Home Gaming Here’s what critics think of Final Fantasy XV

Here’s what critics think of Final Fantasy XV

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After a decade or so of waiting, fans can finally hop into the Regalia and embark on an epic road trip with Noctis and his merry band of brothers. Seriously, quit pinching yourself – Final Fantasy XV is real, and it’s out today!

Does Square Enix’s latest JRPG live up to its ridiculously high expectations though? Let’s see what the critics think:

Kotaku – no score

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.

Final Fantasy XV scenery

IGN – 8.2/10

When I’m riding chocobos across the beach at dusk with my three friends and hunting iconic Final Fantasy monsters in a huge, picturesque open world, Final Fantasy XV feels like nearly everything I could want from a modern Final Fantasy. But when it funnels me into linear scenarios and drab, constricted spaces that plunge the simplistic combat into chaos, my blood boils a bit. There is so much good here, so much heart – especially in the relationships between Noctis and his sworn brothers. It just comes with some changes and compromises that were, at times, difficult for this long-time Final Fantasy fan to come to grips with.

Destructoid – 9/10

As I’m typing this up now, I’m seeing a future where people buy Final Fantasy XV due to some of the more positive assessments (like this one), and walk away disappointed. Because if you loathe JRPGs, XV is not going to make you a believer. In a way it’s silly that Square spent 10 years making this, and it feels like a really shiny version of something it would have actually made 10 years ago. While a complete overhaul of the genre would certainly suit someone’s needs, XV suits mine just fine.

Final Fantasy XV pic

Polygon – 9/10

Final Fantasy 15‘s own opening text describes it as “a Final Fantasy for fans and newcomers alike.” The game contains pieces sure to disappoint players in both camps, but it also provides a refreshingly human take on the classic RPG journey that I hope will inspire future games in the franchise. Final Fantasy 15 can be baffling in some of its questionable choices, but across the board, it hits more than it misses. It hums with an energy and compassion that I loved, a sense of camaraderie, friendship and adventure that fills an old and struggling formula with new relevance.

Game Informer – 8.5/10

Final Fantasy XV is unlike any RPG or open-world experience I’ve played before. It succeeds and struggles in finding its unique stance, but a few problematic designs don’t hold it back from being a hell of a journey. Just days after playing it, I find myself reflecting on it fondly. The thoughts of that damn car are recessed and blanketed by Noctis’ journey and some of the stunning moments that unfolded within it. I wasn’t a fan of Final Fantasy XIII’s sequels, but I hope Square returns with another XV or a similarly designed sequel to iron out the rough spots. There’s a solid foundation here that begs to be explored further.

Final Fantasy XV car

Gamespot – 8/10

One of the first things you see when you boot up the game is this claim “A Final Fantasy for fans and first-timers.” It’s a strange statement; fans can’t agree on what makes a good Final Fantasy game, and who knows why newcomers shied away from the series in the past. It’s been a long ten years since Final Fantasy XV was first revealed, and tastes have changed in the meantime. While it’s safe to assume fans and outsiders will find some aspect of Final Fantasy XV disappointing–be it the shallow story or finnicky Astrals–it would be hard for anyone to deny that Final Fantasy XV is a fascinating game after giving it a chance. Where its characters fail to impress, Final Fantasy XV’s beautiful world and exciting challenges save the day.

USgamer – 4/5

I was really skeptical that Final Fantasy XV could ever be successful; but despite some real flaws, it ultimately won me over. I warmed to the characters over the course of many camping trips, found more than I was expecting in the open world, and even enjoyed the bombastic setpieces. I have no doubt that it will be harshly criticized in some circles, but it also has some real merit. Stick with it even if you find yourself rolling your eyes at the opening hours: You may be surprised by how much you end up enjoying yourself.

Final Fantasy XV camp

The Daily Dot – 4/5

Final Fantasy XV overcomes its narrative lows with gameplay highs that consume the player’s time with engrossing optional quests and frenetic battles. As a whole, it does not represent the best in the series, but it delivers just enough to deserve a place in the mainline series, which is an achievement for a game that originated as a Final Fantasy XIII spin-off.

Twinfinite – 4.5/5

As I moved ever closer to the end, it all started to come together. I was reminded of every struggle, every hardship that had befallen myself and my friends. That seemingly silly road trip came full circle and I was left appreciating every mile I traveled without the parlor trick of a cheaply sentimental epilogue. I took that journey, drove that boat of a car, traversed mountains, and journeyed deep into dungeons, and I had the scars and memories to prove it. There, at the end, I found the classic heart of Final Fantasy waiting for me. Noctis’ journey, and that of the developers, brought me the essence fans have worried would be lost at either’s hand. Final Fantasy XV was quite different from everything I had ever expected an entry to be, but it turned out to be exactly what I had been looking for.

