gaming Final Fantasy XV - Tips For Beginners?

[OmegaBeamOfficial 623]

I never really had much interest in the RPG side of games as a genre until very recently, I have played some in my lifetime but I always remember sucking at them (Well, apart from Pokemon if that counts) so I tended to avoid them, but with Final Fantasy XV coming out recently, I saw some trailers, reviews and gameplay and I think it looks like something I could really get into if I put in the effort, but I'm worried I'll suck hard at it and it won't be as fun as It's supposed to be, It's my first Final Fantasy so I don't really know the story of the older games, and I'm aware this one uses real time combat, some parts look complicated and confusing though, like the skill points stuff and the magic crafting, and with how big the map is I might get lost or end up missing secret weapons and stuff. Does anyone have any tips and tricks for FFXV or really any RPG's in general I guess?

[Discordian 6,021]

FFXV has several features that will make it easy to not get lost. You'll always have a map available that will point you to where you need to go or to items of interest and if you need to get back somewhere quickly there is a fast travel system. There's a marker for everything from side quests being marked with a question mark to treasure spots being marked with a treasure chest and so on. I'm also certain there's a legend available should you forget what they mean.

 

The combat isn't nearly as complicated as it looks. The combos are pulled off automatically by holding the attack button, all you really have to do as the player is watch for the enemy attacking so you know when to hold the dodge button so your character phases through attacks.

 

And don't worry about the story of previous games. Most are not directly connected to each other and are only linked thematically.

 

As for your skill points, just make sure you look through all of your abilities before spending them so you know which ones you want sooner than later.

 

Magic crafting is actually extremely easy. You simply select an element you want (as long as you have the elemental energy to make that element), then choose a catalyst (or go without) which adds effects to the spell like healing the caster when used or causing a status ailment. You have to recraft the magic once you run out but luckily it keeps a record of the magic you've created before so you don't have to remember all the components.

 

I would recommend watching the Kingsglaive movie before getting into the game though. It's assumed that you've seen it even with scenes of the movie thrown in the game. The context of many of the early chapter cutscenes will be partly lost on you without having seen the movie.

 

As far as RPGs go, Final Fantasy is a good starting series. More often than not it's neither too complicated or hard in comparison to other RPGs but still maintains high quality. Though Final Fantasy XV is quite the departure from the conventions set by the rest of the series so even if you don't end up liking this one don't write off the rest of the series.

 

Quite literally you have to play each main entry (the numbered ones) separately as there is a lot of change between each one. Everything from game mechanics to setting and even art design changes.

 

I'm not particularly far into FFXV myself yet but if this one turns out to be too difficult to wrap your head around try Final Fantasy VII or Final Fantasy IV. Both are very competent entry points into the series and RPGs in general. For many these were their first forays into the series when we were kids. Very accessible.

 

And of course if you have any questions whilst playing I'm always willing to help. RPGs are my favorite genre of all time and I would love to help you explore it if you are of a mind.

[OmegaBeamOfficial 623]

FFXV has several features that will make it easy to not get lost. You'll always have a map available that will point you to where you need to go or to items of interest and if you need to get back somewhere quickly there is a fast travel system. There's a marker for everything from side quests being marked with a question mark to treasure spots being marked with a treasure chest and so on. I'm also certain there's a legend available should you forget what they mean.

 

The combat isn't nearly as complicated as it looks. The combos are pulled off automatically by holding the attack button, all you really have to do as the player is watch for the enemy attacking so you know when to hold the dodge button so your character phases through attacks.

 

And don't worry about the story of previous games. Most are not directly connected to each other and are only linked thematically.

 

As for your skill points, just make sure you look through all of your abilities before spending them so you know which ones you want sooner than later.

 

Magic crafting is actually extremely easy. You simply select an element you want (as long as you have the elemental energy to make that element), then choose a catalyst (or go without) which adds effects to the spell like healing the caster when used or causing a status ailment. You have to recraft the magic once you run out but luckily it keeps a record of the magic you've created before so you don't have to remember all the components.

 

I would recommend watching the Kingsglaive movie before getting into the game though. It's assumed that you've seen it even with scenes of the movie thrown in the game. The context of many of the early chapter cutscenes will be partly lost on you without having seen the movie.

 

As far as RPGs go, Final Fantasy is a good starting series. More often than not it's neither too complicated or hard in comparison to other RPGs but still maintains high quality. Though Final Fantasy XV is quite the departure from the conventions set by the rest of the series so even if you don't end up liking this one don't write off the rest of the series.

