After Nearly 10 Years, New Discovery Unveils More About FF15’s Most Controversial Episode

Key Takeaways

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  • Final Fantasy XVs development history was marked by compromises to meet production deadlines, leading to cut content and a perceived unfinished feel for some players.
  • A modder has restored a playable prologue for the PC version of Final Fantasy XV, offering a glimpse into Square Enixs original intentions and providing players with additional context to the games opening scenes.
  • The restoration is incomplete but offers a tutorial fight against an Iron Giant, similar to the demo released before the game.
  • This discovery underscores the ongoing efforts by dedicated fans to uncover lost content from Final Fantasy XV, providing a deeper understanding of the games development process and initial vision.

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New Discoveries Unearth Lost Content in Final Fantasy XV’s Evolutionary Saga

Few games inspire as much debate as Final Fantasy XV. Lauded by critics yet disavowed by some fans, the game is steeped in history and ignites passionate opinions. Some fans define Final Fantasy XV by what it lacked—the Final Fantasy Versus XIII envisioned by Tetsuya Nomura—and what it could have been. When Hajime Tabata’s team took over, they opted for a narrative delivered through multiple platforms, including a movie, an animated series, and a novel. As a result, players almost needed to do their homework before playing the game to avoid missing crucial plot points. Despite numerous updates and paid DLC intended to address its rocky launch, Final Fantasy XV left a sour taste for some, with some even considering it an unfinished product. Nearly a decade later, players continue to uncover the extent of its cut content. Like many developers, the Final Fantasy XV team made concessions to release the game on schedule, and dedicated fans later unearthed evidence of these choices in the game’s files. Several plot segments, missions, and entire locations were cut to meet production deadlines. In some cases, fans have even managed to restore them.

Restored Prologue Reveals Initial Plans for Final Fantasy XV’s Opening Scenes

Recently, one such modder discovered and assembled a playable prologue for the PC version of Final Fantasy XV, available for free. This restoration allows players to experience the events leading up to the game’s opening—where Noctis and his companions learn of the kingdom’s fall by reading a journal—and offers a glimpse into Square Enix’s original intentions. The prologue includes a tutorial fight against an Iron Giant, similar to the demo released before the game. Although the modder’s work remains incomplete, there is a chance they will receive assistance to restore the complete segment in the coming months. While the restoration is incomplete—missing NPCs and other elements—it nonetheless provides insight into Square Enix’s initial plans for Final Fantasy XV.

In Case You Missed It

As we embark on a new year, our gaming journey takes us from navigating the depths of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater’s ultimate showdown with The Boss. Marcus Thompson’s recent guide, “How to Defeat The Boss in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater”, offers invaluable strategies for taking down this formidable foe How to Defeat The Boss in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Meanwhile, Bloober Team’s recent teaser has us on the edge of our seats. Carlos Mendoza explores their enigmatic announcement in “Bloober Team May Reveal News on Silent Hill Remake as Early as February”, leaving us plenty to speculate about before the big reveal on February 15th Bloober Team May Reveal News on Silent Hill Remake as Early as February. And speaking of Metal Gear, Bruno Pferd’s latest post, “Metal Gear Franchise Surpasses 65 Million Copies Sold”, reveals that the iconic series has now sold over 65 million copies, with Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater being a standout performer Metal Gear Franchise Surpasses 65 Million Copies Sold.


Specification
Official NameSquare Enix Masterpieces: Tomb Raider Bundle
Brief SummaryThis compilation bundles 4 games in the Tomb Raider series:
- Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness
- Tomb Raider: Legend
- Tomb Raider: Underworld
- Tomb Raider: Anniversary
PlatformsPC (Microsoft Windows)
GenreShooter, Puzzle, Adventure
Content Rating16
LanguagesEnglish
GenreEidos Interactive
GenreSquare Enix Limited

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