    YOSHIDA is my papa!
    YOSHIDA is my papa!
    YOSHIDA is my papa!
    YOSHIDA is my papa!
    YOSHIDA is my papa!
  26. Lightwing_Theo
    Sep 17, 2019
    10
    Shadowbringers очевидно можно назвать лучшим дополнением к Final Fantasy XIV!
    Подача истории, атмосфера, музыка. Square Enix продедали огромную работу! С момента выхода A Realm Reborn прошло много времени! И я вижу прорыв в разработке игры! Shadowbringers это то, чего мы ждали в 2019! Спасибо Вам, Square Enix за шедевр!    Shadowbringers очевидно можно назвать лучшим дополнением к Final Fantasy XIV!
    Подача истории, атмосфера, музыка. Square Enix продедали огромную работу! С момента выхода A Realm Reborn прошло много времени! И я вижу прорыв в разработке игры! Shadowbringers это то, чего мы ждали в 2019! Спасибо Вам, Square Enix за шедевр!
  27. fenrishero
    Jul 18, 2019
    10
    With a couple tweaks, you could take the main story of this expansion and make it it's own game, and it would be in running for game of the year, it's that good. Good voice acting, good music, and great writing.
    Mechanics wise, it's almost all positive: most of the class re-works were done well, and the two new classes are decently executed (Gunbreaker is a tank with an occasional DPS    With a couple tweaks, you could take the main story of this expansion and make it it's own game, and it would be in running for game of the year, it's that good. Good voice acting, good music, and great writing.
    Mechanics wise, it's almost all positive: most of the class re-works were done well, and the two new classes are decently executed (Gunbreaker is a tank with an occasional DPS rotation mixed in, and Dancer is a whack-a-mole priority class a la Red Mage). The one complaint is that healing is kind of a mess, with it now largely being hitting buttons to 'undo' damage from bosses and not about resource management and situational awareness as much.

    The Trust System for duty's lets you run dungeons with NPCs, removing the speed bump of queues for required dungeons as DPS. The NPCs generally do the mechanics correctly, though they can glitch. Still, it's a great way to 'learn' a dungeon before doing it with other people, and it does drop gear and XP, making it a solid leveling option. Trials still have to be done in groups of 8 players, but the difficulty is correct this time (no Shinryu level nightmares).

    If you've played this game, this expac is worth coming back for. If not, this is a pretty good place to dive in, provided you're willing to read some lore backstory to explain a couple things.    … Expand
  28. Pat1711
    Dec 12, 2019
    10
    As a long time WoW fanboy, all I can say is that Shadowbringers sets a new bar for the MMO Genre.

    WoW really has some work to be done to rise to the level of Shadowbringers.
  29. Sethorus
    Sep 23, 2019
    9
    Shadowbringers is one of the best expansions for Final Fantasy XIV. The Campaign storyline, although it can feel lengthy, delivers a great villain with understandable motivations and explores its new setting very well. A great improvement over Stormblood's Zenos, which felt like a one dimensional fighting machine written by a Deviart fanfic artist.

    Most of the jobs were revamped and    Shadowbringers is one of the best expansions for Final Fantasy XIV. The Campaign storyline, although it can feel lengthy, delivers a great villain with understandable motivations and explores its new setting very well. A great improvement over Stormblood's Zenos, which felt like a one dimensional fighting machine written by a Deviart fanfic artist.

    Most of the jobs were revamped and useless skills were removed from the game without making each lose it's identity from one another, although some might feel it's way too simplified now.

    The music for this expansion is phenomenal and the soundtrack can be enjoyed even out of the game, The graphic and environment also looks superb and each zone is vastly different from one another.    … Expand
  30. artimis
    Feb 1, 2020
    10
    This is a really amazing expansion, to the story,characters, places, maps scenery, music, all so amazing, well worth the money and worth it, wont be dissapointed
  31. ralgr
    Dec 12, 2021
    9
    The story for this expansion is as great as everyone says. On par with any of the great RPGs available today, owing to the dedication of the whole FFXIV team. Each named side characters introduced are well fleshed out and not throwaways for the sake of the story. The music for each zone and dungeons are fitting and a joy to listen to even at many repetitions. As for the looks of the zone,The story for this expansion is as great as everyone says. On par with any of the great RPGs available today, owing to the dedication of the whole FFXIV team. Each named side characters introduced are well fleshed out and not throwaways for the sake of the story. The music for each zone and dungeons are fitting and a joy to listen to even at many repetitions. As for the looks of the zone, most of them are improvements to previous content partially owing to the use of larger range of colours.

    A minor gripe storywise for me is that sometimes, even when our character is at a position to do something to resolve a situation to a happier end, they just watch instead for the sake of the story. For example, our character may be well in position physically to intercept an enemy to rescue someone but instead just looks on in shock, leading to a death that could have been avoidable. I think it would add more believability if, for example, our character was on the other side of a chasm as he looks on, but that is not the case on some NPC deaths.

    There were also changes to all classes. I can only speak of my experience playing as a Dark Knight, however. The new DRK changes are pretty straightforward and removes the spammy element. The only underwhelming skill I have encountered is the final skill which is to summon a shadowy figure to unleash some damage using DRK skills. My problem is, its just that. Its only function is to be used on cooldown as a damage increase with no interaction with the player. I was expecting it copy what the player would do, and so summoning it must needs preparation to deal the most damage, which sadly is not the case.

    Some new content available is more of the same as previous expansions. A respectable amount of dungeons each with a unqiue aesthetic and atmosphere, and three trials with an additional extreme modes for two of the three, all of which are suitably challenging. However, FATES in the new zones have been revised and now gives incentives to players to acutally do them for more than just for experience by adding a rank system and currency to it. Earned currency can be spent on various rewards ranging from mount speed increase of the zone, materials to chocobo bardings. You will have a rank for each zone which determines what items can be bought from the Gem Traders, which are the vendors for the FATE rewards. Rank goes up to 3 with the better rewards unclokced for purchase at rank 2 and 3.

