Tag: Final Fantasy XV

Final Fantasy XV: Tomb of the Royal Arms

Learning all about Kingsglaive was really exciting but today’s episode of Final Fantasy XV is a hallmark showcase, mainly cause it’s nearly 30 minutes long. It surprises and entertains with a crazy amount of quality. The aftermath of losing King Lucis and the city to the invading army only makes Noctis more determined. He wants to get this quest moving and reclaim the land as well as the throne.

Getting back to Cid’s garage we discover that Cid was friends with Lucis. They were the original four-person crew even going as far as to have similar clothing. It may even be the same car that we’re currently driving which would make sense since Cid was so interested in getting it fixed.

Weapon Upgrades & Car Customization

Learning more of Cid’s backstory is nice but we gotta keep moving here. Picking up a Hi-Potion and my first Phoneix Down I talk to Cid one last time to learn about upgrading weapons. Pretty basic, get the specific element or scrap for that weapon and you’ll get a nice new more powerful one. I decide to upgrade my new Drain Lance since it’s the only thing I can at the moment. Get a nice stats to boost, a couple of experience points, and complete a mission; time to hit the road.

Having only three mission options I choose to continue the story. But before we head off I take a moment to customize the Regalia.  Thankfully this part is free for now with the limited options I have available. The only options I have for now are the body, the interior, and the wheels. I choose a nice Deep Sea Blue for the body color, emerald green for the interior and matte green star for the tires. Green’s my favorite color, so I want to change that body color first chance I get.

Stuck in the Mundane

Run over the diner to get a quest to find a tomato, realize I don’t have enough money to buy a nice meal so I settle for Chili Con Carne. This causes Ignis to get an idea for a new recipe, the Burly Bean Bowl. Run over to the car to leave after a small meal, fill up the tank, get a quick wash and we’re on our way. At least I thought I was, it turns out the characters don’t like to go out at night.  With good reason, they talk like we’re going to instantly die the second we get on the highway. The choice to press forward is ultimately up to me but I don’t want to take the risk being such a low level.

Sleeping the RV for the night we wake to a phone call from Dino, he says he wants to meet up.  I in turn completely ignore the opportunity to move the story forward, I’m determined not to be side-tracked just quite yet. A nice quick ride with some rhinos in the distance and we’re at our destination.

In Search of a Tomb

Checking out the shop reveals nothing new to purchase, real shocker there. We get a new dog tag quest “Dust to Dust” and meet up with a new character Monica. We’re told to meet Cor at an old tomb that wields something we want to get a hold of. Heading to the tomb involves more combat since it has been a while I have to warm up. These are new enemies that fly and I have to warp-strike them to get any damage. They’re pretty easy but the change is a bit hard to comprehend at first.

I do find it cool that Ignis stops the player and explains a good strategy for the enemies you’re about to face. It’s a good way to build teamwork and strengthen the bond with you and your crew.  Another Warp-Strike fight; and we’re inside the tomb, wasn’t too hard to find.

Royal Arms, always in the last place you’d expect

Cor explains that we can wield ancient weapons called “Royal Arms”, these are very powerful weapons at the cost of health. The first one we receive is the “Sword of the Wise”, it’s pretty cool looking but I don’t want to take the health sacrifice just yet.

To wrap up the episode we have to move to a new location “Keycatrich Trench”, the interesting thing is that Cor joins our crew. I find it interesting that others can join our four-man squad, it opens up a lot of possibilities for the future.  In the end, I remember that I have AP points to spend and spend some that I find useful. I wasn’t a fan of the earlier Final Fantasy Sphere Grids but this one seems easy to build out the way you want. Looking forward to continuing the adventure, did you like this episode let me know in the comments below!

Final Fantasy XV: A Gentlemen’s Agreement Goes Sideways

After a nice break from Final Fantasy XV and the giant bird, I’m more than ready to jump back in and continue the journey with Noctis and crew. Let me tell you I was not prepared for anything that happened in today’s episode, playthrough, I have no idea what kind of format I’m going for yet.  It’s all part of the learning process I suppose.  I can’t stress enough how awesome you are if you’re reading this or watching my content.  You are awesome to help me on my quest to get better and better at something I love doing.

