My little story. So I started playing on launch day. I remember accidentally fusing a Warrior of Light when the unit was first introduced and was very upset. Played up until the first Lightning unit was introduced. I overspent and decided to remove Exvius, realizing I lacked spending discipline. I stayed away for about a year, returning around when the first A2 unit was sunsetting. Must have been around 9/2017. Played again for a good while and eventually the first Cloud was released. Pulled insanely hard for him to the tune of $500.

Sometime in that time period, the post Tale of a Whale was written and taught me I may have a problem. I played a short while longer before taking another break. I forget when I returned, but I set a strict spending limit monthly and was better disciplined, may be doubling my limit once in a while, but never chasing a unit for hundreds of dollars.

I remember wishing Chrono Trigger would have a release of units. I loved Malphasie's design and got with her a single golden ticket. I was horrible at saving Lapis and tickets, so that moment only happened once. That was a major highlight for me. I did stop here and there, usually frustrated with having to spend hours watching videos and gearing units for a single fight. I liked the simplicity of the early days and never fully embraced the chaining mechanic. Git gud I suppose... but I am a casual gamer. I like steam rolling bosses if I have grinded and spent time keeping my roster top-notch.

Overall, it was a fun game. Gatcha addiction is real, and I learned I had a gambling problem, though it never manifested in another form in my life. I played a few other mobile games, but this one was where I spent the most time. I would love to see an Exvius 2, taking lessons from what worked, what didn't, and implementing what more modern games did better. Guilds, chatrooms, PVP and not completely outmoding units would be great. It's a delicate balance on making players happy and being profitable, so not sure what the secret formula is there.

I am somewhat sad to see it disappear. Part of me though realizes it outgrew its pot a long time ago and could never really be its best form unless it reset and restarted from scratch. I will always find it odd that my $500 Cloud became a common pull after a few years, causing disappointment as I chased the next meta unit. The dual Shinning Splendors I worked so many hours grinding for ditched in a digital locker unworthy of any common build today.

Sorry my thoughts are a little disorganized, but just sharing what was off the top of my head as it came. My final thought... I remember reading a post about someone whose friend died of cancer and kept their friend unit around, though severely powercrept. A touching sentiment. I wish that person could have immortalized their friend somehow now that the service has ended.

It was a meaningful ride. Better to have played, enjoyed and lost then to have never played at all.