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Final Fantasy XV

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Final Fantasy XV
Item: Final Fantasy XV
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2016

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Anime and JRPG, Drama, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableNov 29, 2016

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperSquare Enix

Overview

Play as Noctis, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Lucis, as you seek to reclaim your homeland from the imperial army. With your closet friends along for the ride, you’ll travel through the breath-taking world of Eos encountering larger-than-life beasts and unforgiving enemies. Face thrilling combat as you learn to master your weaponry and magic skills by channeling the power of your ancestors.

Elsewhere

8.0

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Final Fantasy XV are quite varied. Some critics, such as New York Daily News and Slant Magazine, praise the story for its focus on friendship and character development. They appreciate the unique character arcs and the emphasis on the evolving relationships between the four friends. This aspect of the story is also highlighted by RPG Fan, who mentions that the main cast experiences a wide range of emotions, adding depth to the narrative. Additionally, NZGamer commends the complex and mature storyline, with well-defined character motivations and a satisfying conclusion. However, there are critics who express disappointment with the story of Final Fantasy XV. ZTGD criticizes the fragmented and messy storyline, stating that it skips over major events and makes it difficult to understand and care about. Game Revolution also criticizes the story for being inconsistent and lacking compelling plot elements, with disinteresting characters and anti-climactic moments. GamingTrend mentions narrative flaws, lack of character development, and incoherence in the first half of the game, although it acknowledges some improvement later on. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the focus on character development and the complex narrative, others criticize the lack of coherence and compelling plot elements. The Digital Fix mentions that the story is disjointed with some missteps, but finds the smaller moments and character interactions endearing. Game Informer describes the story as a fun and emotional ride, focusing on the camaraderie between the characters and the turmoil plaguing the kingdom. On the other hand, Cheat Code Central mentions a disconnect between the urgency of the quest and the side activities, and IGN Spain criticizes the unimpressive main villain and underdeveloped secondary characters. In conclusion, the story of Final Fantasy XV receives mixed reviews from the critics. While some appreciate the focus on character development and the complex narrative, others criticize the lack of coherence and compelling plot elements. The emphasis on friendship and the evolving relationships between the main characters is generally praised, but the fragmented storytelling and inconsistent moments are seen as drawbacks. Overall, the story of Final Fantasy XV seems to have its strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for both positive and negative opinions among the critics.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Final Fantasy XV. Some praise its focus on friendship and character development, while others criticize its fragmented and messy storyline. The complex narrative and well-defined character motivations receive appreciation, but the lack of coherence and compelling plot elements are also highlighted as flaws. Overall, reviewers have differing views on the strengths and weaknesses of the game's story, making it a subject of debate among critics.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

