It’s hard to believe that Square Enix has been working on Final Fantasy 15 for over a decade now. First announced in 2006 as Final Fantasy Versus XIII, the game has gone through a number of intricate changes throughout its development. But now, the long-anticipated JRPG is almost here, set to launch for PS4 and Xbox One later this year.
What is Final Fantasy 15?
Final Fantasy 15 is an action role-playing adventure with unique strategic elements. Set on the planet of Eos, players will have an expansive open world to explore with a party of new and exciting characters. As always, you will embark on an epic quest to overthrow an evil antagonist in his attempt to destroy the world. Par for the course, then.
Final Fantasy 15 release date – When is it coming out?
Final Fantasy 15 currently has a planned worldwide release date of September 30, 2016 for PS4 and Xbox One.
There are currently no plans for a PC release, although we wouldn't be surprised if one crops up in the future.
The release is mere days after competing epic JRPG Persona 5 is set to launch in Japan.
Final Fantasy 15 characters – Who do you play as?
The game will feature four main characters who make up your party. All of them wear matching black clothes and have their own unique assortment of skills and abilities.
Noctis Lucis Caelum – Noctis is the main protagonist. He is the sole heir of King Regis and the Kingdom of Lucis, the last major power in possession of a sacred crystal. Due to a traumatic experience in his youth, Noctis is able to foresee the deaths of those around him, lending him special abilities in battle.
Noctis is the sole playable character in Final Fantasy 15, so you’ll be seeing a lot of him later this year.
Gladiolus Amicitia – As the oldest son of a noble family, Gladiolus has pledged to protect Noctis, and will accompany him throughout the entire game. Gladiolus is the game’s tank, wielding a large deadly sword capable of taking down colossal monsters and daunting obstacles.
Ignis Scientia – Ignis is Noctis’ academic advisor, teaching the young prince how to behave and conduct himself throughout his journey. He also wears some fabulous sunglasses and a Michael Jackson-esque diamond covered glove.
Prompto Argentum – The youngest member of your party, Prompto is a clumsy, naive and hyperactive individual. Despite coming from a poor family, him and Noctis have been close friends for several years.
As you might have guessed from a Final Fantasy title, there will be plenty more characters to encounter and interact with, far too many to list here.
Final Fantasy 15 Gameplay – How does it play?
Unlike previous games, Final Fantasy 15 will utilise a real-time gameplay known as the ‘Active Cross Battle System.’ In practice, it appears to be very similar to Kingdom Hearts and Final Fantasy Type-0, having you explore an open environment where you encounter new enemies and obstacles. Mechs and tanks used by enemies can be stolen and used against them, adding a facet of dynamic tactical precision to each fight.
Commands are mapped to individual buttons on the controller, meaning you can swap out different skills and abilities whenever you like. It’s a simple system, but requires constant attention if you want to succeed. Your party members can be assigned pre-set moves and abilities, ensuring you have a balanced range of playstyles at your disposal. Combat and exploration take place in the same environment, meaning there will be no loading screens as you transition into each skirmish.
Exploration is a huge part of Final Fantasy 15, more so than ever before. Noctis and friends can navigate the open-world of Eos on foot, chocobo and with a variety of vehicles. These include a sweet-looking convertible that transforms into a plane and a charming little pick-up truck. Noctis can also warp to select points in the world using his sword, such as a high building or precarious cliff. This ability is incredibly useful for avoiding enemies or long, arduous walks to your next objective.
You can take on a variety of sidequests from NPCs in each region. These will give you a clear incentive to explore beyond the beaten path in search of XP, rare loot and unpredictable new monsters to fight. The game's gorgeous day/night system also requires you set up camp as you explore. In camp you can make meals from defeated enemies that provide neat little stat bonuses.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Final Fantasy without a bunch of summons and magic. Final Fantasy 15 features some truly magnificent summon animations, all of which fill the screen with outrageous visual effects. Magic is divided in two types. The first is used by Noctis, while the other can be gathered and refined into powerful new skills. Noctis, being the only playable character, will have the sole responsibility of using magic and summon abilities in battle.
Final Fantasy 15 Story – What’s it about?
A declaration of peace has been made between Lucis and Niflheim, ending a cold war raging over the world’s last crystal. As part of the peace treaty, Noctis must marry Lady Lunafreya of Tenebrae. Things quickly take a turn for the worst as Niflheim launches a direct attack on Lucis, plunging the world into a dark, dangerous conflict.
Noctis and friends shortly embark on a legendary road trip to retrieve the sacred crystal and defeat Niflheim’s traitorous forces.
Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy 15 - What is it?
Square Enix is going to the extra mile to flesh out the extended universe of Final Fantasy 15, it has even created a full length CGI film. The animated feature will take place before the events seen in the game, and is intended as an "introduction to the world of Final Fantasy."
It will follow the characters of Nyx (Aaron Paul), King Regis (Sean Bean), and Lady Lunafreya (Lena Headey), all three of which will appear in the main game. Unfortunately, the Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones stars will not reprise their roles in Final Fantasy 15.
You can check out the film's trailer below, and give it a watch when it launches alongside the game on September 30.
