Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers

 PlayStation 4
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 520 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 457 out of 520
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 520
  3. Negative: 49 out of 520
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  1. Vanta77
    Jun 12, 2020
    5
    FFXIV is a good MMO but considering its a paid sub, i feel like Shadowbringers being the third expansion could have added a bit more. Heavensward was amazing due to how much FFXIV was upgraded with, Stormblood imo was the best, because it had the best story, depth of new characters, amazing new eastern areas and just intense cool cinematics. ShB story was intense, had some good ideas but iFFXIV is a good MMO but considering its a paid sub, i feel like Shadowbringers being the third expansion could have added a bit more. Heavensward was amazing due to how much FFXIV was upgraded with, Stormblood imo was the best, because it had the best story, depth of new characters, amazing new eastern areas and just intense cool cinematics. ShB story was intense, had some good ideas but i feel it could've been executed a little bit better, i just didnt enjoy it as much as Stormblood. It was cool to get the Warrior of Darkness siding with you to take his place and the ending was pretty cool but it felt too safe.

    Eden is fun to play but its just another raid to grind new gear until next expansion. Its a system that is enjoyable but it gets way too repeative. Also sometimes it feels like you're just wasting time grinding the same boring un-rewarding dungeons, if its not daily its like 180k EXP for a lv57 class which is just nothing at all.

    Shadowbringers is a very cool name, its purple and it adds new locations in different dimension which is a cool, safe idea. Story is not as good as HW and SB, but its alright.
    I just feel like the expansion could've added some great quality updates to the overall gameplay, bettered PVP, add more rewarding and fun experience other than just more raids and trials.
    Sure its cool to get 2 new classes and races and the restoration of Ishgard was actually a great idea but thats all there was to me. I did not enjoy the story personally, the Empire looming behind the story was boring content, we have the same villain mustering some Kingdom Hearts revive system but it wasnt bad

    Shadowbringers was definetly alot of fun to me but the only reason i give it 5 is because being the third expansion i wanted so much more upgrades to the gameplay being a paid experience. Heavensward added pepperoni to the pizza which was a very needed topping. Stormblood added cheese to the mix but Shadowbringers adds ham which was just another topping and at times feels unneccessary.    … Expand
  2. YazMataz
    Jun 18, 2020
    6
    It's good if you like watching anime. But you've come here for the mmo. Raids are good, bug-free, polished and with tight dps checks. Decent connection. There is no other real end-game.

    The community of this game is something else, though. If you don't belong to that group of players who clear high-end duties in the first month or so, you will struggle. Elitism is a thing, albeit it    It's good if you like watching anime. But you've come here for the mmo. Raids are good, bug-free, polished and with tight dps checks. Decent connection. There is no other real end-game.

    The community of this game is something else, though. If you don't belong to that group of players who clear high-end duties in the first month or so, you will struggle. Elitism is a thing, albeit it takes a different form than WoW. FC members who can't play with other people because they're stuck with their tribe. People who can't log out but spend the majority of their time on housing. People who join your clear raid group without materia slotted in their gear. Mentors who show up to an extreme trial but can't provide any feedback, wipe the group and leave. People who have every job to 80 but play all of them at a mediocre level. Tanks mains who refuse to tank as soon as someone damages an enemy before them. People with egos...

    The single players aspect of it works, though.    … Expand
  3. Mattaclysm
    Aug 26, 2019
    8
    As someone who has been playing Final Fantasy XIV since A Realm Reborn's introduction, I feel that this is a hard one to review based on the first few patches of Shadowbringers (especially considering we haven't really seen the totality of what the entirety of the expansion has to offer). Keeping that in mind, I will try to be fair and base my review on my experiences thus far.

    I have a    As someone who has been playing Final Fantasy XIV since A Realm Reborn's introduction, I feel that this is a hard one to review based on the first few patches of Shadowbringers (especially considering we haven't really seen the totality of what the entirety of the expansion has to offer). Keeping that in mind, I will try to be fair and base my review on my experiences thus far.

    I have a lot of positive things to say about Shadowbringers. I honestly feel that it is the highest I've felt on Final Fantasy XIV since A Realm Reborn. The writing easily trumps the previous expansion story lines with a far more interesting plot line and way more interesting quests. Area design is yet another thing I found to be fantastic. Even including Il Mheg (which may have scarred my retinas with its over usage of the hot pink coloring), every area in Shadowbringers felt unique with great designs that gave each of them a nice vibe. Music was also an absolute surprise, I felt that the tracks in Shadowbringers were the best the game has had. Period. Gunbreaker and Dancer are also a solid inclusion, both jobs being pretty fun to play. I would also say that the job change revisions (and the removal of TP), as a whole, that Square-Enix has made with the expansion was also a bright point (even if I'm crying inside about the changes to Warrior). Everything plays great, and any changes seem to have worked out for the better.

