As one of the most anticipated releases in the Final Fantasy franchise, Final Fantasy XV was met with mixed reviews upon its release in 2016. As a long-time fan of the series, I was back then excited to see what the game had to offer, but also nervous about how it would compare to the classics that had come before it. Now, having completed the game and had some time to reflect on the story and gameplay, I feel ready to share my thoughts and personal review of Final Fantasy XV.
First and foremost, I must express my admiration for Final Fantasy XV’s story. It was a classic story about camaraderie, brotherhood, and the weight of fate, but it was also one of a kind. Noctis, the prince of Lucis, and his three companions trek across the country of Eos to recover Noctis’ rightful place on the throne and combat the forces of darkness that threaten the planet. The story is intense, with moments of laughter and tragedy, and it had my attention from beginning to end.
The interaction between the four main characters was one of the elements that made the story so interesting. Noctis, Prompto, Ignis, and Gladiolus each have their own personalities and backstories, and their interactions felt natural and genuine. They clearly cared strongly for each other, and their banter and humor served to lighten the mood when things got dark. The four of them fought together in real-time engagements that needed strategy and collaboration, and their camaraderie was reflected in the games.
In terms of gameplay, Final Fantasy XV was a lot of fun to play. The open-world setting was huge and beautiful, and there was always something to do, whether it was side quests, fishing, or dungeon exploration. The action was fast-paced and entertaining, requiring a combination of magic, weaponry, and teamwork to defeat the tougher adversaries. The game also had a unique element dubbed the “Ascension Grid,” which allowed players to acquire experience and unlock new skills and upgrades.
Of course, no game is perfect, and Final Fantasy XV was not without it’s flaws. Some of the side tasks felt monotonous and uninspired, and the open-world setting appeared barren and devoid of detail at times. A few plot aspects in the game also felt underdeveloped or rushed, leaving me wanting more explanation or context. However, these issues were minor in comparison to the entire gaming experience.
Finally, I absolutely loved Final Fantasy XV and would strongly suggest it to both lovers of the series and novices. The tale was moving and interesting, the characters were endearing and well-developed, and the gameplay was thrilling. While the game had shortcomings, the overall quality of the experience exceeded them. Final Fantasy XV may not be the greatest game, but it is one I will not soon forget.
FF 15 vs FF7 Remake
Final Fantasy XV is a real-time action battle system in which players control one character at a time while AI controls the other three. It also features an open world with side tasks, exploration, and vehicle driving. In contrast, Final Fantasy VII Remake features a hybrid combat system that blends real-time action with turn-based principles. It also has a more linear story progression while still allowing for exploration and side tasks. Both games have different merits in terms of gameplay. I personally like the FF7 Remake more and provide distinct experiences from the original one that any Final Fantasy fan should try.
