Why Heavensward's Story Is So AMAZING! [Spoiler Talk]

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  • Опубликовано: 6 дек 2021
  • Well, after last video Mike wanted to go into a bit more detail with a full on SPOILER talk about the story, so here it is.
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    Gear: preachgaming.com/shop/
    Twitter: @Preachgaming
    Live Stream - twitch.tv/preachlfw
    Website: preachgaming.com/
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Комментарии • 576

  • @blueblazer9991
    @blueblazer9991 2 года назад +685

    Lucia and Estinien as Aymeric's sword and shield is a beautiful analogy

    • @boo5860
      @boo5860 2 года назад +7

      So beautiful and so true !!

    • @Spectacular_Insanity
      @Spectacular_Insanity 2 года назад +36

      @@Salbeira Estinien didn't leave because of Aymeric, though. He left because he had found the strength to let go of his hatred and vengeance and finally learned to live for himself. He no longer wanted to be the Azure Dragoon, though none would have objected if he had remained in that position in perpetuity, peace or no peace.

    • @Ower8x
      @Ower8x 2 года назад +4

      @@Spectacular_Insanity But symbolically he felt because his role as the dragoon the sword of ishgard and Aymeric is finished ...

    • @paladinshark2448
      @paladinshark2448 2 года назад +4

      @@Ower8x which has way more weight to me when the player is the azure dragoon too. He acknowledged that the mantle is in the hands of someone not tainted by hatred and revenge, by a true hero to safeguard the peace. He leaves the responsibility of the title in your hands, and leaves to live as an elezen, not an avenger.
      Him returning to join the scions for good is in recognition that he’s found his new calling, he’s made peace with his past, and accepted that the world still needs a sword, it always will. Like Raiden in metal gear, he’s learned that he can and should do good to be like the azure dragoon he truly idolizes: the warrior.
      Best story in all ff history. Pure kino.

    • @Nirual86
      @Nirual86 2 года назад +2

      @@paladinshark2448 even his role before joining the scions works, as he ends the legacy of hate that continued with nidhoggs eyes being recovered and repurposed to summon Shinryu at the end of Stormblood. Him calling upon Nidhogg in the ShB roleplay duty, showing how he now has a tie to Nidhoggs spirit in the same way a WoL Dragoon does with Midgardsomr.

  • @TheSylvirr
    @TheSylvirr 2 года назад +54

    I think what kills me is that Aymeric doesn't realize how many people DO care about him, until Lord Edmont bluntly says 'I could not bear to lose another son' and Aymeric's brain breaks because he realizes just how much these not-friends *actually* mean to him.

  • @Dashu16
    @Dashu16 2 года назад +325

    Not only did Aymeric have to take down his father, the game also made a point of him shooting the arrow at Estinien (essentially his brother) with killing intent for the greater good. After we save Estinein Aymeric apologized for taking the shot, you could tell he didn't regret it but it broke his heart to set out to kill his best friend

    • @ranadips
      @ranadips 2 года назад +6

      I just finished that quest yesterday and man, that conversation on the infirmary bed, you could see it, how much he hated to do it but he knew it had to be done. Estinien of course very much understood that, more than anyone else I would say.

  • @godric8851
    @godric8851 2 года назад +232

    My favorite part is Estinien being like an older brother to Alphinaud. I like when Estinien bluntly points out Alphi's faults and Alphi coming to terms with his naivete and inexperience. It's also nice that when Alisae shows up, that she feels like his brother also a different air around him, which was her not knowing but the story acknowledging his growth. At that point, it felt like it was Alisae's turn.

    • @Galeforce017
      @Galeforce017 2 года назад +28

      Only a little relevant, but a friend of mine who only knows bits and pieces of this game from afar was legitimately surprised when I told him Estinien wasn't Alphinaud's older brother.

    • @berniemargolis4288
      @berniemargolis4288 2 года назад +35

      I won't go into details because I don't want to spoil anything, but Estinien's first meeting with Alisae at the end of Shadowbringers is pretty hilarious.

    • @sr7olsniper
      @sr7olsniper 2 года назад

      More like Alphinaud was Estinien's little boy toy.

    • @jtoathbreaker8136
      @jtoathbreaker8136 2 года назад +2

      This is the point when Alphinaud became a tolerable character and by the end of ShB was one of my favorite scions.

    • @Sherolox
      @Sherolox 2 года назад

      @@berniemargolis4288
      I'm so glad you didn't actually spoiler it, since I was just recently thinking of how funny their meeting would be.
      I'm getting there. I'll probably be at that point in the next 2 weeks if I keep up with finishing the ShB Story.

