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[DarkLordMalik]

I'll only respond to this because the other stuff, i don't understand what your point is with bringing it up.

The entire point of Stella and Noctis was that they were on opposite sides and Stella was an equal in the narrative. Visual works created that CGI, but Nomura and Nojima both came up with the concept for that, or else it would not have been made.

How Nomura changed Stella from when we first saw her to 2013 is unknown outside of her model looking different, and so to claim anything more than that would be false claims.

I find it funny how you responding to me in this manner started because some guy said Stella and Noctis were not rivals by 2011, which i said was not proven by factual evidence, and then you bring up completely unrelated stuff.

I am telling you to stop bringing up Versus 2011 era stuff. This is all I said.

I am posting other unrelated comments about the game after E3 2013 to show that their was a lot from the Versus era that was changed. They were making a completely different game after E3 2013.

Now you say that there is no factual evidence that suggest that the part with Noctis vs. Stella was not cut. How about this factual evidence that the part is only seen in one, and only one of the CGI trailers by visual works. The mature look of Stella that was sported by Kagari as an avatar was NEVER seen in any of the later CGI or gameplay footage from Versus XIII. Losing the mature look might not mean much but the concept in itself also seemed to have been removed after that, and then by E3 2013, It was pretty much clear the scope of the whole project had changed.

There is no factual evidence for it, but there is none that supports it either aside from your comments that Nojima and Nomua had this concept for the game. And as you said, this was a 'concept' which means it could have been as easily removed or changed by them.

 

[TriAceJP]

yes. they were there, regis was there, luna showed up. THey all died.

Pour a Cup Noodle out for our fallen comrades.

 

[JeffZero]

Noodles out for Haravusambe.

 

[ULTROS!]

Still something that I hope happens. The DLC has a chance to do some patchwork on this game.

Well if the patch added cutscenes, there's still hope that the game gets further patched with additional stuff!

*hopes*

Anyway despite the mixed bag of a story and rushed latter half, the game was still fun and immersive.

Although... Is this game even more divisive than FFXIII?

 

[Vincent Alexander]

Although... Is this game even more divisive than FFXIII?

The crazy thing is I don't think it will be. Neogaf isn't everything to go off of, but opinion here seems to be on the negative side once the game is completed. Everyone I know loves the hell out of it though....but none of them have beat it yet. So they're in the same spot I was. Loving it, waiting for the story to kick in. Only to realize it never happens. I personally hate XIII, and I think the highs of XV blow it out of the water. But I think the lows in XV are way lower than XIII also. So I dunno.

 

[DarkLordMalik]

Well if the patch added cutscenes, there's still hope that the game gets further patched with additional stuff!

*hopes*

Anyway despite the mixed bag of a story and rushed latter half, the game was still fun and immersive.

Although... Is this game even more divisive than FFXIII?

Nah, in general, it won't be as divisive.

On a hardcore forum like NeoGAF, you will find more negative opinion though as you can find a lot of fans here who waited 10 years for it.

I am sure the WOM around this will be good and it has the potential to top FFXIII in sales, easily.

I am ashamed to say but I am really hyped for the upcoming DLC and will pick the Season Pass once the first DLC is announced for release.

 

[TriAceJP]

The biggest crime (outside of Daemon Tower Solid) was giving you that bad ass fallen world map with all those giant monsters everywhere only to have it taken away after 5 minutes of being there.

I wanted a whole FFVI style half of game with that.

 

[Mifec]

Is there some special place with Hunts I missed? I only got the Daemonwall hunt left and I'm not even halfway through level 9.

yes. they were there, regis was there, luna showed up. THey all died.

.

Nope this is not what happens at all. They were a representation of what noctis had compared to Ardyn who had nothing.

When Noctis kills Ardyn he banishes the Daemons and they didn't get killed in 2 secs else Noctis would have been overrun.

 

[DarkLordMalik]

The biggest crime (outside of Daemon Tower Solid) was giving you that bad ass fallen world map with all those giant monsters everywhere only to have it taken away after 5 minutes of being there.

I wanted a whole FFVI style half of game with that.

This is a big bummer for me too

Can we actually go out and atleast roam around the Leide region. Would be awesome to do so after getting all power level to 99 and see if there are any secrets.

