The theme of brotherhood is prominent in Final Fantasy XV, so much so that it became the title of a five-episode anime prequel to the game. This is a departure from the usual focus on a diverse cast, as FF15 solely revolves around the journey of four boys. They spend most of their time driving in a convertible, admiring the views, discovering new recipes, and camping. Along the way, there are plenty of playful comments, awkward selfies, and friendly banter.
The story is a convoluted mess with clumsy writing and excessive plot twists, but the experience is often mundane, with the group of friends sticking together and doing various activities. One of them is the True King who is destined to sacrifice himself to cleanse the world of great evil.
By the end, you’ve spent hours with Prince Noctis and his loyal comrades/bodyguards Gladiolus, Ignis, and Prompto, traveling towards an inevitable heart-wrenching tragedy. FF15 delivers one of the best endings in gaming history, showcasing the dedication to expressing masculine brotherhood. Even after more than eight years since the game’s original release, one particular scene remains with me.
The first act of FF15 focuses on Noctis’ duty as the king of a war-stricken country and his upcoming marriage to his childhood friend. The journey feels like an improvised bachelor’s trip, but the deep bonds of brotherhood that form become the true heart of this story. All four main characters experience self-doubt and spiritual crises more than once, each having to make great sacrifices. Their unwavering faith in each other is a constant that keeps them afloat. When one falters, the others are there to lift him up.
As the prophesied True King, Noctis is tasked with freeing the world from the Starscourge, the spreading darkness and demons. But it means sacrificing his own life. Eventually, Bahamut, the deity, tells Noctis: “Many sacrificed everything for the king; so the king sacrifices himself for all.” Noctis must enter a 10-year slumber in the Crystal to gain the power necessary to destroy the Starscourge, and during that time, he dreams of distant memories and his own life. Meanwhile, his retinue never wavers. They fight against the growing darkness for a decade, knowing their king will return. The profound sadness they feel when they learn the truth is palpable. Before the final battle, the friends spend their last camp together, which is mostly silent until Noctis begins struggling with words. “… Damn. Why is this so hard?” he whimpers on the verge of tears. “I’ve found my inner peace. However… knowing this is the end and seeing you all here, now… it’s more than I can take.”
They cry, and the only sound in the silence is the crackling fire. What can truly be said in such a situation? Noctis willingly walks to his death, and his friends have waited for 10 long years to help him on this path. Their choices speak volumes about their commitment to each other. On their last night together, they don’t need to say anything, so Noctis expresses a simple and realistic expression of love. “What can I say?” he manages. “You guys are the best.”
All the traveling, camping, cooking, and eating becomes tiresome and monotonous after hours, but this scene forces us to reflect, like Noctis, with a melancholic feeling. In hindsight, it makes us appreciate every second. Voice acting has done a lot here, but even if it were worse, this scene would still be exceptional.
The most valid criticism that can be directed at Final Fantasy XV is its poor representation of women, and that would be a rightful criticism. The script could pass the Bechdel test to someone. Even Noctis’ fiancée, Lunafreya, exists solely to fulfill his destiny. Other female characters are poorly portrayed, to say the least. However, the game’s design focuses on healthy masculinity and brotherhood to express the importance of trusting your friends enough to be vulnerable. This is where nobility lies. Even the king is first and foremost a man, then a monarch. FF15 provides an unconventional map for male friendship, focusing on loyalty and chosen families, on how friends become brothers, and the significance of being sensitive.
“Prompto. Gladio. Ignis. I leave it to you,” Noctis says, bidding them farewell. “Go forth in pride… my friends.”
This echoes what Noctis’ father said to him at the beginning of the game: “Go forth in pride, my son.” King Regis knew on some level that the neighboring nation of Niflheim would break the peace treaty, kill him, and start a war. But he also knew the role his son would play in the events to come. It pains him that his son must die, but it is the duty of their royal bloodline. Noctis was unaware of the gravity of the situation and somewhat dismissive of his father’s emotional farewell, as teenagers often are. Then, his entire journey revolved around pondering what it means for him to walk proudly not just as a king but as a man.
The love between friends who become brothers is just as important as the love between father and son. That’s why Noctis entrusts the world to Prompto, Gladio, and Ignis. “I love you all,” he says to an empty throne room. “Cherish the time we had together.” Tell your friends you love them more often and treasure the time you have together – even if it means sometimes pushing a broken-down car to the mechanic.
FAQ section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
1. What is the main theme of the anime Final Fantasy XV?
The main theme of the anime Final Fantasy XV is brotherhood.
2. How many episodes does the anime prequel to the game have?
The anime prequel to the game Final Fantasy XV consists of five episodes.
3. What does the game Final Fantasy XV focus on?
The game Final Fantasy XV focuses on the journey of four boys.
4. What are the themes explored in the story of the game Final Fantasy XV?
The story of the game Final Fantasy XV explores themes of brotherhood, duty, sacrifice, and belief in each other.
5. Who are the main characters in the game Final Fantasy XV?
The main characters in the game Final Fantasy XV are Noctis, Gladiolus, Ignis, and Prompto.
6. What is Noctis’ goal in the game Final Fantasy XV?
Noctis’ goal in the game Final Fantasy XV is to free the world from darkness and demons.
7. What are the main motifs in the game Final Fantasy XV?
The main motifs in the game Final Fantasy XV are journey, friendship, and sacrifice.
8. How does the game Final Fantasy XV conclude with the relationships between the characters?
The game Final Fantasy XV concludes with a scene in which Noctis expresses love and trust for his friends.
9. What are the female characters in the game Final Fantasy XV?
The game Final Fantasy XV poorly represents female characters, with Lunafreya being solely a plot device for Noctis.
The source of the article is from the blog elektrischnederland.nl