  • @RiogaRivera
    @RiogaRivera 2 года назад +335

    This dude is really good to talking about msq, it feels like a documentary.

    • @DifunctedReble
      @DifunctedReble 2 года назад +16

      This serious side is good, but also his janky summary is better (find the Warframe vid of him explaining the story).

    • @MarkusAndersen96
      @MarkusAndersen96 2 года назад

      He's also covering 6 year old content and needs to catch up with the story already...

    • @megamage911
      @megamage911 2 года назад +20

      @@MarkusAndersen96 Let him take his time and enjoy it. Besides, he's also playing other games and such.

    • @MarkusAndersen96
      @MarkusAndersen96 2 года назад

      @@megamage911 yeaaah but he's a content creator making a 25 minutes video about a 6 year old expansion, when Endwalker just released. It's just bad timing for content, is all.

    • @megamage911
      @megamage911 2 года назад +18

      @@MarkusAndersen96 I don't think that really matters to him, he's just focused on documenting his own experience and journey, not on talking about what might be the most relevant to the current zeitgeist. Hell get to Endwalker when he gets there.

  • @RothAnim
    @RothAnim 2 года назад +104

    While I think you nailed the major story themes, there's one little twist I think you missed here. The final thing that convinces Hraesvelgar to help you is not Aymeric saying he was willing to murder his own father to further the cause of peace, but Midgardsomar's spirit showing up and revealing we plan to save Estinien, not murder him. We aren't bloodthirsty beasts looking to find an acceptable target in the name of peace, but instead trying to end the cycle of violence. He then calls out Hraesvelgar's attachment to Nidhogg's rage-ghost; does he really consider that murderous shade possessing Estinien to be his brother?
    I think of the ideal popularized by Martin Luther King Jr. "True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice." Midgardsomar's intervention helps to convince Hraesvelgar that Aymeric and the Ishgardians seek the presence of justice, and not merely peace on their own terms.

  • @Haunsa1
    @Haunsa1 2 года назад +172

    seeing mike enjoy a MMO story and watching it blow his mind always makes me laugh.

    • @bondsmatthew
      @bondsmatthew 2 года назад +13

      That's the thing, he's always liked RPGs if you've watched him for a long time. The thing is with wow, the RPG has been sucked out of it and only left with the MMO so that's why it feels like that.
      Going to the Highlights channel(previously gamerdads) there are playthroughs of RE7, all the Mass Effect games, Subnautica, MGS, the Yakuza games, WItcher 3, Bioshock games, etc etc. When God of War came out Mike was super jealous that Ghost was the one to do the playthrough as he wanted to do it lol. Maybe his team could push him to play 2018 god of war before the new one comes out, that would be pretty hype
      Mike loves story based games but most people only know him as that wow raider guy sadly

    • @blech71
      @blech71 2 года назад +4

      Preach has been yearning for this just as many of us that has endured playing an MMO lacking heavily…. well written story has always been something Preach has definitely enjoyed and I’m glad FF14 delivers that. A glimmer of hope coming away from the shitfest we all have endured for so long…. Funny thing is; it’s been there for a long time and we all just had not realized and given it a chance. Glad we all have now. What a ride!

  • @darkrai6543
    @darkrai6543 2 года назад +333

    Loved hearing this - very much would love to see more story talk from preach

    • @alphadron4073
      @alphadron4073 2 года назад +10

      Absolutely. That's a deep and highly personal analysis, I'd love to hear more of that. Especially with Shadowbringers.

    • @nigelm5539
      @nigelm5539 2 года назад +5

      One of the greatest misconceptions is that people think Preach isn't a story guy, when in fact he's a better critic than most when it comes to gameplay and story, as this video proves. People just assume Preach is purely a gameplay guy.

    • @pure35
      @pure35 2 года назад +1

      Same - I love his insight into the story.

  • @williamklett6660
    @williamklett6660 2 года назад +105

    That campfire scene is one of the best scenes I remember from HW. Followed of course Hrealsvegr's tale.

    • @noblewolf8232
      @noblewolf8232 2 года назад +4

      Yep, that was memorable.

    • @Snorlax9
      @Snorlax9 2 года назад +3

      All I want after HW3.0 is to walk that journey with Ysale, Estinien and Alphinauld agan but…

    • @williamklett6660
      @williamklett6660 2 года назад +2

      @@Snorlax9 Alphi annoys me, but yes I 100% agree. The reappearance of Harchufant and Ysale nearly broke me. I still tear up after seeing others discover that same moment for the multi-dozenth time.

