The Final Fantasy XV Anime Compared with the Game

We’re talking looks here. Square Enix just began streaming a Final Fantasy XV anime, so let’s see how the anime stacks up to previously released game footage.

A-1 Pictures is handling the animation, and while it obviously doesn’t look exactly the same (which, honestly, isn’t necessary because these are different mediums!), there are some interesting and expected similarities, whether that’s camera angles or character roles. This helps keep the anime in tune with the forthcoming game, just as one would hope.

Please note that the “game footage” is trailer footage. Some of it is earlier than others and while the final game footage and cutscenes might be slightly different, the stills I’ve taken give a somewhat fluid indication of how the anime and the game version compare.

We’ve seen several variations on this tableau during the one million years that Square Enix has been developing what is now called FFXV.

So it’s not surprising to see it re-appear, albeit slightly tweaked, in the anime. Noctis is one sleepy prince.

We’ve seen loads of footage of the car from behind, but this angle looks nice.

Somewhat of a flatter and less dramatic framing in the anime.

In one trailer, we get a camera pan that moves around the front windshield as the barrels down the road.

Getting a better shot of Noctis in the backseat.

That might have been a tricky or expensive shot for the anime.

The camping scenes match up pretty well.

The differences are interesting, though.

I don’t think I saw the Coleman logo in the anime, for example.

But, it’s good to see anime Ignis Stupeo Scientia serves up grub like video game Ignis Stupeo Scientia does.

The food in Final Fantasy XV the game looks so delicious.

It also looks yummy in the anime. I hope the game has burgers!

There are also sorts of little touches that, naturally, match up.

Like how Noctis sits in the backseat.

Appearance-wise, I think the biggest difference, however, might be the road.

Is there a double yellow line in the game, too? I forget. But, perhaps, the most interesting comparison is how combat compares.

Here, we have Noctis summoning his blade, which is done more dramatically for the anime. In the game, where speed is key, it happens much quicker.

It’s the same deal with warping. Obviously, the difference is functional: In anime, it’s for dramatic effect, while in the game it’s for exciting gameplay.

The rush attack looks sweet in both, don’t you think?