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Final Fantasy XV, initially revealed as Final Fantasy Versus XIII in 2006, captivated fans with its promise of engaging gameplay and a stylish cast of four male protagonists, a stark contrast to the female lead of Final Fantasy XIII. However, Square Enix ultimately decided to reimagine the project, resulting in Final Fantasy XV for PS4 and Xbox One, a game that took a decade to reach players. Does this long-awaited title live up to the hype generated by its protracted development? Let’s delve into the strengths and weaknesses of Final Fantasy XV to help you decide.

A Familiar Yet Unfamiliar Final Fantasy

The gaming landscape transformed significantly during Final Fantasy XV’s development. Open-world RPGs like The Witcher 3, Fallout 4, and Skyrim became immensely popular, while Japanese RPGs (JRPGs) faced stiff competition from Western counterparts. Final Fantasy XV carries the weight of expectation, tasked with revitalizing the JRPG genre. To compete with these heavy hitters, Final Fantasy XV embraced significant changes, most notably a revamped combat system.

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The Final Fantasy series is synonymous with turn-based combat. Final Fantasy XV departs from this tradition, introducing the Active X Battle system. Players control Noctis directly, wielding weapons and spells in real-time combat, while other party members are AI-controlled. This shift towards action-oriented gameplay injects a fresh dynamic into the series while retaining some elements of the classic turn-based system, such as pausing combat to use items.

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The fast-paced combat is further enhanced by Noctis’s unique abilities. Warp, his signature move, allows him to throw his weapon and instantly teleport to its location, inflicting significant damage based on distance. This grants incredible mobility and creates opportunities for stylish attacks. Magic also plays a crucial role, reminiscent of Final Fantasy VIII. Spells are crafted from elemental resources and items, allowing for customizable effects, such as adding poison to fire spells. Team-based attacks further diversify combat options.

Summons, a staple of the series, return in Final Fantasy XV. Players can call upon powerful deities like Shiva, Titan, Ramuh, and Leviathan, while Bahamut appears during the final confrontation with Ifrit. While the conditions for summoning remain somewhat obscure, these powerful allies can quickly turn the tide of battle.

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An Expansive World, Rich with Detail

Final Fantasy XV excels in creating an immersive world. Eos is vast and captivating, requiring the use of the Regalia, the party’s car, for traversal. Even with fast travel, completing quests and exploring the world takes considerable time. Beyond the main story, numerous side quests and a robust bounty hunt system offer countless hours of gameplay. Players can also gather ingredients for cooking, discover hidden dungeons, and encounter formidable monsters roaming the landscape.

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Each party member possesses unique skills that enrich the journey. Ignis, the group’s chef, prepares detailed and enticing meals. Prompto captures memorable moments with his photography. Gladiolus’s survival skills yield valuable items, while Noctis enjoys fishing as a pastime. These details, alongside minigames, in-game radio broadcasts, and a dynamic day-night cycle, contribute to a vibrant and engaging world.

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A Disjointed Narrative and Superficial Characters

The narrative of Final Fantasy XV encompasses multiple platforms: Final Fantasy XV: Kingslaive, Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV, and the game itself. Unfortunately, the game’s storytelling assumes prior knowledge of these supplementary materials, leaving players who haven’t experienced them feeling lost and confused. Unresolved plot points and a lack of satisfying explanations further detract from the narrative experience.

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The main characters also suffer from superficial development. Noctis, Gladiolus, Ignis, and Prompto, with their stylish attire and mannerisms, feel more like a boy band than a compelling group of heroes. The limited presence of female characters further diminishes the emotional depth and romantic elements typically found in the series.

A Double-Edged Combat System

While innovative, the Active X Battle system has its flaws. The dynamic camera struggles to keep up with the fast-paced action, often obstructing the player’s view, especially in tight spaces or during battles with larger enemies. While simplified compared to action games like Dark Souls 3 or The Witcher 3, the combat still requires a significant learning curve to master.

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Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking, But With Caveats

Final Fantasy XV offers a compelling open world, engaging combat, and a refreshing take on the series’ formula. However, its narrative shortcomings and superficial character development hold it back from reaching its full potential. Despite its flaws, Final Fantasy XV remains a worthwhile experience, especially for those willing to explore its expansive world and master its unique combat system.