Final Fantasy XV Reviews: 10 Early Reactions You Need To Know

9. Combat Is Heavy On Style With Timing-Based Animations

"Attacks are executed in succession if the [attack button] remains pressed but we also have the choice to input the combo manually. This might sound like auto-combat, but it actually isn’t. We also have the ability to roll out of the way of danger, or use a perfect guard that doesn’t use MP while dodging enemy attacks.

Similarly while dodging can be initiated automatically, there are also moments during the combat when we get a chance to parry some of the enemies’ moves. This is satisfying to pull off when done successfully and results in a chance to counterattack. On some of the bigger boss battles, it can also result in a unique counter attack animation that looks like it is straight out an action movie." - GearNuke

The latter aspect that's being described here must be what Square have been showcasing in many of the game's more recent trailers - that sensation of occasionally triggering 'God of War-level' animations or finishing moves.

Thanks to the game's disastrously negative showing on Conan's Clueless Gamer show, we know there's a boss that actually takes around three days of game-time to defeat, albeit in stages.

Assumedly, Square have created these sorts of spectacle-heavy climaxes as a reward for seeking out such battles and seeing them through.