I didn't really want to comment on the Archon Quest until patch 4.2, and in general, I'd say it was decent enough with less "filler-ish" content compared to previous nation AQ. 4.2 also managed to fix the dreadful pacing that was 4.1 (the whole prison segment went on a glacial pace with all the back and forth and irrelevant discussion/minigames).
They managed to make most characters charming on their own rights instead of relying on gimmick stuff and all. General plot outlines were good enough, but unfortunately, I do think there are still many issues when it comes to execution and screenplay.
Spoiler for 4.2 Archon Quest spoilers:
- This isn't just with 4.2, but I do think Furina's screentime was really minimal most of the time, so there is very little character exposure aside of her grand introduction, Liney's trial and her "chat" with Arlecchino. Because of this, there isn't really much stuff to explore until shit hits the fan. If anything, I found her character to be generally backloaded. It really makes her look passive until you realized what Focalors forced her to do and despite the flashback telling you otherwise. Honestly, I believe she should have been with the group during their search for clues in the ruins. And speaking of which, I'm not sure why she didn't take action when Poisson's disaster occurred, such as sending relief teams and the likes and overseeing the operation.
- The early part of 4.2 AQ was quite slow and actually lacked urgency until what happened at Poisson area. If anything, I think it would have made much more sense to immediately start with Poisson disaster right after the traveler and paimon left Meropide Fortress, which in turn prompts Neuvilette and the rest to press on Furina. This would actually gives room for Traveler to bond with Furina a little bit before being stuck with Furina's refusal to explain herself, which would prompt their desperate attempt to force a trial. And to be really honest, I think characters agreeing on a trial was a bit sudden with very little content that would make them conclude they should indict her for pretending to be a god.
- The trial itself was quite simplistic on its own and it really doesn't paint Furina in a good light when it comes to oration. She has been doing this for centuries, but the only trials we have seen so far in-game, both Liney's and hers, pretty much don't flatter her by any means, demonstrating her very limited abilities. I would have expected her to hone her deduction skills to make up for for her complete lack of divinity but alas it was quite superficial. I understand the writers made her trial "hard to watch" on purpose, but it felt more like a public lynch session than really the Traveler and Neuvilette cornering an elusive individual.
- Focalors' plan was pretty reckless for a lack of better words. Not only it was quite the gamble (be it the requirements needed to overthrow Celestia's influence on Fontaine but also what could happen if Celestia decided to retaliate), but I think her rationale for keeping Furina in the dark didn't make sense. Since Furina had to pretend to be the archon for so long without much detail, it had posed way more risk of exposing the charade altogether. I'd argue it would make more sense for Furina to know what was Focalors was planning to do, and as such, it would be more interesting to see Furina trying to cooperate and/or outmart her by finding a better alternative. There are also weird decisions such as not giving any support/insurance to Furina such as, I dunno, a vision or elemental powers that could at least be clutch if someone were to suspect her or attack her?
- Whale fight wasn't particularly "impressive" given the stakes. Gameplay aside, it was so alien it doesn't really feel like an impending disaster for Fontaine.
- Minor gripe, but I think Skirk's intervention was a bit contrived and was done purely for some outlandish lorebombs.
- Finally, I'm a bit baffled how Furina left her station unceremoniously. There wasn't a direct aftermath of the end of the prophecy (similarly to how the game made Nahida overthrowing the sages offscreen) nor actual interactions with Furina right after that.
Her story quest does address her state of mind to a certain degree, just like Ei's, but frankly, MHY has again cut corners when it comes to conclusions (similarly to how Nahida's toppling the sages was done completely offscreen for whatever reason). It is yet another "show, don't tell" issue MHY keep failing hard, by making Neuvilette telling how she left without much going on.
On the other hand, it is good to see Furina being a rather interesting support enabling different team compositions, although I think they went a bit overboard with the HP drain.
Since I have no plans pulling either Kokomi or Baizhu, I will probably make do with Charlotte, Jean and Yaoyao depending on the team main dps.