Final Fantasy XV

Windows Edition Review

GregoPeck gives this game a "Meh" on the Ghost Scale

It’s not amazing, it’s not bad. This game is ok but you may want to choose another title.

GregoPeck gives this game a "Meh" on the Ghost Scale

It’s not amazing, it’s not bad. This game is ok but you may want to choose another title.

Final Fantasy X: Windows Edition was recently released. It includes some new features and currently available DLC. I was told that this is a short game, that is if you don’t do many of the side quests. I did some of them and finished in about 45 hours, the first time. I then unlocked New Game+ and finished a second time. After doing more side quests and the DLC, I now have over 100 hours into the game. I did play on easy, so I may replay the game on normal difficulty.

You are in control of the main character, Noctis. There are three other characters that are controlled by the AI and are almost always with you. Each character has their own specialization or skill. Noct... Read All Final Fantasy X: Windows Edition was recently released. It includes some new features and currently available DLC. I was told that this is a short game, that is if you don’t do many of the side quests. I did some of them and finished in about 45 hours, the first time. I then unlocked New Game+ and finished a second time. After doing more side quests and the DLC, I now have over 100 hours into the game. I did play on easy, so I may replay the game on normal difficulty.

You are in control of the main character, Noctis. There are three other characters that are controlled by the AI and are almost always with you. Each character has their own specialization or skill. Noct is a fisherman. Ignis cooks at camp, which can provide temporary bonuses. He can also drive. Gladio “picks up” items at the end of a battle. His skill increases the more he walks. Prompto is a photographer. I think the characters are good and likable. I felt like they were true FF characters.

The demo and tutorial do a decent job of helping you figure out how to play, but they don’t dive too deep into things. It took me a while to realize that Tech abilities level up the more you use them. They do reach a max, but you can also switch them out outside of battle. Each AI character has their own Tech abilities, each with their own strengths or purposes.

I wasn’t too sure about the Ascension grid, so I looked up some helpful tips as it can be a bit overwhelming at first. The Exploration part of the grid helps you gain Ability Points, which you spend in the grid. You can gain AP by doing things as making camp or making long trips via car or chocobo. These are good to have early on to help you gain more AP.

There was a patch released to fix the one main problem me and other players ran into, summoning destroyed your fps. After that, the game crashed on me a few times after playing for a while. Otherwise it usually ran pretty smoothly. The game is beautiful and it reminds me of many games, like GTAV and The Witcher 3. It’s nice to see such a beautiful open FF world. it makes me wish other FF games could look like this one.

I found combat to be a bit different than other FF games. You can see monsters, beasts, and enemies roaming around. You can try to avoid them or get within range of them to initiate combat. There is no separate combat screen like in most FF games, everything happens in real time. It also seemed that the game was more full of fetch quests than being in a state of constant combat. In the end, I think it’s not a bad FF game, but it doesn’t quite capture my heart like FFVII-X.

FFXV Demo Out Now!

I feel like there has been a lot of gaming news and releases just within the last day or two. In case you missed, I’m here to cover one piece of it. Final Fantasy XV Windows Edition is being released on March 6th. However, a demo was released and I finished it. This is a game I've had my eye on for a while. It's one of the few reasons I have for getting a PS4. Now that this game is coming to Steam, I have on less reason for that PS4. I makes me feel quite happy that my PC can play games made for the current console generation.

Before the demo was released, Square Enix released a benchmark to test PC compatibility with the game. The result I got was that I should be... Read All I feel like there has been a lot of gaming news and releases just within the last day or two. In case you missed, I’m here to cover one piece of it. Final Fantasy XV Windows Edition is being released on March 6th. However, a demo was released and I finished it. This is a game I've had my eye on for a while. It's one of the few reasons I have for getting a PS4. Now that this game is coming to Steam, I have on less reason for that PS4. I makes me feel quite happy that my PC can play games made for the current console generation.

