The post Final Fantasy 15 was originally in development at Deus Ex studio appeared first on Game News.
]]>Speaking to TrueAchievements (opens in new tab) in a recent interview, former Eidos Montreal art director Jonathan Jacque-Belletête confirmed the long-standing rumor. “We tried to do Final Fantasy XV. Then they decided to bring it back to Japan — which I think was a big mistake, but it’s still the truth. Ours was really, really cool,” said Jacque-Belletête.
Unfortunately, the developer didn’t elaborate further on the project. As TrueAchievements notes however, this comment finally confirms a rumor originating from a SuperBunnyHop video in 2018, seen just below, where the YouTuber claims that Final Fantasy 15 was once in development at Eidos Montreal, according to several anonymous sources.
According to the original SuperBunnyHop video, Eidos Montreal had “some basic art, some basic game design, in a super-secret office.” The 2018 video also claimed that the project was a “space opera RPG” with a love triangle, and Jacque-Belletête’s new comments certainly lead a lot of credibility to the full video.
Unfortunately, it just wasn’t to be. Square Enix would end up taking Final Fantasy 15 back to Japan, where it would be rebooted and retooled under Hajime Tabata once Kingdom Hearts director Tetsuya Nomura departed the project. Final Fantasy 15 released in 2016 after over a decade of development, and just recently surpassed 10 million copies sold, which is actually the goal Tabata and his team originally set for the RPG.
Here’s how Final Fantasy 15 influenced Forspoken, Square Enix’s upcoming big-budget action-RPG.
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]]>The post Final Fantasy 16 is reportedly coming “sooner than people think” appeared first on Game News.
]]>That’s according to industry journalist Jason Schreier, who had this to say while talking on the Triple Click (opens in new tab) podcast (thanks, Push Square (opens in new tab)): “I’ve heard from people who are familiar with the game’s development that it’s actually been in development for at least four years in some capacity, so it’s coming sooner than people think.”
It makes sense when you watch the first trailer, revealed during September’s PS5 showcase. Typically with a big AAA game announcement like that, you’re lucky to see a brief cinematic followed by the game’s logo and “coming soon…” But Square Enix came out swinging with cinematics and a generous helping of gameplay footage, certainly indicating that development is well underway.
For reference, Final Fantasy 15 started development way back in 2006, eventually releasing 10 years later in 2016. But that was an extraordinary situation where Square Enix announced the title shortly after development began and changed creative direction numerous times. Likely (hopefully), Final Fantasy 16’s development won’t hit so many roadblocks.
Of course, “sooner than people think” isn’t very specific, so we can’t say for sure exactly how soon we’re talking here. Square Enix has said the next Final Fantasy 16 reveal isn’t coming until next year, so hopefully we’ll get a release date then.
Correction: The original version of this article incorrectly stated that Final Fantasy 15 released in 2015. We’ve updated the article and regret the error.
Final Fantasy 16 is just one of the upcoming PS5 games we can’t wait to play.
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]]>The post Daily NewsRadar: FF15s Noctis gets punchy, Sega Genesis golden oldies come to console, and a surprising addition to Plants vs. Zombies 2 appeared first on Game News.
]]>Ever wanted to punch Noctis from Final Fantasy 15 in the face?
Or maybe you just want to watch him do some high-kicks in casual fishing attire? Either way, he’ll arrive in Tekken 7 – with a whole new wardrobe – on March 20.
Sega Genesis Classics brings your dad’s favorite games to your console
Enjoy the cutting edge of ’90s gaming with a new collection from Sega, featuring 50 golden oldies like Sonic the Hedgehog, Altered Beast, and Streets of Rage. It’s coming to PS4 and Xbox One on May 29, but Nintendo Switch owners have been brutally shunned.
Deadpool 2 adding more Cable and Domino
Apparently some people watch Deadpool for more than just Ryan Reynolds in spandex, because according to Collider, recent reshoots are focused on increasing the screen time for Zazie Beets as Domino (a walking weapon and mercenary) and Josh Brolin as time-hopping warrior Cable.
PVZ 2 gets PVP
Plants vs. Zombies 2 dropped in 2013, so either someone handed in their work really late, or EA decided five years later was the perfect time to add a competitive mode. Battlez pits you against another player, attempting to kill as many zombies as possible, as far away from your house as possible, to build a winning score.
Be part of a historical space program
If you haven’t checked out the misleadingly adorable Kerbal Space Program yet, the new Making History Expansion which launches today on PC is the perfect excuse. The game uses actual physics and aerodynamics to prove that you know nothing about building spacecraft, but then throws in cute aliens to make it all a bit less devastating.
