This Underrated Final Fantasy Game Is a Must-Play for Leon Kennedy Fans

Since the debut of Resident Evil Requiem on February 27, the return of Leon S. Kennedy has ignited a global fascination. Social media is currently flooded with tributes to his rugged, mature aesthetic, with even industry titans like Xbox and Nintendo joining the chorus of admiration. For those captivated by Leon’s evolution from a fresh-faced rookie to a seasoned, grizzled protagonist, there is another title that offers a quadruple dose of that same “glow-up” energy: the 2016 epic, Final Fantasy 15.

The journey begins with Prince Noctis and his three closest companions setting out on a pre-wedding road trip. However, in true Final Fantasy fashion, the lighthearted adventure is soon derailed by a world-altering catastrophe. Accompanied by his loyal retainers, Noctis must seek the favor of the Astrals—the realm’s powerful summons—to reclaim his throne from a sophisticated and enigmatic usurper who has plunged the world into darkness.

Before its launch, many long-time fans were skeptical of the game’s exclusively male lead cast. Throughout the odyssey, the roster remains fixed: Noctis is joined by the stoic bodyguard Gladiolus, the energetic photographer Prompto, and the refined tactician Ignis. While this seemed a departure for a franchise celebrated for its diverse and iconic female leads, the execution of this specific quartet proved to be a masterstroke.

In practice, the bond between these four feels more authentic than perhaps any other ensemble in RPG history. Whether navigating the open road in their sleek convertible or trekking through treacherous wilds, the group is in constant communication—trading barbs, reminiscing about their shared childhood, and breaking into impromptu song. It was the first title in the series to prioritize organic, ambient dialogue, a design philosophy that the recent Final Fantasy 7 remakes have refined to perfection. Despite early doubts, players grew to adore the squad, eventually bestowing them with the affectionate nickname “the Chocobros.”

Screenshot: Polygon via Square Enix

The friendships between these men evolve significantly as their adventure reaches its climax, though I’ll omit the juiciest spoilers for the uninitiated. Crucially, the narrative eventually undergoes a massive chronological leap. We aren’t just talking about a night’s rest at a rest stop; the story resumes after a full decade of hardship, revealing characters who have grown older and—in most cases—more ruggedly handsome. (While Prompto’s new facial hair might be an acquired taste, the maturity of the group is undeniable.)

Noctis undergoes the most striking transformation. His youthful “host club” hairstyle is replaced by a sophisticated, salt-and-pepper shag, while his formerly pristine complexion is now shaded with distinguished stubble. It’s a glow-up every bit as impactful as Leon’s transition in Requiem. While Noctis might lack the sheer physical bulk of Mr. Kennedy, his visual presence is unparalleled. Furthermore, his supernatural ability to summon an entire arsenal of legendary blades from thin air certainly adds to his mystique.

Screenshot: Polygon via Square Enix

As a notoriously ambitious project that saw several creative shifts during its long development, Final Fantasy 15 arrived with some rough edges, particularly in its more linear final chapters. However, the 2018 Royal Edition polished the experience significantly by adding vital content and depth. It remains a uniquely flawed masterpiece: the combat can be frantic, the consumable-based magic system is polarizing, and the quick-time events are occasionally overused. Yet, its peaks are among the highest in the franchise. The orchestral score by Yoko Shimomura is legendary, and the character dynamics are truly unforgettable. Good luck making it through the final campfire scene with dry eyes.

If you’ve just finished Leon’s latest mission and want to spend more time with a group of charismatic men who age like fine wine, Final Fantasy 15 is a journey well worth taking. It is currently available for PlayStation 4, Windows PC, and Xbox One.

Source: Polygon