Written by Sunniva Stalsberg
Name: Nier Automata Raid: Final Fantasy XIV
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PC, PS4
Reviewed on: PC
Release Date: 29.10.2019
Acquired: A copy of this game was provided from a publisher for review purpose
Final Fantasy XIV is not a stranger to get crossovers, but to throw in Nier Automata and we may have one of the best ones. Fantasy XIV is a massive online multiplayer role-playing game (MMORPG) with the Final Fantasy games in the center.
This game now has now 3 DLC packages (Heavensward, Stormblood, and Shadowbringers) and with the newest one released this summer, it was high time to get some new content. With the release of patch 5.1 to Shadowbringers, it was time for my warrior of darkness to embark on a new adventure following the latest patch 5.0. This gave me the best dungeon raid I have ever played, as the directors of Final Fantasy now have teamed up with the brilliant Yoko Taro the video game creator of the Nier series. And they created a masterpiece that has made me scream from delight to frustration as I battled my way through a lot of known characters from the Nier Automata series.
The Good
Before I start on what’s the good here I need to speak of how well written into the story the Nier raid was. Not giving away any spoilers, but if you played FFXIV you know you are in for some weird shit once in a while, and this is no different. The story starts with two dwarfs starting up an enterprise and finding an ominous factory underground. Here you meet 2P, not quite the same protagonist 2B from Nier Automata.
Then you will have to put your life at stake as you and 24 other players slay your way through tons of enemies one larger than the other. But don’t you worry, you will be enjoying every second of it as the amazing soundtrack will make your ears hum with delight, and even makes it worth it to wipe sometimes just to hear them again.
You will be pushed to your limit in this one and gives the Raids in the game a challenging new style, with new mechanics that have both FFXIV traditional signature with dodging and attack, but with the Nier inspirations, this makes for some awesome fights.
But as you think how can it be better, the loot comes. And I never thought I could be that happy too dress up my warrior as 2B or 9S. The gear itself is not just useful but captures some iconic looks. But if you are not like me that likes to grind through a dungeon 100 times just to get one piece of armor, there is a loot box at the end of the trial that will give the full set in cosmetic version so just glamour your old gear and look as fabulous as 2B herself (the dress is a one fit all btw, that mean men as well).
The Bad
Here I have to admit I have searched high and low trying to find something I don’t like about this raid and the only thing I could find is how the loot system works with only one piece a week.
To explain; in every Raid, you can either need, greed or pass. In this particular raid, you can only hit need or greed one time a week if you get what you want. If you don’t you will have to fight your way through it again and hope that the random loot offers what you need, and keep in mind you are battling 8 other players to get it.
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Raid Score 10
10/10
Verdict
Dark Apocalypse is off to an amazing start, adding a fresh look on raids and better loot. As this is just the first off three raids I can’t wait to see what they will do next. And in boss fights, this Raid is knocking the others out of the park.
Overall
10/10