    Levelling to max will take a mix of main scenario quests, dungeons, and other activities such as FATEs. More on the dungeons, Shadowbringers also introduces the TRUST sytem, which now allows our characters to do dungeons with certain NPCs that are integral to the story. This feature boosted my immersion to the story immensely as you can now take your time on the dungeons to look at every detail you desire without the pressure of potentially wasting other players' time. The NPCs also engage in colourful banter, which makes it all the more immersive. Additionally, they are helpful in learning the dungeon boss mechanics as they are coded to do them properly. The only downside would be that the TRUST NPCs will have potentially a lower damage output compared to players. Potentially. However, after completing the story, the NPC levels will drop and will require you to level them up by taking them to dungeons. They acquire a set experience per run and will require multiple runs to level up, but according to some players, your experience gain will outpace theirs, which in my opinion, is a problem.    … Expand
  32. ryudoshi
    Jul 20, 2019
    10
    The salty WoW fan boys coming in here leaving fake reviews are hilariously sad. Get a life you cretins.

    Anyway, Shadowbringers is incredible. This is the most Final Fantasy the game has ever been, it feels like an old school Final Fantasy game and that is saying something. The story of Shadowbringers is just such an incredible experience. The music and visuals are on point and jaw    The salty WoW fan boys coming in here leaving fake reviews are hilariously sad. Get a life you cretins.

    Anyway, Shadowbringers is incredible. This is the most Final Fantasy the game has ever been, it feels like an old school Final Fantasy game and that is saying something. The story of Shadowbringers is just such an incredible experience. The music and visuals are on point and jaw dropping. A lot of jobs got huge QOL upgrades.    … Expand
  33. InfernusDead
    Feb 8, 2020
    10
    Sin duda alguna, uno de los mejores MMORPG superando al antes grande, WoW, Lo Recomiendo
  34. Tarki
    Jul 17, 2019
    10
    Best expansion of ffxiv with amazing storyline, soundtracks, and map-design. Best mmorpg existing for now
  35. DestinyLord1134
    Jul 21, 2019
    10
    This is easily the best game in the FF series in 10+ years. As always, I am enjoying the music, but the story is also top notch, and they brought new feel to several classes I play without affecting the core mechanics or causing more "bloat."
  36. Nucah
    Jul 20, 2019
    10
    I've been playing FFXIV for around four yeara now and have thoroughly enjoyed my time with this game. Heavensward was masterpiece and although Stormblood was good, I felt like it lost some of the magic that HW had.

    Shadowbringers brings back that magic and is driven by a phenomenal story with wonderfully acted cutscenes and a beautiful soundtrack by Soken. This hit all my expectations    I've been playing FFXIV for around four yeara now and have thoroughly enjoyed my time with this game. Heavensward was masterpiece and although Stormblood was good, I felt like it lost some of the magic that HW had.

    Shadowbringers brings back that magic and is driven by a phenomenal story with wonderfully acted cutscenes and a beautiful soundtrack by Soken. This hit all my expectations and more. If you're a fan of XIV or just a fan of the FF franchise, this is a must play in my opinion.    … Expand
  37. KaliHeart
    Jul 21, 2019
    10
    Shadowbringers has an MSQ I want to relive countless times. I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I questioned and reveled in each passing scene. I played solo, I played with friends, I took every opportunity I could to participate in all I came across and am still adoring in exploration.

    We've come so far since our earliest days in the Waking Sands, and I'll be damned if the game hasn't as    Shadowbringers has an MSQ I want to relive countless times. I laughed, I cried, I gasped, I questioned and reveled in each passing scene. I played solo, I played with friends, I took every opportunity I could to participate in all I came across and am still adoring in exploration.

    We've come so far since our earliest days in the Waking Sands, and I'll be damned if the game hasn't as well. The voice acting, this expansion, was truly magnificent. Even side characters and NPCs had rich, expressive voice work that surprised and delighted each and every time I came across it. The sound track is incredibly immersive - Soken really went above and beyond to bring this situations, these locations and this story to life.

    Though it's hard to put into words, Shadowbringers, has a 'classic' fantasy feel though never once lacks for pacing. The storytelling speaks to the soul on a whole new level and come it's conclusion I felt the need to take a breath and processed all I'd witnessed; satisfied and emptied, both, with a strong desire to revisit past scenes with a different take. In an attempt to avoid spoilers, I'll not go into detail but the final 'zone' leading up to it's end was incredibly impactful - to feel a sense of nostalgia and sadness bordering on the personal for a place never before visited is uncanny, and it's the truest expression I found to describe 5.0.

    For anyone out there thinking of giving it a go, don't hold back.

    My opinion is that of one voice among millions, but simply said: Thank you. Thank you, Yoshi-P and the SE team for all the time and effort, the thoughtfulness and the passion you bring to game development and the world of Final Fantasy.    … Expand
  38. s3renity
    Dec 25, 2019
    8
    Story-wise, this is the best FFXIV expansion ever. The main plot is just superb, characters are interesting and distinct. Dialogue is great, locations and adventures are interesting. Instances are superbly designed, just like in SB and earlier expansions. You can clearly see the design improvements and progress from ARR and HB.

    Music and graphics are just a notch better than in SB, as    Story-wise, this is the best FFXIV expansion ever. The main plot is just superb, characters are interesting and distinct. Dialogue is great, locations and adventures are interesting. Instances are superbly designed, just like in SB and earlier expansions. You can clearly see the design improvements and progress from ARR and HB.

    Music and graphics are just a notch better than in SB, as expected. With a new theme of the expansion comes a completely new atmosphere and it's absolutely great. Terrifying and dark at times, sometimes playful and fun. It sometimes feels like the team is just showing off how well they can blend and mix seemingly distinct patterns, colors, and moods. It's a feast.

    The new races are OK, though I think they were unnecessary. The amount of energy it takes to redesign items in the game to fit these new models could have been put elsewhere, and one particular place comes to mind. Class design and lore.

    Class (Job) design is the only area I feel they could have done much better. They have redesigned or changed many classes in an effort to make them easier to play. The influx of players from other games, particularly WoW, seems to have caused them to reconsider and simplify job rotations. They probably called it "streamlining" or similar internally. In my view, this caused many jobs to lose their complexity or unique flavor. While still fun to play, some of them just seem to be missing that spark that initially drew me in.

    In addition to these mechanical changes, they also did not add any new class quests, instead opting for "role quests" - quests aimed at tanks, healers, physical and magical dps. While understandable (with new classes in every expansion, it's just more and more work), I feel it's a bad move. WoW team recently recognized that classes are the lens through which we experience the game, and I think this is true in FFXIV, despite the fact that you can change classes at will. I hope they will go back to class quests in the next expansion.

