The recent update, Patch 7.4, for Final Fantasy 14 marked the conclusion of the acclaimed Arcadion raid series. This series was particularly praised for its immersive storytelling, compelling characters, and the distinctive musical scores accompanying each boss encounter, a rarity in the game. Yet, amidst the positive reception, a notable point of contention emerged: the persistent and, for many, tiresome inclusion of the track 'Machinations' in various in-game cutscenes and areas. This particular piece, though not inherently flawed, has become a symbol of narrative stagnation for long-time players, overshadowing the game’s otherwise vibrant and diverse musical landscape.
The issue stems from the song’s frequent deployment across a decade of content and five expansions, creating a sense of auditory fatigue. Its appearance often coincides with unvoiced narrative segments that rehash plot points or set up future conflicts, moments many players describe as "filler." This repetitive use, coupled with its presence in mandatory zones like the PvP arena Wolves’ Den, has rendered the track inescapable and, for some, undesirable. The community is now voicing a strong desire for “Machinations” to be retired, advocating for new compositions to inject fresh energy into the game's ongoing story and prevent further disillusionment during crucial narrative sequences.
The Ubiquity of "Machinations" in Final Fantasy 14
The latest update for Final Fantasy 14, Patch 7.4, concluded the Arcadion raid series, which was widely praised for its exceptional narrative and unique boss encounter themes. However, despite the innovative musical contributions by Soken to these raids, such as the memorable “Bee My Honey,” the game once again featured the track “Machinations” in its cutscenes. This decision has sparked a conversation among players regarding the song’s continued presence, which many feel has overstayed its welcome. Having been a staple since the MMO’s early days, “Machinations” has become emblematic of narrative lulls rather than pivotal moments, leading to a sense of disengagement during story sequences.
“Machinations” is a track that has permeated Final Fantasy 14’s soundscape throughout its decade-long run, spanning numerous expansions. While acknowledged for its bold and battle-ready composition, its relentless overuse in unvoiced cutscenes – often those involving exposition or reiteration of plot points – has transformed it from an impactful piece into a source of player weariness. The psychological conditioning of hearing this song during less engaging story moments has inadvertently caused players to mentally “tune out” whenever its familiar notes begin. Furthermore, its pervasive inclusion as the main theme in the Wolves’ Den, a mandatory PvP hub, ensures its constant presence, making it virtually unavoidable for players and reinforcing the feeling that the song has become ubiquitous to the point of being a narrative detriment.
A Call for Musical Variety in Future Expansions
The repetitive nature of “Machinations” stands in stark contrast to the rich and varied musical catalogue that Final Fantasy 14 boasts, which includes contributions from renowned artists like Tom Morello. Players argue that the game’s creative studio, Creative Studio 3, has a wealth of other “bangers” that could easily replace the overused track, especially as the game transitions into new narrative arcs. The upcoming Dawntrail expansion presented an ideal opportunity for a musical refresh, yet the song persisted. This adherence to an outdated musical choice in key narrative moments prevents the game from fully leveraging its extensive and critically acclaimed soundtrack, impacting player immersion.
As Final Fantasy 14 continues to evolve, many players are making a passionate plea for “Machinations” to be finally retired in future expansions. Although not considered a “dud” in isolation, its utility has undeniably diminished due to its constant recycling. Introducing new or underutilized musical pieces into the narrative’s quieter moments would breathe fresh life into the player experience, making unvoiced dialogues and exposition more engaging. Such a change would not only revitalize potentially sluggish story segments but also demonstrate an responsiveness to player feedback, ensuring that the game's auditory elements continue to enhance, rather than detract from, the overall adventure. The hope is that the next expansion will truly mark the beginning of a new chapter, musically and narratively.
