Saturday 18 June 2016

E3 2016: Final Fantasy XV Announcements Recap!

Square Enix didn't just have one press conference like the others, they spread out their announcements throughout the span of E3. Square Enix had made some pretty significant announcement and reveals even before E3 started. I guess their plan all along was to focus all their attention on Final Fantasy XV during E3. So let's take a look at Square Enix's announcements regarding Final Fantasy XV

DAY 0

Titan Demo

Square Enix made an appearance during the Microsoft press conference to show off a live gameplay demo of Final Fantasy XV. The demo was made playable at the Square Enix booth. However, they have made it clear that this specific build is only for the E3 demo and the experience in the actual game will differ slightly. 

Final Fantasy XV Gameplay , Microsoft E3 2016 (by.Kotaku)

New Trailer + PS VR

Later during the day, we saw a new trailer at the Sony press conference. This trailer features music by Afrojack and shows off some previously unseen gameplay footage. The trailer also reveals PlayStation VR integration for Final Fantasy XV. With the use of the PS VR headset, players will be able to play as Prompto and fight along side Noctis, Ignis and Gladio. However, it hasn't been made clear whether this will be available during the entire game or just a specific section. 

Final Fantasy XV - E3 2016 Trailer | PS4, PS VR (by.PlayStation)

Active Time Report (Day 0)

We also got to see Square Enix's active time report which featured an extended version of the Afrojack FFXV Trailer. They also showed a new Kingsglaive trailer and confirmed that Kingsglaive Final Fantasy XV will be shown in select cinemas across the US on August 19th 2016.


Final Fantasy XV Active Time Report - E3 2016 - Day 0 Edition

Other than that, Square Enix also announced that episode 2 of the Final Fantasy XV: Brotherhood anime will be available the next day. So it's available right now! Go watch that.

DAY 1

North American Box Art

They started the day by showing off some FFXV gameplay footage and then revaled the box art for the North American version of the game.



Final Fantasy XV: A King's Tale.

Square Enix actually announced a new game which will tie into the Final Fantasy XV universe. A king's Tale is a 2D beat em up that will act as a prequel to the main game. The game will feature a much younger King Regis. This game will be free for anybody who has pre-ordered Final Fantasy XV from Gamestop. 

A King's Tale: Final Fantasy XV

Special Presentation

Hajime Tabata revealed quite a lot of new information regarding Final Fantasy XV during his special presentation. We got to see an example of how Titan would attack when summoned, which was absolutely amazing. Other than that, Hajime Tabata also showed off another feature within the game called "Wait Mode". Wait Mode can be used during combat in order to stop time and make proper decisions should the battle become a bit too difficult to manage.

FINAL FANTASY XV Live Stage Presentation (by.Final Fantasy XV)

Hajime Tabata Interview

Later in the day, we also saw an interview of Hajime Tabata by GameSpot where he discussed his approach on designing the game. Hajima Tabata also talks about his feelings as the game nears it's release date, with the help of the best translator I've ever seen.

Final Fantasy XV: Hajima Tabata on Design Approach - E3 2016 Stage Show (by.GameSpot)

DAY 2

Kingsglaive Discussion

Square Enix showed a presentation where Kingsglaive's place in the Final Fantasy XV universe was discussed. Hajime Tabata said that while the game will follow Noctis and his friends on their journey, Kingsglaive will follow King Regis, Noctis' father and Nyx who leads the Kingsglaive. They went on to say that while the game and the movie are independent and deeply-satisfying on their own, as you experience both stories, you will understand the strong bond between father and son.

FFXV UNIVERSE: KINGSGLAIVE FINAL FANTASY XV (by.Final Fantasy XV)

More New Footage

Square Enix also revealed some new footage showing off a beautiful, previously unseen location, the city of Altissia as well as Noctis' car/airship, the Regalia Type-F.

Altissia, City Upon The Water (by.Square Enix JP)


FINAL FANTASY XV - REGALIA TYPE-F (by.Final Fantasy XV)

DAY 3

15 Questions

During the Square Enix Presents livestream on day 3, Hajima Tabata was tasked with answering 15 questions from fans regarding Final Fantasy XV. There ended up actually being 16 questions in total. Some of the questions asked didn't really help acquire new information on the game but there were a few that did! I'll leave a link to the article containing all the questions and answers here :

Hajima Tabata - 15 Questions

There was some information that made me very happy. Firstly, Hajime Tabata mentioned that if you take the time to level up enough, you can be able to defeat enemies in one hit. This might not appeal to everyone but I personally like being able to reach a borderline-overpowered state. However, for those who would rather not do this, there will be an item in the game to restrict earning EXP. This will allow players to complete the entire game at whatever level they want. Secondly, he also mentioned the possible duration of the game. He said that ultimately there will be around 200 hours of content for the player to enjoy. Since my approach to RPGs has always been much slower compared to the average player, I'm looking forward to spending the million hours or so mucking about within that beautiful magical world. Hajima Tabata also mentioned that they are planning to release DLC for the game in the form of extra story content, alternate costumes and more. I'm happy to get DLC for great games such as this. Gladly, it doesn't look like they will be taking out chunks of the game for the purpose of "Day-1 DLC" like some other developers.

After all the information we've received throughout the course of E3, I am even more excited to start playing Final Fantasy XV. I want to delve deeper into the FFXV universe. I can't wait to learn more about their journey together as well as their individual stories in the game, movie, anime, and every other tie in that Square Enix has provided for this truly impressive game.

Final Fantasy XV will be released on September 30th 2016.

Danial Aziz
Instagram: @beyond_just_games
Facebook: @beyondjustgamesblog

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