    All in all, FFXIV is still miles ahead any other game of this type. Every MMORPG fan should try it out.    … Expand
  39. GlidingFalcon
    Sep 25, 2019
    10
    Great Ff game. Recommend. Best since X. Squaresoft level. Great story. Music. Best MMO.
  40. NateDrake123
    Sep 25, 2019
    10
    Great great great. Squaresoft level. Very good. Best MMO out there. Recommend to everyone.
  41. Joseph134
    Sep 25, 2019
    10
    Great great great. Squaresoft level. Very good. Best MMO out there. Recommend to everyone. Good.
  42. yopman69
    Sep 25, 2019
    10
    Great great great. Squaresoft level. Very good. Best MMO out there. Recommend to everyone. Amazing game.
  43. darxiv
    Aug 6, 2019
    10
    Shadowbringers shows that it is possible to have an amazing story in a MMO. Not only does this expansion excel in storytelling but it takes Final Fantasy into a whole new direction.
  44. rwisenor
    Jul 12, 2019
    10
    This represents the current zenith of the JRPG, and indeed, MMORPG experience; at least in how it brings balance to gameplay, story, and innovation. If A Realm Reborn was the miracle that saved the company in from ruin, an echo akin to Square Enix’s initial Final Fantasy, then Shadowbringers is the arrival of the series’ new Golden Age. Nothing but pride and praise.
  45. kira84
    Oct 30, 2019
    10
    This mmo is amazing, best main story, best soundtrack, best combat system (old shcool), best dungeon and raid mechanics. The game runs flawlessly on my 1080 Ti and 8700k at max setting at 1440p.
    great work optimizing it, thank you Yoshida san.
  46. PapiCake
    Jul 27, 2019
    10
    The best Final Fantasy XIV expansion so far. An amazing and emotional story that I won't forget.
  47. Monjulie
    Jul 29, 2019
    10
    One of the best MMO expansions ever released. Story wise it rivals some the best FF stories in years
  48. descrapto
    Aug 8, 2019
    10
    Best FF Expansion since Heavensward, amazing story, OST, Combact, voice acting. Everything in this expansion is the best on this. Been plaing since half of the life of Heavensward and it gets better the more you play.
  49. kittyanya
    Aug 9, 2019
    10
    Shadowbringers? More like Feelsbringers. Amazing story, captivating characters, fun side quests, and so much more to do. There's endgame and still working on the game even after the credits roll. Come for the vierra, stay for Yoshi P.
  50. chefocho
    Aug 12, 2019
    10
    This is the best MMO experiences Ive ever had. From the music to the MSQ and everything in between.
  51. Snowlight
    Sep 19, 2019
    10
    The story in Shadowbringer is leagues above other MMOs, really putting the RPG in MMORPG. The job system allows you to play any job you want without having to start a new character and going through the story all over again to do so. The community are overwhelmingly positive and helpful most of the time. If i had to pick only one MMO to play it would be FFXIV!
  52. otterone
    Dec 15, 2019
    10
    Amazing expansion to an amazing MMO. Shadowbringers brings the stakes to a whole new level and easily manages to outdo the previous expansions. Incredible soundtrack, beautiful new areas and the always so captivating storyline.

    Shadowbringers has also brought heaps of QOL changes concerning the gameplay (especially when it comes to crafting and gathering), so in case you have previously    Amazing expansion to an amazing MMO. Shadowbringers brings the stakes to a whole new level and easily manages to outdo the previous expansions. Incredible soundtrack, beautiful new areas and the always so captivating storyline.

    Shadowbringers has also brought heaps of QOL changes concerning the gameplay (especially when it comes to crafting and gathering), so in case you have previously found the game too convoluted, it is now easier than ever for both new and old players to jump in.    … Expand
  53. Amarylis
    Dec 24, 2019
    10
    The is just the best extension ever and maybe... the best Final Fantasy game I've ever played until now. What a hell of a ride, it's just AMAZING !
    The whole plot is well written, full of drama and hope.

    If you're still wondering if you should play it, don't hesitate. Go for it.
  54. FiftyEightDK
    Jun 19, 2020
    10
    Отличное дополнение к хорошей мморпг, разработчики которой любят как своё детище, так и свое комьюнити.
  55. GalvusGalvoid
    Feb 13, 2020
    10
    Shadowbringers is one of the best stories in the entire final fantasy series (definitely the best since the merger of Square and Enix) and the best expansion of ffxiv. I'm not a fan of mmorpgs but this one is a must. While the initial story may not be the best (they will modify it in the near future to make it better and shorter) the expansions are incredibly good and have a lot ofShadowbringers is one of the best stories in the entire final fantasy series (definitely the best since the merger of Square and Enix) and the best expansion of ffxiv. I'm not a fan of mmorpgs but this one is a must. While the initial story may not be the best (they will modify it in the near future to make it better and shorter) the expansions are incredibly good and have a lot of content. (the base game is still good but heavensward and shadowbringers are just incredible)… Expand
  56. Sathona
    Feb 3, 2020
    10
    Best MMO Expansion like..ever?
    The Launch was smooth with barely any issues, the queue was long but it was to be expected.
    The story is as top tier as it gets, i doubt any other MMO will even come close to be equal or surpass it. The music is the best ive heard in an MMO, like it fits so well with the theme and its just perfect. The Nier: Automata raid and the gear are well done    Best MMO Expansion like..ever?
    The Launch was smooth with barely any issues, the queue was long but it was to be expected.
    The story is as top tier as it gets, i doubt any other MMO will even come close to be equal or surpass it.

    The music is the best ive heard in an MMO, like it fits so well with the theme and its just perfect.

    The Nier: Automata raid and the gear are well done and really fun and exciting ofc Yoko Taro was involved in it!

    FFXIV: Shadowbringers is probably the best FF story told in decades.

    Balance wise some classes have improved much better than when Shadowbringers launced so thats no longer an issue.

    The new trials and dungeons were amazing with most of them awarding a really good looking gear.

    Patch 9.3 which will release near Summer will have the base story of the game remade and shortend to fit better into the theme of the expansions going forward which will also make it less annoying for new players to get into as thats really the biggest drawback for new players atm.

