Awesome Game Trailers: Final Fantasy XV - Omen

Final Fantasy XV took quite a few risks with the formula for its world and gameplay. But it's biggest gamble was the faith that people would have enough patience to follow its "Transmedia experience", in which the storyline is told over several different types of media.

For instance, those who managed to absorb at least the "Kingsglaive" movie beforehand, would have a much more coherent experience of the game's storyline than those who just played the game. Hardly a practice that can be described as good game design, but interesting as an experiment in creating pre-release hype.

The above video was one of these stories. A rather good one at that, and something that really should have been IN the game.  

Final Fantasy XV

Let me start by saying that to fully appreciate «Final Fantasy XV», you should first watch the film «Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV», which was released a few months ago.

This is because the game is, for better or worse, what you could call a transmedia experience, and the film covers events parallel to the first chapters of the game. Watching it first provides a deeper understanding of the world, its political factions, and key characters.

It also doesn't hurt to watch the anime «Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV».

If this sounds like a lot of homework just to play a game, the story makes far more sense if you already understand certain aspects of the world and the motivations of its characters. It also makes it much more satisfying to take down the game’s evil imperials after you’ve cultivated a healthy dose of loathing and disdain for them beforehand.

That said, once you’re emotionally invested, «Final Fantasy XV» delivers one of the best narratives in the series' recent history.

Stellaris

«Stellaris» is a type of strategy game that, like Paradox Interactive’s previous release, «Cities: Skylines», appeals more to the player’s desire to build than to destroy. However, set in a sci-fi universe with laser weapons and aliens, it’s inevitable that, sooner or later, you’ll find yourself waging war against some extraterrestrial force.

But despite the setting’s implicit assumption of conflict, it’s actually possible to play for a surprisingly long time without ever drawing your futuristic saber equivalent.

Something I find appealing, given how many games already cater to our more violent impulses. With «Stellaris», I therefore decided to make a serious attempt to take over the universe in a peaceful manner through bureaucracy and social democracy.

Smooth introduction

You actually have quite a bit of time for this, as the game starts off pretty relaxed. You explore the galaxy, encounter mysterious space phenomena, conduct research, and discover new technologies, all while gradually mapping out the stars.

A great tribute to a great man: Satoru Iwata 岩田 聡