Connect with us

Gaming

Review: Episode Prompto, Putting Together the Missing Pieces

blank

Published

on

blank

After the 10-year wait for Final Fantasy XV, it released with a flurry of mixed reviews from fans and critics. Being a long time Final Fantasy fan, I have to say, that I was one of the people who really enjoyed the visceral and large open world of Final Fantasy XV. I purchased the season pass based on the promised episodic character DLC and eventually a multiplayer DLC. Unfortunately, the Season Pass has been a giant let down so far, Episode Prompto Included.

For anyone that has done a full playthrough of Final Fantasy XV, you’ll know that these single character focused episodes fill the missing pieces from the main story, bits where party members went missing for inexplicable amounts of time. After completing the hour and a half long DLC, Episode Prompto, I was quite disappointed.

First, let’s talk about the story in Episode Prompto. I actually really enjoyed the story. I loved getting a chance to explore Prompto’s dark past, however, it could have been delivered better. Having all of this information crammed into an hour and a half felt rushed. Prompto finds out where he came from, faces his fears, and defeats a major enemy in this amount of time. Prompto seems like he could possibly be the least generic character from FFXV, and it would have been great to have more time with him.

Somehow Episode Prompto gave some important information and made it feel like the complete opposite. Every time it felt like the story was going to climax, I felt abruptly pulled out and rushed forward. Emotional conversations, plot reveals, and action sequences were all very short lived making it hard to connect with the character.

We get to explore Prompto finding out that he was manufactured to be a Magitek Soldier. After being separated from his friends, Ardyn taunts Prompto with hallucinations of being a Magitek soldier. There is even a sequence of Noctis chasing Prompto, treading on Prompto’s fears of betraying or losing his friends. Prompto struggles with the idea that his friends will not accept him for who he really is.

There are some hidden tapes and different things added in order to give some exploration aspect, but it didn’t really help. Instead, the tapes felt like a cheap way to give me story details and avoid giving me more gameplay. We also got a chance to see some more Arena, which also felt like a plot device to move the story forward, basically showing up to offer some suck it up style inspirational speeches to Prompto and some companionship in the heat of battle.

The controls were a bit interesting for a third person shooter style gameplay. They were kind of unique and took a second to get used too, but by the time I did, I had finished the DLC. You basically had a knife, your pistol, and random generic weapons that could be picked up as you moved forward. This included a submachine gun, a sniper rifle, a bazooka, and a grenade. The attacks were pretty basic and unmemorable.

You’re also given a snowmobile to travel and I actually enjoyed it. The trailer for this made it look gimmicky, but I found myself having fun running over enemies, shooting them at high speeds, and ramping off of mounds of snow and rocks. It was fun to have full control of a vehicle, opposed to the train track feel you get when driving the Regalia.

If you’re a fan a Final Fantasy XV, I would suggest waiting on purchasing the DLC if you haven’t already, as I don’t expect much more from Episode Ignis. I’m still holding out hope for Comrades the multiplayer DLC, but with Episode Ignis slated for December, it’s safe to say we will have to wait until 2018 to see any multiplayer gameplay.

I have always let my imagination run wild. Now that I am an adult, not much has changed. Now I spend most of my free time doing so through video games, film, television, and comics.

Gaming

Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game

blank

Published

on

blank

Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.

Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.

Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.

What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.

Continue Reading

Gaming

ReFantazio Takes a Different Approach to Romance, Setting Itself Apart from the Persona Games

blank

Published

on

blank

Atlus’ highly anticipated RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio, appears to incorporate familiar systems reminiscent of the developer’s acclaimed Persona series. The game features turn-based battles that heavily rely on exploiting enemy weaknesses. Additionally, players have the ability to summon warrior spirits during combat. However, the most significant aspect of this game, which will be discussed in this article, is the bonding system. Through this system, players can spend time with important characters and gain deeper insights into their personalities and stories.

In contrast to the Persona games, the bonding system ends at that point. Unfortunately, players will be unable to pursue romantic relationships with their beloved waifus, which may come as a disappointment to those who have developed strong feelings for Hulkenberg, the party’s charismatic red-haired elven knight.

According to Siliconera, the absence of romance came up during a recent question and answer session. Atlus emphasized the continued opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with your allies while also introducing additional narratives through substories. In addition, familiarizing yourself with the supporting characters will grant you access to new archetypes, which serve as the game’s character classes.

In the Persona games, romance is not obligatory; rather, it serves as a means to customize your playthrough. However, it is quite unexpected that Metaphor has chosen not to pursue such a venture, considering the significant amount of discussion it typically generates!

Were you anticipating any romantic elements in Metaphor? If you’re not satisfied with your pre-order, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Continue Reading

Gaming

Shift Up unveils the intriguing details behind the physical packaging of Stellar Blade for the PS5

blank

Published

on

blank

It appears that many

are eagerly anticipating the launch of the highly anticipated PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade. Shift Up, the developer, has shared a lengthy video showcasing the “secrets” found in the physical box of the game for PS5. From what we can gather, these secrets include a reversible cover/dust jacket and a download code for cosmetic items.

We must clarify that while we do appreciate the variant cover, it may be more appealing than the game’s standard art. However, it is not something we would typically classify as a “secret.”. However, what’s interesting is that Shift Up has confirmed through the comments section that this will be the case in all regions. Additionally, the visually striking action RPG will remain uncensored worldwide.

It’s refreshing to witness a developer going the extra mile for physical collectors, and it’s evident that the developer is determined to leave a favorable mark in the console realm. Stellar Blade is set to make its highly anticipated debut this Friday, April 26th, exclusively on the PS5.

Continue Reading

Trending