    Overall a 10 out of 10. Really well done SE!    … Expand
  57. CainHighwin
    Mar 14, 2020
    10
    I played the previous expansions as a mean to cope with loneliness and a break up. This expansion made me mad and frustrated because after finding a soulmate and settling down in a new adult, functional life with a partner, I still got dragged into the unforgiving cycle of playing another expansion and it’s 5 patches. Shadowbringers dragged me back into the sad life of feeling for made-upI played the previous expansions as a mean to cope with loneliness and a break up. This expansion made me mad and frustrated because after finding a soulmate and settling down in a new adult, functional life with a partner, I still got dragged into the unforgiving cycle of playing another expansion and it’s 5 patches. Shadowbringers dragged me back into the sad life of feeling for made-up characters and world (this time they managed to make a whole fresh one) after I have managed to find happiness in real life. And guess what? My boyfriend got addicted too after seeing the overwhelming feedback from the game. How can it be that after all that time my life is still bound to FF14, a once failed game, the story of which only became such an effective PR tool. Maybe the game is just that good? PS: I managed to stay unsubbed for 1 month before Yoshi-P was like, hey your Viera ass can now carry a **** umbrella to show the world how much of a slut you are. Come back and build your new housing quarter!!! I need more money so my dumbass son can pay his Fortnite season pass.… Expand
  58. Strife_life
    Apr 20, 2020
    10
    Excellent exercution from yoshi p true legend and sme one who cares and takes are views as inportant 3 years I Ben playing ff14 gets better better not like **** ff7R ending ff14 u are my saving grace thank u yoshi p sampo
  59. Nicnevin
    Jun 6, 2020
    10
    Final Fantasy XIV и её последние дополнение Shadowbringers - это потрясающая игра и невероятная история, которую я, наверно, запомню на всю жизнь.
    Редко в какой игре вы найдете такой уровень качества сюжета и такой глубокий взгляд на персонажей.
    FFXIV тихо приезжает в вашу жизнь на одинокой повозке запряженной чокобо и увозит вас, простого путешественника, в невероятное приключение,    Final Fantasy XIV и её последние дополнение Shadowbringers - это потрясающая игра и невероятная история, которую я, наверно, запомню на всю жизнь.
    Редко в какой игре вы найдете такой уровень качества сюжета и такой глубокий взгляд на персонажей.
    FFXIV тихо приезжает в вашу жизнь на одинокой повозке запряженной чокобо и увозит вас, простого путешественника, в невероятное приключение, которое изменит вашу жизнь как в игре, так и в реальности.
    Не ждите, начинайте играть, потому что эта игра стоит гораздо больше, чем эти 10 баллов.
    _________________________

    Final Fantasy XIV and its latest expansion definitely an awesome gaming experience and incredible story that I will remember for a lifetime.
    Its quite hard nowadays to find a game that would have such a great level of storytelling and characters writing.
    FFXIV quietly arrives in your life on a lonely carriage drawn by a chocobo and takes you, a simple traveler, into an incredible adventure that will change your life forever both in the game and in reality.
    Do not wait, start playing, because this game costs much and more than these 10 points.    … Expand
  60. Shamsiel_
    Jun 17, 2020
    10
    I bought it whitout even finishing heavensward and never played cause i cant afford the subscription. 10/10, would buy again
  61. Mohammed-alsheh
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    what an absolute win for square enix to have this be the start of their new future , this is without a shadow of a doubt a game worth playing no question about it and people won't know the true value of it for generations to come
  62. Paladin82
    Jul 20, 2019
    10
    Shadowbringers has great visuals and gameplay (my only significant criticism is healer balancing), but most of all the expansion's story is skillfully written and shown. It ties in the already robust FFXIV story and puts a bow on it. This is a well done expansion.
  63. ripshocks
    Jul 26, 2019
    10
    The most amazing MMO i've ever played to this day. The release content schedule is stable and keeps on improving upon itself month after month, year after year. It's the best time to become a final fantasy fan.
  64. ChseeFwal
    Sep 7, 2019
    10
    The story is easily one of the best final fantasy ever had in it’s 30+ years. Can’t wait for the Nier themed raids!!
  65. vielinekr
    Aug 20, 2019
    9
    This is one of my favourite games of the year and it's one I'd encourage any previous Final Fantasy fan to consider. Besides the brilliant nods to the series past — adorable retro touches like pixel art character menus and classic game soundtracks.
  66. tecno64
    Jul 18, 2019
    10
    Some classes still need tunings such as astro, but the game is the best mmo ive played in a very long time. Strongly recommend it.
  67. Karness
    Jul 20, 2019
    10
    10/10 I love the plot and story line, it's one of the BEST Final Fantasy I've played in years. The expansion brought me into the story and made me apart of it. I love it!
  68. TomSheldrake
    Jul 21, 2019
    10
    Truly a masterpiece that had me gripped from start to finish. It skipped a lot of the flaws that the previous expansion had by having a story that players felt truly invested in, without having to deal with odd story pacing.