    • @Snorlax9
      @Snorlax9 2 года назад +3

      Alphi annoyed me after ARR ending I woulda /spit on him if i could.
      HOWEVER, that campfire and picking sticks was one of the greatest ways to show character progression I have seen in every games and animes. This game is truely a masterpiece in story telling.
      Alphi has all my respect now btw.

    • @williamklett6660
      @williamklett6660 2 года назад +2

      @@Snorlax9 I think it was Alphi's whining 'Oh poor is me' after ARR that got me but yes by ShB he is redeemed. SB in many ways is all about Lyse growing up. Half way through I would gleefully murder Lyse, but by the end she tugged on the heart strings.
      The way FF makes you feel for or against characters is what makes the story and characters breathing and vital. Villains you love to hate. But, as with almost everything, FFXIV is all about growth and redemption.

  • @zombies8cody
    @zombies8cody 2 года назад +107

    A really cool point in the story that I had hoped you would have hit on was when Hraesvelgr explained: if Niddhogg is so powerful and can wipe out all of Ishgard with his army of dragons, why doesn't he just do so? And there is a perfectly understandable reason: Niddhogg will live an eternity compared to mortals and he is so filled with a wrathful vengeance, he just wishes to extend the misery he inflicts on the Ishgardians for as much and as long as possible.
    (*edit* Please see the reply to this post by Ower8x for correction to the following part)
    I also would have liked to hear your thoughts on the story of Tiamat's self-imprisonment, and how the conflict between Ishgard and Dravania was a reflection of an even older betrayal of the dragons by mortals in the Allagans. Lots of really good world-building, and I like that Midgardsormr was such a great ally/tool for the WoL in dealing with his children. We were able to win him over in post-ARR and although he is less involved than some of the other characters, he is no less pivotal in guiding the WoL through Heavensward.
    Great work, Preach. I look forward to more videos likes this and can't wait to hear your thoughts on more of the story.

    • @Ower8x
      @Ower8x 2 года назад +15

      one correction, there was no betrayal by the Allagans ... there was no peaceful accord between the Dragons of Meracydia and the Allagan Empire, that was just a straightforward invasion with the aim of conquest

    • @lunasilvermoon2283
      @lunasilvermoon2283 2 года назад +7

      Another correction to make is that you don't exactly win Midgardsormr over in post-ARR. He recognizes you as being one of Hydaelyn's chosen but it isn't until after the encounter with Tiamat when he recognizes you as Hydaelyn's champion and THAT is when you won him over and rewards you by lending you his wings.

    • @Nirual86
      @Nirual86 2 года назад +3

      @@lunasilvermoon2283 yeah, at the end of ARR he specifically removed Hydaelyns Blessing from us, challenging us to prove ourselves without her help. Heavensward is all about us earning that power back, from his perspective anyway.

  • @PetarBladeStrok
    @PetarBladeStrok 2 года назад +92

    My favorite part of HW is definitely Haucherfant & Ysayle appearing in 3.3. It f-ing broke me to tears. I bawled since Haucherfant was always there for us when most weren't. BTW. Estinien's family was murdered by dragons, as stated by Aymeric. His anger was also justified.

    • @BritishTeaFGC
      @BritishTeaFGC 2 года назад +16

      Just like how Nidhogg's sister was murdered for no reason thus his anger was justified too. Both Estenien and Nidhogg believe that they were the one in the right.

    • @PetarBladeStrok
      @PetarBladeStrok 2 года назад +10

      @@BritishTeaFGC of course it was. I just stated the fact about Estinien since Preach seems to have missed it.

    • @TankSenior
      @TankSenior 2 года назад +1

      @@PetarBladeStrok He was/is probably aware, just didn't happen to mention it in the video.

    • @alphadron4073
      @alphadron4073 2 года назад +11

      That's bascially the tragedy of the Dragonsong War as a whole. At the moment of us entering it, there is no party that's truly wrong. Nidhogg is justified in his rage against Ishgard, Ishgardians are fully justified in their burning hatred to those that were oppressing them for many, *many* generations, Estinine is justified by having his family slaughtered by Nidhogg personally, Hraesvelgr is justified in helping Nidhogg by the same reasons his brother is... even Thordan, trying to finally end this pointless war, has a justification. It's not their motives we judge, but their means and ends.
      And that's great.
      Estinien's story gathers a little more shape if the player has done the Dragoon storyline for Realm Reborn. It delves deeper into the pits of his hatred and why he says he's in full control of Nidhogg's rage coursing through him.

    • @Snorlax9
      @Snorlax9 2 года назад +1

      Imo both Niddhigg and Estinien are justified to do what they were doing, and thats what make the story so powerful coz i kept asking myself “How tf am i gonna solve this problem”, and yet we did it!
      That 2 appeared in the cutscene still tears me up today. Fantastic story.