Anyway, enough of that sappy stuff, let’s get down to the craziness that is Final Fantasy XV.  I start by turning in the quest that Dino gave us earlier.  A quick conversation reveals that we can get on a ferry to continue our adventure. I decide that this is the best course of action to take since I want to move the story forward.  What I wasn’t ready for was the question placed before me, I didn’t think that the game would lock me into a story beat so early. Only having two other quests at the time helped to sway my decision since I wasn’t going to try and catch a fish for that cat again.

Kingsglaive Hardly Knew Him

A quick level up and choosing some favorite pictures is the calm before the storm. We open to a crowd cheering but quickly things go haywire. A tower fires off a big fireball, the streets fill with smoke and swords fly out of nowhere, seriously how where they hiding those massive things. The force field around the city evaporates just as we see King Lucis fighting a badass looking stranger; there is swordplay, lighting hands and an odd cut to a giant demonic monster destroying buildings. Unfortunately, Lucis can’t overpower the mysterious foe and he gets a sword through the chest.

We cut back to Noctis waking up from a great sleep that he can’t yet afford, probably my fault.  Ignis walks in with the grim news as everyone feels anguish and formulates a plan. Not so much a plan as just turning around and going back home. Heading to the Insomnia Border causes everyone to have doubt, seeing the giant airships and roadblock changes that tune rather fast. I love how this game shows scale, it’s always impressive and we’re still early on.

Fighting Uphill

Ignis decides that we should take a detour to get around the massive army ahead of us. Taking a side route allows us to get to an entrance that is less guarded by these new invaders. Feeling the anger that Noctis is harboring causes me to jump headfirst into battle. The first time seeing the blindside link is cool because of how unexpected it was.  It helps to cement that team like feeling the game so perfectly nails, which is impressive in a solo campaign. Another quick battle uses Gladiolus “Tempest” move, it’s a big whirlwind that knocks enemy’s around him down.  This allows me to come in and clean up the rest of them.

Continuing onward seems like trouble as some more airships fly above us. Seeing a sniper before he sees us is cool until I utterly fail to Warp-Strike him. Sure, I hit him but I don’t stay up on the cliff to finish the job, causing me to flounder and stasis for the first time. Stasis is what happens when you run out of MP, I haven’t had this happen yet so it was a little confusing. You lose the ability to phase or blade-warp until it recovers, I stupidly ignore this and just blindly attack the rest of the enemy’s. This is the first time I see Ignis’s “Mark” move, it’s methodical which I feel fits his character. He throws giant throwing knives at all the enemies and I follow it up with some quick strikes; ending the battle and gaining a new Drain Lance.

It’s Lonely at the Top

We get to the top just to discover what we already knew, Pinto confirms the bad news via cellphone radio.  Everyone jumps on their phones to confirm while a fleet of airships goes overhead flying to place a foothold in the city. Noctis surprisingly doesn’t seem destroyed by the news only a little disheartened, he seems more upset by the disappearance of Luna. She’s the girl we wrote the note to in the notebook an episode or so back. Here we enter Chapter 2: No Turning Back in Final Fantasy XV.

We see Luna is safe, holding the notebook and interacting with the same dogs we saw before. We also meet a new character who doesn’t like looking at the ring Luna is holding. Here we get a title card “The Power of Kings” which should be an interesting chapter or episode; I can’t tell what the difference’s between the two.  That was a great game sequence, some major stuff happened and the plot moved forward. The cut scenes are still expertly crafted, voice acting matches the tone and the combat still impactful nonetheless.

Moving right along to the Tomb of Royal Arms.