    Would 100% recommend for any Final Fantasy fan.
  69. Nahiddd98
    Sep 25, 2019
    10
    Great great great. Squaresoft level. Very good. Best MMO out there. Recommend to everyone!!!
  70. dkcoffey
    Jul 26, 2019
    10
    The game gets better with every expansion. The music gets better with every expansion. The story outshines the HW story in every way, making it the best story we've experience so far in the FFXIV universe.
  71. Solemncollector
    Jul 28, 2019
    10
    The music alone deserves a ten. The rest of it does too. What an amazing expansion it’s a must play
  72. hereismyopinion
    Aug 16, 2019
    10
    I love the story and everything about this expansion. If people here is reviewing the game based on the previous expansion then their reviews should be invalid. This is the not like any other MMO like Wow where you can skip cut scenes and dialogues and call the game decent. The story captivated me to keep playing the game and wanting more. It all adds up, the story make sense, theI love the story and everything about this expansion. If people here is reviewing the game based on the previous expansion then their reviews should be invalid. This is the not like any other MMO like Wow where you can skip cut scenes and dialogues and call the game decent. The story captivated me to keep playing the game and wanting more. It all adds up, the story make sense, the character keeps growing and it sucks you in. This is one of the best final fantasy game I have ever played and will continue supporting this game as long as they listen to their players. The community so far is less toxic than the other MMO game I played for almost 14 years. I hope that SE will continue the path they're going and succeed.… Expand
  73. fuuretsu
    Sep 4, 2019
    9
    The aesthetics of SHB are amazing. Light = bad and darkness = good isnt too unique a concept but the execution was great. The sin eaters feel unholy and the bright sky looks sickly. Darkness is worshipped and the night sky becomes a cause for celebration. The scenery is gorgeous, and each zone, with a counterpart on the Source, is feels far more memorable than in previous expacs. SokenThe aesthetics of SHB are amazing. Light = bad and darkness = good isnt too unique a concept but the execution was great. The sin eaters feel unholy and the bright sky looks sickly. Darkness is worshipped and the night sky becomes a cause for celebration. The scenery is gorgeous, and each zone, with a counterpart on the Source, is feels far more memorable than in previous expacs. Soken outdid himself with the OST yet again. The new songs are memorable and/or fitting ambiance. There are new twists on old themes as well as completely new bangers. In terms of story, SHB is the best expac so far. It really made me come to appreciate and like characters that have been in the game since the beginning. Many new minor npcs that were more likeable than major characters from previous expacs. The overarching villains become people to sympathize with, and the WoL felt more involved in the story. Unfortunately, with how good the world of Norvrandt is, I am no longer interested in the events happening in Eorzea. Every time they showed us Estinien or Gaius or Zenos back on the Source, I didn't care. Of course the story had some problems, with more death scares for characters they would never kill off and Ranjit, the OP reoccurring villain who is barely a character. SHB made me appreciate how tasteful this game is (even with Viera) compared to others. I dont recall any "lewding," or even suggestive jokes made towards the kiddos, which is a relief. Dulia Chai didn't get reduced into a fat joke, even though she very easily could have been. There is a transgendered npc that is treated respectfully. The fairies don't have specified genders, except for maybe Feo Ul who uses feminine pronouns. Yoshi-P said he was considering more inclusive values in the game, and it's nice to see that he hasn't forgotten that. The grinding that we needed to do between every set of msq was offputting. I never had to deal with that before. I barely touched the trust system, but that's because I was playing with my friends through the msq, but I was disappointed to find that you get barred from using certain characters after msq. And then you have to level trust characters manually, which seems pointless. Thankfully, a recent update made them easier to level up. I'm not completely expecting the trust system to expand to the whole game, since expac specific characters with custom AI/skills, but they at least need to make an update to squadrons to make them vaguely comparable. SHB's launch seemed to go smoothly (ignoring the obligatory ddos attacks) compared to what I've heard of SB. Overall better server stability due to the data center split as well a new instance system prevented a new Raubahn EX. The instance system is somewhat inconveniencing, and combined with world visit, hunt trains are very different than from what I experienced in SB. (Luckily on Primal theres a diligent group of people who work to make trains as smooth as possible, but even so, it's brutal how nonstop they are.) The instances were said to be temporary, but with how many people use one train to cap their weekly tomes, I can only imagine the outrage. Cross-world sniping would come back with a vengeance. The instancing system would be a lot better if teleporting (not at the aetheryte) gave the option to pick specific instances and also if the flag command also added the instance. The new areas are easier to navigate, even without flight (barring the final zone). Previous expac maps were bad for a variety of reasons. They havent improved the misleading map though. The gameplay hasnt changed too much overall. The new dungeons are really fun and engaging. They use interesting mechanics and I like getting them in queue. The class changes did a lot of simplification that was good some ways and bad in others. I no longer have to manage TP, which provided nothing but irritation, and my hotbars are less cluttered now. I mostly play WAR so I cant verify everything from personal experience, but I think the classes/roles are getting homogenized in a worrying way. Tank stance is purely for aggro, they can no longer pull aggro without it (which admittedly makes it easier). No longer does it give a boost to health or defense, that's a passive ability between all tanks. Tank classes filled certain niches but now the feel like axe-flavored or shield-flavor. ASTs unique card system was gutted. SCHs fairies are interchangeable now. BRDs unique supports/buffs system was taken and basically given to DNC.

    I've played a lot of MMOs before, but I've never enjoyed them as much as this one. FFXIV isnt perfect. The combat is still lacking. The community may not be as good as people say it is, but I have made many friends and good experiences through this game. The story might be cliched, but I've never felt as attached to my character before. In terms of what I was looking for, SHB is really good, GOTY-worthy even, but it won't be everyone's cup of tea    … Expand
  74. Legolas98
    Sep 25, 2019
    10
    VII has a semi-cyberpunk industrial aesthetic, whereas IX has a medieval one. XIV is both.
  75. TempestAOC
    Sep 25, 2019
    10
    Great and amazing. Carrying on the FF legacy. Story, gameplay music and everything are all on point.
  76. kaime
    Nov 14, 2019
    10
    Great story
    Strong sense of substitution
    pleasant music
    Character shaping is very successful
  77. AshevonRosetta
    Feb 2, 2020
    10
    the team gets better every update , my only concern is when they hit the cealing
  78. Mallow1144
    Feb 2, 2020
    10
    Absolutely love FFXIV. Each expansion has just been better and better. Can't really say that for most MMO's where you typically reminisce on how things were "back in the good old days".
    FFXIV continues to appeal to the fans demands and expectations and makes changes accordingly to remain loved by its consumers. The developers are passionate about their work and don't run the franchise as    Absolutely love FFXIV. Each expansion has just been better and better. Can't really say that for most MMO's where you typically reminisce on how things were "back in the good old days".
    FFXIV continues to appeal to the fans demands and expectations and makes changes accordingly to remain loved by its consumers. The developers are passionate about their work and don't run the franchise as if it was just a business trying to make money.    … Expand
  79. sacredsoil
    Jun 20, 2020
    10
    Absolutely gorgeous and well made. I just replayed the story in New Game+ and it was just as engaging and emotional as the first time(I actually enjoyed it more without the huge crowds of people at expac launch)

    I love that this game basically allows the main characters to feel like they like your character, no matter the gender of your player character. There's no changing of dialogue,    Absolutely gorgeous and well made. I just replayed the story in New Game+ and it was just as engaging and emotional as the first time(I actually enjoyed it more without the huge crowds of people at expac launch)

    I love that this game basically allows the main characters to feel like they like your character, no matter the gender of your player character. There's no changing of dialogue, no changing of interactions. It's just a wonderful touch, imo.

    Also make sure you do the role quests! They were amazing and added such a layer of depth to the Warriors of Light.    … Expand
  80. yon19794
    Dec 2, 2021
    10
    This is the first time I play FFXIV in general, as a long time (over 8 years) WoW player.
    I simply cannot explain how good this game actually is. From the story, to the zones, to the system, to actually having meaningful choices.
    It's sooo good. If you're looking for a MMORPG/RPGMMO, this is the game for you, it does not waste your time, it respects it, this is one of the many things    This is the first time I play FFXIV in general, as a long time (over 8 years) WoW player.
    I simply cannot explain how good this game actually is. From the story, to the zones, to the system, to actually having meaningful choices.