 

[WhoaIsThatMars]

The biggest crime (outside of Daemon Tower Solid) was giving you that bad ass fallen world map with all those giant monsters everywhere only to have it taken away after 5 minutes of being there.

I wanted a whole FFVI style half of game with that.

I'm sure they wanted to do the same. It really would have helped me care about the world and see how fucked it got. Also, having maybe two or three more towns would have been nice

 

[Vincent Alexander]

The biggest crime (outside of Daemon Tower Solid) was giving you that bad ass fallen world map with all those giant monsters everywhere only to have it taken away after 5 minutes of being there.

I wanted a whole FFVI style half of game with that.

Same. I truly thought "And now shit gets real" and expected to be halfway through the game like FFVI. Than they told me to prepare for the final battle....This is what the game did to me.

 

[LowParry]

The biggest crime (outside of Daemon Tower Solid) was giving you that bad ass fallen world map with all those giant monsters everywhere only to have it taken away after 5 minutes of being there.

I wanted a whole FFVI style half of game with that.

Maybe we'll get Iris DLC that explores that world. Who am I kidding through eh?

 

[JeffZero]

Nah, in general, it won't be as divisive.

On a hardcore forum like NeoGAF, you will find more negative opinion though as you can find a lot of fans here who waited 10 years for it.

I am sure the WOM around this will be good and it has the potential to top FFXIII in sales, easily.

I am ashamed to say but I am really hyped for the upcoming DLC and will pick the Season Pass once the first DLC is announced for release.

Eh, no need for shame, man. I'm right there with you. Game is flawed as heck, but it is the first Final Fantasy release I've touched in a decade that's given me some childhood back, if you know what I mean. I hope for a long DLC shelf life that makes it that much better.

 

[Mailbox]

Its just so damn frustrating! There is enough event wise, story wise, etc to have quite a good game plot here, but its so half-assed and hollow in execution!

Like, just listing the actual events shows there is a lot here, but its presented like ass. (I would list them, but I feel like i'd be missing stuff.)

Btw, I really and truly did like the Ravus fight. I really want to fight him again, but I don't wanna go through chapter 13 to do it

Maybe we'll get Iris DLC that explores that world. Who am I kidding through eh?

If they do, I will immediately buy that. I will wait for impressions before buying

 

[orthodoxy1095]

The crazy thing is I don't think it will be. Neogaf isn't everything to go off of, but opinion here seems to be on the negative side once the game is completed. Everyone I know loves the hell out of it though....but none of them have beat it yet. So they're in the same spot I was. Loving it, waiting for the story to kick in. Only to realize it never happens. I personally hate XIII, and I think the highs of XV blow it out of the water. But I think the lows in XV are way lower than XIII also. So I dunno.

I think this is an accurate description from what I remember.

I need to go and play FFXIII again. I haven't actually touched it since back when I was in high school like..8 years ago, and I'm honestly not sure that I ever actually beat it. It'd make for an interesting comparison coming off of XV.

 

[JeffZero]

FFXIII came out in late 2009 in Japan and early to mid 2010 elsewhere, so it can't have been played any farther back than seven years ago. But I'm tired so don't my semantics.

I beat XIII, quite tepidly. It is definitely my least favorite remotely modern Final Fantasy. I'd give XV around an 8/10, I think; I'd give XIII a 5.5, if I'm being generous.

If anyone here wishes me ill will, they'll find a way,to compel me to play XIII's sequels. I saw my ex-girlfriend tackle roughly half of XIII-2 and that was enough to convince me it ought not to have existed. I've heard Lightning Returns almost makes its predecessors look intelligent by comparison.

 

[Mifec]

No seriously anyone have the guidebook here? I'm 17 of idk how many stars on level 9 of hunts and no hunts left.

 

[WhoaIsThatMars]

I beat XIII, quite tepidly. It is definitely my least favorite remotely modern Final Fantasy. I'd give XV around an 8/10, I think; I'd give XIII a 5.5, if I'm being generous.

I'd give XIII about the same and I'd give XV a 5.6 and that's me being generous lol

 

[JeffZero]

No seriously anyone have the guidebook here? I'm 17 of idk how many stars on level 9 of hunts and no hunts left.

Wish I could help, sorry. D:

I'd give XIII about the same and I'd give XV a 5.6 and that's me being generous lol

Heh, man. Not a fan of either one, eh? Well, uh, here's hoping XVI exists sometime prior to 2022.