Final Fantasy XV Header

Praise Hajime Tabata, because as it turns out, Final Fantasy XV is actually rather good. The critics love it!

Though, there seems to be mixed feelings regarding different aspects of the game. Some critics for example, are fond of the journey they had with Noctis and co. Others meanwhile, found that characters were weak in general, leaving the combat and world to really steal the limelight.

Overall at least, it really looks like Final Fantasy XV is a solid game. This makes me ALL of the happy. I’m a huge fan of the franchise, and I simply cannot wait to get lost in the world of Eos!

Expect our own review of the game soon. We’ve sent Zoe off on a Chocobo, and she’s not coming back until she’s finished it, kupo!

Last Updated: November 29, 2016

47 Comments

    • Ottokie

      November 29, 2016 at 08:25

      I can almost hear the victory fanfair

      Reply

      • Umar

        November 29, 2016 at 08:26

        I made the victory fanfare my ringtone for today 😀 IT’S HERE, OTTO-KUN, CAN YOU BELIEVES

        Reply

        • Ottokie

          November 29, 2016 at 08:27

          Still feels like a dream. But that’s probably just cause I was standing outside BT Games in the dark this morning xD

          Reply

          • Andre Fourie

            November 29, 2016 at 08:28

            School started Otto. Aren’t you writing 7th grade exams or something?

          • Umar

            November 29, 2016 at 08:29

            LOL Ahhh, that feeling of danger in the dark, but you have to brave it for a game :p Enjoy the game dude. We should touch base soon to exchange impressions.

          • Ottokie

            November 29, 2016 at 08:30

            Indeed we shall. Now I just need a battle plan for how to get home and start the 8Gb patch and get back to work fast enough.

    • Andre Fourie

      November 29, 2016 at 08:26

      That is disturbing, yet I cannot stop watching.

      Reply

    • DragonSpirit009

      November 29, 2016 at 08:29

      Oh what horror is that!

      Reply

      • Andre Fourie

        November 29, 2016 at 08:29

        Only a really twisted mind can come up with that.

        Reply

      • Umar

        November 29, 2016 at 08:30

        His milkshake definitely brings all the girls to the yard.

        Reply

  1. Ottokie

    November 29, 2016 at 08:24

    • Andre Fourie

      November 29, 2016 at 08:25

      Did you read the article?

      Reply

      • Ottokie

        November 29, 2016 at 08:25

        I looked at the numbers if that counts

        Reply

        • Andre Fourie

          November 29, 2016 at 08:27

          Thought so.

          Reply

          • Ottokie

            November 29, 2016 at 08:27

            As if I am going to read right into potential spoilers

          • Andre Fourie

            November 29, 2016 at 08:28

            That is why I asked.

          • Admiral Chief Argonian

            November 29, 2016 at 09:12

            Chapter 3. Otto still did not read

  2. DragonSpirit009

    November 29, 2016 at 08:29

    Ah good scores so far. Will actually read it later XD

    Reply

  3. Alien Emperor Trevor

    November 29, 2016 at 08:30

    So same shit as 8 – 5/10

    Reply

  4. Allykhat

    November 29, 2016 at 08:38

    I think Gavin was right to a degree. A lot of reviewers are pointing out flaws but still scoring the game sky high.

    At the end of the day, I’m keen to play the game regardless of its shortcomings, but I get the feeling it’s being scored high just for being a Final Fantasy game.

    Reply

    • Umar

      November 29, 2016 at 08:40

      Could be. It is weird. Either it’s brand bias or maybe the pros really do outweigh the cons. Won’t know until we personally try it.

      Reply

      • Allykhat

        November 29, 2016 at 09:01

        I was reading through some of the comments on a few of the reviews so far and one guy made a really fair point. His comment was that the characters are what make a FF game, not so much the story.

        Of every FF game I have ever played I found the Characters the most memorable. My most favorite Final game was 9, but I can’t remember, for the life of me, what the main plot was actually about… other than the fact that I spent more time wondering if Kuja was a dude or chick… But that again comes back to a character instead of a plot point. I mean as far as plot goes, in X your dad is a fish. Someone was clearly on acid when that was written up.

