Ul'dah. The story in Ul'dah is quite engaging. It's all about the politics, the power struggles, and the economic might of this desert city - state. You start to see the seedy underbelly of the city as well as the glitz and glamour on the surface. There are a lot of interesting characters, from the rich merchants to the street urchins, and the story has a lot of twists and turns that keep you hooked.
Gridania probably has one of the best starting stories in FF14. It's deeply intertwined with nature and the elementals. The story there makes you feel like you're an important part of this forest - centric community. You get to learn about the Greenwrath, the balance between man and nature, and the various forest spirits. It really draws you into the lore of the game from the very beginning.
Chrono Trigger. It's a story that spans across time, which is a really unique concept. The characters are also very likable, and the way the story unfolds, with different time periods to explore and different events to influence, is just brilliant. It's a more concise and well - crafted story compared to FF7 which can get a bit convoluted at times.
The characters. In all the starting cities, there are memorable characters. In Ul'dah, you have the sultana and her advisors, each with their own motives and personalities. These characters drive the story forward, and their interactions with you as the player make the story more immersive. You care about what happens to them, and this makes the story more engaging.
Personally, I find the Machinist class story very engaging. It's set in a world where technology and magic coexist. As a Machinist, you are part of this new - age group of adventurers using advanced machinery. The story is about innovation, exploration, and the struggle to make your mark in a world that is still getting used to this new form of combat. It has a lot of action - packed sequences and a great overarching plot.
Gridania has a great starting city story. It's deeply rooted in nature and the Elementals. You start off immersed in the forest environment, dealing with issues like the balance between man and nature. The city's architecture and the people's way of life are all in harmony with the forest. There are quests that introduce you to the unique culture of the Gridanians, such as their relationship with the Padjal, who are a special race in the game. Overall, it gives a very immersive and magical start to your FFXIV journey.
In Gridania, the feature of its starting city story is the strong connection to nature. The quests often revolve around maintaining the balance with the Elementals. For example, you might have to help resolve disputes between loggers and the forest spirits. The city's layout and the presence of all the trees and wildlife make it feel like you're truly part of a forest - dwelling community. It gives a sense of tranquility and mystery as you explore the deeper parts of the forest in search of answers to the problems presented in the story.
The Anima Weapon side story is also well - liked. It involves a long and arduous journey to create a powerful weapon. You have to complete various tasks and dungeons, and the story unfolds as you progress, making it a very immersive side story experience.
In my opinion, 'Heavensward' is still one of the best. The dragon - related storylines are captivating. You have the Ascians playing their part in the background, and the whole concept of the Dragonsong War is just epic. The way the story unfolds, with you gradually uncovering the secrets of Ishgard and its relationship with the dragons, is really engaging.
I think Cloud, Tifa, and Cid make a good party for the story. Cloud is the obvious choice as the lead. Tifa is a great support fighter and has a strong bond with Cloud. Cid, with his gruff personality and piloting skills, adds a different dimension to the party. His story also weaves into the overall narrative of FF7, so they work well together for the story.
In FF15, the story of the four friends' journey to save their kingdom is really great. The bond between Noctis, Gladiolus, Prompto and Ignis is at the heart of it. They face various challenges together, like fighting powerful daemons and dealing with political intrigue in their homeland. Their friendship grows and is tested throughout the adventure, which makes the whole story engaging.
The main story quests in FF14 are often considered the best. They take players on an epic journey through the world of Eorzea, with a great mix of lore, character development, and exciting plot twists. For example, the Heavensward expansion's story is amazing. It delves deep into the history of the Ishgardians and their war with the dragons. The characters you meet along the way, like Aymeric, are well - written and their stories are intertwined with the overall plot in a very engaging way.