Is Final Fantasy XV Still Worth Your Time in 2020? Let’s Dive Deep
Are you thinking about exploring Eos in 2020 with Final Fantasy XV (FFXV)? It’s a valid question. This game had a long development cycle. Its release? Well, it was quite the event. Time can be a friend or an enemy. Let’s dissect FFXV and see if it’s aged well or not.
A Quick Dip into the FFXV Universe
First, let’s clarify for newcomers. Final Fantasy XV puts you in the boots of Noctis Lucis Caelum. He is a crown prince from Insomnia. Not a typical prince, though. He’s brooding and a bit picky about food. Starts at 20, matures by the game’s end into his 30s.
His friends are worth noting. Prompto, also 20, brings cheerfulness to the group. Ignis, the planner, is 22. Gladiolus adds muscle at age 23. An all-male party might raise eyebrows today. Developers felt it would act more naturally together. Their game, their rules, right?
Love, Betrayal, and Vegetables (or Lack Thereof)
Next, let’s discuss the key female figure. Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, or Luna, is crucial. She’s 24 and the Oracle of Eos. Imagine talking to gods, right? She’s engaged to Noctis due to political reasons. It’s not your typical romance, as they don’t share an ideal relationship. Tabata emphasized her strength and influence. She drives Noctis’s growth.
Also interesting is Iris Amicitia, Gladiolus’s sister. She has feelings for Noctis. In Lestallum, she playfully hints at their outing being a date. It adds a human touch to the serious narrative.
Villains: More Than Just Evil Laughs
Every tale needs strong villains, and FFXV delivers. Ardyn Izunia, the central antagonist, stands out. He starts as helpful but hides a thirst for revenge. Described as “unusual,” he offers more than common baddies do.
Then there’s Bahamut, the God of War, lurking behind the scenes. Think of Ardyn as the aggressor while Bahamut controls events from afar. Ardyn seeks to kill Noctis after taking Crystal power. His goal? To disrupt the prophecy and create chaos. Villains can be quite enjoyable.
Story and World: Is it a Final Fantasy?
FFXV’s story shares some elements with previous games but aims for uniqueness. Nomura desired “realistic characters.” He aimed for realism, focusing on men’s struggles in the world. Some consider it the darkest title in the series.
The Rocky Road of Development
Ah, development hell. FFXV’s journey was tumultuous. It began as Final Fantasy Versus XIII before becoming FFXV in 2012. Nomura was replaced by Tabata during development. The game shifted to eighth-gen platforms. The story was rewritten, and characters had extensive changes.
The result? A visually stunning game praised in parts but rushed in others. Critics noted that after the first half, narrative development waned. Many elements felt incomplete. Locations like Tenebrae and Insomnia appeared underdeveloped. Square Enix released patches post-launch to fix holes, but it often felt unfinished.
Endings: How Does it All Wrap Up?
Let’s discuss endings. The primary FFXV game has one main conclusion – it’s Canonical. Spoiler alert: Noctis sacrifices himself. Episode Ignis offers two possible endings but pushes you towards the canonical one. There’s also a book with hints about alternate endings. However, Noctis’s fate is widely known as the official end.
Gameplay: More Than Just Button Mashing
Gameplay-wise, FFXV blends action and RPG elements effectively. The real-time combat is flashy and sometimes chaotic. You warp around and try not to get overwhelmed by monsters. It departs from the turn-based combat older titles had. Whether that’s good or bad varies by personal taste.
Time in Eos: Slower Than Real Life (Thankfully)
Ever wondered about time in Eos? One in-game hour is two and a half minutes in real-time. One hour of gameplay equals a 24-hour day in Eos. Useful when planning overnight camping trips. Noctis also takes a long nap inside the Crystal for ten years. The reason? To absorb power and prepare against Ardyn.
Noctis: Savior or Just Sleepy?
Finally, is Noctis a Jesus-like figure? The game suggests it somewhat. He must sacrifice himself to cleanse darkness from the world. By dying and unleashing the Crystal’s power, he is meant to wash away sins. Heavy themes for someone wanting a simple road trip with friends.
