Final Fantasy XV Receives Glowing Reviews, Worth Decade-Long Wait

When talking about the Final Fantasy series, a lot of things come to mind. Summons, epic battles, unrealistic hairstyles, and some of the best video game stories in history. However, while all of these elements are indeed noteworthy, fans would agree that one of the greatest strengths of the series has always been the relationship of the characters that grows over time. Seeing the reviews posted for Final Fantasy XV, it would seem that Square Enix still managed to present this aspect quite convincingly.

The fifteenth installment of the epic franchise has been more than 10 years in the making, spanning two generations of consoles and dozens of gameplay, story, and combat overhauls. The final product is as different from the classic versions as it can possibly, but its core was meticulously preserved, The Verge notes.

As a mix of action RPG and hack n’ slash games, FFXV features real-time combat, environmental effects, and even friendly fire. The main method of transportation is the team’s luxury, top down car. However, the franchise’s signature mascot Chocobos are also present.

Without moving towards spoiler territory, the reviews focus largely on how the developers managed to steer the series in an amazing direction without getting rid of its identity. FFXV is still very much a Final Fantasy game, but with a free-form combat system, a sprawling open world space to explore, and tons of content for players to find.

Kotaku’s review makes note of the title’s rather dual nature, in particular, quickly changing from one type of game to another. Despite the game’s flaws, it’s still an excellent title due to how well the characters and the combat system gives it so much depth.

A particularly enthralling feature of FFXV is how the four friends interact with each other, both inside and outside of battles. During the initial road trip setting, banter, gossip, and little bits of information are shared. During fights, Prince Noctis partners with his three companions to pull off frankly beautiful and powerful attacks.

So far, reviewers hold no illusion about the latest Final Fantasy game. It’s flawed, but it has enough juicy bits to deliver an entirely satisfying experience both for old and new players.