59%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Final Fantasy XV are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Many critics praise the combat system, describing it as fast-paced, engaging, and exciting. They appreciate the blend of action and strategy, with flashy moves, the ability to warp strike enemies, and options for slower-paced players. The combat is often described as fluid, allowing for different approaches to battles and offering a lot of depth and options. Critics like NZGamer and Game Revolution specifically mention the fast and fluid combat, while Game Informer praises the wide variety of team-based strategies. The gameplay also offers a range of activities such as exploration, side quests, hunts, and mini-games, providing a rewarding and engaging experience for players. Critics such as Cheat Code Central and The Sydney Morning Herald highlight the open-world structure, while Game Rant mentions the Wait Mode that slows down time and exposes enemy weaknesses. However, there are some negative aspects of the gameplay that critics point out. One common criticism is the camera, which is described as obstructive, unreliable, and woeful by critics like ZTGD, New York Daily News, and IBTimes UK. The camera issues can make combat chaotic and frustrating, especially when facing multiple opponents or during party member attacks. Another criticism is the restrictive nature of the magic system, as mentioned by Gaming Age, which can be seen as a drawback for some players. Some critics, such as GamingTrend and The Digital Fix, mention that the combat lacks strategy and depth, while ICXM notes that it takes time to get comfortable with the gameplay loops and battle systems. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Final Fantasy XV has its strengths and weaknesses. The positive aspects, such as the fast-paced and engaging combat, the variety of activities, and the depth of options, are often highlighted. However, the negative aspects, such as camera issues and a lack of strategic depth, are also mentioned. Despite the criticisms, the overall sentiment is that the gameplay is enjoyable and satisfying, offering a unique and action-oriented experience in an open world. The positive feedback from critics like Game Revolution, NZGamer, and Digital Spy supports this sentiment, while the negative feedback from critics like IBTimes UK and GamingTrend provides a balanced perspective. Ultimately, players can expect a gameplay experience that combines flashy combat, exploration, and character development, but they should also be aware of potential camera issues and a lack of strategic depth.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Final Fantasy XV gameplay. They praise its fast-paced combat, diverse activities, and team-based strategies, but criticize the obstructive camera and lack of strategic depth. Overall, the game offers an engaging experience with flashy combat and exploration, despite some flaws.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Final Fantasy XV, with many describing it as visually stunning, impressive, and graphically gorgeous. ZTGD commends the game for its highly detailed character models, fluid animations, and impressive lighting and particle effects. New York Daily News appreciates the game's lively and distinct style that maintains its JRPG roots. Game Over Online describes the graphics as gorgeous and immersive, while NZGamer highlights the stunning visuals and the lived-in quality of the world. These positive comments indicate that Final Fantasy XV successfully delivers a visually captivating experience. However, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design. Game Revolution mentions that while the game has a large and beautiful world with diverse climates and impressive landmarks, it is hindered by performance issues. Gaming Age finds the character designs to be bland compared to the villains, and Slant Magazine notes the presence of low-res textures and PlayStation 3 assets. GamingTrend criticizes the strange design choices and invisible walls that hinder exploration. Despite these criticisms, the negatives seem to be outweighed by the positive aspects of the game's visuals. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Final Fantasy XV has impressive graphics and visual design. The game's stunning visuals, immersive world, and attention to detail were widely praised. Critics like Cheat Code Central, The Sydney Morning Herald, and MMORPG.com highlight the game's fully-realized semi-open world, beautiful environments, and attention to detail. The game successfully captures a unique and visually appealing world, combining realistic elements with fantasy and JRPG aesthetics. The positive opinions of the majority of the critics indicate that Final Fantasy XV excels in its graphics and visual design, making it a visually captivating experience for players.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Final Fantasy XV's stunning graphics and visual design, praising its detailed character models, impressive lighting effects, and immersive world. Despite some criticisms about performance issues and design choices, the game's captivating visuals and attention to detail shine through. Overall, the majority of critics agree that Final Fantasy XV delivers a visually captivating experience that combines realism with fantasy and JRPG aesthetics.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Final Fantasy XV are overwhelmingly positive. The majority of the critics praised the exceptional original soundtrack and its ability to perfectly fit the mood of every scene. ZTGD, The Digital Fix, and COGconnected all highlighted the brilliance of the music, with The Digital Fix specifically mentioning Yoko Shimomura's typically brilliant compositions. Additionally, the inclusion of music from previous Final Fantasy games was seen as a nice touch by ZTGD, Slant Magazine, Arcade Sushi, RPG Fan, and Attack of the Fanboy. The sound design was also highly regarded, with Game Over Online, M3, Slant Magazine, Washington Post, Arcade Sushi, Cheat Code Central, IGN Denmark, The Sydney Morning Herald, RPG Fan, ICXM, and DarkStation all expressing their admiration for it. The immersive experience created by the sound design was mentioned by M3 and The Sydney Morning Herald, while ICXM praised the mix of orchestral and simple tunes that perfectly set the mood for each encounter. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there were a few criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Final Fantasy XV. Game Over Online mentioned a few confounding decisions in the sound design, without specifying what those decisions were. The Digital Fix pointed out similarities to other game themes, which may have affected the originality of the music. Attack of the Fanboy also mentioned an audio bug involving the system's standby feature, which was seen as an annoyance. In conclusion, the overall consensus of the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Final Fantasy XV were exceptional. The positive aspects of the sound design and music greatly outweighed the negatives. The majority of the critics praised the original soundtrack, the inclusion of music from previous Final Fantasy games, and the immersive experience created by the sound design. The Sydney Morning Herald specifically mentioned the magnificent sequence featuring the cover of "Stand by Me" that set the tone for the entire game. The critics' opinions, such as those of ZTGD, COGconnected, and ICXM, highlight the excellence of the soundtrack and its ability to bring the different characters to life. Despite a few criticisms regarding confounding decisions in the sound design, similarities to other game themes, and an audio bug, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the Sound Design and Music of Final Fantasy XV being highly regarded by the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praise Final Fantasy XV's Sound Design and Music, highlighting the exceptional original soundtrack that perfectly sets the mood. The inclusion of music from previous games was well-received, creating an immersive experience. Despite a few criticisms like confounding sound design decisions and similarities to other game themes, the overall consensus is highly positive, with critics lauding the excellence of the soundtrack and its ability to bring the game to life.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