    It's sooo good. If you're looking for a MMORPG/RPGMMO, this is the game for you, it does not waste your time, it respects it, this is one of the many things that the game does right.    … Expand
  81. Xandis
    Jul 4, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The story in this expansion is better than most of AAA titles from last few years… Expand
  82. brunoblr
    Jul 4, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. What Squareenix did with all story is awesome! Probably the best xpec released counting all MMO in the market so Far!… Expand
  83. Jugo88
    Jul 4, 2019
    10
    Amazing game. Love what they've done with the healers this expansion. Keep it t up
  84. vahn
    Aug 11, 2019
    5
    I wasn't really going to come back here: FFXIV is a game with a lot of potential, but an infinite amount of issues that truly makes it hard for me to enjoy, however the reason I came back is only one: the story.
    But I'll talk about that later.
    Anyway, what to say about this expansion: It's the same exact game you played in the last years with almost the same exact way of playing, which    I wasn't really going to come back here: FFXIV is a game with a lot of potential, but an infinite amount of issues that truly makes it hard for me to enjoy, however the reason I came back is only one: the story.
    But I'll talk about that later.

    Anyway, what to say about this expansion: It's the same exact game you played in the last years with almost the same exact way of playing, which is grinding tomes every week to cap get loot then wait 4-5 months for next dungeon, upgrade it to raid level, rage about eureka 2.0 and so on for the next 2 years. It's practically been the same since 2.0 with utmost precision, with really few modifications here and there, like how leves are only for crafting now, fates give a currency and few other things.

    The major changes I did notice is in the classes, as in they removed what made them unique and homogenized them into basically one role but with fancy weapons: the 4 tanks are practically the same, and so are the melee and etc, gone all of their unique traits that made them unique and instead they're all exactly the same, with maybe one or less move in their arsenal. In a way, I applaud this idea because this means now that all classes can be used, especially when they kept saying they weren't able (or were incapable or too lazy?) to balance them out so this means now that all classes viable. But this is an online mmorpg and raiding is relegated to the usual 8 man content: eventually, a meta will come out and only 8 classes will be the winners, while the rest...well that's your problem!

    Another nice addition is the Trust System, which is another name for the Squadron but without the pain to actually levelling your team-up: it's a nice addition if only you could use it in older dungeons, instead it's going to be relegated to 5.0 dungeons and nothing else. Too bad but I guess "data limitations" and such.

    But game issues aside, my main issue and the one that first turned me away from continuing, is the horrid community that everyone keeps praising but I only see hypocrisy and spite.

    Don't get me wrong on this: I don't think ALL of the community is bad, of course I'm sure 1 out o 10 is good, however, we're talking of a community that is so blinded by this game that they will actively defend anything they do, even if it's a broken mess. I played this game since 2.0 but I was never able to say anything negative without receiving extremely harsh backlash, being called mentally disabled, a tasteless one and even death threatened because of my simple dislike of the raids (I did coil btw). I will never understand what people see of good in this community: it's the same the others. I came into this game years ago with the promise of a better community, but instead, I got so frustrated and stressed out that I actively stopped trying to be making friends and move on with my day, never saying my real opinions in fear of being backlashed.

    Which brings me to the point I missed: the story, the major selling of point of this expansion.
    I didn't follow the story until now besides some snippets but everyone kept praising it for how good it is, and how it's like the second coming of Christ or something.

    I took the challenge and spent the next 2 weeks watching long, long, LONG cutscenes and tried to see what's going on after finishing it yesterday - and waiting nearly half an hour for the queue as well, I could only say one thing: "This story is just average".
    Let me say this: I did like the setting, I liked how it's not the same world and how it has its own culture and difference. and I liked some of its secondary characters too. I also did like a couple of lines and overall, I did feel it had something in it.

    But honestly, I just felt it was average: its plot is your generic "go there, do chores, kill bad guy of the land, repeat" for each zone until the end where you get to beat the OBVIOUS bad guy of the game, so obvious that the game tries desperately to sway your attention from him, and failing.

    The cast is BORING, they only have one emotion throughout the entire game (Gotta love Minfilia's constant whining...NOT!) and the enemies you first meet are so one dimensional that I was glad they were gone because they were just not fun.

    And I just will not understand how the game still thinks to trick me into believing that my character will die: this is a mmorpg, of course, I'm not gonna die you idiots! How am I gonna do endgame?! For the main cast it's a different story since some did disappear.
    Maybe they'll get rid of the whiny blondie so there's hope!

    Bottom line, I don't hate it but I don't like it either: I just played tons of better jrpgs in my long gaming life and I was expecting something at least on par to some of my favorites, but if this is the best they could do then I think I'll just go back to the JRPGs I know and love.

    See for yourself and draw your own conclusion. For me, it's just average.    … Expand
  85. psdao1102
    Jul 8, 2019
    10
    Just fantastic. The story/writing/voice-acting is on par with theatrical games, and blows any MMO story away. The big fights are difficult but rewarding, the skill rotations are fun and engaging (I play BLM for reference). The music is bar none.

    The only thing i can throw at this, is that if your brand new to this series, i still think you should go through the entire story... which    Just fantastic. The story/writing/voice-acting is on par with theatrical games, and blows any MMO story away. The big fights are difficult but rewarding, the skill rotations are fun and engaging (I play BLM for reference). The music is bar none.