  • @Luna_and_Solara
    @Luna_and_Solara 2 года назад +38

    Please Mike, talk about whatever you feel like :D this kinda vid is great for those of us that have forgotten or are looking for a different perspective.

  • @kirkalmeida
    @kirkalmeida 2 года назад +17

    There's so much subtlety in the story,
    the fact that they didn't just killed their sister but ripped out her eyes paints a picture on a being with limitless potential left blind and broken on the floor
    We really do much on sight that focusing so much on eyes hits some primal fear within us.

    • @blubblubwhat
      @blubblubwhat 2 года назад

      how we exploit nature.. like open mining destroying hole forest, ore hillarys pet project fraking poisoning our groundwater.

  • @GrayveStone
    @GrayveStone 2 года назад +59

    Wow, I never realized how much lore depth there was here. I've always loved the story, but it's amazing to see this analysis. Thanks for this, this is the sort of insight I love to learn!

  • @foxypoxi
    @foxypoxi 2 года назад +21

    I loved count Edmont of house Fortemps Amazing father figure both to 3 (yes, 3) of his sons but also Aymeric. Narrator of HW and hell of a man, past his prime but being a bulwark for new generation to lean on and head in right direction. Always.

    • @AlleluiaElizabeth
      @AlleluiaElizabeth 2 года назад

      He basically adopts both Aymeric and the WoL and it’s great.

  • @bmo1878
    @bmo1878 2 года назад +13

    See I read Aymeric very differently when I first met him. I see someone who wants to help but who is constrained by his level of authority. I see him as someone who is fighting to do what he thinks is good within a system that is very set in it's ways.

    • @MooseCastle
      @MooseCastle 2 года назад +1

      That's how he's written. No idea where Preach got the idea that he's standoffish or a douche when you first met him. From the very beginning Aymeric is very clearly a bro and does basically everything in his power to help you.

    • @jacobb5484
      @jacobb5484 2 года назад +1

      @@MooseCastle mostly from the old 2.0 voice actors probably.

    • @AlleluiaElizabeth
      @AlleluiaElizabeth 2 года назад

      I didn’t trust Aymeric at first, but even then I never thought he came off as douchey. lol He made it clear he wanted to help more.

  • @reinaldomizutani8867
    @reinaldomizutani8867 2 года назад +50

    Preach, your interpretation put so many beautiful colors into the painting i had in my head about he dragonsong war. Thanks man, really apreciate it!

  • @jessicajones641
    @jessicajones641 2 года назад +10

    I love the armor/sword/shield analogy! Totally agree! You explain perfectly why Aymeric was my favorite character in Heavensward. I also felt that his character (non-dragon) was the most tragic. That scene where Aymeric fires an arrow at Estinien...that slight hesitation was perfect. You can see him waver, but only for a second. This is someone who is willing to lose it all to right a wrong.

  • @violetbliss4399
    @violetbliss4399 2 года назад +93

    I think a showcase of their writing strength is that my characters are different than yours, even tho I agree they are very key to the plot (perhaps more). For me it was Ysayle's story, Haurchefant's story, the Fortemps family story etc... so many little stories that wove into the big whole. It definitely rates highly in terms of game stories, especially as a complete package.

    • @petriew2018
      @petriew2018 2 года назад +4

      the individual stories help deepen the larger narrative. instead of simply being told who's good and who's bad, you have at least one person putting a face on the different facets of what's going on.

    • @clindsell6111
      @clindsell6111 2 года назад +1

      they reference haurchefant throughout the rest of the game. thats how important he was.

  • @thenutty135
    @thenutty135 2 года назад +27

    I never thought I’d see the day preach gave a story breakdown for an mmo…

  • @seekittycat
    @seekittycat 2 года назад +17

    I just love hearing this sort of talk it always brings details I didn't notice before. I feel we all watch the same story but get something different out of it and it's wonderful.

  • @DonaldTurner
    @DonaldTurner 2 года назад +10

    Mike, you continue to evolve as a content creator. this is a magnificent critique. Who would have thought, a kid playing a mmo, dabbles with streaming and video production, would evolve into in essence, an insightful, thoughtful, literary critic! We should all be clear, FF14 is an RPG first, MMO 2nd, almost a playable graphic novel. Big kudos, brother

  • @LordVallens
    @LordVallens 2 года назад +10

    I love lore breakdowns of FFXIV, but Preach....has done this in a way that is so much more enjoyable than any other channel out there. Thank you for this video, I can see myself rewatching this many times over the years.

