So, does Final Fantasy XV, like most other games in development limbo (see: Duke Nukem Forever), suck? Absolutely not. The game delivers on almost every promise and, as the opening screen suggests, is a Final Fantasy game for series veterans and those new to the franchise. While the game isn't perfect, Final Fantasy XV does so much right.
Your bros on the journey are the highlight. While Ignis may be a bit of a buzzkill, Gladiolus and Prompto are fun to be around and bring life to an open world that is largely devoid of compelling human life. Noctis and his friends are among just a handful of interesting people.
The combat is also a nice change from the traditional turn-based style that FFXIII began to move away from. It's not perfect as you fight the camera as often as you fight regular enemies, but it's more involved and faster paced than before.
Final Fantasy XV's biggest problem is that the game's focus on maintaining some sense of realism gets in the way of enjoyment sometimes. Paying for gas and refueling your car is just as boring in video games as it is in real life. Driving in video games is mostly fun because of the freedom to be as reckless as you want. Final Fantasy XV doesn't grant the player that freedom and anytime you need to use the Regalia turns into a chore. Get ready to fast travel. Also, the camera can be frustrating, especially in fights against bigger enemies.
Despite the game's missteps, completing hunts, finishing quests and finding new weapons makes the game fun to play. The story is super convoluted in a Final Fantasy way (especially if you have not watched Kingsglaive), but after ten years, this game was worth the wait.