Even more news:
Shadow of the Tomb Raider release date, platforms, and more revealed – but probably not on purpose
“I didn’t really know what I was working on” – How nine people at Rare created GoldenEye
Star Wars: The Last Jedi’s home release has a hidden cut – here’s how to watch it
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The post Daily NewsRadar: FF15s Noctis gets punchy, Sega Genesis golden oldies come to console, and a surprising addition to Plants vs. Zombies 2 appeared first on Game News.
]]>The post Daily NewsRadar: Killer7 lives on, Far Cry 5 mini-movie, Noctis in a Sims llama suit appeared first on Game News.
]]>Let It Die reincarnates cult classic Killer7
Grasshopper Manufacture is mixing its old Killer7 magic with its free-to-play PS4 game Let It Die. We don’t know much about the collaboration just yet, but we can expect it to happen later this spring (and we’d crawl over broken glass for more Harman Smith action).
Far Cry 5’s live-action trailer deserves an HBO series
Live-action trailers don’t always work, but this latest one for Ubisoft’s Far Cry 5 is giving us the True Detective, ‘give me a mini-series’ feels. Now to go back into cryosleep until the actual game is out on March 27.
From the people that brought you Conan Exiles’ wangs…
Funcom is publishing a new game, Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden, and it’ll hopefully receive less genitalia-focused coverage than Conan. A tactical adventure game, it’s being being made by Hitman and Payday developers and will be released later this year for PC.
Want to dress Final Fantasy 15’s Noctis in a Sims llama suit?
If the answer is yes, seek help. If that fails, you can grab a copy of the Final Fantasy 15 Windows Edition on Origin and get Sims special costumes to use in the game. It’ll be included with all purchases of Final Fantasy 15 on Origin until May 1. It goes both ways, too: you’ll also be able to access “Noctis’ signature Prince’s Fatigues” in Sims 4 soon.
Wreck-it Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks The Internet trailer is unrealistically porn free
There’s a new trailer for Disney’s upcoming sequel out, and while we can’t wait to spot more game references and hang out with Vanellope, there’s no denying that this movie’s internet looks way nicer than the real one.
Even more news:
Krypton star Cameron Cuffe on playing Superman’s grandfather
The unlikely rebirth of an MMO shooter could give Destiny a run for its money
Overwatch’s new hero has been canon for years, but her support-tank playstyle is all new
March is gonna be good: PlayStation Plus free games get Bloodborne and Ratchet & Clank
Injustice 2 Legendary Edition squeezes $100 worth of DC Comics fighting into a $60 package
Star Wars Rebels just made time travel canon – how will it affect a galaxy far, far away?
Celebrate 40 years of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy in the new SFX magazine – on sale now!
“Missing a truly menacing bad guy” – Here’s what critics have to say about Jessica Jones season 2
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The post Daily NewsRadar: Killer7 lives on, Far Cry 5 mini-movie, Noctis in a Sims llama suit appeared first on Game News.
]]>The post Final Fantasy 15 gets free New Game+ patch so you can show those Garula whos boss appeared first on Game News.
]]>As you might suspect, New Game+ in Final Fantasy 15 allows you to restart Noctis’ tale from the beginning, but this time with most of your weapons, gear, magic, and skills carried over from your initial playthrough (the car won’t fly and you’ll have to rebuild the Engine Blade if you want the Ultima Blade). Enemies won’t scale to your level, so suffering through the Pitioss Ruins (opens in new tab) really pays off and you’ll be able to trounce foes that once gave you a hassle.
The patch comes just one day before FF15 is slated to get a whole bunch of holiday DLC (opens in new tab) – some free, some not so much. So give thanks to Santa Enix (Square Claus?) for the gifts and enjoy.
Seen something newsworthy? Tell us (opens in new tab)!
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]]>The post RadioRadar+ Podcast 61: Saving Star Wars and lingering on the
Last of Us Pt. 2 appeared first on Game News.
Further Discussion: Debating the merits of The Last of Us Part 2.
What we’re into: Picking through the best of PSX.
If it seems weird to you guys that there’s already a brand new Star Wars movie, know this: you’re not alone! This week on the podcast we search our feelings for what we know to be true about Rogue One, the first Star Wars spin-off since 1985’s Ewoks: Battle for Endor. (Forgot about that one, didn’t you. Too bad. It happened.) After that we dig into the biggest announcements at PSX, including an extended discussion about The Last of Us Part 2.
Hosts:
Anthony John Agnello (@ajohnagnello (opens in new tab))
David Roberts (@davidrobots (opens in new tab))
Susan Arendt (@susanarendt (opens in new tab))
Intro: “Inspiration (opens in new tab)” by BoxCat Games, used under CC 3.0 (opens in new tab)
Outro: “Forever Believe (opens in new tab)” by Jason Shaw, used under CC 3.0 (opens in new tab)
Listen on iTunes (opens in new tab)
Direct link (right click to download) (opens in new tab)
RSS Feed (opens in new tab)
The post RadioRadar+ Podcast 61: Saving Star Wars and lingering on the
Last of Us Pt. 2 appeared first on Game News.