  • @8man_
    @8man_ 2 года назад +4

    I've always felt that Hraesvelgr's smackdown on Lady Iceheart was brilliant. Ysayle is like many of us now, who look back at the truth of historical injustices and build our own rage and indignance based on sympathy for martyrs and those who history decides to throw by the wayside. With that present grief from looking back though we forget that these people lived, too. That Hraesvelgr is around to tell Ysayle that she is nothing like Shiva is a privilege that we in the real world don't get. It's amazingly refreshing to have a story tell us that no, the martyr you grieve for and worship wasn't how you envisioned them to be, you may use them as a symbol of injustice and as a motive for vengeance, but in life they were a kind soul who wanted peace, which is sometimes the reason why they were taken so cruelly in the first place. The icon you've twisted them into will never be the real them; only those who knew them in life will understand who they truly were, and primals are a great way to get this point across. They're made of the emotions and ideals of the summoner, and thus even with godly powers are just as fallible as mortals. The same could be said about the summoning of Thordan. As a primal he and his convocation are just warriors seeking an end to a war and desire moral purity, which is in incredible contrast to the cowardly king and his fickle disciples who staged an ambush and destroyed years of peace for power. Great analysis, Mike, I'm glad you've brought this brilliant story back to the forefront of people's minds following your playthrough. I hope you'll enjoy the other expansions in similar ways. Cheers.

  • @cassiusbright1062
    @cassiusbright1062 2 года назад +64

    Regarding Aymeric being "douchey" when you first meet him, you missed the point of that first scene with him. The whole point of your first meeting with Aymeric is that by the end of that scene you should realize Aymeric IS on your side but he's there as an ambassador of Ishgard, not just to represent himself. With all his power as Lord Commander of the Temple knights, he still has to answer to the Archbishop and the High Houses, who had it been any of them coming in person aside from Edmont, the Scions never would have had that original trade deal with Ishgard which got their foot in the door to actually get in the city proper in 3.0. Remember Alphinaud nearly completely screwed up the negotiations in that scene and it was only the fact that Aymeric agrees with the Scion's goals that he didn't just tell you to go screw yourself.
    It also lays the groundwork for Alphinaud's later character development, as this is the first point where Alphinaud finally realizes that his blind optimism isn't as good of a negotiating tool as he originally thought and he needs to start being more practical.

    • @Sherolox
      @Sherolox 2 года назад +10

      The part with Alphi almost screwing things over makes me realize how incredibly sensitive matters of politics and negotiations can be.
      A few false words said out of anger or frustration can set you back years in your relation.

    • @PowerfulSkeleton
      @PowerfulSkeleton 2 года назад

      Very solid analysis.

  • @jcabe
    @jcabe 2 года назад +36

    I loved how you broke everything down. It was a refreshing and unique take of HW

  • @VanceTwitch
    @VanceTwitch 2 года назад +4

    I love that this breakdown paints the picture so clearly of why everything happening was so important, and doesn't fall into the trap of "A beloved side character died, the expansion is amazing!". The Ser Aymeric story really is the central point of Heavensward, and what makes it so great. Wonderful round up Preach, I'd love to see more content like this!

  • @emiach
    @emiach 2 года назад +4

    Hey Preach I was absolutely floored by this in-depth lore review. I’d love to see more of this from you.

  • @TenchiSawada
    @TenchiSawada 2 года назад

    More of this please! This deep dives and hearing your thoughts both good and bad create such a good foundation and basis point for future reviews.

  • @mickzclouds
    @mickzclouds 2 года назад

    one of my favorite videos you have ever done. hope we see more of this from you. it was so interesting and well thought through and I could feel how passionate you were about it

  • @lukapitkanen3333
    @lukapitkanen3333 2 года назад +1

    These kinds of videos are great. I just love seeing people talk about things they really enjoy or are passionated about.

  • @muhansen2138
    @muhansen2138 2 года назад +14

    good content yet again from mike, but this is really on whole another level for me, love how he recaped the story in this way!

  • @Azari_D
    @Azari_D 2 года назад +2

    Duuude, I absolutely loved this video. I played through the story myself and read everything, but this got into some subtle stuff that I didn't notice at all along the way, and pulled threads together that I didn't realize were connected. Thank you very much, and I hope you do this for the other xpacs too if you have the time.

  • @Sprakenheit
    @Sprakenheit 2 года назад +9

    Just goes to show the level of detail they had in the storytelling when almost every scene Preach mentions he says "this is crucial". This is also why players love and praise the story so much because you are very rewarded for paying attention to it.

  • @shanemoody529
    @shanemoody529 2 года назад

    I'd love to see more videos like this about other stories that you find that you enjoy. Its really cool to hear other people's perspectives/interpretations of art.

