It's reasonable to be apprehensive about the Final Fantasy franchise after all these years. Once the undisputed JRPG king, it has slumbered its way into an undignified existence represented by countless spin-offs and underperforming releases. For older gamers who are familiar with the golden days of the franchise, it's a sad reality that seems unexplainable.
When this all began is widely debated. Some would blame Final Fantasy X's divisive character design for the downturn of the franchise, while others would fault Final Fantasy XII's uninteresting story. Whatever the case, what most people can agree on is that Final Fantasy XIII and its subsequent sequels were indicative of a serious problem.
Final Fantasy XV has represented a huge opportunity for the franchise, so much so that Square Enix would ensure that it received enough development time prior to release. Although it would nearly fall into development hell during its 10 years of creation, all the investment may have been worth it.
Final Fantasy XV has arrived to good reviews, although they just so happen to fall precisely where Final Fantasy XIII stood (82 Metascore vs 83 Metascore). But that doesn't tell the whole story.
Final Fantasy XV put in effort where Final Fantasy XIII didn't. It strives to be an entertaining game that prioritizes gameplay over assuming you'd like to hear its characters talk for 15 minutes at a time. The combat system has been accepted as one of the best in modern RPG design, making encounters thrilling and skill oriented.
It also provides a sense of freedom that is as engrossing as it is liberating. There are dozens of hours of optional quests to participate in, supplemented by side activities that reward you for your time. It's like the good old days of Final Fantasy where you actually enjoy being in the world and taking it all in.
This begs the question: is Final Fantasy alive again? Or perhaps the right question to ask is, when the next mainline Final Fantasy comes around will JRPG fans buy it without question?
I'm not so sure that Final Fantasy XV is enough to right all the missteps made during the past decade. It is a good albeit flawed release that shows Square Enix's capabilities without blowing anyone's mind.
While it might let you listen to its music through a digital CD player, Final Fantasy XV is no Final Fantasy VI or VII. Actually, you can find more compelling JRPGs from other recent franchises, namely Persona and Xenosaga. But the truth is that it didn't need to reach that level to be great. I can personally recommend the game to friends of mine who I grew up playing Final Fantasy with, which is something I haven't been able to say in a long time. And in that sense, this is a game that demonstrates Final Fantasy's pulse.
If you've played Final Fantasy XV, what do you think of the game and its impact on the franchise? Let us know in the comments below.
Check Out More Final Fantasy XV Coverage On GameRevolution:
FFXV Video Introduction
15 Tips For Success In FFXV
Which Ascension Skills To Level First
Where To Purchase Additional Music and Soundtracks
10 Fun Things To Do In Final Fantasy XV
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10. Kill Adamantoise
Once you've done everything else there is to offer, Adamantoise is the ultimate prize. This boss is incredibly difficult and can only be engaged once you've completed the main story.
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rnAdamantoise is located in the Lonely Rumblings in Longwythe Hunt. With over 5 million HP, he requires many hours to kill by even the most high level characters. His weaknesses are located on his feet and eyes. Expect to repeat a lot of the same tactics during your battle with this massive monster.
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rnFor the most hardcore players the time investment is worth the effort as you'll only receive 40,000 experience points, 50,000 gil, and the exclusive Adamantite Bangle. There is no bigger challenge in the game. -
9. Become Unstoppable
It's worth your energy to spend time trying to earn AP and level up. The best way to accomplish this is by heading out on Hunts. These require a little exploration and some intense battles, but always make your time worth it in the end.
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rnHaving a powerful party means that you can take on harder enemies, such as... -
3. Find Easter Eggs
There are a number of hidden eastern eggs to be found in the game world. Some of these reference past Square Enix games.
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rnThis video will show you how to find a few of them. But the best way to enjoy easter eggs is to explore and find them yourself. When running around you may just want to try to... -
6. Go Fishing
Fishing has been implemented very well in this game. It requires some work, but also rewards you with collectibles and powerful items.
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rnDo yourself a favor and get used to spending a couple minutes fishing whenever you're in an area that supports the activity. It's a great way to mix your gameplay experience up. Alternatively, you can get into Chocobo Racing. -
5. Take Flight
After the final chapter of the game you'll gain access to a car upgrade that turns an ordinary vehicle into the Regalia Type-F. This upgrade effectively makes your car an airship that can fly around the world map.
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rnTo unlock this have Umbra take you back to Lucis. You'll then be required to complete three Nifelheim bases, including:rn- rn
- Fermouth Garrison in Northen Leide. rn
- Fort Vaullerey, which is found southwest of Old Lestallum. rn
- Aracheole Stronghold, located southeast of Lestallum. rn
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10 Fun Things To Do In Final Fantasy XV
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2. Gamble Your Money Away
The Totomostro mini-game is one that has a lot of players addicted already. This activity has you bet on the outcome of monster versus monster battles in a Colosseum type of environment.
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rnYou gain access to Totomostro during Chapter 9 when you arrive in Altissia. By playing you will earn medals, which can be traded in for an assortment of highly valuable items similar to Justice Monsters Five. -
4. Master the Bunny Hop
Did you know that you can run endlessly by simply jumping in the air every second or two? The Bunny Hop requires some hand dexterity, but looks hilarious on the screen and allows you to keep running without running out of Stamina.
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rnUsing this bunny hop method you can explore the world much faster and more intimately than when using vehicles. -
1. Play Justice Monsters Five
Justice Monsters Five is a pinball game that you can play in-game or via an app on the Apple Store or Google Play. By playing it you can earn a wealth of attractive rewards, including exclusive accessories.
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rnThis game can be played in every Crow's Nest Diner. -
8. Become a Magician
Most players avoid using magic due to the speed of combat and the regents required. Despite this, going with a magical build is a great way to enjoy combat in a new way.
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rnPut some AP into the Magic Ascension tree and focus on taking out enemies with sorcery. You'll wonder why you were avoiding magic all along. -
7. Collect Music and Listen
There are a number of collectible tracks that you can listen to while in your car. There's no better way to enjoy a road trip with the gang. Start collecting early and try to catch your favorite song.
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rnYou can read more about where to find the music here.