 

[Mifec]

Wish I could help, sorry. D:



Heh, man. Not a fan of either one, eh? Well, uh, here's hoping XVI exists sometime prior to 2022.

It's ok man <3

I'm just gonna go and check every single outpost again haha. Unless there is a place in Altissia beside Wheskam's bar I should find it in Lucis.

 

[WhoaIsThatMars]

Wish I could help, sorry. D:



Heh, man. Not a fan of either one, eh? Well, uh, here's hoping XVI exists sometime prior to 2022.

meh, P5 is right around the corner and I always have XIV to go back to. Might be done messing with FF after this. I'll grab XIIHD though. I was in college when that came out and finals came up so I had to stop playing it. Never got back into it, but enjoyed most of what I played.

 

[DarkLordMalik]

Eh, no need for shame, man. I'm right there with you. Game is flawed as heck, but it is the first Final Fantasy release I've touched in a decade that's given me some childhood back, if you know what I mean. I hope for a long DLC shelf life that makes it that much better.

Haha... glad to know I am not alone in feeling it.

Maybe later down the line, they will release the complete edition and the added DLC story beats might explain a lot of the off-screen stuff. That would be honestly a dream come true and something that would make the game memorable for others and not forever divisive like FFXIII.

No seriously anyone have the guidebook here? I'm 17 of idk how many stars on level 9 of hunts and no hunts left.

Wish I could help but my Deluxe Edition with Guide hasn't been shipped for me yet.

Did you do both hunts from Lestallum? There are two people that give hunts from there.

 

[ST2K]

Beat it early this morning. Thoroughly enjoyed it and personally would rank it as the third best FF. Though the execution of the story was clearly screwed over by behind the scenes stuff, there was enough there to keep me engaged and I thoroughly enjoyed the combat and unique approach to the open world. For the first time in many years, I'm excited for Final Fantasy's future. Hopefully the wait for XVI is not too long.

No seriously anyone have the guidebook here? I'm 17 of idk how many stars on level 9 of hunts and no hunts left.

Sure, here are all the tipsters:

- Hammerhead
- Longwythe Rest Area
- Galdin Quay
- Coernix Station - Alstor
- Wiz Chocobo Post
- Lestallum Thoroughfare
- Lestallum Market
- Cauthess Rest Area
- Taelpar Rest Area
- Old Lestallum
- Meldacio Hunter HQ
- Verinas Mart Ravatogh
- Altissia

 

[jb1234]

If anyone here wishes me ill will, they'll find a way,to compel me to play XIII's sequels. I saw my ex-girlfriend tackle roughly half of XIII-2 and that was enough to convince me it ought not to have existed. I've heard Lightning Returns almost makes its predecessors look intelligent by comparison.

I actually thought XIII-2 was a better game than XIII. It was certainly a lot more fun and the story, while still overly melodramatic and incoherent, had some poignant moments. I don't regret playing it.

LR is a hot mess with a great soundtrack (but all the XIII games share the latter trait).

 

[Mifec]

Beat it early this morning. Thoroughly enjoyed it and personally would rank it as the third best FF. Though the execution of the story was clearly screwed over by behind the scenes stuff, there was enough there to keep me engaged and I thoroughly enjoyed the combat and unique approach to the open world. For the first time in many years, I'm excited for Final Fantasy's future. Hopefully the wait for XVI is not too long.



Sure, here are all the tipsters:

- Hammerhead
- Longwythe Rest Area
- Galdin Quay
- Coernix Station - Alstor
- Wiz Chocobo Post
- Lestallum Thoroughfare
- Lestallum Market
- Cauthess Rest Area
- Taelpar Rest Area
- Old Lestallum
- Meldacio Hunter HQ
- Verinas Mart Ravatogh
- Altissia

Is Lestallum Thoroughfare just the area before the market?

 

[orthodoxy1095]

FFXIII came out in late 2009 in Japan and early to mid 2010 elsewhere, so it can't have been played any farther back than seven years ago. But I'm tired so don't my semantics.

I was referring to my confusion over when I started high-school and the timing of the game. I couldn't remember either, I'm feeling old and it's late here.

I'd give XIII about the same and I'd give XV a 5.6 and that's me being generous lol

Whoa, I tore XV to shreds in this thread and even I think that's a bit low. What's the principle reasons you'd score it that low? And what would you give it if you were being flat-out straight and not "generous?"

