As specified in a previous post, I received Final Fantasy 15 (Day One Edition) as a gift, giving me an opportunity to voice my thoughts!
For many Final Fantasy fans, there has been a excruciatingly long wait for this game.
Originally teased as 'Versus 13' back in 2006, development of the game had been pushed back to focus efforts on (45 games/apps) other instalments. Square-Enix, the masterminds of the Final Fantasy series have released the following (notable/I've played) Final Fantasy video games in between 2006 to 2016:
Originally teased as 'Versus 13' back in 2006, development of the game had been pushed back to focus efforts on (45 games/apps) other instalments. Square-Enix, the masterminds of the Final Fantasy series have released the following (notable/I've played) Final Fantasy video games in between 2006 to 2016:
Various Tactics, Chrystal Chronicles, Crystal Defenders, Explorers, Legends, Type-O, Dissidia, Additional Content, Anniversary Editions of previous games etc
Final Fantasy 12*
Final Fantasy 7: Dirge of Cerberus*
Final Fantasy 13*
Final Fantasy 14
Final Fantasy 13-2*
Final Fantasy 13-3: Lightning Returns*
World of Final Fantasy
We have also seen the release of TWO prequels to Final Fantasy 15 in movie format: Brotherhood and Kingsglaive. I am yet to see either but I do have the latter on DVD and can view the former on YouTube!
In addition to the release of many Final Fantasy games, Square-Enix have released many prequel/mid-equel Kingdom Hearts games and HD remasters. Square have also been working on the much anticipated remake of Final Fantasy 7. So now you understand the decade long delay in the release of 15 and here are some fun facts regarding its development:
As previously stated, in 2006, trailer footage was released and the game was to be titled 'Versus 13.'
Originally rumoured to be set in the same universe as the Final Fantasy 13 games. Although the idea is believable, it's a different world and clearly, a different time. The only ties it had to 13 is the Fabula Nova Crystallis, in which 15 has been made distant from the series.
In June, 2013, Square revealed it's 'Final Fantasy 15' title.
It was to be released on the Playstation 3, however Sony and Microsoft released and heavily campaigned the Xbox One and Playstation 4.
Stella, a female protagonist who we saw in the original trailer was dropped from the story and was reforged as Luna.
A demo: Final Fantasy XV: Episode Duscae was released for the PS4 in 2015.
In 2015, it was announced the title would see a physical release in 2016.
In 2016, we see the release of the Kingsglaive movie and the prequel Brotherhood anime.
An E3 trailer was released in 2016 for Final Fantasy 15. The physical copy was released on November 29th, 2016.
An E3 trailer was released in 2016 for Final Fantasy 15. The physical copy was released on November 29th, 2016.
First Impressions:
I didn't have a PS4 console up until Christmas Day, 2016. A few days after the festivities were over I installed the game into my console and selected the normal difficulty - after all, I was completely new to the game and unfamiliar with the battle system. XV is the story of Noctis Lucian Calleum - a Prince, along with his three companions; Ignis, Gladiolus and Prompto. It's set in a world called 'Eos' with various Continents you'll explore throughout the gameplay.
The world is open but the story is very much linear. The type of world has been described as 'Westernised.' Expect a lot of 'farmland' areas, plenty of green fields, Beaches and Mountains - city centres are small and cosy, filled with lower, working class citizens. Each area varies in climate and you can expect your average day to night settings, requiring you to take camp or seek shelter in dark dangerous fiend filled nights.
Upon selecting a new game, I noticed the outstanding visuals - the usual for Final Fantasy games. The CGI in Final Fantasy has always been ahead of it's time - even the game-play graphics have significantly improved; for me, 13 evidenced this. Final Fantasy 15 is even better - the characters are as 'human' as it gets. Whilst we've already see more action than the standard 'blinking' since Final Fantasy 10, (2001) this game differs. For example: Should you stand around, a character may whip out their phone or start playing with their hair in boredom - I am looking at you Noctis. Also, expect mobile phone useage, auto mobile driving, MP3's and cooking. So now, game-play figures exhibit expression, emotion and natural movement, including non-playable on-goers.
