Fresh new details about Final Fantasy XV – Release Date and other goodies!
Final Fantasy XV is without a doubt one of the most anticipated titles this year, and following months of speculation, Square Enix’s Uncovered: Final Fantasy XV event has given us plenty to look forward to. Hosted by the Greg Miller (Trending Gamer 2015) and Tim Gettys from KindaFunny.com, and with fans from all over the world attending and viewing the livestream, Square certainly did not disappoint.
Touted as the largest Final Fantasy production in the history of this storied franchise, Final Fantasy XV follows the story of the lands of Lucis and Nilfheim and our main cast of heroes, the main protagonist, Noctis, and his entourage, Prompto, Gladiolus and Ignis. Following the betrayal of the armistice between the neighbours, Noctis and his crew must fight their way to retrieving Lucis’ magical crystal, the last of its kind, and defeat Nilfheim’s forces.
A total of 14 announcements/appearances were made during the event, here’s our recap!
1.Hironobu Sakaguchi
Beginning with the ‘father’ of the Final Fantasy series, Sakaguchi discussed the long journey of series, the many ups and downs of fans’ expectations,and the team’s plans to bring the fabled role-playing series back to its roots with current director Hajime Tabata. This was received warmly by the crowd and set the tone for the entire show.
2.New Trailer!
The debut of a new trailer showcased the gorgeous visuals, and brought us through a variety of locales in the game, and the many different enemies players will encounter, including an enemy the size of a multi-storey building. Elements previously shown were also on display. Chocobo riding, driving around in the Leviathan and pushing a broken down Leviathan. All these were set to the wonderful cover of “Stand By Me” by Florence + The Machine. Combat had an emphasis on group dynamics, and a new tagline was displayed, asking players to “Reclaim Your Throne.”
3 .The Square Enix Team
An amazing piece of art by Yoshitaka Amano, a Japanese artist and character designer, was shown, in what was soon to be the cover art for a certain product we will talk about later. Famed composer Nobuo Uematsu made an appearance via video to convey his well wishes despite not being directly involved with Final Fantasy XV. Yoko Shimomura, the composer of the game was also applauded as she acknowledged the fans. It was great to see the team being recognised for their iconic work and efforts.
4. Florence + The Machine
Speaking of music, behind-the-scenes footage of the band recording the cover of “Stand By Me,” and an interview with Florence Welch were shown, with the singer praising the classic music of the series as inspiring and emotional, that Florence + The Machine was excited to be working on the project with Square Enix. It was an awesome rendition of a classic song, and gave the trailer a surprisingly emotional touch.
5. Gameplay Footage
Similar to the Active Time Reports, these Progress Reports and the several new gameplay footages revealed more about the components of FF XV.
Adventure – Once more putting the awesome vast open world on show, not only was on-foot travel shown, Noctis whistles and the fan-favourite Chocobo shows up, backed by the iconic music of the Chocobo theme. Four friends riding their Chocobos for adventure? Sign me up!
Drive – The Leviathan is a big part of FF XV, and what’s a road trip without some tunes? FF radio is now a reality while on the road, featuring songs from the series. How many songs are in the final version remains a mystery, but it is certainly a great feature to include. Side quests also appear to be available while driving, the trailer included NPCs with a broken down car by the roadside which players can choose to help or ignore. Cockpit view is also a feature, showing off the interior of the Leviathan.
Battle – The combat of FF XV is a departure from the usual turn-based staple of RPGs, more action and movement were emphasised, with Noctis’ Warp Strike being a prominent feature in the trailer. Magic was also used, reminding this writer of Kingdom Hearts’ combat. Not only does magic do damage to enemies, it appears that they will affect them functionally as well, with a Behemoth covered in frost when attacked with the spell, Blizzard. Smart AI also means enemies may retreat when facing an unfavourable situation. The trailer ended with the same giant enemy, grabbing Noctis and smashing the ground with its fist with a move named “Gaia’s Wrath.”
6. FF XV World of Wonder: Enviroment Footage
A focus on the world of FF XV, more footage were shown of the beautiful backdrops players can expect to journey in. From bustling cityscapes, soothing natural environments, vast plains and tall mountains, mysterious back alleys and sewers, coastal beaches and the sea to industrial plants and machinery. It even had a city built amongst the mountains! The weather system and a day/night cycle was also shown.
7. Brotherhood Final Fantasy XV
Next, the main characters of FF XV were put into focus. If you have no idea who they are, here’s a rough outline.
