I hadn't been expecting any trailer content from the Nomura era, but I had been surprised how many recent trailer scenes with Tabata as a director weren't in the game. I do understand, though, that things absolutely get changed around in development, no matter whether its the gaming or film industry. I never quite know what to think on the matter, as in regards to XV and Rogue One, there were some scenes I was really looking forward to experiencing in the actual product. I also know that sometimes it's about salvaging what you can into a cohesive product, and shit happens along the way. It sucks either way.
I have to admit I was particularly disappointed at the loss of Dawn trailer scene with Regis holding a sleeping Noctis. It was heartbreaking and sweet, especially with a sleeping Noctis being a little shit and shoving Regis away, ha. The imagery was so good Square used the concept art on some steelbook copies of XV, the hell. I think that's why I assumed the scene must have still been in the game, because they were using the imagery on steelbooks at release.
Relating to Regis, I'm still so frustrated that the three pillars in Noctis' life were supposed to be his father, Luna, and the bros. Regis gets three minutes of screen time in I'm being generous, and Luna might get fifteen/twenty minutes. I'm legitimately baffled and disappointed how threadbare a lot of XV's story and characters are, it's like the game is continually try to indulge in a pay-off, without having the actual connective tissue story and character build-up to justify it. There's nothing wrong with a more straightforward story (which is what I really like about XV, and gave it a lot of potential), but that is no excuse for basic build-up to be missing throughout. Even though Square's gotten pretty freakin' stupid with the plots of its spin-off/sequels (also the KH franchise) over the years, even they still don't have basic issues like this. I think the lack of Regis is the most bizarre of all, considering the foundations of XV's narrative. Luna's treatment was extremely shitty, but Regis was even more important to Noctis' character, and the throughline of the overall narrative. Prompto is the only one with a strong sub-plot potential with the bros, and it is barely touched upon. Just.
What. I wish they'd pulled back on the scale of the game and concentrated on the basic structure first.
For all my complaints, Noctis as a character at least came out pretty unscathed, and is the highlight of the game for me. He's fantastic, as was his character arc - which is should have been, since everyone is just a prop for his development. Regardless, he's easily one of my favorite FF leads.
I found it funny how they would actually market the game with Older Noctis. Despite the fact he only appears in the game for exactly one chapter. Like who the fuck thought that was a good idea. I remember at the time we must play as him for a good chunk cause the marketing team wouldn't be that stupid.
Yeah, I'd assumed we'd spend a lot more time playing as Older Noctis than we did, considering he was an advertising point. I guess the marketing was for those who weren't a fan of the default look? 'Don't worry, guys, you'll get to play as Noctis Snow later!'