 

Quite literally you have to play each main entry (the numbered ones) separately as there is a lot of change between each one. Everything from game mechanics to setting and even art design changes.

 

I'm not particularly far into FFXV myself yet but if this one turns out to be too difficult to wrap your head around try Final Fantasy VII or Final Fantasy IV. Both are very competent entry points into the series and RPGs in general. For many these were their first forays into the series when we were kids. Very accessible.

 

And of course if you have any questions whilst playing I'm always willing to help. RPGs are my favorite genre of all time and I would love to help you explore it if you are of a mind.

That sounds neat and all, but could you elaborate more on how these markers function? Is it like when you get close to the treasures and side quests the markers will be revealed on the map, or are there other methods to obtain these locations?

 

The combat sounds simple and fine, I'm sure I'll get used to it. Organising my team to have the best weapons and abilities for battle is probably going to be top priority for me, as I'm sure the enemies will only get tougher as the game progresses.

 

So, basically like how the skill tree in Borderlands games works? Do you earn the skill points through gameplay, or do you get them another way?

 

Thank god I learned about catalysts in school, otherwise that wouldn't have made much sense to me XD

 

With my current situation I'll probably end up watching the movie after the game, It's not for a special reason, It's just I'll probably have to do it like that with my current circumstances. I'll also be looking to pick up that Brotherhood anime series they did for it if it gets a release outside of Japan.

 

I'll keep that in mind. FF7 I'm particularly interested in because for so long I've been seeing that game get praised to high heaven as one of the biggest classics in early 3D gaming. I'll probably try that one in particular at some point just to see if It's all It's cracked up to be.

 

There's other stuff I'll probably invest in while playing, I've been hearing about stuff like getting your car to fly and riding on weird yellow bird things, so that's cool.

 

Thanks for your help.

[Discordian 6,021]

That sounds neat and all, but could you elaborate more on how these markers function? Is it like when you get close to the treasures and side quests the markers will be revealed on the map, or are there other methods to obtain these locations?

Depends on the symbol.

 

Mining, treasure and harvesting locations are obtained by talking to the Tipster NPCs (represented by a fork and knife, always within the bounds of outposts like Hammerhead). You can also learn about monster hunts from the Tipster which also have a symbol on the map. These symbols will also "refresh" by turning gold again meaning you can harvest, mine or pick up treasure there again.

 

Quests (question marks) will pop up on the world map as soon as they're available usually though for some you'll have to get to the area they exist in first. If you've done all the ones you can get to then travel to the next Outpost or City until one pops up. Some are found simply by travelling around the world map as well but a majority of them will be in hubs you'll visit regularly.

 

In your Quests menu you'll choose which quest you want active and they'll point you to your current objective in that particular quest. Red for story quests, blue for sidequests and yellow for hunts. It should be noted that they don't always point you directly to what you need. Sometimes they'll point you to a general location and you'll have to search for what you need. The search area isn't usually very big though so you shouldn't need to worry about a long and tedious search or anything.

 

The combat sounds simple and fine, I'm sure I'll get used to it. Organising my team to have the best weapons and abilities for battle is probably going to be top priority for me, as I'm sure the enemies will only get tougher as the game progresses.

Be mindful of your money. You'll get equipment usually from quests and treasure spots so you don't always have to buy new stuff and you'll want to save them for disposable items like potions and elixirs which will be your main source of healing.

 

So, basically like how the skill tree in Borderlands games works? Do you earn the skill points through gameplay, or do you get them another way?

You'll get points for various reasons. Sometimes actions and conversations will get it for you but at the same time you'll gain some at level up as well. There are also skill nodes that allow you to get AP for certain actions as well like long rides on a Chocobo (the big yellow birds, a staple of the Final Fantasy series) or for fishing.

 

With my current situation I'll probably end up watching the movie after the game, It's not for a special reason, It's just I'll probably have to do it like that with my current circumstances. I'll also be looking to pick up that Brotherhood anime series they did for it if it gets a release outside of Japan.

Brotherhood is actually available on Youtube legitimately. When they announced that they were making the anime they specifically said it would be available immediately on Youtube so you could watch it now if you so wished. I don't think it was ever dubbed into English though. You'll have to settle for subtitles.

 

I'll keep that in mind. FF7 I'm particularly interested in because for so long I've been seeing that game get praised to high heaven as one of the biggest classics in early 3D gaming. I'll probably try that one in particular at some point just to see if It's all It's cracked up to be.