  • @insertparanoia6090
    @insertparanoia6090 2 года назад

    More spoiler content please!!! I love these deep analysis of the story, that I haven't even made myself when I went through the story. Absolutely wondeful!

  • @atrea
    @atrea Год назад

    I have to say that this is an excellent recap of the story with good and clear explanation. I really enjoyed it!

  • @the-yomma
    @the-yomma 2 года назад

    Would love to see this type of video as you get further and further along. You make some great points here that will continue to be relevant and would love to hear you revisit these thoughts based on later findings to see where there are connections or further development.

  • @danmarshall4812
    @danmarshall4812 2 года назад +1

    Great video - cheers Mike, looking forward to following your streams of Stormblood and beyond :)

  • @brandalgo
    @brandalgo 2 года назад

    Fantastic video! Great insights. This helped me get more from the story as maybe I didn't catch / grasp everything.

  • @d0minican0milan0
    @d0minican0milan0 2 года назад

    Loved the analysis! This is truly a great story...looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts 😁

  • @NibblerPDX
    @NibblerPDX 2 года назад

    I really love your attention to detail here. The way you explain and connect the lore really gives me a new appreciation for it all. I can't wait to see your thoughts on the later expansions!

  • @elvininfante307
    @elvininfante307 2 года назад +6

    Wow Mike this was really well said. Personally this was a new perspective I had overlooked. Of course this isn’t spoilers for people like me who played it years ago and have watched it countless times, but it is like hearing the tale be told for the first time …..in a way. Thanks for this and hope you continue to enjoy the game.

  • @MuraCasardis
    @MuraCasardis 2 года назад

    I love these eloquently explained video. You summed up one of the main reasons why I love HW so much.

  • @iamadamsusername
    @iamadamsusername 2 года назад

    Really cool analysis and review. Great stuff, Mike (and Chris for the edits)

  • @tibowmew
    @tibowmew 2 года назад

    I would love for you to do a video like this periodically as you go through. I sometimes have such different perspectives than others that it's nice to hear what you saw and got from the game.

  • @balanceofjudgement4282
    @balanceofjudgement4282 2 года назад +4

    Really like these breakdowns of your thoughts.
    For me, personally, I saw Hraesvelgar being convinced because of a 'perfect storm'. Alphinaud came in with a good point regarding Ysaile, then Emeric came with the meat of the argument. Lastly, Midgardsormr, who was impressed by the potential of man due to watching the WoL came with a clutch argument as well. It might be a small thing, but to me one of the memorable parts of that whole cutscene was how respectful Midgardsormr was to his child. Just how you made the points about genius writing in presenting Hraesvelgar, those 2-3 lines from Midgardsormr told us a lot about him as well.
    Overall, really nice breakdown. Am glad you are enjoying it. Hope to see more of this type of content. o/

  • @tropicalson3587
    @tropicalson3587 2 года назад +1

    This was great! Pls do more of these!

  • @jasperhighwind6119
    @jasperhighwind6119 2 года назад

    I absolutely loved this, preach! Please do more stuff like this! ❤️

  • @ontime9721
    @ontime9721 2 года назад +1

    good video, would love more of these update videos on your thoughts about the lore and the story

  • @TankSenior
    @TankSenior 2 года назад

    Loved hearing your analysis and point of view on this. Thanks Preach.

  • @heartlacies
    @heartlacies 2 года назад +3

    I loved everything about this video, beautifully said. There’s a reason why I love Heavensward so much, I actually love it as much as Shadowbringers. Can’t wait until you (eventually) get there.

  • @justinmaddox4134
    @justinmaddox4134 2 года назад

    Mike, this is seriously an amazing video man!

  • @_CinnamonKitty
    @_CinnamonKitty 2 года назад

    Really nice seeing you join the community and enjoy the game - then to start raving about it so much. Good luck with the rest ❤️

  • @bdelvec
    @bdelvec 2 года назад

    Love hearing your take and these deep dives are some of your best content. Please continue to make more of these for the MSQ. Cannot wait for your deep dive on Shadowbringers!

  • @notjefflee
    @notjefflee 2 года назад

    This is so good. Please more story analysis!

  • @Zlei.
    @Zlei. 2 года назад

    Your take on the story is enlightening and helped me appreciate the story more than when I played it the first time.

  • @PepperPawbs
    @PepperPawbs 2 года назад

    Can’t wait to hear more of these story discussions later on. For me Heavensward was a lifetime ago and much like the story told within, the details have been lost to memory while the repercussions live on today. It’s really nice to hear a passionate recap of something that is so eroded by time in my mind.

  • @Dewkeeper
    @Dewkeeper 2 года назад

    That was a very good analysis of the story. Please do more!

