Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail - An In-Depth Review

Final Fantasy XIV's expansion, Thorn Trail, has received mixed reviews from players. With a 6.5 user score on Metacritic, this expansion deviates from the typical acclaim that Final Fantasy XIV's story-driven MMO expansions usually garner.

This review provides a detailed analysis of Thorn Trail, discussing its story, characters, zones, and overall gameplay.

Main Scenario Quest (MSQ) Review

The story in Thorn Trail is divided into two main parts: the succession for the throne and the subsequent narrative focusing on Rowar and Queen Sphen. Both story arcs are well-crafted, with the succession story introducing new lands, cultures, characters, and small stories.

The second part continues to expand on these elements, presenting new mini-stories and zones. The overall narrative maintains the high-quality storytelling characteristic of Final Fantasy XIV, with engaging plot twists and emotional moments. The zones, music, and instance content complement the story effectively.

Battle Content: Dungeons and Trials

The battle content in Thorn Trail is exceptional. The MSQ, optional dungeons, and extreme trials are all well-designed, offering a higher level of difficulty and chaos. This adds to the enjoyment, especially for players who appreciate a challenge.

The aesthetics of the dungeons, such as the Vanguard boss and the final dungeon in Living Memory, are impressive. The extremes are also highly enjoyable, with many players repeatedly queuing for more.

New Zones and Cities

Thorn Trail introduces six new zones, each with unique features. Highlights include the Pelo and Giant Zone, Heritage Found, and the desert zone with western-themed areas. However, Living Memory was less well-received, as its transformation into a grey, dull area detracted from its initial appeal. The cities, particularly Tully and Solution N, are some of the best in the game, featuring stunning designs and futuristic elements.

The Filler Issue

One significant issue with Thorn Trail is the excessive filler content. The MSQ is often interrupted by unvoiced, unimportant text and filler quests, which detracts from the overall experience. The adventure aspect feels underwhelming, with too much time spent on mundane tasks rather than exciting exploration and combat.

Character Focus: WL Mat

A controversial aspect of Thorn Trail is the character WL Mat. Initially well-received, WL Mat's constant presence and repetitive dialogue became tiresome. This character's overuse overshadowed other important characters, limiting their development and interactions. The disproportionate focus on WL Mat throughout the expansion is a major criticism among players.

Overall Thoughts

Despite its flaws, Thorn Trail is a solid MMO expansion with outstanding dungeons, trials, and zones. It does not deserve the excessive criticism it has received, but it is essential to acknowledge its shortcomings in storytelling. As an MMO expansion, it is enjoyable and offers many positive aspects, but it falls short of being one of the best expansions in the series. The mixed reviews reflect this balance of strengths and weaknesses.

The Gist

In conclusion, Thorn Trail is a mixed bag. While it excels in many areas, the excessive filler content and overemphasis on WL Mat detract from the overall experience. Players' opinions will vary, but it is important to discuss both the positives and negatives to provide a comprehensive review. The expansion has potential, and with some adjustments, future updates could address these issues.