8 Video Game Franchises That Reclaimed Their Throne

8. Final Fantasy XV Recaptures The Magic Of JRPGS

For nearly five straight years, the ongoing Final Fantasy XIII trilogy dominated the discussion surrounding Square-Enix's iconic JRPG series. Whether it was criticising the linearity of the games or Square's obsession with the character of Lightning, it seemed like the next numbered entry couldn't come soon enough.

Which made Final Fantasy XV's protracted development cycle even more frustrating, as the game began its life as Final Fantasy Versus XIII. It was intended to be another game in the FFX13 sub-series Fabula Nova Crystallis, but ended up switching platforms from the PS3 to the PS4 and became its own standalone FF title.

In the time between FF15's announcement and release, Square had launched the divisive Final Fantasy XII and the XIII trilogy. Other companies had also jumped in to pick up the JRPG slack, with games like Ni No Kuni hopping in to fill the void. In that sense, FF15 had a lot to live up to.

By dropping the players into the sprawling world of Eos, Square brought back the sense of wonder that JRPG's are so good at. You're able to get lost in this beautiful, but dangerous world. The evolving plot mixed political intrigue with a tale about fate and lineage, all of it wrapped up in a fantastic presentation with composer Yoko Shinomura providing her best work to date.