Before the demo was released, Square Enix released a benchmark to test PC compatibility with the game. The result I got was that I should be able to comfortably run the game on high settings.
I actually did run into a part of the demo, at the very end, where the video lagged, but I think that's because Steam was installing a Fallout 4 update. Check out my post for the benchmark (https://cheerfulghost.com/GregoPeck/posts/3620/why-i-don-t-need-a-console-edition).

It’s good to know that game demos are not long gone, even if they may be hard to find. Luckily, Square Enix doesn’t disappoint. I am actually impressed that they released a demo, I wish more games would do this. The demo starts out with the basic tutorials, but it allows you to skip them or even repeat them. Combat takes a little getting used to. I should also mention here that I decided to try the game out with the Xbox 360 controller I have for my PC. The game was really good at detecting it right away, letting me use it, and telling me which buttons I needed to press.

You do get to complete at least a couple of missions in the demo. It basically introduces you to the characters and the world. Later on you’ll see a flood of videos showing the events that were pretty much covered in the FFXV movie.

The game looks great, it reminds me a lot of GTA V and Witcher 3. It’s pretty much open-world. You can walk, run, and drive a car. Driving isn’t bad, the car seems to stay on the road on it’s own unless you turn. One of your companions can drive, but you can manually drive it, if you choose.

The demo takes about an hour to complete, but I feel like it gave me a good taste of the game. I think it is definitely something that deserves to be at the top of my wishlist.

Check it out and feel free to let me know what you think about it.

http://store.steampowered.com/app/671210/FINAL_FANTASY_XV_WINDOWS_EDITION_PLAYABLE_DEMO/

Why I Don't Need A Console Edition

http://benchmark.finalfantasyxv.com/common/img/ss1en.jpg?20180130

Final Fantasy XV is finally coming to PC on March 6. The PC edition includes all currently available DLC and some new features, like mod support, among others. Because it’s coming to PC, I now have one less reason to buy a PS4, thus saving me some money. Luckily, Square Enix released a benchmark. Check it out and feel free to post your score! I got 6079, which means I should be able to run the game on high quality settings comfortably. (http://benchmark.finalfantasyxv.com/na/)

I’ve long been a fan of the Final Fantasy series, although I haven’t felt as happy with the series in the last decade or so. So, even though I’m a bit eagerly awaiting this release, I feel a bit... Read All

Final Fantasy XV Coming to PC "Early 2018"

So, I just found out that FFXV is coming to PC in "early 2018." I'm really happy about this, because this is one of the reasons I've thought about getting a PS4. I was hoping it would come to PC, so now I don't need to get a PS4 to play it soon. I don't mind the wait. It seems to be popular, from what I've read or "heard" about it. I did rent the FFXV movie and it was cool.

What do you think? Are you excited, too?

Watch the trailer embedded above to see the Nvidia FFXV tech preview.

Source:
https://www.gamespot.com/articles/final-fantasy-15-coming-to-pc-with-2018-release-da/1100-6452696/

Final (Chance) - FFXV

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jmzj5Mo5LJM/maxresdefault.jpg

I watched the Kingsglaive movie the other day in prep to play the game. I was sad I couldn't find it for free on any of the subscriptions I pay for. I have all the movie channels for comcast, have netflix, and have amazon video. Wasn't on youtube either.. So I rented it, but I feel it was worthwhile to increase the enjoyment of a game franchise that I love.

They've been working on this game for like 10 years, so I'm hoping it's actually going to be good. Anyone else pre-order it or plan to grab early?

OH, and I say Final Chance bc the last FF games have been a bit meh... this needs to restore my faith in the series.

GregoPeck Member wrote on 11/27/2016 at 11:57pm

I rented and enjoyed it, too. I'm not sure when or if I'll play the game since I don't have a PS4. I'm hoping it'll come to Steam. If you get it, please post your thoughts about it.

