‘Final Fantasy XV’ Story Details, Release Date Unveiled At Gamescom 2015

Square Enix has unveiled the “Dawn” trailer for Final Fantasy XV at Gamescom 2015 and with it has teased a few elements of the game’s back story. Broadcasting live from the show, a special edition Active Time Report featuring game director Hajime Tabata has divulged additional character and story details.

As previously reported by the Inquisitr, several changes have been made to some characters and story elements in the game’s transition from Final Fantasy Versus XIII to Final Fantasy XV. As promised in the previous Active Time Report, the mysterious figure holding a small boy while stately propping up a big sword was revealed at the Gamescom presentation in a manner befitting a king. The Dawn trailer leads up to the King Regis reveal, yet the audience does not really get to meet Regis the king. Instead, they get to meet Regis, father of Noctis, a man who clearly cares for his son and fears for their future as their homeland is under siege in a time of war.

The choice is made with care, and it makes for an interesting tease. The king’s only words between tears to his son are, “I will be with you… always.” Then, three mysterious figures are shown watching over the king and his son. Does King Regis die and leave behind some really cool summons for the crown prince? During the Active Time Report at Gamescom, Tabata immediately addresses the three figures appearing in the clouds at the trailer’s end. They are not summon monsters. What they are, he would not reveal just yet.

What Square Enix would reveal are additional notes fleshing out the back story. We learn a bit more about the Kingdom of Lucis and Luna’s relationship to Noctis.

“In a matter of days, the Kingdom of Lucis is to sign an armistice, ending a long and bitter conflict with Niflheim. Ahead of the ceremony, Prince Noctis, heir to the Lucian throne, sets forth from his homeland to formalize the union of states through his marriage to the Lady Lunafreya of the imperial province of Tenebrae.

“The offer of peace, however, is no more than a ruse to lower the Lucian shield, and the imperial army takes the crown city and its sacred crystal in one fell swoop. En route to his destination, Noctis is shocked to learn that he, his father the king, and his betrothed are believed dead.

“Overnight, the dream of peace has faded into a distant memory. His world crumbling around him, Noctis has naught but his resolve and his loyal companions to see him through the trials to come.”

During the Active Time Report, Tabata explains this brief introduction sets the stage just before gameplay in Final Fantasy XV begins.

Beyond the story revelations, at about the 50-minute mark during the Active Time Report video, a brief additional gameplay snippet showcases Noctis traveling through more of the game’s environments. The segment concludes with Noctis failing to defeat a Malboro monster. As the creature’s tentacles rise through the murky water, it looks like Noctis is about to battle a gnarly, Cthulhu-esque beast of awesomeness. Instead, viewers witness a pitiful battle against a Malboro — a somewhat unsatisfying end to an otherwise tantalizing teaser presentation.

At the end of it all, the question on the minds of many is: When will Final Fantasy XV finally hit store shelves? Although a street date has not yet been set, Final Fantasy XV is anticipated for a 2016 release per an interview with GameSpot at Gamescom 2015. Since the game is only 65 percent complete at this time, a release this year is realistically not happening. Tabata briefly takes a moment during the show to let everyone know although an official release date is not being announced at Gamescom, his team does have a planned release date and everything is happening according to the planned promotional schedule.

As has been said many times during the Active Time Report, fans are encouraged to “stay tuned for further updates.” When might those updates be? The next Final Fantasy XV Active Time Report is scheduled for PAX, with more announcements to follow at the Tokyo Game Show.

[Images courtesy Square Enix]