Support NeoGAF

[The Dude]

I want to like this game, I really do. I'm playing it in hopes to find that special feel but.... I can't help but wonder who this game was designed for. It's one of the weirdest game mash ups I can recall and not really in a good way. I realize some might love it and that's fine, but I find the game to be pretty cringe worthy at times.

I remember feeling ff13 was not to FF feeling but looking back and when I fired it up recently, it feels a lot closer to the mark than this.

And same with ff12, that game looks like the pinnacle FF when compared to XV even tho 12 is a decent step away from the typical formula, but it's a formula that I favor alot more than what XV is offering.

It's kind of sad that I'm actually looking at the re-release of 12 as if it was the "new" FF, and even moreso while playing FFXV.

Now granted, I'm not super far in... I've done a good but of questing and exploring around, but I'm not far in. Does this game take a nice turn where it starts to just really come together and feel more like a Final Fantasy game? Or does it sort of stay the course and basically what you get from the start is what you're gonna get the whole game?

Man my once favorite series of all time has really fallen so far compared to other series like DQ that just hold the fort down and are typically awesome each and every time.

 

[NoctisVsStar]

The game is about the bros, if you like them the game will be enjoyable if not pass.. the most FF it feels is near the end. Enemies models are top notch.

 

[Bronetta]

Its for people who like western open world RPGs.


Edit: I enjoyed my time with the game and theres some breathtaking scenery in the game (like driving past that giant meteor) but the games not without its flaws.

Second half is pretty much linear and feels rushed. Its at its best in the first half when shit hasnt gone from bad to worst and you can still kind of enjoy exploring the world and doing side missions.

Kickass main theme too
Somnus

 

[Mifec]

The game is about the bros, if you like them the game will be enjoyable if not pass.

But they're not even characters.

 

[F0rneus]

I platinumed the damn thing...yet it's easily one of the worst games of recent years for me. A crushing disappointment all around. I actually found the opening hours to be the only redeemable parts of the game. So....good luck OP. You'll need it.

 

[NoctisVsStar]

But they're not even characters.

I beg to differ.

With that said the game is a mess. I did find the ending and the bros wonderful.

 

[DR2K]

Its for people who like western open world RPGs.

At least the first half

 

[ArkhamFantasy]

Its for people who like western open world RPGs.

I mostly hate wrpgs and FFXV is my favorite ps4 game.

 

[Spukc]

So about that magic system

 

[F0rneus]

But they're not even characters.

Such a bunch of mindnumbing non entities. Easily the worst cast of any RPG I've played. Utterly soulless IMO.

 

[Human Trashcan]

But they're not even characters.

Seriously. I played 10 hours and they got absolutely zero character development. There's Strong Guy, Nerd Guy, Goofy Guy and Stoic Hero. I've taken shits with more developed personalities.

 

[Jonnax]

It's a mess yep and stays a mess. Or gets messier.

If you want to get the background story as to what is happening. You gotta watch the movie, anime and you can also read a free novella which is literally collections of scripts for cutscenes that should have been in the intro to the game.

 

[bananafactory]

It never comes together. it actually all falls apart in the second half

There's some cool stuff in there but it's a hotttttt mess. The development trouble is painfully obvious. There's at least 3 different games in there.

 

[Mediking]

Embrace fighting. Seriously. The combat is awesome.

Story? Uhhhhh.... I defended it strongly when I beat it at launch but my feelings have changed totally since then.

It's a incomplete and unfinished game but yo.... I really liked the combat and warping. So hype.

 

[Geg]

I'm not really sure what you mean by brutal, but for me it's my favorite FF game since X. It's definitely flawed though.

 

[Hispanic! At the Disco]

 

[The Dude]

Its for people who like western open world RPGs.

But ff is and should be a jrpgs first. I love western rpgs, I love jrpgs..

This game feels more backstreet Boys go to wally world so far.

 

[crpav]

I lost my love for Final Fantasy part way through 12. Maybe I just got older, married, a kid and now less time but I stopped playing it so many years ago then tried to get into it but I just couldn't. Have not played any FF since. I bought pretty much every game still but just can't find that love I once had to play the series anymore.

 

[Setsu00]

The game doesn't even know who it wants to cater to.

 

[Theslammer]

I've been having a lot of fun with it, though there are definitely some things that could be improved already to fine tune the whole thing.