Gameplay Deep Dive: Dungeons, Bosses, and Grind (or Lack Thereof)
Now, let’s explore gameplay in FFXV. Beyond story, how does it feel to play?
Dungeons and Bosses: Testing Your Mettle
FFXV includes challenging dungeons, with Pitioss Ruins often topping lists. Interestingly, it lacks combat; no enemies exist inside. It’s a puzzle dungeon that tests platforming skills. You can only access it at night, making it a true patience test.
Boss fights in FFXV are memorable too. Omega Weapon often gets top difficulty rankings. Conversely, Adamantoise is known for its length, potentially taking 72 real-time hours to defeat this giant turtle. Yes, you read correctly – three full days!
days. Conan O’Brien even did a segment on it. Other tough ones include Bilröst, Naglfar, Dread Behemoth, Tyraneant, Melusine, and MA-X Angelus-0. FFXV has a range of tough encounters to test your skills and strategies.
Leveling and Progression: Reaching for Level 120
Want to max your characters? FFXV’s level cap is 120. This cap was raised after the initial release with updates. If your version is older, update to unlock the full potential. Leveling is standard RPG fare – gain experience, improve stats, unlock abilities. It’s satisfying to see Noctis and his crew grow stronger.
If you enjoy extra content, Hunter Ranks offer another layer of progression. Complete hunts to climb ranks like Apprentice, Trapper, Chaser, Ranger, Slayer, Officer, Guardian, and finally, Grandmaster. Each rank unlocks rewards in the form of bangles or bracelets that boost stats. This is a good way to earn goodies and test your combat skills against challenging monsters.
Missable Content: Don’t Blink or You’ll Miss It
Missable content – a bane for completionists. FFXV has instances where you can permanently miss items or information. Chapter 13 is notorious for this. There are 17 missable datalogs scattered throughout this chapter. These are divided into “Letters,” “Reports,” and “The Ω-Files.” If you love lore or like collecting everything, keep a guide handy during Chapter 13 to snag these items. If not, you might end up feeling incomplete.
Reception, Sales, and the Question: Was FFXV Actually Good?
Let’s look at the big picture. How was FFXV received by critics and players? Was it a commercial success? And importantly, was it truly a good game?
Initial Buzz: A Mixed Bag
Upon release, FFXV garnered praise for gameplay, visuals, and soundtrack. Yoko Shimomura’s score is phenomenal. However, reactions to its story were mixed. Some praised character interactions while others criticized narrative fragments and underdeveloped plot points. It wasn’t universally perfect, but it had high points.
Commercial Triumph: Show Me the Money
Commercially, FFXV was a success. By May 2022, it sold ten million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling Final Fantasy games. It took six years to reach that milestone, but ten million sales is impressive. Beyond game sales, the FFXV universe, including its mobile game “Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire,” has earned over $380 million in player spending through mobile venues. Love it or hate it, FFXV was a financial success for Square Enix.
The Critics’ Corner: Flaws and Faults
Despite commercial success, FFXV had flaws. Critics noted underdeveloped characters and locales. Remember those rushed development issues? They created an incomplete feeling and shallow characters. The storyline was termed a “fractured mess,” with disconnected worlds and questionable character motivations. The emotional core, Noctis and Lunafreya’s reunion and saving the kingdom, fell flat for some.
Was Final Fantasy XV Bad? The Verdict
So, was Final Fantasy XV bad? Objectively, no. It sold millions, has legions of fans, and offers a unique gaming experience. However, it has shortcomings. The storyline’s potential suffered from disjointed presentation and pacing. Some characters lacked development and certain plot points needed finesse. As CBR pointed out, “Final Fantasy XV Actually Has a Good Story – But It’s Told in the Worst Way.” And as TheGamer bluntly stated, “It’s Been Five Years And Final Fantasy 15 Still Sucks.” Maybe that’s harsh, but such sentiments exist.