Final Fantasy XV Fishing is its sad reward

After taking a bold step, Final Fantasy XV fishing seems to be the bane of this game so far for me. Not being able to comprehend how the fishing works, I stupidly start this episode trying to catch that cats’ dinner because I feel bad.  But only seeing the Glowing fish tells me that maybe the specific fish I need obtain is only available to catch in the day time?  I’m not entirely sure but I’m not going to stick around to find out, I got quests to attempt and complete don’t you know.  Ignis makes a good point to take a break before we set out on the latest story quest.  Luckily, he points out a nice and more importantly cheap RV in the distance.

Leveling Up Relaxation

I know I consistently gush over the little cut scenes that play out during such trivial moments but the world-building and attention to detail never cease to amaze.  Showing them set up the table, watching Ignis light the stove in the RV, and then chatting while you level up is just so immersive.  It makes you feel like a major part of this four-person crew. Being able to pick out the images that Pinto has taken is just icing on the cake.  After picking out my favorite images since they’re supposed to come into play later in the game or so I’ve read; it’s time to get back on the road.  A nice leisurely car ride leads to a mountain ridge parking spot, ominous to say the least.

The Return of the Giant Bird

It’s a hop and a skip to the top of the mountain, collecting minerals and enjoying the scenery.  Everything is well until you come face to face with the giant bird that flew over you earlier. The entire game makes an about-face as you duck and everyone starts to whisper. You suddenly must move very slowly and walk right in front of the hulking monstrosity, hoping with all hope that it won’t wake up. The music mixed with scared whispers of the crew make every moment feel like it matters, one wrong step and it’s all over. Luckily getting to the mineral deposit is quite easy if you’re slow and methodical about it.

Going back is where the problem arises, the bird wakes up and everyone starts freaking out (including myself).  Watching it stand up and flex both its wings is kind of awe-inspiring.  Your mind changes gears and you think it’s time to battle. The good thing is that you don’t have to fight it (yet).  The bad thing is that it runs Noctis over as it takes off into the wild blue sky causing massive damage.  Considering that this feels like a cut-scene even though it so seamless, I’m guessing it’s unavoidable but still tense nonetheless.  Nearly falling off the cliff and watching the giant bird fly off is nice and all but it’s time to go hunt some monsters.

Dog Tag Collection Agency

Utilizing the fast travel system that I just got access to allows me to jump right to a mission, the driving is nice, and missing the view sucks but I’m on a schedule.  The head hunter shown above wants me to collect some dog tags from the fallen, sounds easy enough.  A quick trip to the diner to realize I’m too poor to afford a meal and I’m off to collect.  Finding a torn apart camp reveals the monster holding the dog tag.  It’s not too in-depth just walk up and press a button but when your crew notices the monster; it’s cool.  From there just follow the waypoint to a big monster gathering and get ready for a fight.

Fighting some hounds is no problem, just going in guns blazing cuts them down in no time flat.  Employing Pintos Piercer’s special move makes the short work of all the enemies.  All that’s left is to collect the dog tag and turn in the quest.  Thus, closes part 4, this was a productive episode accomplished a lot in a little.  Also, my second attempt at trying voice recording and it in my mind came out better, practice makes perfect right.

Let’s keep moving along and learn all about the Kingsglaive!

Final Fantasy XV: One Small Step

Coming from the road trip last time we’ve got a lot to dig into, but first a word from the man himself.

Wow, so this a hallmark episode of Final Fantasy XV and for me, something I’ve been looking forward to but also extremely nervous about.  Honestly, I didn’t even know the PS4 could record voice over the gameplay, but it can; pro-tip.  But once I noticed that the gameplay is fine and flows nicely on its own I felt like it was missing something, oh duh my idiot voice and charisma; perfect fit I’d say.  It took me well over an hour of hyping myself up before I dared to attempt to do it.  After two practice sessions to see how well the packed in Playstation 4 mic performed; I was confident.  The sound quality isn’t the best but for my first attempt ever in my life I am not going to be too hard on myself, I’ll let the internet do that for me.

