More Varied Quests
The Final Fantasy XV Comrades beta is currently live and it definitely shows some potential. However, what’s available is quite limited. To be fair, though, this is a test to make sure that everything works as it should, that way when the full expansion rolls out in the future, everything is up to snuff. Still, there are some things that we hope come into the full release that just aren’t clearly apparent in the current build, and it all starts with quests.
Players get to test out a few hunts and one escort mission for the beta. While they are fun, hunts are fairly basic in comparison to other activities in Final Fantasy XV. You go to a spot, kill a few monsters, then take out the boss. While it can be engaging, it can also grow old. Hopefully, when Comrades fully rolls out on the PS4 and Xbox One, we get some full missions to enjoy. I’m talking going to new towns, exploring dungeons, and completing multiple objectives (just no stealth, please).
Quest variety would be a great opportunity to inject some more story and lore into Comrades. This is the first time we’ll get to really see the Dark World, so fans are looking forward to learning more.
Lots of Customization
Final Fantasy XV Comrades has a solid avatar creator. While the initial look of your character is based on the parents you choose, you have plenty of options to further mold them into the look you want. Plus, there are some spiffy clothing options to choose from. It seems like Square Enix is on the right path in this area, but we’d certainly love to see a lot more.
With the amount of detail that goes into every facet of Final Fantasy XV, we’re sure that the developers can come up with some interesting ways for players to make their mark. There’s a full Chocobo costume in the beta, so why not more costumes like that? Maybe different types of armor and even headwear can join the fray too. Oh, and tattoos, can never have too many tattoo options.
Easier Ways to Play With Friends
The beta is all about testing the online environment, and a lot of fans will probably want to do that with friends. Unfortunately, doing so can be a bit confusing to players when they first boot up the game, and that’s a shame. Hunting powerful beasts with friends is a fun activity, and it shouldn’t be tucked away behind passcodes or other menus. Hopefully, when Comrades is made available through its full release, Square Enix will make setting up camps and forming groups a less arduous process.
It can be something as simple as an invite option, or the ability to view a friends list and join them immediately. Just anything to get right into the action rather than wondering if the code worked or if that black screen means you did something right.
Unique Abilities Not in the Base Game
Right now the combat in Final Fantasy XV’s Comrades beta is exactly like that found in the base game, only without the ability to give orders to others. Warping works like you’d expect, so does attacking, dodging, and using abilities. It has a good feel to it, especially when you’re communicating well with the three other players in your party and absolutely wrecking monsters. But, if you’ve already poured countless hours into the single player component of the game, you couldn’t be blamed for wanting a little more.
While the core of the combat will definitely not change, it would be cool to see abilities that are brand new. Whether that means new magic, new weapon types, or even more creative ways to use the warp ability that all members of the Kingsglaive have, it would help to make Comrades really stand out as something special.
More Lively Hub and Camps
The Lestallum outpost that you find yourself in during the Final Fantasy XV Comrades beta is as detailed as you’d expect. Final Fantasy XV is one of the prettiest current gen games after all. However, it’s noticeably barren. There are a few people walking around, but the music is pretty somber, nobody is doing anything, and you’re all alone. You don’t see any other players until you join a camp. When you do join a camp, those are just as barren as the hub, though it’s a bit more forgivable in this case.
While we aren’t necessarily expecting something on the scale of the cities we got to see in the main portion of the game, making the hubs and camps feel like something worth relaxing in will go a long way. Heck, just look at Destiny and you’ll see how a bit of life can make what is essentially a lobby something truly memorable.
Driving and Chocobos!
Right now the only way to get around in the Final Fantasy XV Comrades beta is to walk, run, or use your warp ability when possible. It works well, especially since none of the currently available activities require you to go very far. But, if Square Enix is planning on making this expansion bigger, then our means of transportation need to expand as well.
Driving, while not the greatest thing in Final Fantasy XV, can be fun, especially since offroading is now a thing. Also, who can resist the joy of riding a customizable Chocobo? Not me, that’s for sure. Just rolling around vast areas with your friends as the catchy Chocobo tune blares through your speakers will make Comrades worth it on its own. So please, Square Enix, give us Chocobos, or cars, or both.
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