I actually got really strong FFT vibes throughout, but especially with the whole "hideaway" type of bases for each of the arcs. I think, from an aesthetic point of view, that's probably why I enjoyed it so much. If I were to breathe new life into Ivalice, I think it would look similar to Valisthea. XII obviously leaned into it the most, but maybe post-war Ivalice would look more like that? Makes you wonder! I can definitely see it in Gav though! I always wonder if I am actually seeing correlations or if I'm just biased for my love for anything Ivalice related.

It is strange to only be able to control one character throughout, but I think that's exactly why I grew so fond of Clive throughout his journey. The rag tag band of bizarre characters has its place in FF, we have seen that, tried and true, but there's something to be said about the whole of a nation resting on the shoulders of one man (or woman, should they choose to take that route next time!) who is legitimately intertwined throughout every ounce of fabric that makes up this story. That was something that was missing, I think. In earlier versions of FF with a full party, not everyone really felt like they belonged and just sort of tagged along, with the story really revolving around three or four major characters. But with the limitation of only having one, you are really forced to look at how that character plays a part in all of the different moving pieces.

Not to take anything away from the rest of the crew, or even the occasional ally that joins you in XVI, but really, the focal point is the one guy who can bring it all together, and I found a certain peace in that.

Tell your partner not to feel any type of negative feelings cheesing at the screen as certain sequences took place, because I was doing the very same. Especially during the Eikon battles, which absolutely made you feel the scale and ferocity of each one, and each one being entirely unique from the last.

Yeah, tell me about it! I'm still crawling through Persona 3 Reload atm (Almost finished but missed 1 trophy so I'll have to do a NG+ run oh well )

Your comment about FFXVI is quite fitting. It felt so much like an HBO drama, and the story was just exquisite. While there were some other bits and bobs I didn't care for (minor, I assure you), overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the writing in that game. Quite possibly more than any others to date.

(Marking a few bits in this spoilers for passerbys, but you should be safe to read.) Story wise, you should have a few summons at this point -- how are you enjoying the "junctioning" mechanic of it (both you as a spectator, and your partner as a player)? I found playing around with the different combinations to be quite rewarding, and might be one of the best implementations of summons in a Final Fantasy yet.

I am working on the platinum trophy for that game, but only here and there. I enjoyed every minute of it (and my wife was completely smitten by Clive more and more with each iteration of his look change) LOL.

I don’t think anyone would have blamed you if you stayed in FFXIV Patch 5.4 forever (Futures Unwritten ) but 5.55 now you zoomin! - Glad to see you’re still enjoying it at your own pace!

Also Happy belated Backlogaversery!
Feel like it’s impossible to see that pesky ring now but sharing the same day I had too

Thanks! And good luck with your role-playing ventures.