It was nerve-racking, sweat-inducing, and in a way very cathartic.  I played the game and just talked, as I tend to do anyway.  But somehow when you know you’re being recorded you act differently and it causes you to play in a new way as well.  When I recorded without my voice, I just wanted to show game-play.  But you flip that switch and world falls below you.  Suddenly everything you say is recorded forever, do you watch your language?  Do you care about that dumb thing you said?  Do you sound like a crazy idiot who doesn’t know anything?  It was a whole new universe that I’ve only seen through the looking glass, but now I’m in the shark tank.

Small Victories

Although the interesting aspect of the whole thing was that by the end of the recording and I had triumphantly caught that fish none of that mattered.  All I could think about was how much fun I was having.  Stopping after a victory, even if it was small as catching a fish felt incredible.  I cheered and said goodbye, then I knew that clip was forever a celebration to my small but ever so sweet victory.  The only real disappointment I have with my first attempt is that it was a kind of nice lazy part of the game.  No combat this episode just traveling down the road, missing a ferry, meeting a new face, and trying my best to help a cat in need.  But enough of me gushing about my first recording let’s get to those sweet gameplay highlights.

After remembering how to drive, the manual was grayed out and I had to choose auto.  This took me too long to realize that even though it was rather confusing.  We’re off to the ferry to move the main story along.  Sit back and relax listening to the radio broadcast some information, that the characters react to which helps world-building, especially this early. The scenery just never ceases to amaze me, no matter where the cameras pointed it all just looks so crystal clear.  After watching Pinto try not to fall out of the car while we park I give it a quick fill-up.  Not sure if doing so served a purpose but it couldn’t hurt in any regard.

Quick Drive and Some New Faces

Simply clicking a sign that I thought was for a monster hunt revealed that Ignis can learn recipes instead.  Which are a nice way to spread these collectibles out and I can’t wait to see the food rendered at my next camping spot.  A quick jog down the pier reveals a new character with some awesome coin flipping skills, he’s gone shortly after so who knows how he’s going to unfold down the road.  Over to the desk reveals a whole mess of spots for things to do, which is exciting no shortage of gameplay content to worry about in the future.

Unsurprisingly we learn that the ferry is out of order and meet yet another new face.  He seems a lot more chill than the coin-flipping guy but he wants a favor.  Needless to say, I’m inclined to get it done.  A gentlemen’s Agreement as it were.  Upon finding out how expensive a room at the boardwalk is I decide to leave. The price is way too hefty this early into the game.  Trying to get back to my car I notice a cat quest giver, it’s hungry and I’m just the man for the job.  This is where everything goes downhill very fast.

Frustrated Fishing

Now I’m guessing I just suck or I need to upgrade my fishing skill quite a bit.  This felt like a real bare-bones approach, I noticed the fishing shop but ultimately didn’t bother which was not very smart.  I spend the next five minutes learning how to fish and not suck at it.  Something as simple as cast line to fish and be patient as you move the lure around to get their attention shouldn’t be this tedious.  They never seemed to pay more attention no matter where I threw the line or how much I did or didn’t move.

Paying attention to the red bar, which is the same bar in combat; some nice consistency there.  I was able to finally land a bite, now it changes to reel in the fish as well as make sure the tension doesn’t break.  This is where it got tense for me; I did not for the life of me want to lose this fish.  Thankfully this second part is way easier just reel in the fish and completes the quick-time event.  Watching Noctis lift that Glowing Barrelfish was a moment of pure joy.  I had learned and overcome something and it was on video with my voice.  Truly a moment to remember, at least for me personally.

Final Thoughts So Far

This was my best episode of Final Fantasy XV yet, yeah it was slightly non-exciting and there was no combat; but I tried something new.  I just tried it when the game decided to slow down for a bit.  Nothing against the game of course but it’s exciting to keep going and growing; in real life and the game.

Pro-tip for the next part, never steal from a giant bird.

Final Fantasy XV: Continues to Impress!

