Final Fantasy XVI has been out for 2 weeks now and most gamers are probably crossing the end line of the primary story. Newcomers and inexperienced persons to the collection who accomplished the sport could be enticed to dig into the previous video games or in any other case work backwards, beginning with Final Fantasy XV as one other straightforward entry level. We’re going to check out Final Fantasy XV – particularly the extra available Royal Edition – and discover out if it’s nonetheless price taking part in in 2023.
Final Fantasy XV initially launched in late 2016 for PS4 and Xbox One. Upon launch, it was met with principally constructive opinions although it was additionally closely criticised for its lack of content material that left gaps within the story in addition to its extra drastic shift into motion territory than some other Final Fantasy sport that got here earlier than. Today, the Royal Edition has primarily addressed these points and we’re going to undergo all of the modifications together with why it’s a must-play title within the franchise.
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Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition – Is It Worth Playing in 2023?
Story
The story of Final Fantasy XV follows protagonist Noctis Lucis Caelum, the crown prince and inheritor to the throne of the dominion of Lucis. Noctis is about to marry Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, the previous princess of the Tenebrae kingdom and his childhood buddy. Traveling from the royal capital metropolis of Insomnia to fulfill Lunafreya, Noctis gathers his closest companions: Prompto, Gladiolus and Ignis to go on a protracted highway journey to his royal marriage ceremony. Of course, tensions between kingdoms causes the highway journey to be greater than only a breezy drive all the way down to the coast.
The story of Final Fantasy XV in its Royal Edition added essential contextual cutscenes to fill within the gaps of the unique’s plot, equivalent to flashbacks to the Kingsglaive film throughout a pivotal second within the sport. Side characters are additionally given extra significance due to the DLC episodes which combine tales for Ignis, Gladiolus, Prompto and antagonist Ardyn throughout key factors within the story, protecting much more plot than what we acquired within the base sport.
While the story nonetheless isn’t good within the Royal Edition, it feels way more substantial now due to the brand new cutscenes and DLC. It doesn’t rank as among the best tales within the Final Fantasy franchise and may usually really feel convoluted (as is the case for many Final Fantasy video games, to be sincere), although the robust characters deliver it up just a few notches. The theme of brotherhood is its strongest side and also you’ll rapidly come to like the banter and bonds between the 4 predominant characters all through the journey.
In reality, regardless of a few of its storytelling missteps, Final Fantasy XV is among the most emotional video games within the collection as a result of implausible chemistry between its characters. Noctis begins off as a bit boastful and cussed however slowly exhibits super character progress as his friendship with the opposite characters is examined and deepened, leading to a some tear-jerking moments in direction of the climax. We’ve heard the saying “it’s concerning the journey, not the vacation spot” earlier than and that completely applies to this sport.
World
The world of Eos which Final Fantasy XV takes place in is sort of attention-grabbing as a result of it’s a standard open-world setting. For the primary time within the franchise, gamers may discover a full open-ended map with desert areas, forests, seaside vistas, volcanic areas, remoted cities, hubs and gasoline stations alongside the best way. Bounty hunts and aspect quests are plentiful on this planet as you journey by automobile to your subsequent predominant quest pitstop, all of which serve to strengthen the lore, although some are inclined to really feel fairly mundane.
There has been arguments made about Final Fantasy XV‘s open-world feeling bland and empty however I disagree. The map isn’t as dense as different RPGs like The Witcher 3 or Skyrim however you actually really feel the size of the world right here – and scale is essential as a result of it ties straight into the highway journey story in addition to punctuating a few of its massive motion set items involving Summons, larger-than-life monsters and big places. The world feels grand and mysterious, capturing your consideration each step of the best way.
Gameplay
Final Fantasy XVI‘s real-time action-focused fight is a divisive subject proper now nevertheless it was really Final Fantasy XV that took that essential first leap within the gameplay division. Most could be stunned to listen to that the gameplay in Final Fantasy XV, regardless of being teased for “press one button to win” mechanics, is definitely quite a bit deeper than you suppose. Contrary to in style perception – and particularly due to the Royal Edition – you may’t simply mindlessly faucet one button and count on to win a battle.
While Noctis’ primary combos might be simply strung collectively by merely mashing the assault button, there are different mechanics beneath the floor that offers layers to fight. Magic and elemental spells, collected from stones all through the world, might be modified and tuned in numerous methods to reinforce their proficiency and energy. Several enemies have elemental weaknesses that may be exploited as soon as you determine what magic works greatest towards them, encouraging you to commit a while into fine-tuning the capabilities of fireplace, lightning and ice.
Succesfully parrying an enemy on the proper second and following up with a Warp Strike could cause them to stagger for openings. The Royal Edition enables you to take direct management of both Prompto, Ignis and Gladiolus in battles too, whereas within the base sport, you possibly can solely command them and chain hyperlink assaults. Speaking of chain hyperlinks, these combo assaults are highly effective when used on the proper time, requiring you to pay attention to your workforce’s positioning always.
As you may inform, Final Fantasy XV‘s fight is much more versatile than simply button-mashing to victory and a number of that may be attributed in direction of the enhancements made by the Royal Edition. Hell, even for those who don’t just like the real-time motion, there’s one other fight mode that emulates Final Fantasy‘s conventional turn-based fight now due to an replace. The Royal Edition has seemingly addressed many of the base sport’s criticisms and it’s now the quintessential technique to expertise it.
Presentation
Final Fantasy XV is arguably one of many best-looking video games within the collection due to its robust artwork route and world design. It’s paying homage to different fantasy RPG settings however given a definite Final Fantasy flare, whether or not its in a few of its acquainted roaming monsters, lovable creatures like moogles and chocobos or grandiose motion. The soundtrack by composer Yoko Shimomura stands toe-to-toe with a few of Nobuo Uematsu’s greatest, particularly the standout tracks “Apocalysis Noctis” and the dance-infused “Braver” from Afrojack.
Is It Worth Playing?
The brief reply is a powerful sure. If that is your first time taking part in Final Fantasy XV, the Royal Edition is price it. If you performed the bottom sport and need to expertise all the wonderful updates and enhancements that Square Enix has launched over time, the Royal Edition is price it. It’s price addressing a number of the criticisms surrounding the sport at launch, although. Some of it is extremely legitimate and received’t change the minds of those that didn’t benefit from the sport the primary time round, however flaws and all, it’s a particular sport for a lot of causes.
When taken as a journey about brotherhood, bonding and friendship, Final Fantasy XV earns its accolades. It makes essentially the most out of its bromance-fueled highway journey journey with an ideal forged of well-written characters and emotionally resonant moments. The fight might not be to everybody’s liking and the story falls in need of being as nice as its predecessors. That mentioned, for those who’re transitioning from Final Fantasy XVI to XV, you could discover one other fulfilling Final Fantasy journey awaits.
Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition is now obtainable on PS4, Xbox One and PC in addition to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S through backward compatibility. You can play it as a part of the PlayStation Plus Extra library too.
