I view it as fantasy, maybe akin to Lord of the Rings, and similarly rooted in realism. Too often I have seen discussions about lore, magic, and everything else devolve into one person or group of people saying something to the effect of, "Lol, really? Are we really talking about realism in a fantasy game?" But the reality (ha) of the situation is that the best works in the fantasy genre don't ignore certain constants of the universe. Something that outright defies physics, for example, is acknowledged as such and a reason is provided for that thing.
I think FFXIV is generally good about this. The concept of magick is explained as manipulating aether - essentially the mana that makes up life in other settings - to perform our characters' abilities.
FFXIV isn't without its anime tropes. Immediately, Hildibrand comes to mind, with all of the exaggerated expressions and teeth gleaming in his smile. But I feel it's telling that you don't really see it outside of that questline. I view most of the visual effects of physical attacks the same way; they're there to make the skills more identifiable, but Yvelont does not in fact shine forth beams of light with every series of sword swings.
I think FFXIV is generally good about this. The concept of magick is explained as manipulating aether - essentially the mana that makes up life in other settings - to perform our characters' abilities.
FFXIV isn't without its anime tropes. Immediately, Hildibrand comes to mind, with all of the exaggerated expressions and teeth gleaming in his smile. But I feel it's telling that you don't really see it outside of that questline. I view most of the visual effects of physical attacks the same way; they're there to make the skills more identifiable, but Yvelont does not in fact shine forth beams of light with every series of sword swings.
Yvelont Navarre
Parn Paparn
IC Blog for Yvelont: http://never-your-pawn.tumblr.com
OOC Blog: http://navarre-again.tumblr.com
Parn Paparn
IC Blog for Yvelont: http://never-your-pawn.tumblr.com
OOC Blog: http://navarre-again.tumblr.com
