{"id":2401,"date":"2017-10-02T02:34:49","date_gmt":"2017-10-02T02:34:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.surrealresolution.com\/?p=2401"},"modified":"2017-10-02T02:34:49","modified_gmt":"2017-10-02T02:34:49","slug":"review-final-fantasy-xv-assassins-festival-ps4xbo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.surrealresolution.com\/index.php\/2017\/10\/02\/review-final-fantasy-xv-assassins-festival-ps4xbo\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Final Fantasy XV Assassin\u2019s Festival (PS4\/XBO)"},"content":{"rendered":"

I don\u2019t think anyone was meant to enjoy a free event THIS much!<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Developed by: <\/b>Square Enix Business Division 2 <\/i>
\nPublished by: <\/b>Square Enix
\nReleased:<\/b> August 31, 2017-January 31, 2018 (Timed Event)<\/p>\n

Okay folks, so I\u2019m going to admit I probably enjoyed this free DLC more than I damn very well should have. Like \u2013 really enjoyed it! Even sitting here right now writing about it I find myself trying to stop a smile from creeping across my face. Announced at Gamescom starting August 31st until the end of January, the worlds of <\/span>Final Fantasy XV <\/span><\/i>and <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Creed Origins<\/span><\/i> collide in a limited timed event \u2013 the <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Festival<\/span><\/i>. In this event, similar to the <\/span>Moogle Chocobo Carnival<\/span><\/i> back in January, players partake in mini-games and quests in order to obtain exclusive themed goods and medals to spend on prizes galore! But is engaging with the festivities worth your effort this time around? I\u2019m just gonna come out and say it, if you are not a fan of the <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Creed <\/span><\/i>franchise, then this event probably is not for you. However, if you, like me, are a fan of the series but dropped off for a game or two or five, this event gives one hell of a fix for those of us who held dormant the desire for tracking and assassinating.<\/span><\/p>\n

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I think Noct might be enjoying the roleplay a bit too much?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before I get into the actual content of the DLC, I know what some of you are thinking, \u201cWhat on Earth does <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Creed<\/span><\/i> gotta do with <\/span>Final Fantasy<\/span><\/i>?\u201d Well, believe it or not, this is not the first time these two franchises have crossed universes, some might remember the Assassin\u2019s Robes making an appearance in 2012\u2019s (cringe) <\/span>Final Fantasy XIII-2<\/span><\/i>. What’s even more surprising, this collaboration was in the works since TGS (Tokyo Game Show) 2015! Some eagle-eyed fans might have caught glimpses of this affiliation as far back as October 2016, with the spectacle that is the \u201cOmen\u201d trailer. Square Enix and Ubisoft Montreal have been teasing this project since before Square even released <\/span>Final Fantasy XV<\/span><\/i>! The most recent tease was at Gamescom last month with the <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Creed Origins <\/span><\/i>trailer. If you are interested in seeing all the teasers alluding to this cross-over, scroll down the review to find all videos from both Square Enix and Ubisoft. This collaboration came from the developers mutual love and respect of each other’s work and that admiration manifests itself perfectly in this DLC. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cUnexpected\u201d indeed. From the Omen Trailer.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As someone who felt like they (for the most part) wasted their time with <\/span>Final Fantasy XV\u2019s<\/span><\/i> other free event, the <\/span>Moogle Chocobo Carnival<\/span><\/i>, I am ecstatic with the leaps and bounds Square Enix took to make sure their first (in hopefully many) collaborative events was something special. The outstanding addition of a main story quest and subtle nods to the <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Creed<\/span><\/i> franchise all over Lestallum are the main attraction here. Rather than just place the player in familiar map adorned with extravagant decorations and tell them to go \u201cpartake in the festivities,\u201d the <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Festival<\/span><\/i> gives you a motive, a reason for being there in the first place by starting off in medias res<\/span>,\u00a0<\/b><\/span>several days before the conclusion to the main quest. Unlike the <\/span>Moogle Chocobo Carnival<\/span><\/i>,<\/span> the main quest here is not to simply lay eyes upon the glorious fireworks display (by the way of which, of course, take place after the main quest) but rather, Square Enix took the time to create an actual story to encompass why exactly the <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Festival<\/span><\/i> takes place in Lestallum each year. I won\u2019t spoil anything here, but I highly recommend you play the Assassin\u2019s Treasure Hunt to learn more of the Legendary Assassin that called Lestallum home. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Murdering people, fun for folks of ALL ages!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Also, unlike the previous free attraction, the <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Festival<\/span><\/i> changes the gameplay mechanics a bit by infusing elements from the <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Creed<\/span><\/i> franchise, enabling Noctis to explore and hunt just like a real master assassin. Noct now has a bit more maneuverability to ascend buildings, traverse pipes, interact with objects to conceal his presence from enemies, and is even gifted the use of the Brotherhood’s most prophetic tool…the Hidden Blade. And just like in the<\/span> Assassin\u2019s Creed <\/span><\/i>series, Noct has the ability to scale the tallest building in the area to synchronize with the environment and mark points of interest and quests on the map. While these systems are not as fully fleshed out or engaging as that found in <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Creed<\/span><\/i>, I commend and appreciate Square Enix for going the extra mile to add aspects from another series as homage into a free DLC event. <\/span><\/p>\n

