Over the weekend I broke down and bought the latest installment in the Final Fantasy series. I have many fond memories of this series of games, from Final Fantasy 3 when I was very young to Final Fantasy X while I was in High School, I loved them all. I have been a long time fan of the series, but have stayed away after the combat changes that happened after Final Fantasy X-2.
Here are my initial thoughts on the newest Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy XV
On load up you are given a tutorial option for the combat system. Even though I had played these games for as long as I can remember, so much has changed that I actually completed the tutorial. My first thought was, "What happened to the series that I used to know?" You can sing that to the tune of Gotye, which I did as I wrote it. Long gone are the turn based mechanics that gave it a great RPG feel. Now I have to stay alert and respond in almost real time to stimuli making the series more action based than turn based. At first I didn't like the change, but the more I work on my playthrough, the more it grows on me.
Control Basics:
- Your character utilizes a simple action based system.
- D-pad changes weapon type, B button is attack, X button dodge and parry, Y button teleport strikes
- There are more advanced options but I haven't fully explored them yet
- Instead of utilizing only a random number generator to figure out combat: now positioning, timing, weapon choice and ultimate abilities dictate damage done and received.
- This system does simplify the mechanics but also makes the game flow way less choppy than its previous incarnates.
- It is hard to be unbiased because I am such a fan of the game series and also one that does not like change. That being said the live action combat system both works for the game, in regards to flow and graphics, and works against the game, in regards to strategy and planning.
Controls = 3/5
Visuals:
- The thing that always draws me to Square Enix productions is how beautiful their games are. This is no different, after playing through the prologue and a bit of chapter one I can say this game is no different.
- Highlights:
- Sun shafts
- dust effects
- meticulous detail of a desert landscape
- 3D models so believable that you get lost in the game
- My only complaint is that I have never, in all my life, seen anybody stand with their pelvis that far in front of the rest of their body. This detracts from an almost perfect human model.
Visuals = 5/5
Plot:
- What would a high fantasy game be without a fantasy plot. This is no different, but the plot that they have chosen for this game has been used so many times that it comes across as fake.
- The basis for the game:
- Young Prince leaves with friends to go to neighboring kingdom.
- Young Prince must marry the princess to cement alliance and save his broke kingdom.
- Prince has really good childhood friend who is also female, they are pen pals, he is duty bound to marry princess.
- Vehicle breaks down and Prince learns about himself and life as he comes of age on a road trip.
- Now I know that I haven't beat the game yet so this plot may change, but for now this is the story that I see.
- The beginning plot is so over done in media today that the I feel that we have all played this game, or seen this movie enough that it isn't anything new. I will update the review upon completion and hopefully as I play through this game the plot score will change.
Plot = 2/5
Writing/Dialogue:
- The tone of the writing hasn't found its voice yet, but I can say I am getting lost in the dialogue. I feel like I am on a road trip with my best friends, which makes me want to continue the story that much more.
Writing = 5/5
Miscellaneous:
- The Fantasy genre is always a great place to make an RPG, this game is no different.
- It has been a long time since I have felt a part of the game I was playing. Each party member has a unique personality and unique interests which makes the game deeper than most in its genre. The depth of character in each person you come across makes for a detail oriented experience just as complex as life in the real world. This level of detail makes for a game-play experience like no other.
Miscellaneous = 4/5
Overall = 3.8/5
- I will be doing a final review upon completion of the game.
- In the future there will be a tab on this blog where all review will go with links to the original review.
- Also remember I do this for fun but the best way to support me is to share the love. Thanks again for being a part of our community.
