Last night Square Enix held an event in Los Angeles with the sole purpose of “uncovering” Final Fantasy XV. The event was hosted by Kinda Funny’s Greg Miller and Tim Gettys, each representing a demographic that Square Enix is targeting with Final Fantasy XV. Greg Miller, a well-known personality in the gaming community and former editor at IGN, loves video games, appreciates Final Fantasy as a series, and recognizes its importance to video games, but has never been hooked by any of the entries he’s tried. Tim Gettys on the other hand, has been a Final Fantasy fan most of his life. Square Enix has made it clear that Final Fantasy XV will appeal to both Greg and Tim, as well as everyone who can identify with either viewpoint.
A total of fifteen announcements, or “uncoverings”, were made through the course of the show. Here’s a recap of each uncovering with a little commentary for good measure:
Uncovering #1: Creator of Final Fantasy, Hironobu Sakaguchi, was present at Uncovered: Final Fantasy XV
Uncovering #2: New Trailer
Uncovering #3: Yoshitaka Amano, the artist commissioned to create many works for various Final Fantasy titles was also present, and the new art for Final Fantasy XV titled “Big Bang” was shown. (Pictured below)
Uncovering #4: Florence + The Machine has recorded a cover of Ben E. King’s Stand By Me that will be the official theme of Final Fantasy XV. Final Fantasy XV is a tale of brotherhood, camaraderie, and fellowship. I can’t think of another song that encompasses these qualities better than Stand By Me. While it is virtually impossible to improve on this song, Florence + The Machine’s rendition is absolutely beautiful and has been on repeat the entire time I have been writing this.
Uncovering #5: Various gameplay videos were shown to illustrate the versatility in Final Fantasy XV. All three videos are compiled below with commentary from Greg and Tim.
Uncovering #6: A montage was shown that shows a wide variety of environments players will see in Final Fantasy XV
Uncovering #7: A five-part anime series titled “Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV” will provide back story about the four main characters. Episode 1 is available right now, check out a trailer below.
Uncovering #8: A feature-length CG movie will release later this year available for download and streaming titled “Kingsglaive”. While the game will follow Noctis on his road trip to reach his fiance, Kingsglaive will show what is happening in Crown City after he leaves.
Uncovering #9: Audi has partnered with Square Enix to create one real life version of the Audi seen in Kingsglaive.
Uncovering #10: Kingsglaive will feature voice work by Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey and Sean Bean, as well as Aaron Paul from Breaking Bad.
Uncovering #11: Justice Monsters V, a mini game playable in Final Fantasy XV, will also be released separately for iOS, Android, and Windows 10 devices.
Uncovering #12: A new demo is available now titled “Platinum Demo”. Platinum Demo,unlike Episode Duscae, tells a story that will not be in Final Fantasy XV. Players will be ableto play as a young Noctis as he explores a dream-world while exploring new mechanics in Final Fantasy XV. DLC bonuses will awarded in the final game for progress made in Platinum Demo. Kingsglaive, Brotherhood, Platinum Demo, and Justice Monsters all represent an expansive universe that Square Enix wants to center around Final Fantasy XV.
Uncovering #13: There will be three editions of Final Fantasy XV available. A “standard” Day One Edition for $59.99 that includes the game and a DLC sword, Masamune. A $89.99 Deluxe Edition will get you everything in the Day One Edition PLUS an exclusive steelbook case, a Blu-Ray copy of Kingsglaive, a DLC outfit, and a recolor option for the car (DLC). A $269.99 Ultimate Collector’s Edition will get you everything in the Deluxe Edition (minus the steelbook) PLUS its own steelbook design, a Blu-Ray copy of Brotherhood, a special soundtrack, various in-game packs, a 192-page hardcover artbook, and an exclusive Play Arts Kai Noctis statue. This edition is exclusively available through the Square Enix Online Store and is currently wait-listed.
Uncovering #14: Final Fantasy XV will be released September 30th, 2016.
Uncovering #15: One final trailer closed out Uncovered: Final Fantasy XV giving more insight to the story and showing off the beautiful world they have created. Check it out below:
There you have it! Fifteen announcements for Final Fantasy XV. I am like Greg Miller. I appreciate Final Fantasy and recognize it as an important part of gaming present, past, and future. My only experience with Final Fantasy is the 10-15 hours I put into Final Fantasy XIII, and the countless hours I’ve poured into Kingdom Hearts (favorite series of all time). After watching Uncovered: Final Fantasy XV I am absolutely hooked by what I’ve seen so far and anxiously await September 30th!
Those interested in the full show can watch the archive here. Those who liked the two wacky hosts can check them out here.
Director of GNN's Gaming Department and King of Impulse Decisions. Keep up on Twitter @tntharalson