75%

Mixed (50-79)

25%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting of Final Fantasy XV has received mixed reviews from critics. Several reviewers, such as M3 and The Sydney Morning Herald, praise the voice acting for its realism and depth, highlighting the compelling character portrayals it provides. M3 specifically mentions that the voice acting in the game is some of the most compelling in the gaming industry. The Sydney Morning Herald also commends the banter between the characters, describing it as playful and enjoyable, and credits the voice actors for bringing life to the characters and contributing to the camaraderie of the group. These positive reviews indicate that the voice acting successfully adds to the overall immersion and experience of the game. However, not all critics share the same sentiment. DarkStation criticizes the voice acting, stating that it is wildly uneven, veering from pathos to banal with some tone-deaf attempts at Americana. This negative review suggests that the voice acting may lack consistency and fail to deliver a cohesive performance throughout the game. Cheat Code Central also mentions that while the voice acting of the main cast is appealing with natural dialogue and impressive banter, some minor characters are cringeworthy. This criticism implies that there may be inconsistencies in the quality of voice acting across different characters in the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Final Fantasy XV is of good quality. Games(TM) praises the well-drawn personalities of the characters and their voice acting, while IGN Denmark finds the voice acting entertaining and contributing to the overall experience. COGconnected also mentions that the voice acting is solid in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, French, and German. The positive reviews highlight the successful portrayal of characters and the immersive nature of the voice acting. However, the negative reviews from DarkStation and Cheat Code Central suggest that there are some inconsistencies and weaker performances in certain aspects of the voice acting. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment leans towards the positive, with the voice acting being consistently good and enhancing the overall immersion and enjoyment of Final Fantasy XV.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed reviews on the voice acting in Final Fantasy XV. Some praise it for realism and depth, while others criticize it for inconsistency and cringeworthy minor characters. Overall, the voice acting is generally seen as good quality, adding to the game's immersion and experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

