Final Fantasy XV

FFXV is such a paradox. On one hand, it is such a flawed game. flawed in its core fundamentals - empty open world, middling and slightly repetitive side quests, weak narrative structure (can i just say, i adore the FFXV lore? why is it not in the game???). but somehow, all these things become bearable because i have the company of 3 extremely lovable, adorable, and memorable companions/party members. i will slog through endless walking in a barren field to kill 5 enemies because i want to hear noctis mistake prompto for ignis during their linkstrikes. i'll drive (also known as the most boring way to traverse an open world i've ever known) just to do prompto's lil photo spot side quests. i'll cook in campsites so gladio can have his cup noodles. YOU GET IT. the 4 main characters make the game shine, and if i'm being honest - hold every flimsy mechanic together.
so, be prepared to cry your eyes out whenever you hear stand by me after beating this game because for fk's sake, it's been 5 years and i know i sure do get teary eyed when that song plays.

If you follow these steps you should be able to understand the game's story and relate to characters, I will divide this into 2 part, before and after playing:
1-Before playing;
Watch Kingslaive movie
Watch all the brotherhood episodes
2-After playing:
-Play Episode Gladio right after chapter 6
-Play Episode Ignis after Episode 9 (best episode)
-Play Episode Prompto after chapter 12
-Play Episode Ardyn after Episode 13
-Do not play Episode Comrades unless you want some half baked multiplayer that no one plays anyway.
-Don't mind game telling you to finish the game before playing these DLC's, just ignore the message.
I haven't played endgame where you explore some secret dungeons and bosses, I fell like I got what i wanted from story and done for now.
Final advice; Don't rush the game, enjoy it for what it is, follow my steps, and you should get the full package,enjoy.

sometimes you just need a roadtrip with your bros

Before going down into the fancy part of the review id say here the most important thing about the game. Just play it and do so at your own pace and ignore reviews hell ignore this review as well.
You will probably hear two big issues with the game one being the story being all over the place and yes is sadly a bit confusing to get into yet in the end very fulfilling and emotional journey ( Before playing if you want to have a proper experience you would need to watch Brotherhood anime you can find it free on Youtube takes like 1 hour to see hole thing > Kingsglaive movie (either after you seen the anime or reach chapter 2 in game I personally watched before starting the game and was a very nice experience that way) > Gladiolus DLC when you reach chapter 7 or 8 > Prompto DLC Chapter 12 or 13 > Ardyn DLC after finish story > Ignis DLC > after finish story ( more in depth way to enjoy the story is in this guide )
the second common bad thing this game has reputation is that the combat is and hold attack button auto play and this is also true to some extent I dropped the game two time in the past at the very start because of how the combat felt but came back and give it a proper chance because I loved the theme and world and im glad I did so because at one point the combat snaps with you and is really just stupid fun. In the very start you will have two option for combat one being active and wait I recommend selecting wait mode, on this will pause when you stop doing any action giving you time to plan and catch breath , swapping targets and chose on which to lock on, also on lock on topic the game does not mention how to properly lock on it teaches you that holding RB on controller will lock on current target but if you stop holding the button the lock is also dropped but actually you can hold RB and press R3 and you will have a full lock letting you go of RB button)
beside that another thing that game does not properly ever teaches you is that combat is not actually a hold attack it also work by tapping it and is much better and each weapon have different movesets based on the direction you combine with when you attack... some weapon have some special move that you can figure out from the its description soo yea in the end game has much more depth then just hold attack, there are also some creative way to do moves swapping your weapon at proper times and much more if you have patience to figure them out.
NOW FOR THE FANCY PART
Final Fantasy XV is a gaming journey for both new comers to the series as for old fans. It's not merely a game; it's an odyssey, a breathtaking journey through a meticulously crafted world that deserves to be savored slowly, like a fine aged wine. This is not just a game; it's an unforgettable adventure that invites players to immerse themselves fully and embrace every moment even if at times is not perfect and without its issues.
The Art of the Journey:
Final Fantasy XV is not a mere collection of quests and battles; it's an artful exploration of a fantastical world called Eos. The game's meticulous attention to detail is staggering, from the sprawling cities and lush landscapes to the smallest character nuances. Every location, every character, every creature feels like it has a purpose and a story to tell. Playing this game at a measured pace allows you to truly absorb and appreciate the sheer depth of this world not to say the fact e very food you cook has a detailed model that always made me hungry >.< if there is a lacking of the game world is that is not interactive as its detailed and beautiful.
A Story Worth Savoring:
The heart of Final Fantasy XV lies in its rich narrative. The story of Prince Noctis and his loyal companions is a sweeping epic filled with emotions, betrayals, and moments of camaraderie. It's a tale of growth and self-discovery, where the characters evolve alongside the player. To rush through it would be like flipping through the pages of a novel, missing the intricacies of character development and the emotional resonance that slowly builds over time.
The Beauty of Exploration:
Eos is a vast and diverse world, and the true joy of the game comes from exploring its nooks and crannies. The open-world design invites players to wander, discover hidden treasures, engage with locals, and undertake side quests that breathe life into the world. Taking your time allows you to fully embrace the wonder of the journey, to find hidden caves, secret fishing spots, and breathtaking vistas that you might otherwise overlook.
A Symphony of Combat and Strategy:
Final Fantasy XV's combat system is a symphony of strategy and finesse. Engaging in real-time battles requires careful planning and coordination with your companions. Rushing into fights may lead to missed opportunities for tactical brilliance and inventive strategies. Taking your time to master the intricacies of combat can be immensely rewarding and showcases the true depth of the game's mechanics.
The Slow Burn of Character Development:
One of the most beautiful aspects of Final Fantasy XV is watching the characters grow. The subtle changes in their personalities, their relationships, and their bonds with Noctis are best appreciated when the game is played at a thoughtful pace. Rushing through would mean missing out on the gradual transformation of these characters from acquaintances to lifelong friends.
Conclusion:
Final Fantasy XV isn't just a game; it's a poignant journey that deserves to be experienced at a slow, deliberate pace. It's an emotional rollercoaster, a visual feast, and a testament to the power of storytelling in gaming. So, fellow adventurer, take your time, breathe in the world of Eos, savor every story beat, and explore every corner. Final Fantasy XV is a masterpiece for some and a terrible game or final fantasy for others and that ok but still deserves a proper go to try yourself, and like all great art, it's meant to be savored slowly, one spellbinding moment at a time.

That's It! I've come up with a new RECIPEH!

makes me wish i had friends like these guys

most underrated and overhated game of all time