Noctis – Prince of Lucis and the main protagonist.
Ignis – The bespectacled advisor to Noctis
Gladio – The shield, bodyguard to the royalty of Lucis
Prompto – The everyman and joker of the group.
If you were even more interested in the back story of these characters, you are in luck! An anime style animated series, titled “Brotherhood Final Fantasy XV” will feature 5 episodes and explore the group’s journey from childhood to adulthood. It will be available online for free and all 5 episodes will be available before the release of the final game.
Here’s episode 1!
8. Kingsglaive
Kingsglaive, a feature length full CG movie was also announced. From the team that brought us Advent Children, it will explore the story back home in Lucis while Noctis is away during the events of the main game. It will be available to download and stream worldwide before FFXV is released. Here’s Square Enix’s official synopsis:
“The magical kingdom of Lucis is home to the hallowed Crystal, but the menacing empire of Niflheim will stop at nothing to make it theirs. War has raged between the two for as long as most can remember.
King Regis of Lucis commands an elite force of soldiers dubbed the Kingsglaive. Wielding their king’s magic, Nyx Ulric and his fellow glaives stand before the crown city of Insomnia, fighting to stay the inexorable advance of Niflheim’s imperial army.
Before the overwhelming military might of the empire, King Regis can only salvage his kingdom by accepting an ultimatum—he must cede all lands outside the crown city, and see his son, Prince Noctis, wed to Lady Lunafreya, the former princess of Tenebrae now captive of Niflheim.
As the war of wills rages, the machinations of Niflheim transform Insomnia into an awe-inspiring battleground, pulling Nyx into a struggle for the very survival of the kingdom.”
9. Audi R8
In a weird move, a one of a kind Audi R8 was emphasized in a partnership between Square Enix and car manufacturer Audi. It will not be available for purchase and is seemingly promotional material
10. Kingsglaive Cast
The voice cast of Kingsglaive were also present, with a star-studded reveal. Lena Headey of Game of Thrones fame will be portraying Lunafreya. Sean Bean will be starring in the role of King Regis, while Aaron Paul is Nyx. Nyx is the main protagonist of Kingsglaive and is part of the Kingsglaive, and is given a secret mission by King Regis which will be explored in the movie.
11. Minigames
What will Final Fantasy be without minigames? Justice Monsters Five is a Roleplaying breakout-like game, that will make an appearance not only in in game, but is also coming to iOS, Android and Windows 10 devices. Pre-registration begins now.
12. Platinum Demo
Enter the dream of Young Noctis and Carbuncle and uncover a tale untold in game! The Platinum Demo see players taking the role of Young Noctis and explore the world from a curious new perspective. Featuring combat, magic, monsters and squeaky hammers, players can collect crystals to unlock magical plates that can change the weather and transform Noctis into the creatures in the game. The bonus is that if you beat the demo, Carbuncle will be available as an exclusive summon for the main game. The Platinum Demo is available now (For PSN US accounts)!
13. Deluxe/Collector’s Editions
More special goodies for the collector in you. The event revealed 2 different special editions for FF XV. The first, the Deluxe Edition, features an exclusive steelbook cover, the Kingsglaive movie on disc and bonus DLC – an exclusive outfit, the royal raiment, the exclusive weapon, Masamune, and a Platinum Leviathan.
The Ultimate Collector’s Edition will contain all of the above, as well as a hardcover, 192-page artbook, the soundtrack, Brotherhood Final Fantasy XV on disc, more DLC in-game item packs and a Play Arts Kai figurine of Noctis. Only 30,000 sets of these are set to be sold and can only be bought here at the Square Enix Online Store.
14. Release Date!
Director Hajime Tabata then took to the stage for what we all have been waiting for. The reveal of the release date for Final Fantasy XV. The game is set to hit gamers on September 30th 2016 Cue Victory Fanfare!
But that’s not all!
15. Bonus trailer!
Another trailer was shown, with more combat, some story elements and images,including the recently revealed female dragon knight. Summons.towns, camping, cooking, travel, Cidney, the usual fare for a Final Fantasy game. What’s this!? Boat travel? Awesome, now what? The Leviathan transforming from a car into a plane!? This game is going to be bonkers.
Are you excited for Final Fantasy XV? Did the event gave you even higher expectations? Sound off in the comments and let us know what you think!
This article originally appeared on the writer’s personal blog, you can find out more here!