    The pros definitely outweigh the cons for Shadowbringers, but I still have a few complaints. For starters, I would have liked to see more out of the "Shared FATE" log. It does give a reason to do FATEs, however, that doesn't really change that FATEs are still in a desperate need of a revision due to their repetitive nature. Dungeons were also kind of a miss for Shadowbringers. I found the boss fights to be fun, however, the actual overall design felt relatively lacking with the constant speed bumps that seem to hinder speed running far more than the previous expansions did. Not being entirely all that bad, I did at least enjoy the level 80 dungeons (which are probably the only ones that really matter considering they are the ones that you'll be spamming for the next 6 or 7 months). The Eden raid is another one I'm indifferent about, however, I'm willing to give this one the benefit of doubt. It just doesn't feel all that memorable and makes me long for the days of the Alexander raid.

    Overall, Shadowbringers is worth trying for MMO players. It's definitely something that I feel is great for both newcomers and veterans of XIV. There is far more than enough content packed into this expansion alone to get your money's worth out of with only more to come in future updates. All I can say is that I feel Naoki Yoshida and company did a marvelous job with this one and I can't wait to see what else they bring to the table!    … Expand
  4. Louissmroy
    Jul 15, 2019
    9
    Game is so good, never played before but as an old wow player it feel good.. But if like me you're acustomised with blizzard godlike customer support you will be really disapointed if you need something from ffXIV game master team, one of the worst GM ive seen in 20 year of gaming.
  5. RaginPagan
    Jul 28, 2019
    8
    While the expansion was largely great and for the better, a few classes and one full role did not escape unscathed. While playing as healer lost much of it's magic, pun intended, and while some classes lost major abilities and thus effectiveness, the expansion is a lot of good fun. Time will tell whether certain classes will be fixed, but even as it stands now it's a very enjoyable gameWhile the expansion was largely great and for the better, a few classes and one full role did not escape unscathed. While playing as healer lost much of it's magic, pun intended, and while some classes lost major abilities and thus effectiveness, the expansion is a lot of good fun. Time will tell whether certain classes will be fixed, but even as it stands now it's a very enjoyable game with relatively few flaws weighing it down. If you're a fan of the previous expansions Shadowbringers isn't to be missed.… Expand
  6. Neoku
    Jul 28, 2019
    9
    For my 1st subscription based MMO it's pretty good the graphics are nice the controls are pretty good it's not too hard to get used to and you can also plug in a keyboard and mouse to the PS4 to make it easier for people that play PC to play this game without any problems.
  7. kamuis22
    Jul 2, 2019
    10
    Best mmorpg best DLC music 10/10 the new classes is good,new location and the best story.
  8. 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
  9. Kamui22
    Jul 2, 2019
    10
    Best mmorpg best DLC music 10/10 the new classes is good,new location and the best story.
  10. darxiv
    Jul 3, 2019
    10
    Without spoiling anything, FFXIV continues to prove that compelling narrative can be made in a MMO. With a focused story driving the Scions forward, I was on the edge of my seat worried for each character's fate. With new features, the player's character is more enhance than ever. I truly love this expansion and all that comes with it.
  11. Akiin
    Jul 2, 2019
    10
    This is a expansion worth every single Dollar the Story is soooo good it puts other Mmo's to shame and every song of the Soundtrack is Amazing, better than Stormblood heck.. even the best expansion ever !
  12. novidcat
    Jul 4, 2019
    10
    Too good for an mmo.The most final fantasy game I have played in last decade.
  13. Dkcbrown
    Jul 2, 2019
    10
    You won't find an MMO (And few games in general) with a stronger story or more meticulously crafted music. The new QOL updates and Jobs are aces! Can't recommend this game more!
  14. xSelene89
    Jul 6, 2019
    10
    Praise Yoshi-P Praise Yoshi-P Praise Yoshi-P Praise Yoshi-P Praise Yoshi-P Praise Yoshi-P
  15. Naoshi
    Jul 2, 2019
    10
    Perfection! I've played mmo's since the early days when Ultima Online existed and have to say that Shadowbringers is the first in a long time to make me feel so engaged with the story. final fantasy XIV is known for it's impressive storytelling, but Shadowbringers takes it to another level. On a MMO stand point it's perfection.... equally you could call this an amazing RPG.
    The additions    Perfection! I've played mmo's since the early days when Ultima Online existed and have to say that Shadowbringers is the first in a long time to make me feel so engaged with the story. final fantasy XIV is known for it's impressive storytelling, but Shadowbringers takes it to another level. On a MMO stand point it's perfection.... equally you could call this an amazing RPG.
    The additions of the Trust system and other quality of life changes, really just polish the diamond this expansion already was    … Expand
  16. Sharess_
    Jul 2, 2019
    10
    Honestly I've played a LOT since Shadowbringers has released (pre release on 28th) and I've finished all the MSQ (Main Story Quests) and It's been a hell of a ride. Voice acting and story line are ON POINT!!!

