Originally slated as XIII VS., FF XV is designed as an rpg with third-person-shooter elements.

Noctis "Noc" Lucis Caelum is Prince of a mafia-style royal family that has protected the last magic crystal for generations. His is the only super-advanced kingdom in the world. All others used to own their own crystals, but lost them due to war.

As the result of an accident as a child, Noctis holds a special power only shared by one other - Princess Stella of Tenebrae. Legends state as the goddess Etro opens the gate to the spirit world, a light appears in the sky. Both Noctis and Stella can see this light. Although Stella accepts it, it is a major factor in the chip on Noctis' shoulder... he can now fortell of a person's death.

Noctis' kingdom was purposely designed to resemble real-world, modern-day life. A massive advanced city, cars, trucks, concrete buildings, ambulances, police, guns, etc. will make you think it takes place downtown. Yet as the story goes, all other kingdoms and areas are downright medieval, a far cry from Noctis' home.

Many areas in the game are also designed to be taken from real-world landmarks and places of mystery.

With the help of a small group of loyal comrades, Noctis can form a party of three and explore maps old-school style: landscapes as far as the eye can see, where you decide your course.

After a generations-long cold war, the other kingdoms of the world have had it with one country having all the technology and power granted them by the final crystal. All-out war will tear the world apart.

Very familiar creatures and summons abound in XV, same as all others in the series.

FF XV was created with less focus on "flashy movies" and a lot more focus on the "human emotional" aspects of characters. Fans are warned that this installment will be the "darkest" yet.

Party battles involve very simple commands and will relieve your eyes of a clutter of icons, text, and menus all over the screen.

Apparently, Japanese audiences aren't too happy with the overly-westernized aspects of Noctis' home kingdom. Some are calling it a "host" fantasy, as the look of the characters is reminiscent of the "host" subculture in Japan, whereby men westernize their clothing, have longer hair, and are paid to flirt with you in "host" clubs.

The power of the final crystal gives Noctis and his comrades extensive power. An example is the presence of flying swords creating a shield around Noctis. It is this such power that ends a cold war between nations and results in outright invasion of Noctis' land.