Personally I find FFVII lacking compared to the rest of the series but opinions will vary. For a lot of people they played the game when they were so young they didn't have particularly discerning tastes. That's not true of everyone mind you and I don't mean to discredit those who maintain the view that it's one of the best games of all time but just keep an open mind about it.

 

There's other stuff I'll probably invest in while playing, I've been hearing about stuff like getting your car to fly and riding on weird yellow bird things, so that's cool.

From what I remember they said before the game was even released that your car will only be able to fly at the end of the game. Not unexpected since they obviously don't want you to fly right over a cutscene and into an area that for all intents and purposes you shouldn't be able to get into. I don't know how you would go about getting the flying car though. It's entirely possible they simply give it to you in the story so you don't have to actually work for it.

 

As for riding on Chocobos you should be able to do that near the beginning of chapter 3. There'll be a sidequest that opens the activity up for you. Chocobos are regularly used in the series to traverse long distances quickly and without hassle from monsters. It will definitely make the game world much more tolerable to run around in.

[OmegaBeamOfficial 623]

Depends on the symbol.

 

Mining, treasure and harvesting locations are obtained by talking to the Tipster NPCs (represented by a fork and knife, always within the bounds of outposts like Hammerhead). You can also learn about monster hunts from the Tipster which also have a symbol on the map. These symbols will also "refresh" by turning gold again meaning you can harvest, mine or pick up treasure there again.

 

Quests (question marks) will pop up on the world map as soon as they're available usually though for some you'll have to get to the area they exist in first. If you've done all the ones you can get to then travel to the next Outpost or City until one pops up. Some are found simply by travelling around the world map as well but a majority of them will be in hubs you'll visit regularly.

 

In your Quests menu you'll choose which quest you want active and they'll point you to your current objective in that particular quest. Red for story quests, blue for sidequests and yellow for hunts. It should be noted that they don't always point you directly to what you need. Sometimes they'll point you to a general location and you'll have to search for what you need. The search area isn't usually very big though so you shouldn't need to worry about a long and tedious search or anything.

That's all really helpful, thanks.

 

 

Be mindful of your money. You'll get equipment usually from quests and treasure spots so you don't always have to buy new stuff and you'll want to save them for disposable items like potions and elixirs which will be your main source of healing.

How expensive are all these different potions and elixirs?

 

 

You'll get points for various reasons. Sometimes actions and conversations will get it for you but at the same time you'll gain some at level up as well. There are also skill nodes that allow you to get AP for certain actions as well like long rides on a Chocobo (the big yellow birds, a staple of the Final Fantasy series) or for fishing.

Speaking of fishing, that reminds me, are the different "hobby" skills as I like to call them actually important to the gameplay, or are they just there?

 

 

Brotherhood is actually available on Youtube legitimately. When they announced that they were making the anime they specifically said it would be available immediately on Youtube so you could watch it now if you so wished. I don't think it was ever dubbed into English though. You'll have to settle for subtitles.

I've actually found it now on YT, but thanks anyway. And I don't mind, I prefer subbed to dubbed anyway. Are there multi language options in the main game?

 

 

Personally I find FFVII lacking compared to the rest of the series but opinions will vary. For a lot of people they played the game when they were so young they didn't have particularly discerning tastes. That's not true of everyone mind you and I don't mean to discredit those who maintain the view that it's one of the best games of all time but just keep an open mind about it.

Sounds interesting, I guess I'll have to wait and see until I play it.

 

 

From what I remember they said before the game was even released that your car will only be able to fly at the end of the game. Not unexpected since they obviously don't want you to fly right over a cutscene and into an area that for all intents and purposes you shouldn't be able to get into. I don't know how you would go about getting the flying car though. It's entirely possible they simply give it to you in the story so you don't have to actually work for it. As for riding on Chocobos you should be able to do that near the beginning of chapter 3. There'll be a sidequest that opens the activity up for you. Chocobos are regularly used in the series to traverse long distances quickly and without hassle from monsters. It will definitely make the game world much more tolerable to run around in.

Yeah, I'd imagine they designed  it like that so players can quickly get to any post game content once the story's over, which I've heard there's a lot of, with secret dungeons and the like.

[Discordian 6,021]

How expensive are all these different potions and elixirs?

Regular potions are 100 Gil each, Elixirs are 400 each. As you go higher in level you'll need the better versions to make up for your rising HP levels and those will be more expensive but by the time you get there you'll probably have plenty of money as well. 

 

Speaking of fishing, that reminds me, are the different "hobby" skills as I like to call them actually important to the gameplay, or are they just there?