    On release there are 8 dungeons and 2 big boss "Trials" as well as 2 lesser Big Boss Trials included with the expansion as well as 5 zones you can obtain flying in right away (Not    Honestly I've played a LOT since Shadowbringers has released (pre release on 28th) and I've finished all the MSQ (Main Story Quests) and It's been a hell of a ride. Voice acting and story line are ON POINT!!!

    On release there are 8 dungeons and 2 big boss "Trials" as well as 2 lesser Big Boss Trials included with the expansion as well as 5 zones you can obtain flying in right away (Not wait 7 months and have to do a buncha BS, looking @ You WoW)

    Also with Shadowbringers it brought a complete revamp to the games combat system and healing system. It made all the jobs (Classes) WAY more fun to play which is awesome. Looking more and more like a fast action MMORPG.

    Each zone ingame is gorgeous in Shadowbringers, all the music is amazing, the game is more fun to play than ever and jobs are more balanced. What more could you ask for to be honest.

    So some people give low scores it seems because it's expensive because they have to buy initial game plus this expansion. Other games make you buy initial, prior expansions and then current expansion.

    At least FFXIV Lets you buy Game + All prior expansions for one low price and then allows you to buy current expansion when you get to it.    … Expand
  17. Minde
    Jul 4, 2019
    10
    Story 10, Cobat 10 ( based on Bard), Dungeons best ever, Graphics... You have to see it lol
  18. SpudCommando
    Jul 7, 2019
    10
    This is the best MMO and JRPG of 2019. Hands down. The music is 10/10 (soken is a underrated musical genius that will surpass uematsu), the presentation in fights are amazing, there's so many players playing the game right now that it's bustling, the story is probably the best story ever told in Final Fantasy since 6. Definitely worth checking out, this is something you must experience.
  19. 22446688Bb
    Jul 8, 2019
    10
    An excellent addition presents a story and characters from a beautiful and interactive world of development in this add-on much better than before and is worthy of all required players Final Fantasy 14 play it and dig deeper into it
  20. JonnyMenthol
    Jul 29, 2019
    10
    Absolutely fantastic. Better than stormblood and on par with HW.

    Some classes have gotten stripped of complexity while others have been near perfected. This and the lack of an option to skip the tired old fetch quests is my only complaint. C'mon. We've surveyed, grabbed 3 items, cured the 3 sick people, delivered 3 items etc enough. Just give me the excellent story and the odd solo    Absolutely fantastic. Better than stormblood and on par with HW.

    Some classes have gotten stripped of complexity while others have been near perfected. This and the lack of an option to skip the tired old fetch quests is my only complaint. C'mon. We've surveyed, grabbed 3 items, cured the 3 sick people, delivered 3 items etc enough. Just give me the excellent story and the odd solo instance with the incredible dungeons and trials and let me cut out the busy work inbetween.

    It's better than ever been and might even get me to stick around for end game, for a bit.    … Expand
  21. DoppelGang3r
    Jul 7, 2019
    10
    Great job developers, the music and art is really cool, the new jobs are well done, really having a blast. Well done!
  22. EevieRoseAmalee
    Jul 20, 2019
    10
    The best expansion in an mmo period! I would recommend this game one thousand times over!
  23. PrimusSempra
    Jul 14, 2019
    10
    Just amazing
    Every single second amazed me.
    The Soundtrack is amazing
    The story breathtaking
  24. NataLin
    Jul 27, 2019
    10
    Best MMORG on the world, beautiful storyline and with one character you can do multiple jobs.
  25. Monjulie
    Jul 29, 2019
    10
    One of the best MMO expansions ever released. Story wise, it rivals some the best FF stories in years.
  26. Lukos_Creyden
    Jul 30, 2019
    10
    FFXIV Has been a high-quality MMO since A Realm Reborn released, but with Shadowbringers, it has reached new heights that are rarely seen in MMO's or even any video game genres. The story is a masterpiece, heart-wrenching and beautiful. It stands up to and even exceeds many single player titles.
    You'll hear about players being moved to tears by the narrative; I can confidently say that    FFXIV Has been a high-quality MMO since A Realm Reborn released, but with Shadowbringers, it has reached new heights that are rarely seen in MMO's or even any video game genres. The story is a masterpiece, heart-wrenching and beautiful. It stands up to and even exceeds many single player titles.
    You'll hear about players being moved to tears by the narrative; I can confidently say that this is no exaggeration.

    As always, Soken and co delivered an amazing score for this expansion; the sort of soundtrack that you'll want to listen to even when you aren't playing the game.

