So I’ve gone back to playing Final Fantasy 14…
This time I am playing very casually though! I really can’t dedicate the time required to be a decent player but it’s nice to plod and and enjoy the game at a leisurely pace.
And I’m not playing as my old character either. I’ve purposely rolled a new account too so I can break away from the old Paru. Too many memories were built into the previous Paru that a fresh start was what I really needed. It’s a new version of my character, starting with the basics and earning her way towards (hopefully) being a decent monk.
The last time I played was just before my mother’s full diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer. I was already in a slump, falling behind the group and really not feeling any envoy enjoyment when I tried to contribute. I was also having a terrible case of writer’s block and horrible anxiety pangs whenever I tried to write or edit anything, which affected my ongoing adventure blog. So once my mum’s cancer was confirmed, I knew that I couldn’t dedicate time to the game and I closed my account. Walking away felt incredible.
I won’t even pretend that I regretted it, as much as I loved my character I didn’t love her history or the continued feeling of failure looming over me. She was great fun and I’ll always treasure the amazing times I had playing her, but she’s gone now.
I’ve been playing most of today, just doing story quests and general fannying about and it’s been really relaxing. Something I truly never thought I could say about the game! Running around Ul’Dah has been very nostalgic, it’s like going to a beloved childhood holiday destination when you’re a grown up!
(The new and possibly improved Paru)
I don’t know how long I’ll play for, I’m on the free trial until level 35 so we shall see.
But it is very nice to be back!
Glad to see you’re enjoying yourself again!
Yes I very much am! Gently working my way through the MSQ, though I don’t have a lot of time right now thanks to work!
As long as the pace is enjoyable, that’s what counts!