Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition - Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition is a Japanese role-playing video game developed by Square Enix. It is an abridged version of Final Fantasy XV and was released on the PlayStation 4, iOS, Android, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch in 2018. The game received generally positive reviews and many players were happy to play a shortened version of the game, especially those who didn’t have the time or patience to finish the first version. Pocket Edition is divided into ten major chapters, with the first being free and the rest available for individual purchase or discounted to purchase as a whole. Since it is abridged, Pocket Edition is essentially a shrunken down version of the main game that only includes the major plot points and events from the original game.
Plot
Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition takes place on the world of Eos, which, aside from its capital city Lucis, is ruled by the empire of Niflheim, who wish to control a magical Crystal protected by the royal family of Lucis. In the midst of peace negotiations, Niflheim invades the capital and steals the Crystal. Noctis Lucis Caelum, the sole heir of the Lucian throne, begins a mission on retrieving the Crystal and realizes his destiny as the “True King”, the one that is destined to save Eos from eternal darkness and destruction. Noctis is ultimately pitted against the game’s main antagonist, Ardyn Izunia. Ardyn Izunia is the main antagonist of Final Fantasy XV who also makes an appearance in the film Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV. He controls the Niflheim Empire's political operations for Emperor Aldercapt and directed the expansion of Verstael Besithia's Magitek infantry. Boss encounters in the game can be difficult, but regular encounters are usually straightforward.
Gameplay
Instead of using a joystick to control the movement of the characters, players select the location for the character to move to. Unique options only found in this version of the game include the completion of Fetch Quests and Treasure Hunting. The game removed many of the side quests from the original, resulting in a more focused experience. When the party begins combat, the player takes control of Noctis while the computer controls the rest of the party. Noctis auto-attacks and is given opportunities to parry and dodge as the player responds to timed button prompts. As the party gains experience and levels, Ignis, Prompto, and Gladiolus obtain the same combat abilities they do in the original game. Warping is a mechanic in the game and acts as an ability unique to Noctis that can let him suddenly switch targets and use the element of surprise. The game utilizes a fixed isometric camera. The combat system could be described as a “Tap and Bash”, but keeps players on their toes.
Characters
- Noctis Lucis Caelum - Heir to the Lucian throne who takes on a mission to save Eos and recover the stolen Crystal. Noctis is often seen as laid-back and selfish at times, but learns what it takes to be a king as the story progresses.
- Ignis Scientia - Longtime friend and advisor of Noctis. He is skilled in formulating strategies. He is the designated cook and driver for the rest of the party.
- Gladiolus Amicitia - Noctis' sworn bodyguard and old friend. His mission is to protect the king at all costs. He would likely be considered to be the muscle of the group and even wields a giant greatsword in combat.
- Prompto Argentum - Noctis' best friend from high school. He is a commoner, but wishes to prove himself worthy. Prompto also has a passion for photography. His personality is rather cheerful and upbeat, something that contrasts Gladiolus’ and Ignis’ serious nature quite well.
*Cor Leonis - Crownsguard member who once fought for King Regis.
*Iris Amicitia - Gladiolus's younger sister who befriended Noctis in her youth.
*Aranea Highwind - A mercenary recruited by the empire. She is a commodore within the imperial military.
Development
The core team is as follows. Director(s): Akahito Ebato, Takahiro Murakami, Farl Lee; Producer(s): Kosei Ito, Takahiro Murakami, Hajime Tabata; Designer(s): Al Yang, Aimee Kuo, Wayda Chen.Artist(s): Yuchi Chin; and Composer(s): Yoko Shimomura. The game was a collaboration between XPEC Entertainment, Square Enix, and Osaka-based SummerTimeStudio. Development began in 2015 after the release of Final Fantasy XV’s first game demo. Some people criticize the loss of all of the sidequests and wandering elements available in the original game, like the hunts and fishing minigames, for example. Another criticism is that the game, when played on mobile versions, can quickly drain the player’s phone battery. More loyal and hardcore fans of the series also say that Pocket Edition may be too much on the easy side and lacks any sort of significant challenge.