  • @ItsPuppyDoll
    @ItsPuppyDoll 2 года назад +1

    Good content. Comment for the algorithm. Love u Mike, bex, Chris, and the rest of the pg team&family

  • @bubblezlife4
    @bubblezlife4 2 года назад

    Great discussion of the story. Loved to hear more of it for the other expansions when you get to them.

  • @tuckapeak
    @tuckapeak 2 года назад

    Fantastic view of the story. Looking foward to these for future xpacs

  • @theresaplatypuscontrolling5464
    @theresaplatypuscontrolling5464 2 года назад

    Great analysis Mike! Spot on

  • @NPDStudio
    @NPDStudio 2 года назад

    Really good video Preach. Really looking forward to seeing you take on future expansions ^^

  • @Wickertop
    @Wickertop 2 года назад +3

    I really love this take - it's absolutely correct in so many ways, but Aymeric's arc is one not often-talked about when the praise for Heavensward is being laid out by the community. Everyone talks about Haurchefant, The Warrior of Darkness, Nidhogg, and Ysayle, but so few people seem to click with Aymeric's journey being just as important.
    I'm very excited to see what your takes are going forward :D I hope you enjoy it! ♥

  • @sandyhayden-bristow1382
    @sandyhayden-bristow1382 2 года назад

    Loved your insight sir. One of the greatest factors of the game's storyline/lore is that there are so many dimensions to it. Our own individual perceptions of the character interactions is so unique and yet, none are truly wrong. Perception is usually based on one's own experiences and, to a degree, our own bias. There is a prismatic quality to the story and it is very difficult to accomplish and these fine writers bring it to us flawlessly. Please continue sharing your thoughts and views; it is wonderful to see you enjoying it so much!

  • @Joe-it2dh
    @Joe-it2dh 2 года назад +5

    In the beginning of Aymeric's story he is completely bound by duty and his orders, that is why he is so uptight and stoic combined with his general distrust of everyone. When he is first introduced his orders are "tell them no, our doors are closed." To him you're a nobody and regardless he MUST tell you no, albeit against his own wishes. It was actually Haurchefont constantly singing your praises to Aymeric that makes him give you a chance and he changes his thinking about you. As you said yourself the man has 2 friends, he doesn't trust lightly and his position was precarious until his father was truly dealt with.
    Atleast that was what I got from his story arc.

  • @heylookitsnana
    @heylookitsnana 2 года назад +2

    Really enjoyed yoru perspective! I love watching new players play b/c they always appreciate something different. Please do more spoiler talks in the future.

  • @DisappointedBuddha
    @DisappointedBuddha 2 года назад +8

    Considering how in-depth Mike's analysis of the story is, it's no wonder he said MMO stories don't do it for him.

    • @megamage911
      @megamage911 2 года назад +1

      But it's good to see that FFXIV has proven that an MMO story CAN be this engaging.

  • @korrul
    @korrul 2 года назад

    Loving this story and having a lot of professional experience with design and storytelling I still got a lot of insight from this. Amazing stuff. I think you'll be one of the people who enjoys stormblood

  • @Shiek178
    @Shiek178 2 года назад

    This was a great video and I enjoyed watching him discuss points of the story I hadn't considered before, it really makes you appreciate the writing. If he liked Heavensward so much I really hope he watches the first two minutes or so of the Patch 3.3 - Revenge of the Horde trailer - It does such a great job of hyping you up for the fight and it's something I enjoy even to this day years later.

  • @qbee3642
    @qbee3642 2 года назад

    This was incredibly well made!

  • @reg6977
    @reg6977 2 года назад

    Nice to see your passion returning mate

  • @Jadnar
    @Jadnar 2 года назад

    Mike you nailed this, please do more of these

  • @estebanmn6620
    @estebanmn6620 2 года назад

    Preach you are really good at this, loving all your content

  • @aimee4326
    @aimee4326 2 года назад

    Fantastic break down. The dragonsong wars is one of my favourite stories too. Even after finishing EW. The music still hits me when I'm in the zone.

  • @viciousinu4001
    @viciousinu4001 2 года назад

    i appreciate yer attn to detail. i really wanna see more like this when u finish each xpac please!!

  • @TheBuckSleezy
    @TheBuckSleezy 2 года назад

    It’s fun hearing these breakdowns of this game and it’s stories so long after I’ve done them. It’s a wonderful reminder why all these characters mean so much to me now in endwalker

  • @xenonecromera
    @xenonecromera 2 года назад

    It's great to see how passionate you are about the story and characters. What I love about the game is that they don't try to recapture past successes, every story arc is distinctly different and great in its own way. I can't wait to see your thoughts on the upcoming stuff

  • @sijrichters
    @sijrichters 2 года назад

    Your analysis is on point, Preach. Much respect. Can't wait for you to play through the next expansions!

