In a recent interview with Eurogamer, Hajime Tabata, the director of Final Fantasy XV, has related that the game is 55% complete at this point, and the gameplay in this long-awaited iteration of the Final Fantasy franchise is being targeted more towards the casual gamer. “Of course the depth of the game is going to be there,” Tabata explained, “but I want to make it so players can easily experience the satisfaction of the depth of the game.” He says that there will be options such as for the car to drive itself so you can sit back and appreciate the scenery, and then elaborates more on the casual nature of the combat:
“Another example is in the combat, with the hardware specifications of the newer consoles, it’s possible to set it up so you have different enemies and different choices of attacks you can enter in, but I want to simplify that. It’ll basically be a one-button action, and the AI intuitively outputs an action that kind of satisfies, gives you that instant gratification, and it connects with the simple touch of a button. I myself am not getting any younger. I don’t want to be frantically pushing buttons. I also want to utilize the intelligence of the hardware spec, and not have to go through too much hassle or trouble in order to execute moves.”
From what we’ve seen of the game so far, there’s no question that this will be one of the most beautiful Final Fantasy titles to date, worthy of being appreciated without having to struggle with complex controls, and yet this news is causing a striking rift between the hardcore Final Fantasy vanguard who enjoy the traditionally challenging nature of the franchise’s gameplay and those who favour more the straight story and aesthetics of the game. Fans on Mognet Central are currently debating the implications of this information. Regardless, Tabata tells Eurogamer that he feels this game’s story will be emotionally resonant:
“Personally, I’m working on 15 to make it the most emotional Final Fantasy title that I’ve worked on, my goal is to have people play Final Fantasy 15, and for them to think this is the best Final Fantasy they’ve ever played.”
Are you a Final Fantasy fan? What is your take on this news? Let us know in the comments below!
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