    The only thing i can throw at this, is that if your brand new to this series, i still think you should go through the entire story... which will take a long time sorry to say. But if you enjoy MMO's its so worth it.    … Expand
  86. Treymok
    Jul 10, 2019
    10
    Greatest expansion yet! Well worth the monthly subscription cost. Love it!!
  87. Psychopanch
    Jul 10, 2019
    10
    I've played a lot of MMOs in my day so I have to say just how refreshing it is to play one where the story takes center stage and delivers a cohesive narrative with aplomb. I was left speechless by the end of this narrative. Beyond that the QoL improvements and general gameplay as as strong as ever!
  88. moriki
    Jul 11, 2019
    10
    I hesitantly tried this game, but turns out its the best story driven MMO ever, class fantasy is great, i tried dancer and enjoyed its mechanic so much, cant wait for future content.
  89. PrimusSempra
    Jul 14, 2019
    10
    Just amazing.
    Thanks square for that Addon. It took mmorpgs to an another level
  90. tjtj295q
    Jul 5, 2019
    9
    Before you buy simply because you see the RAVE reviews: DO NOT BUY THIS GAME IF YOU HAVEN'T BOUGHT STORMBLOOD,

    You need Stormblood expansion to get the whole game then buy this game on top. Shadowbringers review: Pro: - Holy mother of god, the story layering and designs are simply sublime. Heavenwards was the standard. Shadowbringer just destroyed it and become the new    Before you buy simply because you see the RAVE reviews: DO NOT BUY THIS GAME IF YOU HAVEN'T BOUGHT STORMBLOOD,

    You need Stormblood expansion to get the whole game then buy this game on top.

    Shadowbringers review:

    Pro:

    - Holy mother of god, the story layering and designs are simply sublime. Heavenwards was the standard. Shadowbringer just destroyed it and become the new standard. It will be hard to top this. I honestly haven't felt this strong feeling of bittersweet for game story since Dragon Age 1 and FF10. Character development is simply through the roof. Only few parts of the plots are predictable, I got it right on the surface and they can twist it even further in depth yet still make perfect sense to their own lore.

    The boring story ground layout from 1.0 and average story in ARR really pay off.

    - The boss designs and difficulties are hiked up this expansion. Prepare for slaughter house....joking, not that bad it's doable. Alot harder to blind now, but not impossible.

    - Every class will have enhance area of effect abilities, so all role can enjoy the spectacle of monster annihilation without worring of TP limit.

    - High quality music and voice acting.

    - Trust system: the AI companions that you can choose to bring are quite reliable for you to level up or farm loot. (except AI DPS sucks ♥♥♥♥). So if you are playing DPS role which will usually have long que, you will find this quite useful.

    - Improve quality of life like more inventory increase, retrieve materia at 100% and convert blue and less unique gears from Stormblood down.

    Con

    - Job abilities update or rework: I'm starting to notice certain worrisome pattern for each class designs. By trying to make specific role doing purely their main purpose (Tank only tanks, Healers only heal, DPS only DPS), cross job synergies and uniqueness and cooperation start to overlap greatly. Especially range DPS and healers take a huge hit. Scholar and Astrologist to be specific

    While it is not as bad or disastrous, going further than this will surely become one. Alot less people play healers now noticeably. Looking at roles in need in roullette for a week now and the amount of tank and DPS are much higher than healers than healer. I hope I'm wrong and this disparity ease up in a month like before.

    - Optional quests are not creative as usual.

    - Main story quest fillers: annoying and boring at times I'd say. Certain beast tribe that is meant to be annoying is REALLY ANNOYING! They really need to get out of delivery, emote, killing kind of quest sheesh. MMOs are always like this. More voice acting would be nice.

    - If you are mainly for PvP, this is NOT a game for you.

    - A lot of job fantasies such as Bard singing aspect, effects like Foe Requeim and their mana usage for singing is gone....this makes me really salty as a Bard main.

    - Certain terrain drawing like the whale island....somehow I jump and got stuck. Other than that, no bugs. One mission activation error to so restart the client. Other than that, that's about it.

    Conclusion:

    - Yes, get the damn game. They sincerely put alot of work in this. The quality worths the price. Most of its flaws are typical MMOs as a genre. I am quite certain if you are already story invested person, you will LOVE the game.

    - I'm sure they will rework jobs and rebalance them again next expansion again anyway. If the community don't stab themselves and ask to monotonize all the jobs into 3 roles, then this game will live a long time.

    I want to get it an 8 like HW, but since I know there will be some trolls or other rival MMO fanboys coming in, I will heighten the score for abit    … Expand
  91. whizack
    Jul 9, 2019
    10
    I didn't think that SE could top the storytelling in 3.0 or the cinematic work they did in 4.0. this expansion takes a significant step forward for the entire genre in both. the voice acting in EN or JP is fantastic and better represents modern storytelling elements for an RPG or an MMO. While there are some stumbling points like the weak lv 80 class quests and balance issues, these areI didn't think that SE could top the storytelling in 3.0 or the cinematic work they did in 4.0. this expansion takes a significant step forward for the entire genre in both. the voice acting in EN or JP is fantastic and better represents modern storytelling elements for an RPG or an MMO. While there are some stumbling points like the weak lv 80 class quests and balance issues, these are very minor in contrast to the vast improvements made to the gameplay and story.… Expand
  92. smahlt
    Oct 30, 2019
    9
    Best FF14 expansion yet. The new locations, music, characters, and story are all fantastic. I think the story itself could contend with some of the all time JRPG story greats were it a standalone game (with the necessary backstory to fully appreciate it, of course).

    Dropped it down to a 9 because I'm not into some of the job changes, and I'm not a fan of them dropping the job-specific    Best FF14 expansion yet. The new locations, music, characters, and story are all fantastic. I think the story itself could contend with some of the all time JRPG story greats were it a standalone game (with the necessary backstory to fully appreciate it, of course).

    Dropped it down to a 9 because I'm not into some of the job changes, and I'm not a fan of them dropping the job-specific questlines. Also, really not interested in the announced Nier raid.    … Expand
  93. Eliitti
    Jul 10, 2019
    10
    The story is so good without a question the best so far in FFXIV history and the soundtrack is godlike.
  94. Arbiten
    Jul 9, 2019
    10
    Notice how the low scores for this game come from people not even talking about the story in a story driven game?

    You'd have to be crazy to score this masterpiece anything less than a 10. The music is incredible, the story invokes so much emotion. Joy, Sadness, Despair, Anger, all precisely inserted into the story at just the right time. Compared to other expansions, I felt the    Notice how the low scores for this game come from people not even talking about the story in a story driven game?

    You'd have to be crazy to score this masterpiece anything less than a 10. The music is incredible, the story invokes so much emotion. Joy, Sadness, Despair, Anger, all precisely inserted into the story at just the right time.

    Compared to other expansions, I felt the closest to the characters in this one. The twins bicker like siblings normally do, the group each have their own issues that they either deal with themselves throughout the story or require your help with. There's even opportunities for our ever stoic WoL to offer life advice during cut-scenes.

