I feel the title is fairly self-explanatory this time. This is Part 2 of my 4 Part video series dissecting Final Fantasy XV. I highly suggest you start with Part 1 as the videos build atop one another in terms of content.
For those that need a refresher, Part 1 of this series focused on whether or not Final Fantasy XV holds onto the same ideals and standards as the previous games in the series did, and I posited that it, unfortunately, did not., This was primarily because it lacked the Party Dynamics that have remained the core of the series gameplay up to this point, even though the game’s presentation does indeed live up to the series standards.
Part 2 however, drops all pretense and examines Final Fantasy XV’s gameplay as a stand-alone title, discussing the combat and exploration as well as delving into the game’s marketing to determine why the game is designed the way it is.
Saying I’m late to the party here would be a vast understatement, and yet, I feel that this video series is more than essential. While Final Fantasy XV has been covered by every game journalist, critic and fan, I have yet to see an all-encompassing, fully analytical critique of the game, and certainly not one that actually describes WHY the game turned out the way it did. Note: This does not mean that such an analysis does not exist. Just that I haven’t found it yet, which compelled me to make this very video..err series? After long talks with several people I trust about the state of what was at one time a 30 Page script and an hour and a half of recorded dialogue, it was suggested (repeatedly) that I break the video into multiple, more user-friendly segments. That being said, any statements referring to video length are remnants of the previous version, which was one solid chunk of a video essay. I may still upload the entire thing once I have completed all four parts, but that is yet to be seen.
Anyway, it’s no secret that I am not fond of the game as it turned out (and if it were a secret, it would cease being one as soon as you clicked on the video) This first section in particular, discusses whether or not I feel that Final Fantasy XV succeeds at being a Final Fantasy game, and why or why not that may be. I had a lot of fun working on this deliberation. It is an argument that fans have been having since about the time of Final Fantasy X, and I feel that I’ve finally at least taken a step in the direction of answering that all elusive question once and for all. “What Makes Final Fantasy what it is.” Whether or not you agree with my opinion after watching the video, I feel that I’ve taken a deeper stab at it than most others have and truly welcome counter arguments. My goal always has been and continues to be, furthering the discussion of gaming as an art form. So, even if you hate my guts for my negative opinion about the game, if it sparks intelligent conversation, then I am satisfied.
Please excuse my ramblings, this is the largest project I’ve ever worked on, and I have an understandable attachment to it because of that. Either way, I thank you very much for watching.In part 2, I will be delving into the state of the Japanese console market, The reliance on Spectacle over Substance within the game, and the fact that “Open World” is not a genre. I hope you all stick around to watch that video as well, as it should be coming soon! If you do enjoy the video, please Like, Comment Subscribe and Share, and don’t forget to keep checking out Super Game Reviews for even more great, video game content.
With Spring just around the corner, it’s safe to say we’re well off into 2017. PS+ and Xbox Live Gold subscribers have had a great year of free games already and it’s only getting started. This month’s Playstation Plus lineup of free games is back down to two per console, while Xbox remains at two for both the 360 and Xbox One systems. One of the Playstation Plus titles, Disc Jam, is actually making its initial release as a free title for subscribers! Lets start by taking a look at Microsoft’s lineup.
Xbox One Games:
Layers of Fear
Layers of Fear is a first-person psychological horror game developed by Bloober Team. You assume the role of a disturbed painter attempting to complete his Magnum Opus as you journey through a mysterious mansion. It was initially released on February 16th, 2016. It is available for download the entire month of March.
Evolve: Ultimate Edition
Evolve is a futuristic first-person shooter developed by Turtle Rock Studios. It takes place in a fictional future where humanity has begun colonizing other planets. During their colonization efforts, they run into “monsters” which consume local wildlife to evolve and become more powerful. The Ultimate Edition includes all released DLC for the game. It was initially released on February 10th, 2015 and will be available from March 16th until April 15th.
Xbox 360 Games:
Borderlands 2
Borderlands 2 is a comically animated first-person shooter. Your adventure takes place on the planet of Pandora where your team of Vault Hunters try to take down the Hyperion weapons corporation and its leader, Handsome Jack. With Diablo-esque weapon elements and skill trees, the game plays more like an RPG than traditional shooters. It was developed by Gearbox Software and initially released September 18th, 2012.
On a side note, this happens to be one of my favorite all-time games. If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience this game yet, DO IT. You won’t be disappointed.
Heavy Weapon
Heavy Weapon is a side scrolling tank shooter developed by Pop Cap games.Featuring a great sountrack, stackable powerups, and 4-player local and couch co-op, this game is fun and addictive. It was initally released on February 4th, 2005.
Playstation 4 Games:
Disc Jam
Disc Jam is a third-person sports title. Combining elements of air hockey and tennis, this unique sports game looks simple and fun. The game feature both online and couch co-op for up to four players. It was developed by High Horse Entertainment and is set to make its US debut on March 7th, 2017
Tearaway Unfolded
Tearaway Unfolded is an expanded remake of the Playstation Vita game Tearaway. It is a third-person platforming adventure that takes place in a world made of paper. The game features unique controls utilizing the Dualshock 4’s touchpad, as well as the Playstation camera and the Playstation app. It was developed by Tarsier Studios and Media Molecule. It was initially released on September 8th, 2015.
Playstation 3 Games:
Under Night In-Birth EXE: Late
Under Night In-Birth EXE: Late is an anime-style 2D fighting game. With simlar gameplay to both the Guilty Gear and Blazblue, the game is full of combos and flashy special moves. It was developed by Ecole Software and French Bread Studios. It was initially released on July 24th, 2014.
Earth Defense Force 2025
Earth Defense Force 2025 is a third-person shooter. The player can choose from one of four soldier classes. Weapon options are limited based on which class you choose. You can also recruit other EDF soldiers to aid you throughout the game. It was developed by Sandlot and initially released on July 4th, 2013.
Playstation Vita Games:
Severed
Severed is an action-adventure game brought to us by the creators of Guacamelee. Featuring a unique art style and intuitive touch screen controls this game is as fun to play as it is to look at. It was developed by DrinkBox Studios and initially released on April 26th, 2016.
Lumo
Lumo is an isometric 3D puzzle platformer. You play as a teenager who gets pulled into a video game world. Featuring over 400 rooms for the player to explore and solve. The game also fetures several nods to classic games, such as Pac-Man. It was developed by Triple Eh? and initially released on April 22nd, 2016.
Well that sums up the list of free games available for the month of March. While the Playstation Plus side doesn’t seem nearly as plentiful for PS4 owners as it did last month, the fact that Disc Jam is releasing for free to subscribers more than makes up for that. What games will you be playing? Let us know in the comments below! We here at SGR would like to thank our readers for their continued support, and as always Happy Gaming!
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