    Last but not least, the gameplay. Whilst it is the traditional tab-targeting affair, the encounters you experience throughout the expansion are fast-paced and action packed; with beautiful (and sometimes haunting) enemy design.

    I could ramble on about this expansion, sing its praises until the proverbial cows come home, but I'd rather just play it. I just felt the need to add my voice to the chorus of glowing opinions.

    Just, stop reading this now. Play the damn game. You will not regret it. Do it.

    Stop reading this. Go.    … Expand
  27. MechaManekiNeko
    May 26, 2020
    5
    I was pretty excited about shadowbringers, but by the end the plot felt onerous and combine that with slow combat (compared to other games) you end up with a game that left me yawning and wishing it was done so I could wait for the next expansion.
  28. sparkberry5
    Jul 9, 2020
    10
    10/10 would break my heart again
    also
    WE FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL
    WE FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLL
    WE FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
    UNTO THE EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNDDDDD
  29. xl33tgamerx
    Jul 27, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The storyline of this game is SO good, it could win an Oscar. I really loved the tragic tale of the Ascians, which takes everything we thought we knew about the penultimate bad guys of FFXIV and turns it completely on its head. Just when I was beginning to lose faith in developers Square Enix comes to the rescue with the first real gem of 2019 :) The soundtrack is great, personally I love the vocalizing in the Ratika Greatwood, but thats not to discount all the other great music throughout the game. The graphics, of course, are great - as has been the case since the game's release and the new classes for Gunbreaker and Dancer are pretty fun with their own system of mechanics. They added a new race too (Viera, AKA "Bunny People") - cool I guess, lol. Looking at this release overall, this is a can't miss for MMOs not in just this year but all time and one of the few 10/10s ive given on Metacritic in the last several years.… Expand
  30. XV_
    Aug 9, 2019
    9
    Up to this day, it's safe to assume that Final Fantasy XIV is easily the best FF experience since IX and Shadowbringers is a testament of this theory.

    Shadowbringers uses everything that was great from the last expansins and it takes it further, story-wise, the thing is a well-told and written, everything it's relevant for the plot or the themes so this time even some random characters    Up to this day, it's safe to assume that Final Fantasy XIV is easily the best FF experience since IX and Shadowbringers is a testament of this theory.

    Shadowbringers uses everything that was great from the last expansins and it takes it further, story-wise, the thing is a well-told and written, everything it's relevant for the plot or the themes so this time even some random characters that may appear like plot devices are actually a solid and needed part of the plot, something that I really liked, also, I'm not sure if the story is darker than previous ones but sure it has a dark and serious tone, it is also filled with amazing moments that I couldn't believe, Shadowbringers took for a hostage within my +60 hour main quest time. At this point is unbelievable how characters that I didn't care that much got me all worried and into them, like Urianger or even the main antagonist which I was really concerned about, they looked like a generic and formulaic boss but by the end I was so touched and grinning at the screen so that's that, XIV writers make it look easy to write at this level.

    The dungeons and boss battles are very good, with new more dynamic mechanics and challenge, not as difficult as Extreme but not as easy as Heavensward, the music was good and kinda different from the last entries, it kinda reminds me of XIII-2 in some parts, it's good but maybe not the cup of everyone.

    I have some minor issues, and one that hasn't been acknowledged (or maybe its just me) but I still find the Aether currents so bothersome and boring to do, but I guess its part of the mechanic now and also for the first time I felt like the graphics weren't that great, sure it has this PS3 era feeling but I believe that an upgrade is urgent, also a lot of the new areas felt ripoffs or recycled from past areas but maybe I'm wrong.

    Shadowbringers is more Heavensward than Stormblood but it is its own thing, so don't miss a chance to play this expansion or if you want to play the best modern Final Fantasy you have tons and tons to do but maybe that is not a bad thing.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best PS4 Game of 2019
58
#58 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. PlaySense
    Sep 10, 2019
    90
    This expansion brings a phenomenal story set in a fun new environment and offers Trials that are truly worth your time and effort. When push comes to shove, however, Shadowbringers is mainly more of the same in a good way.
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  2. M3
    Aug 10, 2019
    70
    The question that every Final Fantasy fanatic poses is probably if it is still worth tackling all the extra obstacles, just to experience another epic adventure. As an online role-playing game, it requires a usual monthly subscription and every single expansion also has its price. If you look past that detail, Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers is yet another excellent game in the series, albeit a little too adapted for online gambling to attract exactly all "regular" Final Fantasy fans.
    Read full review
  3. The Digital Fix
    Aug 8, 2019
    100
    As I said before, I cannot recommend Shadowbringers more. The story, visuals, music, vocal performances, and gameplay all combine together to create a phenomenal gaming experience. Final Fantasy XIV has only gotten better over time, and after playing Shadowbringers I have simply no idea how they are going to better this expansion in the future. It really and truly is that good.
    Read full review
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