For Fans and First-timers: Final Fantasy XV

Final Fantasy fans will no doubt be familiar with the troubled history behind the series’ latest installment, Final Fantasy XV (FFXV), which found itself in development limbo for the better part of the decade.

- Erik Paolo Escueta

So, is the final product worth the wait? It stumbles here and there due to a storyline filled with holes, and progresses with a rather relatively haphazard pacing. However, the real time combat mechanics, massive open world, and stunning character development keep FFXV from falling flat on its face.

Seasoned travelers

On the surface, the story of Final Fantasy XV leverages the typical fantasy formula: two warring nations, a love story tucked away somewhere, a darkness seeking to destroy everything, and of course, a hero to save it all. Without spoiling anything, the plot starts off gradually and with great effect, only to lose itself by dropping some important details near the climax. There are a lot of missing pieces in the story that, hopefully, get patched down the line.

Fortunately, the story is saved by its protagonists: the inexperienced prince Noctis and his Crowns guard trio Gladiolus, Prompto, and Ignis. Character development takes center stage in FFXV, so while you might not find yourself caring about the fate of the world, you will certainly care about the team as they go through their journey.