Final Fantasy XVI (16)

Press the touchpad for the map, can't say if it works outside of towns though

Hmmm started out with Graphics mode after reading the DF analysis and I've been generally agnostic about 30fps/60fps in other things, but some reason Graphics feels really off during open world movement, it's jarring almost to the point of motion sickness. In combat, not a problem. Switched to Performance and it's much more comfortable. Either something is particularly hinky with movement in Graphics mode, or it's just me I'm coming to it too accustomed to higher frame rate in other games recently, I dunno.

The side quests up to now are about as simple as it gets gameplay wise but they are adding meaningful flavour and context to the world of the game. They are pretty well done.

For sure, it's very much like FF14 in that regard which also has plenty of basic fetch quest side missions but are used to flesh out the setting a bit more. But with FF14 you had practically dozens if not hundreds of these fetch quests when here it's more contained cause the areas are smaller. I think the take away from the side quests are is is the added context to the world and not in any meaningful rewards. If that's not for you then I can see how they're disappointing. However, like in FF14, any side quests which have a + icon next to them are the ones you should absolutely persue as they give actual meaningful upgrades

The side quests so far are pure filler, but to a certain extent, that's all they have to be.

I remember during the negative reaction to FFXV's linear "second half" (more like final hour or so) I said that part of the problem was that there were no side quests in Altissia or Insomnia, and that even a few fetch/kill quests here or there, basic as they are, would have made a huge difference (in the end they actually implemented this amongst other things with the Royal Edition).

That the same goes for FFXIII goes without saying.

While it was never in doubt that this one would have side quests considering the developers worked on ARR, I'm not complaining too much since the series has form for forgetting to put any in at all.

As for the diversity thing, no spoilers, but the story they're telling could definitely have had them decide to "stay the FUCK away from any racial angle".

Rightly or wrongly they could have bet on the "lack of representation" backlash being smaller than if they accidentally put a foot wrong.

I had this thought, too. And I agree it can't be all of the reason, but I wonder if it played into their thinking.

The problem is that Twitter exists. A game about slavery yet mysteriously none of the slaves are POC? That's whitewashing, you're trying to deny history. Or the liberal snowflakes are kowtowing. Some slaves are black? Well that outrage writes itself.

Again I'm not saying "ah ha! Here's the reason." I just think it could have been a small factor.

Anyone with even a passing interest in fictional history knows that the imaginary kingdom of Valisthea had no pretend brown people.

Anyone else getting Witcher English VA vibes from the main protagonist? More specifically, Henry Cavill's take on Doug Cockle's performance.

Voice acting across the board has been brilliant but Ralph Ineson steals every scene he's in.

One up the bum, no harm done.

/lights cigar

Well, I suppose this is kind of the point. Your fictional kingdom filled with magic users and dragons could just as easily be populated entirely by black people. Would a white NPC be a token?

Why is 'all white' the default setting for completely made up stories?

Not in disagreement at all, I can just also see why the theme's strong connotations to real world historical events could have resulted in a well meaning faux pas.