Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition Score: DLC Impact on Overall Rating
When Final Fantasy XV launched in 2016, it was met with a mixture of admiration and criticism. The game was praised for its breathtaking open world, emotional narrative, and dynamic combat system, but it also faced significant backlash for its fragmented storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and incomplete plot arcs. Two years later, Square Enix released the Royal Edition, an expanded version of the base game that incorporated all previously released DLC episodes, along with additional content and enhancements. This edition fundamentally transformed the experience, prompting a reevaluation of the game’s overall critical standing. The impact of the DLC on Final Fantasy XV’s rating is profound, elevating it from a divisive entry to a more cohesive and emotionally resonant journey.
The Base Game: A Flawed Foundation
The original release of Final Fantasy XV centered on the journey of Prince Noctis and his companions—Gladiolus, Ignis, and Prompto—as they traversed the world of Eos to reclaim the throne from the empire of Niflheim. While the core themes of brotherhood, sacrifice, and destiny were compelling, the narrative often felt rushed and incomplete. Key plot points were either glossed over or relegated to external media like the film Kingsglaive and the anime Brotherhood. Characters such as Lunafreya, the game’s central heroine, were critically underdeveloped, and the latter chapters of the game felt linear and unfinished compared to the expansive open world of the first half.
Critics acknowledged the game’s ambition but noted its uneven execution. Reviews often highlighted the strong character dynamics between the four protagonists but bemoaned the lack of depth in supporting characters and villains. The combat, while visually impressive, was criticized for its simplicity and lack of strategic depth. As a result, the base game received scores in the mid-80s on platforms like Metacritic—respectable but not exemplary for a flagship Final Fantasy title.
The DLC Episodes: Filling the Gaps
The post-launch DLC strategy for Final Fantasy XV was unprecedented in scale and ambition. Rather than merely adding side content, the developers released episodic expansions that explored the perspectives of Noctis’s companions during critical moments absent from the main game. These episodes—Gladiolus, Ignis, and Prompto—along with the later Episode Ardyn, served to deepen the narrative and provide much-needed context to the story.
Episode Gladiolus focused on Gladio’s temporary departure from the party, revealing his journey to become a stronger shield for Noctis. While short, it added layers to his character, emphasizing his sense of duty and resilience. Episode Prompto delved into the backstory of the group’s cheerful marksman, exploring his origins as a clone of Niflheim scientists and his struggle with identity. This episode not humanized Prompto but also expanded the lore of the game’s antagonists.
The most impactful of these was Episode Ignis, which detailed Ignis’s sacrifice during the fall of Altissia. It provided a heart-wrenching alternative perspective on one of the game’s most pivotal moments and offered players a deeper understanding of Ignis’s loyalty and intelligence. Finally, Episode Ardyn gave context to the game’s primary antagonist, Ardyn Izunia, transforming him from a one-dimensional villain into a tragic figure shaped by centuries of betrayal and suffering.
These episodes did more than just add playable content; they recontextualized the entire narrative. Players who experienced the DLC gained a fuller understanding of character motivations, plot twists, and emotional beats that were otherwise unclear in the base game. The additional gameplay mechanics—such as Prompto’s shooting mechanics or Ignis’s strategic combat—also introduced variety and depth to the combat system.
The Royal Edition: A Cohesive Vision
The Royal Edition bundled all DLC content with the base game and introduced significant enhancements to the core experience. Key additions included a revamped Chapter 14, which expanded the final dungeon and added new bosses, story cutscenes, and a more satisfying climax. The inclusion of the first-person perspective mode, off-road driving, and additional quests further enriched the open-world exploration.
Critically, the Royal Edition addressed many of the flaws that plagued the original release. The expanded ending provided closure to character arcs, particularly for Lunafreya and Noctis, while the additional lore and gameplay options made the world feel more alive and immersive. Reviewers who revisited the game through the Royal Edition noted that it felt like a more complete and polished product. The Metacritic score for the Royal Edition saw a modest but notable increase, with many critics urging new players to experience this version over the original.
Impact on Overall Rating
The DLC and the Royal Edition did not merely fix the game; they transformed it into a more ambitious and emotionally engaging experience. The original score of Final Fantasy XV often reflected its potential rather than its execution. With the additions, the game’s narrative coherence, character development, and thematic depth improved dramatically.
However, the impact of the DLC on the overall rating is twofold. On one hand, it demonstrated Square Enix’s commitment to listening to feedback and supporting the game long after release—a practice that has become increasingly common in the industry. On the other hand, it raised questions about the viability of releasing an incomplete product with the intention of patching it later through paid DLC. Some critics argued that the base game should have included these elements from the start, and that the DLC model ultimately fragmented the experience for early adopters.
Despite these concerns, the consensus is that the Royal Edition elevated Final Fantasy XV from a flawed masterpiece to a standout entry in the franchise. The DLC episodes, particularly Episode Ignis and Episode Ardyn, are frequently cited as some of the best content in the game, offering emotional depth and narrative sophistication that rival the series’ finest moments.
Conclusion
The journey of Final Fantasy XV is a testament to the evolving nature of modern game development. The base game laid a foundation with incredible potential but significant shortcomings. The DLC episodes and the Royal Edition built upon that foundation, delivering a more refined, cohesive, and impactful experience. For many players and critics, the expanded content not only improved the game’s rating but also solidified its legacy as a bold and heartfelt entry in the Final Fantasy series. While the approach may be controversial, the result is undeniable: Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition is the definitive way to experience one of the most ambitious games of its generation.