Meeting the Pauper Prince was a great start but Final Fantasy XV is the game that keeps on giving, after an impressive opening the surprises don’t cease.  Waking up from the camp we left off at last episode, scrounging for resources and running to a big hulking beast is the name of the game.  I blew the whole being sneaky aspect but once the battle got going it was just chaos.  The fight was different from anything earlier, it’s fast, flashy, and fun as all get out.  You feel like you took down something above your weight class while still maintaining total control of the battlefield.  Pulling out a phone to tell the quest giver we completed the job was a nice touch, thus not having to run back to turn the quest in.

Final Fantasy XV has Giant Bird Monsters!

The car is ready to be driven and that’s exciting; the trip back, however, is pretty intense.  A seamless cut scene plays causing your team to call out a big thing in the distance, this, of course, causes the camera to shift and giant bird monster fly’s overhead.  It’s exciting as it is terrifying, having just taken down a big monster before.  That monster was tiny compared to what just flew overhead.  But as soon as it appears it’s gone, waiting to be killed later when I’m hopefully more powerful.  May show up earlier and give me a challenge, not quite sure yet.

Monster Hunt / Time To Drive

Returning to the car feels like it’s time for the game to open up and oh man this game’s going to be one awesome road trip.  I then went to take care of a quick monster hunt quest which was a nice lively fight.  Killed them, turned in the quest, and into the car I jumped.  The driving is pretty linear which was surprising.  You just give it gas and pick a tune on the radio as you cruise to your destination.  I went the wrong way and had to pull a U-Turn.  It may not take much brain power but it’s relaxing and all the characters chat which makes their relationship all that more believable. Cut to a flashback and giving a dog a journal wraps up this episode.

Next up we take a small step to a bright future!

Final Fantasy XV: PlayStation 4 Pro Video and Impressions!

I just wanted to show off some early gameplay of Final Fantasy XV, been waiting so long for this game and now that it’s here I can’t believe how good it is!

After a slow opening and pushing a car down the highway, that game unshackles itself and throws you in a big open world.  Upon first inspection, you will be blown away by the graphics, I haven’t been this impressed since Uncharted 4 earlier this year.  Everything has a crisp edge, the skybox is vast, characters have a believable flow between them and their clothing.

The characters are some of the best parts so far, they all are constantly talking and it’s endearing.  You learn about their interests, what they specialize in and the relationship between the four of them simply through the dialog.  The combat and exploration is a steam engine no breaks, they both intermingle rather nicely to create a no-stop attitude.  As with any other Final Fantasy, you’ll go from point to point but the world is so nice to look at you’ll want to run all over the place.

New Fast-Paced Combat

The combat is nothing too complicated but this is just the beginning.  It ultimately boils down to hold the Attack button and then maneuver accordingly.  It keeps you on your toes, one missed dodge could instantly bring your health close to death.  You can dodge but if you dodge at just the right moment you can counter for big damage.  It feels good to land blows and switch weapons on the fly to get some cool combos.  In some odd way, it’s a very bare-bones version of Devil May Cry’s combat.  Fast and frantic but don’t mess it up, hell your even ranked at the end of the battle, and experience is doled out.  Add the warp strike into the mix and have some crazy scenarios.

Cut scenes have no load which creates a nice seamless experience.  Completing quests feels fast and rewarding, watching the characters talk and banter about what you just went through is a nice touch.  The pace is consistent thus far, no stopping and pouring through tons of menus just get what you’re doing done and move forward.  Some nice dialog options are even sprinkled in, although I don’t think they matter much it’s cool nonetheless.

Final Fantasy XV: PlayStation 4 Pro Game-Play

Those are just some of the very early impressions of Final Fantasy XV.  I’m attempting to learn how to record game-play and maybe even throw my voice into the mix.  It would mean the world to me if you watched my first captured video below, it’s even in 1080P!  I’m going to attempt to add my voice for some personality in future videos, which I’m going to try and do daily!  I know this site took forever to get anywhere but I want to change that as of now.

Next up we hit the open road!