JaBo Post Author wrote on 11/28/2016 at 07:58pm

Oh, I already bought it back in july lol. I should be able to play at 9 pm tonight when it's released

GregoPeck Member wrote on 11/28/2016 at 08:09pm

Found a review for the game: http://www.techspot.com/review/1287-final-fantasy-xv/

JaBo Post Author wrote on 11/28/2016 at 11:51pm

Not reading it all as there are a little bits of spoilage in there I don't want, but saw this:

""I don’t know how Final Fantasy XV will be remembered when held up to the rest of the Final Fantasy pantheon. But I do know that it’s got everything I want from a Final Fantasy game. I know that it’ll be yet another snapshot in a life filled with Final Fantasy. Another grand adventure, another gang of worthy heroes; another tale of crystals and magic and betrayal and love, all beautiful melodies and lush scenery and the finely honed complexity of carefully choreographed combat. Onward to secrets beyond the horizon, and don’t forget the Phoenix Down. If that’s not Final Fantasy, I don’t know what is.""

GregoPeck Member wrote on 11/29/2016 at 01:19am

I read it all and didn't think it really contained too much spoilage. It seems like it's a great game, although it suffers from a few issues, especially crashes. However, I wonder if it would crash less or not at all on a PS4 Pro instead of the plain PS4.

JaBo Post Author wrote on 11/29/2016 at 09:09am

Well, got a few hours in tonight. It's pretty nice so far. I'm still not a fan of the next gen fighting and only controlling one person. But that's my only complaint so far. The story is going along fine, there's some immersion that is nice. The gameplay is fun. It's got traces from other FF games. Can get sound tracks for your radio from the old games.

The leveling is nice, the abilities and techs seem cool. I haven't been restricted on exploring my playground which has some level 30+ stuff in it so if I wanted to go crazy grinding I could.

So.. so far I'm rdy for more. Already better than 13 was. Although 13 did have more turn based combat I think. ?

GregoPeck Member wrote on 11/29/2016 at 03:47pm

Awesome! Did you notice the size of the battle area? The review said that sometimes it's too small and you end up accidentally stepping out, making monsters just stare at you. Did you see any technical issues?

JaBo Post Author wrote on 11/29/2016 at 04:23pm

No, haven't seen any technical issues.

GregoPeck Member wrote on 12/10/2016 at 07:11am

It's been a while, how's the game, JaBo?

JaBo Post Author wrote on 12/10/2016 at 08:05am

oh ya haha. So far it's really good. I don't feel the pull to like stay up all night playing and I do not prefer the combat system. But, the story is nice, the game play is fun and immersive. It feels decent. I like it more than FF13 for sure. We'll see how it stands up to the others.

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Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV

Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV is a movie based on FFXV (obviously), which has been released before the game. I was finally able to rent it on Amazon Prime Video, so I decided to watch it. This move is pretty much the beginning of the FFXV story. It shows how the world is pretty much divided into two major nations, the Kingdom of Lucis and the Niflheim Empire. It seems clear as to which side is “good” and which is “bad,” but that could be because we’re seeing the action from the perspective of one side. While the two are at war, one seems to be more peaceful while the other seems to wish to dominate all lands in the FFXV world.

The Kingdom of Lucis has magical... Read All Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV is a movie based on FFXV (obviously), which has been released before the game. I was finally able to rent it on Amazon Prime Video, so I decided to watch it. This move is pretty much the beginning of the FFXV story. It shows how the world is pretty much divided into two major nations, the Kingdom of Lucis and the Niflheim Empire. It seems clear as to which side is “good” and which is “bad,” but that could be because we’re seeing the action from the perspective of one side. While the two are at war, one seems to be more peaceful while the other seems to wish to dominate all lands in the FFXV world.

The Kingdom of Lucis has magical abilities, because of a crystal. King Regis also has magical powers given to him by a ring, which seems to be a gift from the gods. Not everyone is worthy of wearing it. It seems that it’s powers are for only those within the royal bloodline and those it deems worthy. If someone puts on the ring, they are judged by the gods who determine the wearer’s worthiness. If they are deemed unworthy, they will be burned alive.

You do get to see some magic such as the barrier that encompasses Insomnia, fire, lighting, and teleportation. The latter is interesting because you see a lot of the kingdom’s soldiers teleporting by using a small sword. They throw the sword in a direction and end up being teleported to the place it landed. This is one of their primary means of transportation, especially during battles. There are also cars, which seems to be the way the main characters get around in the game.