I think I'm stuck somewhere between a 6-7 right now.

 

[ST2K]

Is Lestallum Thoroughfare just the area before the market?

Looking at the map they have, there's 2 eateries outside of the market. One to the east of the market, but just as far in, and one way to the east by the road you take to enter the city. Don't know which is which.

 

[JeffZero]

meh, P5 is right around the corner and I always have XIV to go back to. Might be done messing with FF after this. I'll grab XIIHD though. I was in college when that came out and finals came up so I had to stop playing it. Never got back into it, but enjoyed most of what I played.

I hope you enjoy XII. I feel like it has similar flaws as XV, but in different ways. It handles its messy story beats more effectively, but the plot itself interests me less. XD Good game, though.

Haha... glad to know I am not alone in feeling it.

Maybe later down the line, they will release the complete edition and the added DLC story beats might explain a lot of the off-screen stuff. That would be honestly a dream come true and something that would make the game memorable for others and not forever divisive like FFXIII.

Yeah, I feel like if any studio might actually do something like this, it's Square. I don't know. I'm a big BioWare fan, too, and I think about ME2, ME3, and DAI. In the cases of the latter two, DLCs genuinely helped with narrative issues. It could happen here as well, and although it is likely to feel fragmented, um, well, the game already feels plenty fragmented, so...

...but yeah, really curious to see how these character episodes are implemented.

I actually thought XIII-2 was a better game than XIII. It was certainly a lot more fun and the story, while still overly melodramatic and incoherent, had some poignant moments. I don't regret playing it.

LR is a hot mess with a great soundtrack (but all the XIII games share the latter trait).

I actually found some of XIII-2's OST to be among the absolute worst tracks in the franchise, by a considerable margin, but I have an exceptionally low tolerance for hip hop and rap, so honestly I'm no fun, anyway. I just remember a few of those tracks being... ah, wow.

 

[hamchan]

I don't think there's any saving the story but if there is another Final Mix+ version of this game I would totally take more post-game content, because that's where a lot of the fun is.

 

[jb1234]

I actually found some of XIII-2's OST to be among the absolute worst tracks in the franchise, by a considerable margin, but I have an exceptionally low tolerance for hip hop and rap, so honestly I'm no fun, anyway. I just remember a few of those tracks being... ah, wow.

Yeah, there's some clunkers in it, for sure. I don't think either sequel score matches up to XIII's but both have some very strong highlights.

 

[WhoaIsThatMars]

Whoa, I tore XV to shreds in this thread and even I think that's a bit low. What's the principle reasons you'd score it that low? And what would you give it if you were being flat-out straight and not "generous?"

I think I'm stuck somewhere between a 6-7 right now.

I just really hated how stupid the cast was in this game and I didn't like how broken the battle system was in this game too (I know some people like it).

Staggering was fun in XIII and was probably the only reason I beat it.

 

[SolVanderlyn]

The crazy thing is I don't think it will be. Neogaf isn't everything to go off of, but opinion here seems to be on the negative side once the game is completed. Everyone I know loves the hell out of it though....but none of them have beat it yet. So they're in the same spot I was. Loving it, waiting for the story to kick in. Only to realize it never happens. I personally hate XIII, and I think the highs of XV blow it out of the water. But I think the lows in XV are way lower than XIII also. So I dunno.

Impressions were mostly positive until the last few days, so it is already divisive even on this one forum.

 

[JeffZero]

I don't think there's any saving the story but if there is another Final Mix+ version of this game I would totally take more post-game content, because that's where a lot of the fun is.

After the three character episode DLCs, there will be that new landmass DLC or whatever the heck that thing is. It is supposed to add co-op mode, too, but yeah. Might be fun regardless, if it can be handled solo.

 

[Mifec]

Looking at the map they have, there's 2 eateries outside of the market. One to the east of the market, but just as far in, and one way to the east by the road you take to enter the city. Don't know which is which.

Yeah I did both of those, rip. Just gonna go from tipster to tipster and see if new ones showed up then.

 

[Mailbox]

You know, despite having a pretty... uhmmm... poor story, FFXV made me want to go back and play IX, X and even XII (i don't like 12, but i'm willing to give it a second chance now for some reason). So at the very least it rekindled my interest in the series in a way that hasn't happened since X.