The post You thought Final Fantasy 15 was weird? Watch this tie-in commercial for instant ramen. appeared first on Game News.
]]>So what’s the deal? Well, Square Enix and Nissin are apparently pretty friendly with each other, as they’re located just a short walk away from each other in Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood. Cup Noodle also appears in-game (though in a less… distracting way), and there are even side quests that revolve around helping Cup Noodle reach the masses of Eos.
Nissin is currently giving away 150 boxes – each one containing 15 different Cup Noodle flavors – via a sweepstakes hosted on the “Cup Noodle XV” website (opens in new tab). I can’t read the rules so who knows if those of us outside of Japan are even eligible, but in any case, at least we got a funny commercial out of it all.
Seen something newsworthy? Tell us (opens in new tab)!
The post You thought Final Fantasy 15 was weird? Watch this tie-in commercial for instant ramen. appeared first on Game News.
]]>The post 15 hours with Final Fantasy 15s strange open world appeared first on Game News.
]]>It’s also changed wildly over the course of even recent history, from the initial idea presented by Episode Duscae back in 2015, to the updated combat of the Platinum Demo earlier this year. Heck, a lot seems to have changed since the PAX West demo I played a few weeks ago (opens in new tab), as entire menus have been reworked, tutorials have been added, and graphics have been polished. So much of this game has been up in the air for so long that it’s been very hard to peg exactly what Final Fantasy 15 even is, but after spending nearly 15 hours stretching my legs out in its bizarre road trip, I’ve think I’ve finally figured it out. Final Fantasy 15 is as fascinating and confounding as I expected, bringing all of the joys and pitfalls of the open-world genre while carving out its own place with its unique rhythms and routine.
First things first: Final Fantasy games are known for their stories, and the story in Final Fantasy 15 so far is… fine? You play as Prince Noctis, sent off by his father, King Regis, on a road trip to wed Lunafreya of Tenebrae. This is clearly a political marriage, though Noctis and Luna both knew each other as kids, so they’re not entirely against the idea. Things are never so easy, and within the first few hours, you learn that your homeland has been invaded by the neighboring kingdom of Nifelheim, your father has been slain, and Lunafreya is presumed dead as well.
It’s an interesting set-up, but these relationships are barely explored in Final Fantasy 15’s opening chapters. While all of this turmoil is going on miles away in Lucis, Noctis and his pals are trying to figure out their next move, help the prince acquire powerful weapons and magic secreted away in lost tombs, and evade capture by the Nifelheim empire. It makes sense – Noctis and crew are effectively cut off and their kingdom dissolved, so it’s not like they’d know everything that’s going on elsewhere. But since we don’t know why Nifelheim would even want to invade (other than some obliquely evil-sounding references to a ring and ‘The Six’), the main narrative thread ends up losing its way. It’s like there’s a prologue missing, where the connections between family lines and kingdoms could be properly developed and explained so the important story beats actually feel important.
Then I remembered something: there are prologue chapters – they’re just completely divorced from the main game. Kingsglaive (opens in new tab), a recent animated film from Square Enix and Sony Pictures, tells the story of the fall of Lucis, explaining the deep, political ties between these two warring nations and why they’re even fighting in the first place. Then there’s Brotherhood, an anime series you can watch for free on YouTube (opens in new tab), which explores Noctis’ relationship with his friends, his strained relationship with his father, as well as some of the finer details about this world and how magic exists within it. These are important contextual details, and they seem to do a lot of Final Fantasy 15’s initial heavy narrative lifting, while allowing the more immediate open-world gameplay to take center stage. Without these two important bits of media (which are, admittedly, both good and worth watching (opens in new tab)), you’re effectively thrown into the middle of a story that’s nearing the end of its first act and are expected to absorb everything in media res, and Final Fantasy 15 isn’t doing a great job so far of getting everyone up to speed.
Where Final Fantasy 15’s story is winning me over, though, is in its moment-to-moment scenarios and side quests, and there are some truly impressive set-pieces within those opening chapters. At various points, you’ll explore a gorgeous, labyrinthine series of ice caverns behind a waterfall to find a hidden tomb; trek through a volcanic mountain, culminating in an explosive battle with the skyscraper-sized Titan; or stealthily infiltrate a Nifelheim fortress filled with enemy soldiers and giant Magitek suits of armor to try and get your car back. The narrative throughline may be a bit muddy and unclear at times, but individual moments within that story are pure, mouth-agape spectacle, positioning many of the beats Final Fantasy normally reserves for cutscenes in terms of actual gameplay.