    The ending is a masterpiece, many mystery's that alluded us in the previous expansions get answered, but at the same time new mystery's are unearthed. This is by far the best story I've ever played and that includes the witcher 3.    … Expand
  95. EevieRoseAmalee
    Jul 11, 2019
    10
    By far the best experience I have ever had in an mmo. Be it the narrative or the classes I have had so much fun with every aspect!♡
  96. Ultimagara
    Jul 8, 2019
    10
    I thought that Heavensward was pretty goddamn good, one of the better video-game stories I've played. I thought that maybe this expansion would be somewhere in between the last 2 expansions as far as quality and boy was I wrong. This expansion puts every other MMO, base game or expansion, to complete and utter shame. Everything about it, from the MSQ to the characters to the environment toI thought that Heavensward was pretty goddamn good, one of the better video-game stories I've played. I thought that maybe this expansion would be somewhere in between the last 2 expansions as far as quality and boy was I wrong. This expansion puts every other MMO, base game or expansion, to complete and utter shame. Everything about it, from the MSQ to the characters to the environment to the new jobs to the revitalization countless systems to the gameplay itself to the humor to the voice acting and everything in between, is fantastic. If you care about these types of games at all, AT ALL, and even if you don't - play Shadowbringers.… Expand
  97. pcgames
    Jul 12, 2019
    9
    Despite a consistently high standard in previous expansions, Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers has defied all expectations to better all of them, even at this early stage in the journey. The darkest tale in the ongoing saga has proven to be the most inviting; with some excellent refinements to existing mechanics and some great quality of life improvements. Absolutely essential for FinalDespite a consistently high standard in previous expansions, Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers has defied all expectations to better all of them, even at this early stage in the journey. The darkest tale in the ongoing saga has proven to be the most inviting; with some excellent refinements to existing mechanics and some great quality of life improvements. Absolutely essential for Final Fantasy fans and MMO enthusiasts alike.… Expand
  98. Star_Prince
    Jul 8, 2019
    10
    I don't think you can ever have a perfect game, but this is getting really close to it. One thing that I was dreading before the release of this expansion is the pain to grind from level 70 to 80. All of the MMORPG games I played, it only gets more painful as they raise the cap to a higher level. However, I was wrong. I only did the main story quests, a few side quests, some FATEs, someI don't think you can ever have a perfect game, but this is getting really close to it. One thing that I was dreading before the release of this expansion is the pain to grind from level 70 to 80. All of the MMORPG games I played, it only gets more painful as they raise the cap to a higher level. However, I was wrong. I only did the main story quests, a few side quests, some FATEs, some roulettes, revealed most of the maps and I reached level 80! I omitted majority of the side quests and now I can start to do them with a second job.

    Great story, beautiful new areas, and wonderful music. I haven't try the new classes yet, but I heard they are fun!

    I think people who gave a negative score to this game are most likely those who prefer to play games that are fast paced, all actions with no stories. The type of games where the game is 100% about you, only about you and no one else. If that's you, perhaps you should stay away from this game. If you like to play a game where you can really immerse yourself in the story, get to know the other characters, enjoy the scenery and music while going through a game, you should definitely give this game a try.    … Expand
  99. drunkoni
    Jul 8, 2019
    10
    Considering this is the 3rd expansion in the series, with the first two having the best story in an mmo and best endgame respectively, it’s hard to imagine anything topping in either or both aspects. Well Shadowbringers does just that, as it has one of the best stories in all of gaming and while the true endgame content hasn’t come out yet, I haven’t had this much fun leveling in dungeonsConsidering this is the 3rd expansion in the series, with the first two having the best story in an mmo and best endgame respectively, it’s hard to imagine anything topping in either or both aspects. Well Shadowbringers does just that, as it has one of the best stories in all of gaming and while the true endgame content hasn’t come out yet, I haven’t had this much fun leveling in dungeons and trials in a very long time. This one definitely deserves a 10/10 for achieving what no other mmo’s have ever done: being a great RPG with a strong narrative and an mmo with fun and engaging gameplay that keeps the community growing and more importantly invested.… Expand
  100. Myricaria
    Jul 8, 2019
    10
    It's time to share a few thoughts about Shadowbringers - spoiler free of course!
    It took me from Friday morning to late Sunday night (Head start] to finish the MSQ of Final Fantasy XIVs newest expansion Shadowbringers.
    From the very first moment the story grabbed me and never let go. It was a pure roller coaster ride full of emotions. I had to cry and laugh. I didn't expect the end of A    It's time to share a few thoughts about Shadowbringers - spoiler free of course!
    It took me from Friday morning to late Sunday night (Head start] to finish the MSQ of Final Fantasy XIVs newest expansion Shadowbringers.
    From the very first moment the story grabbed me and never let go. It was a pure roller coaster ride full of emotions. I had to cry and laugh. I didn't expect the end of A Realm Reborn to be beaten, but Shadowbringers did it. After the last scene was over after the credits, I sat speechless and howling in front of my computer, so good was the story. Without exaggeration I have to say: FFXIV has done a masterpiece, which doesn't need to hide from any single-player game. Even today the enthusiasm keeps me going. Whoever has never played FFXIV before, or who has never touched Shadowbringers before: Do it, immediately!    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PC Game of 2019
23
#23 Most Discussed PC Game of 2019
9
#9 Most Shared PC Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Cubed3
    Mar 27, 2020
    70
    The active story events of ShadowBringers are good fun, but due to the grinding nature of the genre, it suffers from some terrible pacing issues. If you are invested in FFXIV, this DLC will probably excite and please you. It's a fun but forgettable romp that runs just the wrong side of boring during its hours-long retelling and bland A-B mission style. If this tickles your fancy, be sure to start and play with a team of friends - it will easily be 10 times more enjoyable, if infinitely longer.
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  2. Multiplayer.it
    Sep 15, 2019
    90
    Shadowbringers is not just a fun and juicy MMORPG thanks to some intuitive design choices and amazing dungeons and encounters, but also a different take on the overindulged "hero saves the world" story with lots of twists and turns.
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  3. Game Informer
    Aug 15, 2019
    90
    Shadowbringers is the best expansion yet for Square Enix’s MMORPG, a world that comes alive in the player’s hands, with weight and gravitas moving you through every whimsical corner. Old-fashioned quest design and color-dodging combat add a dull tinge to a truly magical landscape, but those imperfections can’t keep down the scale and scope of excellent environments, grandiose bosses, and majestic music.
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