Yes and no.

 

Fishing will be used for some sidequests so you'll want to keep up with it at least a little bit so you don't have to grind it out later for a quest that requires a higher skill level. You can also use certain fish that you catch in your meals.

 

Which goes into the cooking skill. After eating (whether from camping or buying a meal from a Tipster or roadside shop) you'll get stat bonuses. These bonuses only last a certain amount of time but when you need to go out on a particularly difficult hunt or something they'll benefit you.

 

Gladiolas' skill allows him to randomly find items like potions and elixirs while traversing the world and doing battle. As the skill levels up he'll be able to find more and more things. This will be a good way to mitigate the cost of buying more.

 

Photography is the only one that has no particular purpose other than to save pictures of your journey but I don't know what all the levels of the skill give you so who knows what might happen? This could be true of all of the hobby skills, mind you. There might be secondary uses once you start unlocking skills.

 

I've actually found it now on YT, but thanks anyway. And I don't mind, I prefer subbed to dubbed anyway. Are there multi language options in the main game?

There are. I believe there are four languages available but definitely English and Japanese. English all the way for me. I prefer a language I understand.

 

Sounds interesting, I guess I'll have to wait and see until I play it.

I guess it goes without saying that one should always form their own opinions rather than let others tell them how they should feel.

[Twilight Dirac 721]

Its a Final Fantasy game.  I have not played this particular one, but if it works like all the others you can just grind a bit if things get to difficult.  Losing combat and the odd minigame are usually the only failure conditions in Final Fantasy, and the minigames by their very nature usually let you just wing it.

Edited December 4, 2016 by Twilight Dirac

[Discordian 6,021]

Grinding isn't always the best choice even in a Final Fantasy game. Experience levels are often low or your stat gains are relatively minor and the main reason you want to level up is for the skill points.

 

It's a bad habit to get into to think that you can grind your way through an RPG. Some games will punish you hard for trying to do so or simply laugh at your attempts. Playing smart and learning from mistakes always trumps grinding. Always.

[OmegaBeamOfficial 623]

Its a Final Fantasy game.  I have not played this particular one, but if it works like all the others you can just grind a bit if things get to difficult.  Losing combat and the odd minigame are usually the only failure conditions in Final Fantasy, and the minigames by there very nature usually let you just wing it.

 

Grinding isn't always the best choice even in a Final Fantasy game. Experience levels are often low or your stat gains are relatively minor and the main reason you want to level up is for the skill points.

 

It's a bad habit to get into to think that you can grind your way through an RPG. Some games will punish you hard for trying to do so or simply laugh at your attempts. Playing smart and learning from mistakes always trumps grinding. Always.

I don't like to resort to grinding in any game where It's possible because I think It'd be boring. Playing the Platinum Demo I've  started to get a better feeling for the game, and technically what Discordian's saying is right, learning from mistakes is a big part of it. But I gotta admit Twilight Dirac kind of has a point as well, maybe It's not always that way with Final Fantasy, but a lot of RPG games are known for making you go through tedious grinding spree's just so that you can get past the next area. I have a friend who owns the 10th game who's told me that.

[Discordian 6,021]

I don't like to resort to grinding in any game where It's possible because I think It'd be boring. Playing the Platinum Demo I've  started to get a better feeling for the game, and technically what Discordian's saying is right, learning from mistakes is a big part of it. But I gotta admit Twilight Dirac kind of has a point as well, maybe It's not always that way with Final Fantasy, but a lot of RPG games are known for making you go through tedious grinding spree's just so that you can get past the next area. I have a friend who owns the 10th game who's told me that.

Most games don't require grinding at all. A lot of games that people say require grinding can be beaten without it just fine.

 

As an RPG player I make a point of not grinding in my games because I find it tedious and boring. I find ways to get through without the need to do so.

[Twilight Dirac 721]

 

 

Grinding isn't always the best choice even in a Final Fantasy game. Experience levels are often low or your stat gains are relatively minor and the main reason you want to level up is for the skill points. It's a bad habit to get into to think that you can grind your way through an RPG. Some games will punish you hard for trying to do so or simply laugh at your attempts. Playing smart and learning from mistakes always trumps grinding. Always.

 

This is true for games in general, but I have yet to encounter a final fantasy game you couldn't grind your way to if all else failed.  Granted, many are not that difficult and you can probably play through without any grind at all.  Heck, you could probably beat FF9 while in a coma.  But when stuck, this seems to work.