I just really really hope they do banter and party-character intricacies in the next FF as well. Its one of the things I loved about this game.

Impressions were mostly positive until the last few days, so it is already divisive even on this one forum.

That's probably because most people talking now have gone past chapter 8 or finished the game.
If you look at the OT, most of the people who are still early (or spent crazy time in chapter 3) seem to love the game.

 

[ST2K]

Yeah I did both of those, rip. Just gonna go from tipster to tipster and see if new ones showed up then.

Have you cleared all the dungeons? Some of their bosses show up as hunts after you beat them.

I just really really hope they do banter and party-character intricacies in the next FF as well. Its one of the things I loved about this game.

Completely agree. That's one thing the game nailed. Really good voice acting and convincing, realistic dialog, which is a massive improvement over some of the series' previous outings.

 

[Mifec]

Have you cleared all the dungeons? Some of their bosses show up as hunts after you beat them.



Completely agree. That's one thing the game nailed. Really good voice acting and convincing, realistic dialog, which is a massive improvement over some of the series' previous outings.

I cleared all the dungeons before going to Altissia rofl and yes. Going back to the Jabberwock was terrible.

 

[JeffZero]

I think desires to go back to XII will be somewhat common among fans over the next couple of years, and if I were crazier than I already am I'd even suggest that perhaps Square timed the remaster masterfully out of some sagely foresight.

XII and XV are very different video games, but they share some curious flaws in common with one-another, and I think that overall -- despite adoring XV's final act far, far more than XII's -- XII is a more solid version.

Personal tastes have me leaning toward giving Noctis and his crew an edge over that installment. But FFXII will probably be looked upon somewhat more favorably by a larger number of franchise diehards soon. Relative to FFVI through FFX, it did a mediocre job keeping players interested and invested and engaged in its narrative, but compared to many games in this era, it did it kind of admirably. <___<

 

[SolVanderlyn]

That's probably because most people talking now have gone past chapter 8 or finished the game.
If you look at the OT, most of the people who are still early (or spent crazy time in chapter 3) seem to love the game.

Just a few days ago plenty of us were discussing how much we loved the entire package, so that's not it.

Edit: Of course people were also disappointed in various ways. The overwhelming negativity seems to have increased over the weekend.

 

[Mailbox]

Just as an fyi, I would give this game a 7.5 (i haven't done the post-game stuff, so that might change), but if I ignored the story I would probably have given it a 8.5 or a 9.

There is indeed a lot to love about this game, but there's also a lot of stuff that dropped the ball hard. Overall, its such a mix bag of a final product and yet I can't shake the feeling that it could be a wonderful iterative step to making a near perfect final fantasy product.

Its so weird how a game that whiffed its story this hard could make me so hopeful and happy for the future of final fantasy. So damn bizarre.

 

[ULTROS!]

Well I feel I were to compare FFXIII and FFXV:

Storywise: both games have an issue with story.

XIII had a coherent story with an interesting mythology (if you read about the background of Etro, Bhunivelze, etc. it's apparently interesting) but the problem was that it wasn't explained clearly, convoluted, and you had to make use of the datalog to understand the story as a whole. There wasnt much to love about the character she except for Lightning.

XV on the other hand had an incoherent story where it was obviously bare at the first half and rushed in the latter half. There are plot holes in the story too (which is obviously gonna be paved of the DLC). Although the entire premise would have been interesting if the story had more cutscenes with the other characters and the empire. The direction of this FF is clearly different from the others because this game is tonally sad compared to the other FFs. The story was also straightforward and understandable. Though the bros had actually good development and you can feel for these characters unlike the one son XIII.

Both games had interesting premises unfortunately XIII was poorly explained and XV lacked character growth sans the bros and Ardyn and the story had holes.

In terms of content, FFXV takes the crown no contest. In XIII you had hunts which is just basically only battles. XV had different things to do (despite some being boring fetch quests) and there's a lot to explore in Lucis.

In terms of combat, both are great and both had problems. FFXIII was a heavily evolved ATB where it was fast paced and speedy, unfortunately with the structure of XIII, it can get a bit stale if you play it long. FFXV is like a mix of XII's and KH's. It's an interesting approach and a new approach for the FF series but people who are more used to the ATB might be a bit disappointed. Not to mention it can get much too hectic. Though it doesn't get stale like FFXIII's. Some people like it, some don't.