The Niflheim empire (note the name from the town in FFVII) seems to excel at technology. Some of their technology includes mechanical warriors and airships. However, the empire also seems to have the ability to unleash hordes of monsters and demons. One particular demon looks like one of the Weapon monsters from FFVII (like Ruby Weapon). One of the monsters also appears to be a Behemoth. You may also notice a Malboro in a cartoon on a TV. I didn’t see any Chocobos in the movie, they only made an appearance by name.

This is a CG movie, much like Spirits Within and Advent Children. Square-Enix has done a fantastic job with CG in many of their games and these movies. They also created one of the episodes of The Animatrix (the anime based upon The Matrix), which is called “Last Flight of the Osiris.” Each of these movies looks great and I enjoyed all of them. I enjoyed Kingsglaive, too, but I’m a FF “fanboy” and it’s hard for Square-Enix to disappoint me, although it has happened.

If you like FF and are interested in the new game, I think Kingsglaive is a “must watch,” especially if you’re planning on playing FFXV. I don’t own a PS4 or Xbox One, but this is one of the few games that has me thinking about buying a PS4. I have read some things about the game and I’ve seen some of the videos for it and it does look cool, but looks alone isn’t convincing me to buy it. I’m more interested in finding out how it plays, so I might wait until some time after it’s release to get it. In all honestly, I’m really hoping that it will come out on Steam, so I won’t have to buy a PS4.

I thought the movie was cool, but I think I’d probably appreciate it much more if I watch it some time after I’ve played the game (and hopefully fallen in love with it as I have with many other, but not all, games in the series).

FFXV Release Date: 9/30/16

Recently, I finished reading the cover story in the latest Game Informer, which is about Final Fantasy XV. I've known about it's development for a long time, it was originally called Final Fantasy Versus XIII. It's been in development for 10 years now and has undergone many changes, not just by name.

The Square-Enix team working on FFXV realized that while FF became an epic franchise, which has been pretty influential in our current games, some of the fanfare of the series has dwindled. Many fans of the series seem to prefer VII the most and also seem to view the series as going downhill from there. This doesn't apply to all of us though. FFVIII is my personal... Read All Recently, I finished reading the cover story in the latest Game Informer, which is about Final Fantasy XV. I've known about it's development for a long time, it was originally called Final Fantasy Versus XIII. It's been in development for 10 years now and has undergone many changes, not just by name.

The Square-Enix team working on FFXV realized that while FF became an epic franchise, which has been pretty influential in our current games, some of the fanfare of the series has dwindled. Many fans of the series seem to prefer VII the most and also seem to view the series as going downhill from there. This doesn't apply to all of us though. FFVIII is my personal favorite, although I also really enjoyed IX and X (including X-2). Unfortunately, for me, that's when the series began to dwindle.

FFXI is a game that I didn't get into until a very long time after it's release. However, it is a MMORPG and requires a monthly subscription fee. It also isn't much of a game for one who's used to playing solo, like me. I liked XII and XIII, but for some reason they don't feel as epically awesome as many of the other FF games.

However, it looks like FFXV will change that. From what I've read, it sounds like it's going to be really good. I just hope it lives up to those expectations. The trailer looks really awesome, too! So, I think this is definitely something I want to get into.

However, I don't have a PS4 or Xbox One. A PC version may come eventually. So, I'm thinking that this could be a great reason to get a PS4. Although, something I saw seemed to show the game performs better on the Xbox One. FFVII: Remake is also in development and I think would probably be another good reason to get a PS4. Another Kingdom Hearts sequel is expected, too. That's something else I'm looking forward to.

So, what do you think of FFXV? Do you think it's a good reason to finally get a PS4 (or Xbox One)? Let me know what you think!

Here's a link about the game, although it only scratches the surface of what I read in the magazine:
http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2016/04/06/revealing-final-fantasy-xvs-opening-gameplay.aspx