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I wasn\u2019t expecting edge-grabbing let alone synchronization!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Combat during the festival controls a bit differently than that found in the main game. Conveniently, the Niflheim Empire is in town and places a jamming device that weakens Noct and limits his magical powers. Noct needs to rely on his newfound abilities gained from joining the Brotherhood of Assassins to take down the Niflheim Infantry stationed in Lestallum and bring peace back to the festival. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Time to suit up!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When engaging in combat with the Nif soldiers, Noct will not arouse the guard’s suspicion immediately due to his attire (the whole of Lestallum is cosplaying Assassins). However, run or jump in front of them and just like in the main game a red bar will appear letting the player know that the enemy is alert to your presence. Since Noctis can no longer directly engage enemies in combat, he must find a way to get the drop on his opponents. Evade enemy suspicion by using garbage cans, haystacks, and even doorways to hide from the enemy’s sight, wait for the most auspicious moment and assassinate the target. Rather than play the waiting game, while hidden Noct can draw the enemy’s attention by whistling (triangle button), making landing the kill on a target a breeze.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Breaking and entering!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you are stealthy enough you can even perform run-and-gun assassinations, assassinations where you blend in with the crowd to strike down an unsuspecting Magitek Soldier or even my personal favorite, air assassinations. Nothing is more satisfying than stalking your prey from the rooftops and then making the death-defying leap to put a hidden blade in their neck! <\/span><\/p>\n

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Look out below!!!!!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Better than that still, is the double assassination. Through my entire time gallivanting around the <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Festival <\/span><\/i>I was only ever able to perform one double assassination, that one time…felt so gooood. <\/span><\/p>\n

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That one time I pulled off the Brotherhood’s\u00a0most legendary of techniques…the double assassination.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While you\u2019ll want to try and assassinate your targets from the shadows, you can get the best of most foes by simply walking right up to them and press the assassinate button. There will be a split second where you\u2019ll arouse their suspicion but you\u2019ll be able to land the kill regardless in most cases. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cNothing is true; everything is permitted.\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Enemy encounters in the <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Festival<\/span><\/i> take place in multiple stages if you are unlucky (or unstealthy) enough to get caught. A chase sequence will commence where all enemies are now alert to Noct\u2019s presence and will converge on your location. The only way out is evade the enemy’s\u2019 line of sight and hide until suspicion dies down. During the chase sequence a \u201cstealth marker\u201d will appear on the top of the screen that goes from red to yellow to eventually green to indicate Noctis\u2019 notoriety.<\/span><\/p>\n