  • @Tylanthia
    @Tylanthia 2 года назад

    Hey Preach. Really good video. I've been watching you since cata and this was a really good one. I think everyone gets different things out of the story but you explained why you like what you did really well!

  • @JustinSane626
    @JustinSane626 2 года назад

    Loved your video cant wait to hear your thoughts and feelings on shadowbringers

  • @monkeypolice3048
    @monkeypolice3048 2 года назад

    Preach is so good at analyzing the story. I love it thank you preach Please do more I appreciated it. This help me understand the game alot better.

  • @theAphelionDT
    @theAphelionDT 2 года назад

    outstanding analysis, one of the best I've seen on Heavensward

  • @mazem2981
    @mazem2981 2 года назад

    Thanks Preach this gave me so many new persepectives. This is #1 footage created about Final Fantasy 14 Heavensward. Btw what I really love FF (I am an old fan from FF1 so besides everything FF i based on) is the fact that I can see the growth of so many characters and well I feel npcs are real friends after playing one expansion from another. So I really feel happy about their announcing they have a plan for another 10 years. I would have been playinglike half a century then lol and it is a great story I will live the rest of my life with enjoying).

  • @Xavien12
    @Xavien12 2 года назад

    I really like these breakdown videos, especially as they give new perspectives to things I felt but couldnt put into words when I first played it. Keep them coming would love to hear more of your thoughts. Though Stormblood is a a bit controversial in its take on on story, so would love to see how your take on it is.

  • @brettrichards4048
    @brettrichards4048 2 года назад +4

    I love this breakdown, it is such a great aspect to this story. I think one of the best part is how well it ties everything in with other characters. Alphinaud having to mature as the story beats him down and then builds him back up. I think one key thing you missed is Haurchefant and his connection to Sir Aymeric. While they may not be as close, the key part is that they're both bastards but unlike Sir Aymeric, Haurchefant had an actual caring relationship with his father and this openness and warmth that I think Sir Aymeric wishes he could have had and could have been. It's that warmth and kindness that Aymeric definitely has but at that point in the story he's had to hide and conceal due to his position and lineage.

  • @xScottDarkx
    @xScottDarkx 2 года назад +5

    You've come a long way. Glad you people finally understand why everyone was shouting to play their game!

  • @malta071
    @malta071 2 года назад +15

    Yea man. Fact that you have to read what dragons are saying is so cool, so smart. Same goes for SHB.
    If certain ascian was not as cool as he was, I would say that HW is the best story in 14.
    Definitely best song in 14 tho, Dragonsong is the shit!

  • @jaredfource
    @jaredfource 2 года назад

    I loved this story talk holy shit. Looking forward to a story talk about 4.1-4.3 and ShB

  • @josephxp96
    @josephxp96 2 года назад +24

    Wait till Mike finishes 5.0 and 5.3, Shadowbringers may be his #1 favorite.

    • @josiahclarke3535
      @josiahclarke3535 2 года назад

      I found the whole of HW was better but the last 30% or so of ShB was amazing.

    • @TheSilverwing999
      @TheSilverwing999 2 года назад +3

      Endwalker might be his favorite tbh

  • @JABO95SA
    @JABO95SA 2 года назад

    Love this content!

  • @Rc3651
    @Rc3651 2 года назад

    It's been so long since I experienced HW myself that this really made me remember why I loved it so much back then. Would love to see this level of discussion on other moments in the story.

  • @MrNileX
    @MrNileX 2 года назад

    Loved this video would definitely like to hear your opinion on more of the stories!

  • @Solus_Fenryr
    @Solus_Fenryr 2 года назад

    Great video. Looking forward to more.

  • @BunnehRealm
    @BunnehRealm 2 года назад

    I like this Mike. I would enjoy more videos like this. Very Pogchamp.

  • @magpie4168
    @magpie4168 2 года назад +1

    man this is such good video

  • @Zenith118
    @Zenith118 2 года назад

    I'm really glad youre taking your time and not rushing to the end. ShB and EW will still be there when you finish. Enjoy the ride. :)

  • @Dotoku14
    @Dotoku14 2 года назад +1

    Preach REALLY pays attention to the story. You love to see it! 🥰

  • @brynphillips9957
    @brynphillips9957 2 года назад

    It is very interesting to see it from another perspective. My take was the thing that made the difference was that our goal was, in the end, about saving lives, not taking them. However your take is just as valid and I can totally see that take now in the story.