100%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on the PlayStation 4, there are mixed opinions among the critics. ZTGD and Gaming Age both mention that the game runs well on the PS4, with ZTGD specifically praising the solid 30FPS performance on the PS4 Pro. However, Game Revolution points out performance issues, including frame pacing, which affects the overall enjoyment of the game. COGconnected also highlights camera issues and frustrating movement on the PS4, which hinder the game from reaching its full potential. On the positive side, RPG Fan mentions that while there are technical issues such as getting caught on geometry and lip syncing problems, these flaws don't significantly impact gameplay and can potentially be fixed in a patch. Moving on to the Xbox One platform, Game Rant states that the game's technical performance is good overall, with only minor frame rate drops. However, ICXM mentions that the Xbox One version suffers from minor performance issues and blurry visuals that impact gameplay. The critic also notes that Square Enix is working on a patch to resolve this issue. Attack of the Fanboy mentions a bug involving the system's standby feature causing audio issues, but it is not mentioned if there are any other technical performance or stability issues. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Final Fantasy XV has some technical performance issues on both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One platforms. While some critics, like ZTGD and Gaming Age, mention that the game runs well on the PS4, others, like Game Revolution and COGconnected, point out various issues such as frame pacing, camera problems, and frustrating movement. On the Xbox One, Game Rant notes minor frame rate drops, while ICXM highlights blurry visuals. However, RPG Fan mentions that these flaws don't significantly impact gameplay and can potentially be fixed in a patch. It is worth noting that Square Enix is actively working on resolving some of these technical issues with patches. Despite the technical shortcomings, critics generally agree that the game's technical flaws do not completely overshadow its positive aspects, such as the breathtaking landscapes and potential for improvement through updates.

TL;DR

technical performance

Final Fantasy XV faces technical performance issues on PS4 and Xbox One, with critics divided. While some praise solid performance on PS4 Pro, others highlight frame pacing, camera problems, and blurry visuals. Despite flaws, critics see potential for improvement through patches. Square Enix is working on resolving issues, but the game's positive aspects like stunning landscapes shine through.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

14%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Final Fantasy XV, it is evident that the majority of them found the game to have a high replay value. The game offers a variety of activities and exploration opportunities, providing above-average play value, as mentioned by Game Revolution. The open world and side quests also contribute to the game's replayability, allowing players to easily pause the main story and engage in other content, according to Gaming Age. MMORPG.com further supports this sentiment by highlighting the availability of additional dungeons and quests after completing the main story. Let's Play Video Games emphasizes the fantastic post-game content, which includes high-level unlocks, quests, and character stories, indicating that players can continue to enjoy the game even after completing the main storyline. The positive aspects of Final Fantasy XV's replay value are further reinforced by ICXM, who mentions the presence of smaller activities like fishing and photography, side quests, dungeons, collectibles, and gear to find. These additional elements add depth to the gameplay experience and provide players with more reasons to revisit the game. DarkStation also highlights the immense game world, which offers dozens of hours on side quests and optional activities, further contributing to the game's replay value. While the majority of critics praised the replay value of Final Fantasy XV, there were no significant negative opinions mentioned in the given reviews. However, it is important to note that the game's main quest is relatively short, taking around 20 to 40 hours to complete, as mentioned by Game Revolution. Some players who prefer longer main storylines might find this aspect to be a drawback. However, the abundance of side quests, optional activities, and post-game content compensates for the shorter main quest, making the game still highly replayable. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Final Fantasy XV offers a strong replay value. The game's focus on activities, exploration, and additional content beyond the main story provides players with ample reasons to revisit the game. The positive aspects highlighted by multiple critics, such as the open world, side quests, post-game content, and various activities, contribute to the game's overall replayability. With the majority of critics expressing positive opinions, it is clear that Final Fantasy XV successfully delivers a satisfying replay value for players.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics agree: Final Fantasy XV packs a punch with its high replay value. From diverse activities and exploration to engaging side quests and post-game content, the game offers ample reasons to keep players coming back for more. While the main quest may be short, the abundance of additional elements like fishing, photography, and dungeons make up for it, ensuring a satisfying replay experience. Overall, critics praise the game's replayability, making it a must-play for fans of the series.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Final Fantasy XV, it becomes evident that the majority of critics had a positive view of the game. The first paragraph will focus on the positives highlighted by the critics. ZTGD commends the well-developed characters and enjoyable side activities, while Game Revolution praises the unpredictable and memorable adventure, sacrificing story and characters for gameplay and world design. The Sydney Morning Herald describes it as a weird and wonderful epic about friendship and fighting, offering one of the warmest and most unique role-playing experiences. These positive aspects, such as well-developed characters, engaging gameplay, and a unique experience, are consistently mentioned by various critics, indicating a strong foundation for the game. However, there are some negatives pointed out by the reviewers as well. GamingTrend criticizes the game for its unfocused first half, poor exposition, invisible walls, and identity crisis in design. IGN Italia mentions the lack of crucial focus and depth in the story and combat. Despite these flaws, critics like Gaming Age and Digital Spy still find Final Fantasy XV worth checking out and enjoyable. The weaknesses in the story and combat seem to be overshadowed by the game's positive aspects, as mentioned by Cheat Code Central, which praises the fully-realized semi-open world, impressive set-pieces, and detailed graphics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Final Fantasy XV is a game worth experiencing. The positive aspects, such as well-developed characters, engaging gameplay, and a unique experience, outweigh the negatives. The game revitalizes the series, as mentioned by M3, and sets a new bar for JRPGs, according to Critical Hit. The majority of critics highly recommend the game, with some even considering it the best Final Fantasy game in years, like IGN Denmark. The positive reception from various critics, including The Digital Fix and RPG Fan, further supports the notion that Final Fantasy XV successfully fulfills the expectations and offers an enjoyable adventure for both new and old fans of the franchise. In conclusion, Final Fantasy XV receives a predominantly positive overall verdict from the critics. The game is praised for its well-developed characters, engaging gameplay, and unique experience. While there are some flaws in the story and combat, these negatives are outweighed by the game's positive aspects. The revitalization of the series and the high recommendations from multiple critics solidify the consensus that Final Fantasy XV is a game worth experiencing.