        The most common point I can see from the reviews so far is that Noctis and co. are really well done and fleshed out, and seeing as they are the main interaction points for the larger part of the game, that sets my mind at ease a bit.

        If the story is a bit weak, I can handle that, I did play NMS after all, so this should still be a cake walk.

        Reply

        • Umar

          November 29, 2016 at 09:05

          This is very true. I mean, I struggle with some of the finer story details of the series, but the characters have always stuck with me and I’m glad to hear that Noct and the crew is actually the real highlight of the game.

          Kotaku’s review really piqued my interest though. About the haunted castle and the secret dungeon that took 5 hours to complete. Reviewer seemed to love the dungeons and this makes me excited. FF hasn’t had proper dungeons since X imo.

          Reply

        • Ottokie

          November 29, 2016 at 09:08

          After watching the Brotherhood anime, I can’t wait to learn more about them all. Now that we have background of their circumstances for becoming what they are today is great to help you escape reality and get into the game.

          Reply

          • Alien Emperor Trevor

            November 29, 2016 at 10:00

            What’s with the new avatar? OttoKFC? 😀

          • Ottokie

            November 29, 2016 at 10:10

            It’s a chocobo pffff

          • Allykhat

            November 29, 2016 at 10:14

            The other other white meat.

    • Ottokie

      November 29, 2016 at 08:42

      If not, we could always just load up FFX again for the hundredth playthrough 😛

      Reply

  5. Original Heretic

    November 29, 2016 at 08:41

    The one review I read earlier actually distressed me a bit with the one tidbit of information. It seems the summons are rather stupidly difficult and inconsistent. Which is a huge shame. I always loved calling in Shiva, Ifrit or Bahamut to come wreak some havoc on the enemies.
    Now it seems that the summons are out of player control completely. They just rock up if certain conditions are met during battle. Like, for example, having low health and being close to water.

    Reply

    • Allykhat

      November 29, 2016 at 10:18

      Seems to be similar to Odin in FF8.
      Oh? Fighting Ultima Weapon? Nah, you got this bro.
      Fighting a Bite Bug? ZANTETSUKEN!!!

      Reply

      • Original Heretic

        November 29, 2016 at 10:28

        Except now it’s a feature for ALL summons.

        Yay….

        Reply

  6. Fox1 - Retro

    November 29, 2016 at 09:05

    -1 point for using a mouse pointer in the menus.

    Reply

  7. Captain JJ

    November 29, 2016 at 09:27

    Seems very average

    Reply

    • Matthew Figueira

      November 29, 2016 at 09:27

      YOUR FACE IS AVERAGE

      Reply

      • Allykhat

        November 29, 2016 at 09:29

        AVERAGE, YOUR FACE IS

        Reply

      • Captain JJ

        November 29, 2016 at 09:44

        Better than cabbage!

        Reply

        • Matthew Figueira

          November 29, 2016 at 10:04

          CABBERAGE!

          Reply

          • Captain JJ

            November 29, 2016 at 11:32

            But…I thought there could be only one cabbage!

  8. Admiral Chief Argonian

    November 29, 2016 at 11:35

    FF, not even once

    Reply

  9. 40 Insane Frogs

    November 29, 2016 at 21:05

    The only review I’ll trust is from the Great Umar! All others are pretenders to the crown!

    Reply

  10. MoLo

    December 2, 2016 at 14:43

    Here is 6/10 fair score for this game.

    http://metro.co.uk/2016/11/29/final-fantasy-xv-review-the-good-the-bad-and-the-beautiful-6288894/

    The rest in this article are Bullshit..

    Another tale of magic? Bullshit.. try to tell me how many types of magics are there.. and there are so many limitations on magic.. practically u can only equip 1 magic because there is a 30 seconds cooldown.. imagine u have to go through all the menus and clicks to equip another one that is strong against the enemy u facing during the battle.. I had reached to a point where I rather just hack and slash instead of going through the hassle to change my magic.. seriously Square Enix? Why need to equip a damn flask? Why not place it in the inventory so I can use it as items like a potion?

    The already limited type of magics are further limited by all these stupid set up..

    There are Limited summons and further limited by the specific conditions to summon them..

    There are Limited limit breaks..

    Basically all those things that I enjoyed in the old ff games like ff7 and ff8.. are screwed up.. I even think that u spent so long to develop the graphic but forgot all those things..

    There are many different classes in the old ff games.. gone in ff15..

    It’s a good game if u don’t take it as a final fantasy game.. but a hack and slash action game with a bit of magics and a little bit of summons.. oh and warping ==

    Reply

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