There's a possibility I don't know how, but one example is when I want to drive at night and I'm stopped and told it's dangerous and we should head into town. It's a convenient way to go straight to a nearby place to rest, which is good, but I've pressed all buttons to skip the dialogue and just agree/disagree, and I always have to hear the same line. It just feels weird and, unless I missed something obvious, contributes to some of the game's rough edges.

Overall, I've still had plenty of fun 10 hours into the game.

 

[Crevox]

I wanted to like this, but the combat just seems really dull. I don't know if it gets better, but it was just "hold circle to attack, hold square to become immune to damage" and it's very hard to die due to all the mechanics you get to keep you alive. If I'm not playing for the story, then I'm playing for the gameplay, and if that's lacking... what's left?

The game feels like a big tech demo to me, not a polished game.

Embrace fighting. Seriously. The combat is awesome.

I really want to know how, because from what I played, the most skillful part of it was just timing a block.

 

[TissueBox]

But they're not even characters.

Be that as it may they evoked the coziest friendship dynamic in recent memory for me, mostly just from the little things... for the bros!!

 

[Kysen]

The incredibly lacking story and characters ruined the game for me. Quest design ripped straight out of early WoW.

 

[JetSetRadio]

It's some weird hybrid prototype, really enjoyed my playthrough, 20-25h was perfect.

 

[brawly]

If you don't like the combat and/or the bros then drop it.

That's literally all it has.

 

[poncle]

A Final Fantasy for people who love small talk and loading screens.

 

[Human Trashcan]

Embrace fighting. Seriously. The combat is awesome.

I hated that, too. All flash, no substance, camera sucked, it was a hot mess.

 

[Glix]

Fans AND Newcomers.

edit - Incorrect and beat.

SHAME.

 

[Gai Murakumo]

So about that magic system

That is among the more worse parts of the game. I barely even used it because I felt it was more effective just to attack most enemies. Plus unless you get a special accessory your magic does friendly fire damage? Who thought that was a good idea.

 

[Oreiller]

Its for people who like western open world RPGs.

I dunno, its open world is shallow as a puddle.
But yeah, haven't finished the game but I don't really see the point of the game 20 hours in. Everything is so surface level...

 

[The Dude]

I loved X, but not as much as FF4, 6, 7 and 9, however....again tho this game makes X look like a dream.

 

[Infernostew]

For all it's faults, I enjoyed my time with FFXV. Don't really knock them for trying a new approach even it the story could've been a lot better and it took forever for the game to come out.

 

[A Serious Man]

It's for SE's stockholders, they can get a return on this debacle and move on. I can't tell you how deeply I regret buying the digital version.

 

[Orcastar]

Its for people who like western open world RPGs.

I mostly hate wrpgs and FFXV is my favorite ps4 game.

I love WRPGs and despise FFXV. The game is just a huge mess.

 

[gatti-man]

I didn't start enjoying myself until chapter 9 and I'm currently on ch 12. The open world is terrible. The combat gets better, the enemies get better, but man I didn't think FF could get worse after 13 and it really feels that way overall. The open world is done so poorly in my opinion. Maybe it gets better but at first I literally had to force myself to keep going.

If the title was not final fantasy I would have never played as long as I have. I keep waiting to enjoy these games like I did 3-12. Ff14 ARR is the only next gen FF I've found to be objectively good.

 

[F0rneus]

It's for SE's stockholders, they can get a return on this debacle and move on. I can't tell you how deeply I regret buying the digital version.

I'd trade that digital fucker in for 10 PSN bucks anytime. Sony.....we need to talk.

 

[Mediking]

I hated that, too. All flash, no substance, camera sucked, it was a hot mess.

??? My guy? There's no substance? The Ascension system (I think it's what is called) is hype. You can customize your combat and everything.

Like have you done Airstep??? IT'S HYPE!

 

[The Dude]

I wanted to like this, but the combat just seems really dull. I don't know if it gets better, but it was just "hold circle to attack, hold square to become immune to damage" and it's very hard to die due to all the mechanics you get to keep you alive. If I'm not playing for the story, then I'm playing for the gameplay, and if that's lacking... what's left?

The game feels like a big tech demo to me, not a polished game.



I really want to know how, because from what I played, the most skillful part of it was just timing a block.