TL;DR

Final Fantasy XV receives glowing reviews from critics who praise its well-developed characters, engaging gameplay, and unique experience, despite some flaws in the story and combat. The game revitalizes the series and sets a new bar for JRPGs, making it a must-play according to multiple critics. Overall, Final Fantasy XV is highly recommended as a game that successfully fulfills expectations and offers an enjoyable adventure for fans old and new.

MONSTER

Reviews

198 reviews found

100

The Sydney Morning Herald

PlayStation 4

Dec 29, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Final Fantasy XV is a weird, wonderful, and very Japanese epic about friendship and fighting. It is a game that requires an investment of time and learning, but it offers one of the warmest and most unique role-playing experiences of the generation so far. It is recommended for both previous Final Fantasy fans and newcomers to the series.

Slant Magazine

PlayStation 4

Dec 12, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for its character development, storytelling, and emotional depth. It is considered a sea change for the Final Fantasy series.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Dec 4, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Final Fantasy XV remains one of the best JRPGs the reviewer has played in recent memory.

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Critical Hit

PlayStation 4

Dec 12, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is not perfect but is the best Final Fantasy game so far, setting a new bar for JRPGs. The reviewer highly recommends it.

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ICXM

Xbox One

Dec 16, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Final Fantasy XV is a fantastic game that corrects the missteps of previous iterations. It offers an accessible experience for both fans and newcomers, and rivals other top role-playing games on consoles. The game is highly recommended.

Game Rant

Xbox One

Dec 5, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Final Fantasy 15 is a game that can please both long-time fans and new players. It is close to being perfect and will likely be a game of the year contender.

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Game Over Online

PlayStation 4

Dec 15, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is worthy of its place and a fine start to a new age of Final Fantasy titles.

Attack of the Fanboy

Xbox One

Dec 3, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Final Fantasy XV lives up to the expectations after many years of development. The story is enjoyable, the combat is innovative, and the game is worth the wait.

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Let's Play Video Games

PlayStation 4

Jan 1, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A better game than expected, with a great world and core party building. The weak point is the overall plot, which is predictable. The combat is engaging and the post-game content is fantastic.

MMORPG.com

PlayStation 4

Dec 8, 2016

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Despite its shortcomings, Final Fantasy XV is an enjoyable adventure that brings back the allure and luster of the franchise. It is a Final Fantasy game that can be enjoyed by both new and old fans.