Final Fantasy XV (The Long Long Drive…)
Square Enix
November 29, 2016
How do you get past the frustration when playing something you really want to love? This question has been omnipresent for many who have played recent installments of Final Fantasy. Pause, rethink and keep on truckin’… has been my approach to Final Fantasy XV. Sometimes full of the noted, in the most recent iteration of the storied franchise, you (Noctis Lucis Caelum) set out on a lengthy road trip with 3 comrades (Ignis Scientia, Gladiolus Amicitia, and Prompto Argentum) in one of the more elaborate narratives to date. Your objective is to travel to Accordo’s capital city of Altissia to meet (and wed) Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, Noctis’s childhood love. With a number of periphery unknown events unfolding, you are set upon this important quest.
Final Fantasy XV, video game directed by Hajime Tabata, produced by Square Enix, released on November 29, 2016
After 42 hours of gameplay, I feebly finished off the last two bosses (Ifrit and Ardyn). Final Fantasy XV is a truly improved JRPG from the 13th and 14th editions. Possibly a bit larger than most with a somewhat confusing narrative, FFXV extends the franchise into positive territory. Regardless of the initial grind of collecting materials while setting up for the primary story, the jumbled and frantic response of cameras during combat, and the somewhat trite character dialogue, FFXV is certainly worth a full playthrough. The visual elements in the world building and cut-scenes are remarkable. And, the ride on a Chocobo while touring the vast desert of Eos on this flightless bird easily brought a smile to my face.
Final Fantasy XV, video game directed by Hajime Tabata, produced by Square Enix, released on November 29, 2016
To fully appreciate FFXV, its’ recommended that you watch Kingsglaive prior. Directed by Takeshi Nozue, the focus is upon the events that surround Regis Lucis Caelum CXIII, the father of Noctis. War is stirring and the empire of Niflheim is intent on taking over the kingdom of Lucis and the magical crystal that protects the commonwealth. As cinematic expression alone, Kingsglaive is a mess. When viewing, one should remember that this effort is intended to be support material for the video game. The CGI is adequate, yet needs further development. And, the narrative is written for a narrow teen-based demographic. However, there are flashbacks in FFXV that will make little sense without the background information found in Kingsglaive. So, take a gander, if possible, the film made the play much more understandable.
Final Fantasy XV, video game directed by Hajime Tabata, produced by Square Enix, released on November 29, 2016
In total, FFXV tends to feel like it spent to many years in development. Since 2006 there has been unprecedented development in video game design and storytelling. This created new terrain in terms of unforeseen obstacles. And, FFXV appears to have gotten caught up in trying to stay current with ongoing industry trends rather than completing the game. This can be best seen in the combat mechanics and the long drives that become repetitive early on. There are moments of brilliance in the transitional cutscenes and encounters that will be long remembered, yet in Square Enix’s submission they appear to have provided a rather average game in comparison to other triple-A titles. There will be future iterations of Final Fantasy without doubt. This is one of the icons in video gaming history. My recommendation to future developers is to try to simplify your efforts in your next rendition and keep to a timeline. Your audience is now vastly different and more sophisticated with another decade of gameplay under their belt.
Additional images from Final Fantasy XV:
Final Fantasy XV, video game directed by Hajime Tabata, produced by Square Enix, released on November 29, 2016
Final Fantasy XV, video game directed by Hajime Tabata, produced by Square Enix, released on November 29, 2016
Final Fantasy XV, video game directed by Hajime Tabata, produced by Square Enix, released on November 29, 2016
All images © Square Enix, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan, 2016
Final Fantasy XV’s creative team:
Director: Hajime Tabata
Producer: Shinji Hashimoto
Artists: Tomohiro Hasegawa, Yusuke Naora, and Isamu Kamikokuryo
Writers: Kazushige Nojima, Saori Itamuro, Akiko Ishibashi, and Takumi Nishida
Composer: Yoko Shimomura
Engine: Luminous Studio
Platforms: PS4 and Xbox One
Review by Chester Alamo-Costello
