I'm going to start with saying before buying this I was... Skeptical to say the least. Final Fantasy was always one of "those games" for me, all I knew about it (or at least thought I knew about it) was it was Pokemon but a little bit more anime. In 2016 I saw this game was released and I had thought to myself "oh that looks cool, but I'd never buy it." Singleplayer games were just never my style so I ignored it... Until recently, I saw this on the store page, and after hours of trying to find a game to buy (with a gift card I had) I mentioned that there was co-op to a friend and figured it'd be fun for a little bit in the co-op. Now before I continue I just want to say that this is not a co-op game, you've probably seen it all over other reviews but I just wanted to get that clear.

I got into the game with no expectations, and right off the bat the way the characters interacted hit me like a truck. I was instantly sucked into the game and felt like I was stranded on the side of the road with them, they laughed, they made jokes, they made fun of each other... It reminded me of my friends... the ones I can't see right now (thanks Coronavirus). The opening of the game is one of the most memorable, not because of any flashy set pieces, or dramatic event that is going to effect the whole world, but because it sets the tone, not for the story, for the characters. every step of the way you have your friends making comments and jokes and they feel like real people.

The story is probably the best I've ever experienced in any form of media. I've seen alot of people say it didn't makes sense but I personally didn't think so. I loved the flow of it, whenever there was a huge event about to happen or some giant story beat that seems exciting it doesn't send you on a million different fetch quests to 'prepare' it just skips straight to the action, but don't let me make you think that means there just isn't any build up, there definitely is and it's done excellently. The story is one of tragedy and heartbreak, but also one of growth and friendship, there were more than one occasion where I was brought nearly to the point of tears. And the villain... Oh my God the villain.

Before I knew it I had just pulled 2 all nighters, and played 26 hours in 2 days... I beat it and was itching for more. I played through the DLC for each of the boys, and I still wanted more, luckily I bought the DLC so I played that too. At the end of all that I still wasn't satisfied so I rented Kingsglaive (the FFXV Movie, It was also really good) and started the game on new game+. I'm currently on my second playthrough of the game, and I also bought FF7 in anticipation of the remake. The Music, The Characters, The Story, The Gameplay, and one of the best parts (in my opinion) is a feature that I wasn't at all expecting... photographs... that's right actual pictures. During all your fights and stuff your buddy Prompto is going to be snapping pictures of you doing cool stuff and you get to see them at the end of every quest or whenever you rest. Do yourself a favor and save any of the ones you think are cool or fun you'll thank me at the end.

It all comes together to create a marvelous spectacle, and it's beautiful. I can't recommend this game enough, I beat it in 26 hours, I did a total of one sidequests and wasted hardly anytime doing anything else other than rushing from the end of one story quest to the beginning of the next (don't do that, I reached the final area way underleveled and had a really really hard time, I was level 39 when I should've been anywhere from 45-55ish). If a 26 hour campaign, with amazing storytelling, music, characters, and visuals doesn't make you want to buy this game then sadly I have to say it's not for you. The end of the game left me shocked... I had tears swelling my eyes but a huge smile on my face, when it was all over I felt like all the good times, the hard times, the pain, the tragedy, it was all... worth it... It all made a difference on the characters and changed them and matured them from being friends and want to be royal guards, into brothers and real kingsglaives.