RPG Updates: 16-Bit ‘FFXV: A King’s Tale’ And Cutesy ‘World Of Final Fantasy’

When it comes to epic Japanese role-playing games, the “Final Fantasy” franchise has been setting the bar since the first one came out. However, as the years wore on, it became clear that the massive budgets being funneled into the titles were focused too much on photorealistic graphics, which turned off some players. As such, “Square Enix” is touching on its roots in some fashion with “Final Fantasy XV: A King’s Tale,” which features 16-bit graphics, and “World Of Final Fantasy,” which is a game full of chibi characters.

When “World Of Final Fantasy” was announced at E3 last year, it generated a lot of buzz because of the focus on cute, almost child-like art style. This was intended to reel in younger players of the current generation, who have been alienated by the intense graphics that came with the games after “FFXIII.”  According to Gamespot, “Square” is now sweetening the deal with a collector’s edition.

The package will come with a price tag of $120 and is only available for purchase on Square Enix Online Store. As part of the edition, buyers will get a physical copy of the game, an art book that offers 80 pages of in-game artwork, and the title’s OST. Finally, it will come with mini figures of “Cloud Strife,” “Squall Leonheart” and “Lightning.”

Then we have “Final Fantasy XV: A King’s Tale,” which is part of the universe that “Square” is building for its upcoming AAA title. The company is really digging deep for its fifteenth installment of the franchise, with so many promotional materials flooding in, including a mobile game and a CG movie.

The 16-bit spin-off is basically a prequel to the main game, featuring a younger version of “King Regis,” the title character in the movie “Kingsglaive.” The game is also essentially a bed-time story that “Regis” is telling his son, “Noctis.” “Noctis” is, of course, the main character in “FFXV.”

Even though “A King’s Tale” has a retro look, Polygon reports that it offers combat mechanics that modern gamers would be familiar with. Offering magic, summons and of course, companions, traditional “Final Fantasy” tropes still apply.

The game is only available for pre-order via Gamestop in the U.S., according to its website, and only through EBGames in Canada. The game will launch on Sept. 30, along with the main game.