Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker (PlayStation, PC, £29.99 plus ongoing subscription)
Rating: 
Verdict: It’s a whole new world
In normal circumstances, the release of an expansion — that is, more stuff — for the 14th game in a series would be a gross act of overstretch. I mean, maybe it’s time to give it a rest?
But these aren’t normal circumstances. Endwalker is the name of this expansion. The game’s name is Endwalker. It was born in an unlucky year about ten years ago, but it has grown to be an immensely popular online world that threatens the supremacy of World of Warcraft.
If you’ve been playing Final Fantasy XIV for ages, then Endwalker is surely one of the most significant releases… ever.
Endwalker is filled with big moments as any story about godlike creatures clashing. It transports us from one spectacular location to another, up to its world’s moon
After all, it’s the culmination of a story that has been told across eight years and three previous expansions. It is narrative fiction at a monumental scale.
Final Fantasy XIV’s greatest strength is its story. For many, it was believed that multiplayer online games such as WoW would not deliver the same quality experience as single-player games. The Japanese designers of FFXIV proved this wrong.
Endwalker has many big moments. This is what a tale about clashing godlike entities should have. It transports us from one spectacular location to another, up to its world’s moon.
We encounter practically all of the game’s most famous heroes and villains.
It was believed that Mass multiplayer games such as WoW wouldn’t deliver the same level of quality and care than a single-player experience. The Japanese creators of FFXIV proved this wrong
Endwalker is a new life for FFXIV. Each day thousands of new initiates join. It’s the place to be
But it’s in the smallest moments — simple conversations with friends — that Endwalker’s qualities are best demonstrated. Endwalker’s game inspires both introspection and awe.
Let’s not forget the actual gameplay. Endwalker adds several features to keep long-time players satisfied — including a couple of new character types (the scythe-toting Reaper and medicinal Sage) and, eventually, a mode in which you can live the quiet life on an island.
However, what do you recommend for Final Fantasy XIV’s new players? Everything, I’d say. Endwalker brought new life and energy to FFXIV. Each day thousands of new initiates join. It’s the place to be.
This is also a significant commitment. You can, if you wish, fast-forward to the Endwalker parts, but it’s better to enjoy the story as it was meant to be enjoyed, chapter by chapter. Besides, it takes time and effort to properly understand FFXIV’s intricacies.
But it’s all worth it; even the occasional queues for a place on the game’s online servers. You have an entire world to explore.