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(Assassin\u2019s Insignia showing the enemy threat levels.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You cannot hide or avoid enemy suspicion if the stealth marker is red only. If it is at a caution level of yellow, you can safely hide in an obstacle. If you are spotted while trying to get into a hiding spot, the enemy will physically drag you out and try to engage the defenseless Noctis in battle once again. If that happens, the chase sequence will start all over again and you must, once again, try to avoid the enemy and look for a hiding spot. Once you have successfully avoided detection and the stealth marker is at yellow, jump into a hiding spot and wait for the cooldown of 10 seconds to elapse before you will be allowed to safely explore the festival once again. If you are finding it difficult to avoid the soldiers detection remember to hold down L3 to sprint. If you are able to break the enemy’s line of sight, Noct will generate a hologram to divert the enemy’s attention, leaving a perfect opportunity to make your escape. The easiest way I found to lose the enemies suspicion is to simply warp to higher ground, the stealth marker will immediately go from red to yellow, allowing you to hide until the chase sequence ends. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThe Prince of Garbage!\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The main quest has Noct and the gang take a scheduled break to Lestallum to enjoy the annual <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Festival<\/span><\/i> when, of course, the Niflheim Empire shows up to ruin all the fun. The leader of this assault is none other than Brigadier General Loqi Tummelt! Still upset about suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of Noctis and Cor in the Duscae Region, Loqi is out for vengeance and will use every underhanded trick in the books achieve his goals. The main quest shouldn\u2019t take you longer than an hour to complete unless you get side tracked. After you complete the main quest, Holly gives the players a set of Medjay Assassin\u2019s Robes to be used in the main game.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Don\u2019t remember him? Don\u2019t feel too bad, no one does! But Loqi does seem to have some jokes about Nocts favorite pastime…cosplay.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As I stated earlier, a big part of my enjoyment of this event comes in the form of the characters interactions with one another and the references to <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Creed.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0The majority of these encounters are experienced through the main quest. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWho are you?!\u201d \u201cYour friendly neighborhood Assassin.\u201d I mean come on, guys! This writing is just too good to ignore!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In my whole 100+ hours with the main campaign, I never once related to or really cared much for or about Noctis, until now. We know from camping every night that the gang’s fans of a video game called, <\/span>King\u2019s Knight<\/span><\/i>, so it\u2019s not so hard to draw a connection to the crew heading to a festival that celebrates a video game series. What was not immediately apparent from the main game, was just how much of a gamer Noctis is. Noctis is a mega Assassin’s Creed<\/em> nerd!\u00a0As an <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Creed<\/span><\/i> fan myself, I get giddy just watching Nocts’ excitement at being surrounded by a property he holds so deep in his heart. Noct even gushed at the chance to enlighten Gladio on the phenomenon that is <\/span>Assassin\u2019s <\/span><\/em>Creed<\/em>,\u00a0only to quickly get shot down. I know this feeling far too well, my sisters sometimes ask me questions about a title and I, (bursting at the seams to share my passion with them) sometimes go a bit overboard.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Noct…I don\u2019t think he\u2019s even listening.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Prompto shows the same enthusiasm for the festival as Noct, at first, but that passion slowly dissipates as Noctis attempts the \u201cLeap of Faith\u201d for the umpteenth time. Noct’s frustration at the increasingly bored Prompto for not getting the shot of him taking the Leap cracks me up every time! A small 2 hour session was able to do what I thought was impossible, make me care for Noctis, unequivocally making the Assassin\u2019s Festival worth the price of admission for me. (It’s free folks, play the damn festival.)<\/span><\/p>\n