Much of that is thanks to the real-time combat, where battles are as much about the strategic owning of three-dimensional space as it is about twitch-based reactions. It begins simply, pitting you against weak monsters where victory is all but assured if you hold down the attack button and learn to counter properly. Eventually, new enemy types are introduced that will test your reflexes as much as they do your ability to react to their particular weapon or elemental-based weaknesses. Positioning is important too, as attacking from the rear will cause more damage, and doing so next to one of your pals will activate an even more powerful Link Strike. You can use your Warp Strike to blink around the battlefield to help with this, as well as to escape to high ground if you need a breather. Magic is also unpredictable, essentially becoming a huge field-clearing elemental blast with lingering effects, and it doesn’t discriminate between friend or foe. When you put it all together, battles feel like they’re one step away from pure, unhinged chaos, and while the controls and camera are sometimes too clumsy to keep up, I’ve relished every combat encounter I’ve played so far.
As much as the combat and those big set-pieces are Final Fantasy 15’s more impressive draw, it’s the small moments that I cherished the most. It’s driving along the highway and watching Prompto geek out about a particular bit of scenery, begging you to stop the car so he can get out and take a picture. It’s sorting through those pictures when you make camp after chowing down on one of a dozen different ridiculously detailed meals, picking out the snapshots you like best and saving them for posterity. It’s about taking the wheel and listening to the Final Fantasy 6 soundtrack CD you bought at a gas station while Ignis worries aloud that you’re going to wreck his precious vehicle. Final Fantasy 15’s world is visually striking, existing on the cusp between the real and the fantastical, and it’s really easy to get lost in simply being here, drinking everything in while enjoying the playful banter between these four anime bros. It’s a deeply strange juxtaposition, and having those grounded moments where you get lost in the routine of everyday life in a world where a giant freaking crystal meteor just hangs out in the middle of a big open valley makes it all the more intoxicating.
But that’s the paradox of the open-world, especially in a series as narrative-driven as Final Fantasy, where the pull of the main plot is diametrically opposed to the desire to seek out and craft your own stories. I’m not sure how (or even if) Final Fantasy 15’s later chapters will attempt to fix the issues I have with its story, but even if it doesn’t, I’ve enjoyed my time exploring its strange world and experiencing what it has to offer, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
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]]>The post RadioRadar+ Podcast 54: Flipping Nintendo Switch and finally finding Final Fantasy 15 appeared first on Game News.
]]>Further Discussion: Final Fantasy 15 is a real video game
What we’re into: Red Dead Redemption 2 and Logan reveal trailers, and Rusty Lake Hotel
After months of speculation and leaks, the Nintendo Switch (opens in new tab) is real, revealed in a wordless three-minute sizzle reel. And it looks pretty great? We all weigh in with our thoughts on the console/handheld hybrid, our price point predictions, and what we think it needs to succeed in a market currently dominated by Sony and Microsoft. David also opens up about the 15 hours he spent playing Final Fantasy 15 (opens in new tab), which is increasingly looking like a real, actual video game. We also discuss the Red Dead Redemption 2 (opens in new tab) and Logan (opens in new tab) reveal trailers, and Susan shares her thoughts on a delightfully macabre puzzle game called Rusty Lake Hotel.
Hosts:
Anthony John Agnello (@ajohnagnello (opens in new tab))
David Roberts (@davidrobots (opens in new tab))
Susan Arendt (@susanarendt (opens in new tab))
Sam Prell (@samprell (opens in new tab))
Intro: “Inspiration (opens in new tab)” by BoxCat Games, used under CC 3.0 (opens in new tab)
Outro: “Forever Believe (opens in new tab)” by Jason Shaw, used under CC 3.0 (opens in new tab)
Listen on iTunes (opens in new tab)
Direct link (right click to download) (opens in new tab)
RSS Feed (opens in new tab)
The post RadioRadar+ Podcast 54: Flipping Nintendo Switch and finally finding Final Fantasy 15 appeared first on Game News.
]]>The post Special edition Final Fantasy 15 PS4 is coming to the US and Europe, too appeared first on Game News.
]]>Original story: Say hello to another special edition we probably won’t see in the west. The Final Fantasy 15 (opens in new tab) Luna Edition is the first special edition version of the new slim console and has a rather lovely image of the moon. Revealed by Final Fantasy producer Hajime Tabata at this morning’s PlayStation conference, the console will be out on November 29 alongside the game.
The imagery is inspired by the scene of Noctis gazing up at the moon and be glad you won’t have to carry it about lots because just look at those fingerprints. If you’re considering importing, the cost is 39,980 yen so $392 or £295.
Seen something newsworthy? Tell us! (opens in new tab)
The post Special edition Final Fantasy 15 PS4 is coming to the US and Europe, too appeared first on Game News.
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