Yea, the combat feels incomplete. The magic is boring and the actual combat is just me warp striking all over the place.. Very very unsatisfying

 

[NoctisVsStar]

I loved X, but not as much as FF4, 6, 7 and 9, however....again tho this game makes X look like a dream.

I know you ain't a fan of action based can't wait your take on the FF7r whenever it comes out. Granted, this is Tabata's poor excuse of a combat.

 

[HeeHo]

It might be tempting to look back on XIII with some fondness after XV. However, XIII will always be the hands down worst to me. Extreme linearity for a good 25 hours and the only open part is about as big as FFXII zone? Also the 'towns' in the game act about the same as any other linear path you're walking away from.

I agree how weird FFXV feels but I'll always give it more kudos for not being insultingly linear like XIII. XV has a very cool world map but even that is dampened by the driving mechanic.

 

[PixlNinja]

My biggest issue with the game is that combat is a confusing mess. Its like the action rpg version of watching 2 people play a Marvel VS Capcom game.

Seeing how many of my casual gamer friends are playing and enjoying Persona 5 makes me think Square was a bit too overanxious leaving the turn-based stuff in the past.

 

[brandonh83]

They're not characters now?

Yeesh. I get not personally caring for them, but Jesus.

 

[gatti-man]

??? My guy? There's no substance? The Ascension system (I think it's what is called) is hype. You can customize your combat and everything.

Like have you done Airstep??? IT'S HYPE!

The combat unlocks way too slowly. But I agree it gets better further in. You shouldn't have to slog through 10-15 hours for a game to get decent.

It might be tempting to look back on XIII with some fondness after XV. However, XIII will always be the hands down worst to me. Extreme linearity for a good 25 hours and the only open part is about as big as FFXII zone? Also the 'towns' in the game act about the same as any other linear path you're walking away from.

I agree how weird FFXV feels but I'll always give it more kudos for not being insultingly linear like XIII. XV has a very cool world map but even that is dampened by the driving mechanic.

Holy shit yes the driving mechanic is all time terrible. Who ever thought that was a good idea just wow. Terrible. I thought the chocobos were well done but again introduced too late and with a weird rental mechanic.

 

[The Illiterati]

Worst Final Fantasy game by a country mile. Terrible in every single respect except graphics.

But, hey, it can win over tons of people by taking random selfies of supposedly fun times you were having with your potato brain bros.

Insulting.

 

[BocoDragon]

No, doesn't really gel into a real FF.

It's funny, the part at which it feels most like an FF (structured levels and story) is probably Chapter 13... and everyone hated that. The open world mish-mash is the game, for better and for worse.

I find it to be more of a disappointment than XIII. At least that game had a cohesive vision. I appreciate the open world vs. a linear tunnel, but the absentee plot really stings. I'm really down on the series right now, sadly

 

[Fantastical]

Be that as it may they evoked the coziest friendship dynamic in recent memory for me, mostly just from the little things... for the bros!!

I agree... I also think they felt like actual buddies.

 

[F0rneus]

They're not characters now?

Yeesh. I get not personally caring for them, but Jesus.

They drastically change personalities between chapters. It makes no sense but the game doesn't care. There's no depth there. It's a bunch of mannequins. Nothing else there.

 

[black070]

I honestly don't know who the game is intended for either - just a massive disappointment all around.

 

[JetSetRadio]

Iris fans.

 

[James Scott]

It's weird because in trying to mix western and eastern design philosophies they made a game that lacks the Japanese charm and combat complexity while having a game that's not up to western design standards.

The car is one of the worst mechanics for transportation to date. Maybe if the bros shared stories in the car or had some form of communication with others to add reason for there to a several minute non eventful ride just to get to a destination.

The visuals and combat don't mesh well looking like larpers and not feeling as good as something like KH or Bayonetta while lacking the tactical side of turn based combat (magic Grenades? Really?)

The narrative doesn't benefit from eastern or western design either thanks to it being filled with plot holes, unremarkable characters, and weird animations.

I'm not sure what they were going for, and outside of the progression system being fairly interesting, I'm not too sure they achieved it.

Also, how do you mess up a Magic vs Technology battle by making the prince of the Magic empire drive around in a non-magical car with an engine blade and the technological empire ends up using more magic by the end?