Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward

  • June 23, 2015
88%
Game Brain Score Based on 168 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • music
Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward Game Cover
A huge expanse of wilderness added to an already excellent MMO, Heavensward opens up the world of Eorzea to even greater possibilities.

The Warriors of Light journey now to Ishgard a city-state mired in a thousand-year conflict with the dragons of the Dravanian Horde. Can our heroes uncover the ancient truths buried in Ishgard’s bloody history and help bring an end to the Dragonsong War? Can the Warriors of Light cast off the shadows that darken the realm?

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Play​Station
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

88%
Audience ScoreBased on 168 reviews
story21 positive mentions
grinding4 negative mentions
  • Heavensward offers a wealth of new content, including three new jobs, a new race, and numerous quests, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
  • The graphics and music are stunning, with significant improvements in visual detail and an engaging soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere of the game.
  • The story is compelling and well-developed, providing a darker and more intricate narrative that builds upon the foundation laid by A Realm Reborn.
  • Players must own A Realm Reborn to access Heavensward, which can be confusing for new buyers and may lead to frustration if not clearly communicated.
  • There have been reports of issues with product codes and customer service, leading to dissatisfaction among players who encounter technical difficulties.
  • The subscription model may deter some players, as it requires ongoing payments in addition to the initial purchase of the game and its expansions.
  • story61 mentions

    The story in Final Fantasy XIV, particularly with the Heavensward expansion, is widely praised for its depth, emotional moments, and significant improvement over the original quest line. Players appreciate the engaging narrative, new characters, and darker themes, making it a standout feature of the MMORPG. Overall, the storytelling is considered a major draw for both new and returning players, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

    • “This is an incredible MMORPG, and I have been shocked at how good the story is for an online RPG as well.”
    • “The story is deep, intricate, and full of emotional moments.”
    • “The beautiful new areas, incredible story, and massive additions to existing content make Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward an amazing package.”
    • “I began playing FFXIV: A Realm Reborn a little over a year ago, and although I liked the gameplay, I found the story lackluster, particularly compared to the last MMO I played (FFXI), which had a rich, complex story.”
    • “Story: I thought most of the 2.0 (A Realm Reborn) story to be lackluster outside of Binding Coil of Bahamut.”
    • “While Final Fantasy XIV Online: Stormblood doesn’t quite balance the leveling experience with the story questline, everything comes together as an overall amazing experience leading into Final Fantasy XIV Online: Shadowbringers.”
  • graphics23 mentions

    The graphics in the game are consistently praised as stunning and a significant improvement, particularly with the transition to DX11, enhancing the overall visual experience. Players appreciate the beautiful artwork and design, noting that the graphics contribute to an engaging and enjoyable gameplay experience. Overall, the visuals are highlighted as a standout feature, elevating the game's quality across various aspects.

    • “The graphics are absolutely stunning on the PS4 and the music is no less appealing than other entries of the series.”
    • “The art in this game is awesome and so are the graphics.”
    • “Heavensward is a huge step up in quality of story, music, graphics, and content.”
    • “Graphics: there is now support for DX11, a big upgrade over DX9.”
  • music12 mentions

    The music in the game is highly praised for its quality and ability to enhance the overall experience, particularly in the new areas introduced in Heavensward. Reviewers note that it significantly improves upon the previous soundtrack, effectively setting the mood for each zone and contributing to the game's engaging atmosphere. Overall, the music is considered an underrated yet vital aspect of the MMORPG.

    • “Heavensward is a huge step up in quality of story, music, graphics, and content.”
    • “The graphics are absolutely stunning on the PS4 and the music is no less appealing than other entries of the series.”
    • “The music really sets the mood for each zone and is a big improvement over what we had in 2.0 areas.”
    • “The music in the new areas is a very underrated aspect of the game.”
    • “The music in the new areas is a very underrated aspect of the game.”
  • gameplay10 mentions

    Players generally appreciate the gameplay mechanics, particularly in trials and raids, highlighting the game's solid mechanics and great graphics. However, some users feel that the story lacks depth compared to previous titles like FFXI. Overall, the gameplay is seen as engaging and feature-rich, contributing to the game's reputation as a top MMO.

    • “Great graphics and gameplay!”
    • “A gorgeous, stirring, mechanically solid, feature-rich expansion to what is the best MMO in years.”
    • “I began playing FFXIV: A Realm Reborn a little over a year ago, and although I liked the gameplay, I found the story lackluster, particularly compared to the last MMO I played (FFXI), which had a rich, complex story.”
    • “Especially comprehending the mechanics of the trials and raids.”
    • “PSN Plus will not cover gameplay.”
  • grinding4 mentions

    Players appreciate the reduced grinding in the game, noting that acquiring new jobs is easier and that quests provide more experience points, leading to faster leveling. This change has made the overall progression feel more accessible and enjoyable.

    • “The new jobs are now easy to acquire rather than spending time grinding.”
    • “More XP from quests means less grinding to level up.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The optimization for controller use in TESO: TU is noted to be better, with fewer abilities making it more accessible for players. However, those familiar with FFXIV: ARR on PC may find the cross button hotbars less intuitive initially.

    • “I think that TESO: TU is perhaps better optimized for controllers with fewer abilities, but the truth is that if I were not a PC FFXIV: ARR player first—since the (re)launch—I suspect the cross button hotbars would be easy for me.”
    • “I think that TESO: TU is perhaps better optimized for controllers (fewer abilities), but the truth is that if I were not a PC FFXIV: ARR player first—since the (re)launch—I suspect the cross button hotbars would be easy for me.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    The game features a deep and intricate story that is rich with emotional moments, resonating strongly with players.

    • “The story is deep, intricate, and full of emotional moments.”
  • character development2 mentions

    Reviewers highlight the character development as having significant depth, contributing to a rich and immersive world. This complexity enhances the overall narrative experience, making characters feel more relatable and engaging.

    • “There is a lot of depth in the character development and world.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

83% average critic score

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