Final Fantasy Xv Platinum Demo Video and Impressions

      After playing the Platinum Demo, I can finally say I am excited for FF:XV. I have long been a fan of the Final Fantasy series, but it has been an on again off again relationship, with the off part having been more frequent as of late. Many of the titles in recent years have drowned out of my perspective, with the last two I can remember playing being FF XIII on the Xbox 360 and Crisis Core: FFVII on the PSP, with the latter being the one I actually played through the end. After hearing that XV played a lot like Kingdom Hearts, one of my favorite if not my favorite JRPG, I had to see for myself. After playing the short but sweet demo, I can confirm that it does play a lot like the Disney Hybrid RPG, and that is a positive.
     When you are introduced to combat in the demo, it is pretty basic but grows throughout the process. The demo as a whole serves as a tutorial for the upcoming title, showing off driving in addition to the aforementioned combat. You even get to test out some magic. If you watch the above video, its a much different style than any Final Fantasy title I am accustomed to. As opposed to having set buttons and weapons, players equip items to slots on the D-pad, which is a smoother option in my opinion. This combat style is one that I prefer in a JRPG, as it is both engaging and strategic. In addition to a dodge/block button, your character Noct can also dash by throwing his sword ahead of him. This can even be used to transport to set locations like the tops of pillars.
     After getting this hands on time, I am curious to see where it will go as a whole. The graphics were impressive, and the soundtrack alone was enough to make me want more. In another addition I am not accustomed to from the series, Noct would actually move slower and unable be unable to attack under certain battle conditions. When playing with the full cast in the final version of the game, I am eager to see how this incorporates into the overall strategy. Come this fall players will finally get the Final Fantasy game that has been teased for years. To check out the combat in full effect, skip to the 23:00 mark above! Comment and let us know if you are excited! Final Fantasy XV is in stores September 30th this year.

By edwin Velez