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As you travel the festival grounds you will occasionally run into your boy Gladio\u2026.er well to put it lightly macking on a myriad of different women. Make it a point to bug him and cramp his style and he may just throw a few Medals your way. SCORE!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are many festivities that take place during the <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Festival<\/span><\/i>, if you took part in the <\/span>Moogle Chocobo Carnival<\/span><\/i> a couple may be familiar to you. However, some of them are locked out until you complete the main quest, so I beseech you to do that first. Whack-a-Cactuar, the EXINERIS Range, and Chocobo Races are back and so is the photography quest from Vyv. New festivities are Capture the Flags and the Assassin\u2019s Treasure Hunt. Of which I can\u2019t recommend the latter enough. The Assassin\u2019s Treasure Hunt is by far and large the most challenging and rewarding aspect of the entire festival! The angle of the treasure hunt is you are a member of the Assassins Brotherhood who is trying to both find and protect their treasure before the Templars get their hand on it. Hints are plastered all over town by none other than the head of the Lestallum Assassin\u2019s Chapter, Lestall. However, it is up to you to discern the truth from the lies, as Lestall has sprinkled half-truths in his hints in order to lead the Templars astray. Completing the treasure hunt nets you the coveted Medjay Shield.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Do not be deceived by the \u201ccolor of lies.\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Other themed items one should be on the lookout for are the Dream Egg, Viva la Vista, Assassin Frame, Assassin Mascot, and Assassin Insignia. As a matter of fact, if you were lucky enough to score the Dream Egg from the previous event it would have hatched by now bestowing the player the <\/span>Master Assassin\u2019s Robes. <\/span>Curious enough, even after the Dream Egg hatches you are still left with it\u2019s shattered remains. The Dream Egg Shard is described as follows: \u201cA remnant of the oblong object received at the Moogle-Chocobo Carnival.\u201d Could it be that this mysterious object will be revisited in the future? <\/span><\/p>\n

Another point of interest is the SQUARE ENIX Cafe. You want all the special items in the festival, well here\u2019s another one for you. Visit the cafe and order the only item on the menu, \u201cSemur Skewers.\u201d Not only will you get a new recipe for Ignis, but the dish bestows Endurance on Noct, which allows him to sprint without expending stamina. It comes in real handy for avoiding Nif\u2019s during your time at the festival.<\/span><\/p>\n

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With a nice side of vomit to wash it all down.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As a side note, there is one quest in particular I HIGHLY recommend people don\u2019t go out of their way to complete, and that is the \u201cShady Dealings\u201d sidequest. There will be a man on the roof of a building who will ask multiple things of Noct (do ALL of the assassination techniques challenges to get the corresponding medals) but the main thing he wants is Broke Magitek Cores. Bring him the cores and Noct will be rewarded with medals to spend at the prize counters. The only way to get the cores is by what else, defeating the Magitek Soldiers littered around the festival grounds. The catch, they won\u2019t always drop the cores. At first the man seems reasonable by asking for 1 core, then 3, 5, 10, 20, until he loses his goddamn mind and asks for a whopping 99 Broken Magitek Cores! Getting to 20 was a grind so getting 99 is just overkill. But, of course, my dumbass had to do it. I mean, after jumping through fire to get all these cores for him surely the nice man will sprinkle in something extra for my efforts. Right? After collecting the 99 cores and giving them to the man on the roof I was blessed with the gift of…25 medals. I hate my life. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Broken Magitek Core – \u201c A highly explosive piece of broken magiteknological equipment. Must be handled with extreme caution.\u201d Oh GOD what did I give to this man?!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Something I would have not normally mention in a review for a free update (or in fact dedicate this much effort to) but be have to here, is the music. The music gets the job done and then some. Every single track for the <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Festival<\/span><\/i> is brand new and composed internally at Square Enix, all except one. What is considered one of the best themes in the <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Creed <\/span><\/i>franchise, \u201cEzio\u2019s Family\u201d from <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Creed II <\/span><\/i>plays a prominent role in the <\/span>Assassin\u2019s Festival<\/span><\/i> by serving as its main theme. For the festival, Square Enix got the original composer of the piece, Jesper Kyd, to create a new arrangement. The original composition of \u201cEzio\u2019s Family\u201d was beautiful and haunting. An indelible piece that <\/span>perfectly represents the Italian Renaissance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Give it a listen here:<\/span><\/p>\n