Final Fantasy XV, Episode 3

• Studio: A-1 Pictures
• Producer: Square Enix, RightTracks
• Director: Soichi Masui
• Time: 13:41
• Notes: This is episode 3 of 5, Based on the upcoming video game Final Fantasy XV.

Synopsis :

“This 3rd episode of BROTHERHOOD FINAL FANTASY XV focuses on Gladiolus and Noctis and the childhood event that strengthens their friendship. BROTHERHOOD FINAL FANTASY XV delves into the extraordinary friendships between Crown Prince Noctis and his three comrades, setting the stage for the adventure players will set out upon in the action RPG. Subsequent episodes will be released before the game’s launch on September 30, 2016.“

Episodes 1 and 2 are viewable on the official FFXV YouTube channel. Details on the game can be found at finalfantasyxv.com.

Personal Thoughts:

I wasn’t as hyped up for Final Fantasy XV as a game, until I started seeing the thought put into its characters through the game trailers and the animated FF XV: Kingsglaive movie special. FF XV: Brotherhood takes the latest installment a step further in short strides; with extra background details to its protagonists, can be engaging enough for those with no interest in the game. The game and anime shorts are complements of the other.

Episode 3 is a story itself with no needed continuity from episode 1 or 2. It stands alone. Here, focuses on the characters of Gladiolus and Noctus, two characters playable on the game it’s base on. Here, both have rich histories in royalty and high privilege, yet not caught up with advantages of each. Noctis comes off as a caring and loving soul, with much depth one would want in a prince of some magnificent kingdom. While we have the usual anime tropes of isolation and boyhood struggle, there is an old-fashioned feel about him with his humbleness and heroism. He protects those he cares about, while taking responsibility for his actions. It’s a of that heroism through will that makes him strong, as we see his fighting skills are a bit lacking early on.

Gladiolus meanwhile is the brother, a sort of protector type we find. Also a good man, but a necessary addition to the crew as someone whose extra strength and brotherly friendship is necessary to a “brotherhood.” I love how this ends, coming back full circle to the training as Gladiolus sees the greatness but in the heart of Noctis, not his sword skills.

The anime is fair and typical of modern anime shows, with no innovation in visual or storytelling styles. However, the backgrounds and details of the FFXV world adds a unique ambiance to the setting and style. The comforts of royalty and enclosed city life in the flashbacks are an interesting contrast to the current settings filled with the consistent dangers of the open world. The inside city life has rain and enclosed suggest coming restraint and struggle, while the blue skies and freedom suggest an optimistic outlook. FFXV is an interesting choice for the series direction, with mystery on where that goes. At least, the ongoing theme of companionship shall see things through, as long as someone picks up the controller.

Overall, this is the best of the three episodes so far, as I look forward to the remaining two.

– Orion T

– Orion T