The musical composition is of a significant importance to me. One of my favourite facets about Square-Enix is that they always deliver, regarding great soundtrack. Various compositions from previous games are unforgettable (many being the work of Nobuo Uematsu) and convey the stories beautifully, as if you can understand the emotional conflicts with characters. The music in this game was composed by Yoko Shimomura - notable credits include the Kingdom Hearts Series and Super Mario RPG. As one would expect in the Final Fantasy series, the composition is enchantingly orchestrated - very fitting for a role playing game. The soundtrack for FF15 was very well received and performed and recorded live at the 'Abbey Road' studios. Shimomura stated that she 'loves' the final fantasy series and 'never thought' she'd get the chance to compose for one of the instalments.
Since Final Fantasy X-2, I noticed a shift in battle systems. For example, the 'wait' modes in the battle have lessened. X was predominately turn based and with it being the first FF I played, I got used to not worrying about being attacked by a fiend whilst selecting my tactics in the battle menu. The second FF I experienced was 7 - featuring a ATB charge determining when I would strike an enemy - I played 13/13-2/13-3 and experienced a similar gameplay, barr changes in battle menus.
For 15, it's much more similar to the active fight style we get in the Kingdom Hearts series. You can move your main character Noctis freely whilst selecting your choice of attack in the battle menu. I should also note that the battle pauses whilst selecting items to use and you can access the main menu whilst in battle. There is a WAIT mode available but I've never used it, so I cannot comment on it.
Yes, there ARE summons but you cannot choose when to call them - they'll offer to aid you in battle when sourly over-matched and your health points are declining. Strictly speaking, the style is very much FINAL FANTASY, just more, shall I say 'real time' and realistic?
I do not want to give much more away, due to understanding the perils of seeing spoilers way ahead of where you are in gameplay. Since I started writing this post, I have been so busy with exam work and spending my free hours playing this very game, that by the time this post is published, I will be considerably experienced with the world of Eos and understanding it's story. It would be a good idea to watch Kingsglaive pre game.
It's a full feature length CGI movie, telling an event that occurred in Eos, the main character's (Noctis) hometown, Crown City. It is set right after (including the first few chapters of the game) the main characters depart from their home, hence why they do not feature in the film. Likely, this may confuse a reader but it makes a heck of a lot more sense when you've played the game. I just can't reveal the plot and premises in more detail without giving away spoilers! What I can say is that you'll notice a change in the models used for the characters featured in both the film and game, most noticeably, Lunafreya.
For 15, it's much more similar to the active fight style we get in the Kingdom Hearts series. You can move your main character Noctis freely whilst selecting your choice of attack in the battle menu. I should also note that the battle pauses whilst selecting items to use and you can access the main menu whilst in battle. There is a WAIT mode available but I've never used it, so I cannot comment on it.
Yes, there ARE summons but you cannot choose when to call them - they'll offer to aid you in battle when sourly over-matched and your health points are declining. Strictly speaking, the style is very much FINAL FANTASY, just more, shall I say 'real time' and realistic?
I do not want to give much more away, due to understanding the perils of seeing spoilers way ahead of where you are in gameplay. Since I started writing this post, I have been so busy with exam work and spending my free hours playing this very game, that by the time this post is published, I will be considerably experienced with the world of Eos and understanding it's story. It would be a good idea to watch Kingsglaive pre game.
It's a full feature length CGI movie, telling an event that occurred in Eos, the main character's (Noctis) hometown, Crown City. It is set right after (including the first few chapters of the game) the main characters depart from their home, hence why they do not feature in the film. Likely, this may confuse a reader but it makes a heck of a lot more sense when you've played the game. I just can't reveal the plot and premises in more detail without giving away spoilers! What I can say is that you'll notice a change in the models used for the characters featured in both the film and game, most noticeably, Lunafreya.
Give the game a shot. It would appear many non Final Fantasy fans have taken an interest. XV may be the new 'evolution' of Final Fantasy - it certainly differs from previous instalments but the game evidences many classic elements the fans will enjoy. Downloadable content is being released throughout the course of this year so even if you can't get your hands on it for a while, there will be many quests and cutscenes to keep you entertained once obtained!
Do you have this game? Tell me your views!
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Thanks for reading! :D
Be sure to connect with me via my social media:
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