 

[Mifec]

Just as an fyi, I would give this game a 7.5 (i haven't done the post-game stuff, so that might change), but if I ignored the story I would probably have given it a 8.5 or a 9.

There is indeed a lot to love about this game, but there's also a lot of stuff that dropped the ball hard. Overall, its such a mix bag of a final product and yet I can't shake the feeling that it could be a wonderful iterative step to making a near perfect final fantasy product.

Its so weird how a game that whiffed its story this hard could make me so hopeful and happy for the future of final fantasy. So damn bizarre.

Even if we ignore the story I'd still give it a 7.5. Nothing in postgame other than Pittios is different.

 

[jb1234]

It will be interesting to see how history judges the game, for sure. XIII got a lot more praise upon release than it does now. Personally, I'm very much looking forward to replaying the XII remaster, even if I wasn't overwhelmed with the game back in the day.

 

[JeffZero]

Well I feel I were to compare FFXIII and FFXV:

Storywise: both games have an issue with story.

XIII had a coherent story with an interesting mythology (if you read about the background of Etro, Bhunivelze, etc. it's apparently interesting) but the problem was that it wasn't explained clearly, convoluted, and you had to make use of the datalog to understand the story as a whole. There wasnt much to love about the character she except for Lightning.

XV on the other hand had an incoherent story where it was obviously bare at the first half and rushed in the latter half. There are plot holes in the story too (which is obviously gonna be paved of the DLC). Although the entire premise would have been interesting if the story had more cutscenes with the other characters and the empire. The direction of this FF is clearly different from the others because this game is tonally sad compared to the other FFs. The story was also straightforward and understandable. Though the bros had actually good development and you can feel for these characters unlike the one son XIII.

Both games had interesting premises unfortunately XIII was poorly explained and XV lacked other character growth sans the bros and Ardyn and the story had holes.

In terms of content, FFXV takes the crown no contest. In XIII you had hunts which is just basically only battles. XV had different things to do (despite some being boring fetch quests) and there's a lot to explore in Lucis.

In terms of combat, both are great and both had problems. FFXIII was a heavily evolved ATB where it was fast paced and speedy, unfortunately with the structure of XIII, it ca get a bit stale if you play it long. FFXV is like a mix of XII'a and KH's. It's an interesting approach and a new approach for the FF series but people who are more used to the ATB might be a bit disappointed. Not to mention it can get much too hectic. Though it doesn't get stale like FFXIII's. Some people like it, some don't.

I agree with you completely!

 

[ULTROS!]

It will be interesting to see how history judges the game, for sure. XIII got a lot more praise upon release than it does now. Personally, I'm very much looking forward to replaying the XII remaster, even if I wasn't overwhelmed with the game back in the day.

It's a fact that all the FFs post VII are divisive in some way or another. But in the end they all delivered and there were fans for each entry (except for OG FFXIV, which was balls).

 

[Mifec]

K hunts showed up in lestalum after I did every last one. Had 1 more in rest area.

 

[Mailbox]

I think desires to go back to XII will be somewhat common among fans over the next couple of years, and if I were crazier than I already am I'd even suggest that perhaps Square timed the remaster masterfully out of some sagely foresight.

XII and XV are very different video games, but they share some curious flaws in common with one-another, and I think that overall -- despite adoring XV's final act far, far more than XII's -- XII is a more solid version.

Personal tastes have me leaning toward giving Noctis and his crew an edge over that installment. But FFXII will probably be looked upon somewhat more favorably by a larger number of franchise diehards soon. Relative to FFVI through FFX, it did a mediocre job keeping players interested and invested and engaged in its narrative, but compared to many games in this era, it did it kind of admirably. <___<

tbf FF12 is a damn polished product. That game was made with some tender love and care despite a troubled development. My personal problems with 12 are in its various systems and total lack of respect for player time.

Just a few days ago plenty of us were discussing how much we loved the entire package, so that's not it.

Edit: Of course people were also disappointed in various ways. The overwhelming negativity seems to have increased over the weekend.

Thats fair i guess. I really hate being negitive, honestly. I usually excuse things and try to think positively, but... yeah. I still think the game is good though tbh.

It will be interesting to see how history judges the game, for sure. XIII got a lot more praise upon release than it does now. Personally, I'm very much looking forward to replaying the XII remaster, even if I wasn't overwhelmed with the game back in the day.