Ultimately, whether FFXV is “good” depends on your preferences. If compelling characters, a gripping narrative, and polished world-building are top priorities, you might find FFXV wanting. But if you enjoy action-packed combat, stunning visuals, a great soundtrack, and a road trip with a bromance at its center, FFXV still has much to offer beyond 2020. It is a flawed gem but a gem nonetheless.
FFXV in the Broader Final Fantasy Universe: Comparisons
How does FFXV compare to other games in the Final Fantasy franchise? Let’s look at some comparisons.
FFXV vs. FF16: RPG Showdown
Comparing FFXV to the recent Final Fantasy XVI (FF16) highlights key differences in RPG mechanics and gameplay philosophy. If you enjoy traditional RPG elements, FFXV may suit you more. It has side quests, cooking and fishing activities, and a broad sense of open-world exploration. FF16 is action-packed and story-driven but streamlines many RPG mechanics. Apart from crafting, it lacks deep features found in FFXV. So, preference boils down to deeper RPG systems or focused action.
Final Fantasy Games: Length and Difficulty
FF games vary immensely in length. On one end, Final Fantasy XI (FFXI), an MMORPG, can consume thousands of hours with virtually endless tasks. On contrary, the original Final Fantasy (FF1) is short, needing around 16.5 hours for completion. FFXV sits in the middle with a main story around 27.5 hours; completionist runs exceed 115 hours.
Difficulty varies too. Final Fantasy IX (FFIX), Final Fantasy XII (FFXII), and FF16 are easier entries with reasonable challenges but not overly punishing. FF16 even automates complex actions for accessibility. Meanwhile, Final Fantasy III (FFIII) is often termed the hardest, catering to hardcore JRPG fans. FFXV’s difficulty is moderate; bosses are challenging but not brutally hard for average players.
Grinding is another RPG staple. If excessive grinding bugs you, Final Fantasy X (FFX) is often seen as the least grindy game in the franchise. It leans more on blitzball (the underwater sport) than endless monster encounters. FFXV has grind elements if aiming for max level or post-game content but isn’t overwhelmingly grind-heavy compared to other entries.
Lastly, violence. Curious about the most violent Final Fantasy? That title belongs to FF16. It significantly departs in tone, being one of the most violent and tragic entries in the series. FFXV has darker moments and battles but doesn’t reach FF16’s graphic violence.
Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV): A Tale of Redemption
Let’s briefly discuss Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV), another major online game in the series. FFXIV had a famously troubled launch. Why did it fail? According to Yoshida, the producer who revived it, the initial failure stemmed from three main issues: focus on graphics, lack of MMORPG experience on the dev team, and a “fix-it-later” approach. However, it underwent a massive overhaul and relaunch as “A Realm Reborn.” It became one of the most successful MMORPGs of all time.
How long will FFXIV last? Square Enix has a decade-long roadmap with plans for multiple expansions. If it maintains popularity and support from Square Enix continues, FFXIV could last another 8 years or more. It shows how a game can rise from failure with dedication and support.
An interesting note about FFXIV: banned words exist. Using terms like “stupid,” “idiot,” “die,” “crazy,” “garbage,” or “trash” to insult other players is prohibited. Even in fantasy worlds, online etiquette matters.
Story and Characters Revisited: Digging Deeper into FFXV’s Narrative
Let’s return to the
We will discuss FFXV’s story and characters, highlighting some significant aspects.
Noctis’s Age: From Boy Prince to King
Noctis begins his journey at 20. He is a young prince about to become an adult. After a time skip, he ages to about 30. This decade comprises critical growth in his character. He evolves from a hesitant heir to a king ready to sacrifice for his people. It’s a grand coming-of-age tale.
The Main Villain: Ardyn in the Spotlight
Ardyn Izunia is an engaging villain. He stands out as a main antagonist and even stars in his own DLC. His motives stem from deep betrayal and a quest for revenge. Cunning and manipulative, Ardyn’s tragic backstory adds depth to his character. Many consider him a memorable villain.
