Dawntrail is the victory lap to Endwalkers photo finish; a sugary sweet piña colada that hides the tequila deep in the cup. But as soon as the bitterness hits, it's empty.
I've heard one streamer describe it as "good filler"; admittedly a good way to put it. It felt like two post-patch MSQ stories that lead into one another.
It's very shōnen-coded as it's core; from its premise, writing and pacing. Which, from reading some of a recent PC Gamer article, might explain why it's hit or miss for some people.
(Spoilers bellow)
Wuk Lamat is clearly the second attempt at writing a "Lyse Hext"; at least they stuck the conclusion of her arc pretty well. It starts and ends roughly around the middle to last half of the expansion, where perspective kinda moves to Erinville.
Surprised from how much they let him be around for. His perspective of "being a relatively normal person" grounds some of the more esoteric developments the player/WOL has grown accustomed too in the latter half. And his arc was brief, but welcomed nonetheless.
I wish Krile got more screen time; but much of her involvement really belies with the fact that she's from another shard and nothing more. Unfortunate, but at least she wasn't stuck in a room this time around.
Dawntrail clearly was more interested in playing with the new cast they introduced; characters unburdened by years of screen time. Why were the scions involved at all, then? Same reason why the WOL is involved. They're more "expected to" than "invited" to be present by the writers. And until the WOL has some personal stake in any matters; it'll probably keep being that way till the C plot kicks in.
Anyway, I'm curious to see how the post-patch MSQ comes along; I hope to see any interaction between Wuk, Erinville and Lyse. The Gridania Duo being echoed in the interations between Wuk and Erinville is very welcome in a cast of cool and competent characters.