My bet is that 15 will be looked at as a large failure in macro-story (the plot) and a masterclass in micro-story (banter, radio, listening in on conversations, etc). I think it will be a very weird feeling and one we haven't seen in FF games before. We will probably look back at it as not a great game with many flaws and yet still a great step toward a bright FF future.

It's a fact that all the FFs post VII are divisive in some way or another. But in the end they all delivered and there were fans for each entry (except for OG FFXIV, which was balls).

IX isn't really divisive though :S

 

[DarkLordMalik]

Well I feel I were to compare FFXIII and FFXV:

Storywise: both games have an issue with story.

XIII had a coherent story with an interesting mythology (if you read about the background of Etro, Bhunivelze, etc. it's apparently interesting) but the problem was that it wasn't explained clearly, convoluted, and you had to make use of the datalog to understand the story as a whole. There wasnt much to love about the character she except for Lightning.

XV on the other hand had an incoherent story where it was obviously bare at the first half and rushed in the latter half. There are plot holes in the story too (which is obviously gonna be paved of the DLC). Although the entire premise would have been interesting if the story had more cutscenes with the other characters and the empire. The direction of this FF is clearly different from the others because this game is tonally sad compared to the other FFs. The story was also straightforward and understandable. Though the bros had actually good development and you can feel for these characters unlike the one son XIII.

Both games had interesting premises unfortunately XIII was poorly explained and XV lacked character growth sans the bros and Ardyn and the story had holes.

In terms of content, FFXV takes the crown no contest. In XIII you had hunts which is just basically only battles. XV had different things to do (despite some being boring fetch quests) and there's a lot to explore in Lucis.

In terms of combat, both are great and both had problems. FFXIII was a heavily evolved ATB where it was fast paced and speedy, unfortunately with the structure of XIII, it can get a bit stale if you play it long. FFXV is like a mix of XII's and KH's. It's an interesting approach and a new approach for the FF series but people who are more used to the ATB might be a bit disappointed. Not to mention it can get much too hectic. Though it doesn't get stale like FFXIII's. Some people like it, some don't.

One big thing that should be mentioned is the lack of monster variety, which added further to the combat and resulted in a lot of repetition. How many reskins did we get by the end of the game and the strategy for them was mostly the same. It got boring quickly.

FFXV is way better in this regard though.

 

[ULTROS!]

tbf FF12 is a damn polished product. That game was made with some tender love and care despite a troubled development. My personal problems with 12 are in its various systems and total lack of respect for player time.

FFXII has its fair share of problems too actually. Despite GAF's love for the world of Ivalice, other people find it not as exciting. The Ivalice world on a mainline FF is interesting but might be a bit too "hardcore" and "boring" for those who liked the more anime feeling. Not to mention the latter half especially the Tower of Pharos was... not so good.

My bet is that 15 will be looked at as a large failure in macro-story (the plot) and a masterclass in micro-story (banter, radio, listening in on conversations, etc). I think it will be a very weird feeling and one we haven't seen in FF games before. We will probably look back at it as not a great game with many flaws and yet still a great step toward a bright FF future.

I bet it will be more talked about in terms of world and the bros, which will be praised and people will ignore the story faults altogether. In XIII, people talk about Lightning only and she has a fanbase.

IX isn't really divisive though :S

But the slow battle system and character designs are! Not to mention the "who the fuck is Necron" end.

 

[JeffZero]

Yeah, I'll agree that XII is a polished experience, for sure. And to be clear, I think it is a good game. But as Ultros says, the second half has some real issues. The story pacing is very poor and the payoff only comes in a couple of situations. Like, you spend several hours trekking mostly silently to an important city (there's a single scene on the beach and that's it) and when you finally get there, it's almost nothing but text boxes for dialogue until you enter the next dungeon.

That's another thing. There seems to be less voice acting in XII than X (or XIII or XV). The plot is far more likely to throw unvoiced content at you. Not the biggest deal in the world, but jarring. But that city I mentioned, the switch always sticks in my head. It is very clear to me the director change really caused some major issues. I don't think that place was supposed to feel so whatever. You get there after that incredible no-plot marathon and immediately you've got Balthier voicelessly telling you to collect sticks so you can progress deeper into the town.

Yeah, I know. I went on a rant. Heh.