Key Relationships: Love, Crush, and Bromance
Noctis’s relationships give FFXV its emotional heart. His engagement to Lunafreya is not a traditional romance. Luna’s strength plays a key role in Noctis’s growth. Despite their political marriage, a strong bond forms. Tabata noted it’s not a usual love story, but it’s still significant.
Iris’s crush on Noctis introduces light moments amid the drama. This subplot reminds players of everyday human emotions, even during dire situations.
The bromance among Noctis, Prompto, Ignis, and Gladiolus represents the soul of FFXV. Their friendship, banter, and loyalty create lasting memories for many players. The story celebrates friendship alongside themes of kings and crystals.
Noctis’s Sleepiness: More Than Just Teen Laziness?
Noctis often appears sleepy or tired. Fans have different theories about this quirk. A popular explanation suggests his magical abilities drain his energy. This theory offers an in-game reason for his occasional sluggishness. Noctis’s sleepiness invites fan speculation and amusement.
Media Consumption Order: Anime, Movie, Game – Where to Start?
FFXV offers more than just gameplay; it’s multimedia. There’s the anime series Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV and the movie Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV. Should you watch them before playing? And in what order?
Anime and Movie: Prelude or Side Dish?
Many agree that watching the anime and movie enhances the FFXV experience but it’s not essential. Brotherhood comes first chronologically, followed by Kingsglaive, then the game. However, these works stand alone, as they are designed for independent enjoyment.
Kingsglaive serves as a direct prequel to the game. It narrates Kingsglaive soldiers defending Insomnia during its initial invasion, preparing Noctis’s journey. Some argue it’s essential for understanding the game’s beginning. One opinion states knowledge of Kingsglaive is critical for clarity in FFXV. While this may be an exaggeration, it enriches the game’s early hours.
For the most immersive experience, watch Brotherhood first, then Kingsglaive, before diving into the game. If you prefer to start playing immediately, you can catch up with the anime and film later for context.
Post-Game Content: What to Do After the Credits Roll?
You’ve completed FFXV’s main story. Is that all? Not at all. The game has plenty of post-game content.
Time to Complete: Main Story vs. 100%
So how much time are we talking here? Focusing on the main storyline in Final Fantasy XV: Royal Edition takes about 27.5 hours. For completionists aiming for 100%, expect around 115 hours. This includes side quests, hunts, dungeons, and all optional content in Eos.
The DLC episodes expand on the story. For instance, Episode Ardyn offers a shorter experience at about 2.5 hours for single-player play. These episodes enhance your time in the FFXV universe.
Point of No Return: When Does the Game Lock You In?
Are you anxious about missing side content before reaching the endgame? FFXV allows some exploration and backtracking. While story points temporarily block access to areas, they generally reopen later. The true point of no return occurs in the Citadel’s throne room after Noctis asks Prompto for a photo. Once past this point, you’re locked into the final part of the game. Finish any side quests before going.
The Crystal and the Prophecy: Why the 10-Year Nap?
Noctis’s 10-year sleep in the Crystal isn’t just a long nap. It is vital for him to absorb the Crystal’s power for the final battle against Ardyn. This slumber is key to fulfilling Providence’s prophecy and defeating the Starscourge. It ties into themes of sacrifice and destiny.
Other Quirks: The All-Male Party – Why?
Let’s revisit a debated aspect of FFXV: the all-male main party. We previously mentioned developers’ reasoning, but let’s explore it further.
Reasoning Behind the Bromance Squad
Square Enix explained the all-male party aims for naturalness in character interactions. They believe that “an all-male party feels more approachable for players.” A single female character could change male behavior dynamics. Keeping it all male was meant to portray honest friendship and camaraderie. Whether one agrees with this reasoning varies by perspective, but it was a deliberate intent to strengthen their bond.
So, is Final Fantasy XV worth playing in 2020? Despite flaws and development issues, FFXV delivers a unique experience. Its visuals and combat remain engaging even years later. Though some story parts feel rushed, the overall narrative captivates many gamers. If you’re an RPG lover or seeking an adventure with magic and friendship, FFXV deserves attention. Just remember to pack some virtual veggies even if Noctis won’t touch them.
