I definitely saw some people asking that. I also really wanna hear an explanation of what the other battle mode is. Saw people asking that as well.
And actually, just thought of this, I think I'll ask if we are able to customize the controls at all.
I think the battle mode is the difficulty settings that are a first for FF. I believe it was stated during a famitsu interview with Tabata and Gooch.
And in regards to Insommia based on the uncovered trailer it seems we get there early in the game and it's ultimately blocked off. Which makes me believe that we will return near the end game probably somewhat destroyed/conquered so we will likely sneak are way in. I guess it will be explorable to a degree.
People keep saying you can mash buttons or use button presses, but it's something that intentionally misses the point. Pressing doesn't feel any better than holding because the combos aren't made to be executed with one-to-one presses like combos in other games. Whether you're holding or pressing, there's a huge disconnect between Noctis swinging the weapon and you as the player giving your input. It makes pressing rather than holding feel "wrong" and it's a little sad. That said, the intent of the battle system seems to be for the player to focus on positioning, dodging and weapon switching rather than on paying attention to attacking.
Correct, you couldn't have said it better. Here's my thought on the combat system and why it brings a disconnect to some and it's fair complaint to be honest. Playing FFXV for some people is a battle between their mind and their hands by that I mean the following: you're brain is telling you this should be a snappy twitch action game but when you press the buttons it feels sluggish and weird since the action on screen isn't computing with your brain, that's where the discontent comes from. Even with a hypothetical PC release at 60fps it still won't change that
"feeling" outside of mods XD. But the mobility provided is incredible and this holding button scenario is preventing players from being free and instead they are stuck in the mud moving and fighting awkwardly. I can somewhat understand why they chose that to make the game more "accessible" but in reality it's causing an issue for some cause they cannot distinguish between tapping and holding.
A prime example of this is fighting the Iron Giant, the attack feedback isn't rich but that could change I mean hitting it it's like hitting steel (literally) but during their devs videos they've shown the behemoth reacting and twitching to Noctis attacks.
The combat is deep since it requires positioning like you stated and knowing when to cancel out of attacks, and using warp points for safety. The cool thing about warp points is that enemies can destroy it. For instance, if you hang on the light post the Iron Giant will attack it and you will fall so you just can't campout ( with the exception of the top of the citadel must be a case by case scenario plus the type of enemy and environment)
Ultimately, it's hard to give a definite and concrete answer without having the other party members unique abilities plus other weapons with status effects. I have an idea of what to expect for final game and honestly I'm excited about it. Would I prefer to be twitch fast and snappy? Of course! But I already adapted on how the game is meant to be played instead of fighting with my hands and mind.
Finally, my only concerns at this point is the team working towards a stable framerate and get that IQ good, if you gotta drop the resolution to 900p to achieve this do it. Outside from that we still got until the end of August or first week of sept (when it goes gold ) and a day one patch so there's faith on my end.. I mean it took TW3 several patches and look at it now. Believe!