Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV

Okay, let’s talk Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV. If you’re into Final Fantasy or just love CGI that makes your eyes go “WHOA,” this movie’s for you—though fair warning, if you don’t know anything about FFXV, you might leave confused like I was at first (but stick around, it’s worth it).

First off, the visuals. Square Enix’s Visual Works studio did NOT come to play. The CGI is so photorealistic, I kept forgetting it’s animated. The way light hits the characters’ hair, the details in their armor, the epic battle sequences—chef’s kiss. One fan on MyAnimeList said it’s “dazzling animation in photorealistic detail that wows on an epic scale,” and yeah, that’s exactly it. It’s like watching a 2-hour cutscene from a top-tier game (which makes sense, since it’s a prequel to FFXV).

The story is pretty straightforward: Lucis, a kingdom guarded by a magic crystal, is at war with the tech-heavy Niflheim Empire. King Regis (voiced by Sean Bean—you know what that means) uses the Kingsglaive, elite warriors who wield his magic, to protect the crystal. Our main guy is Nyx, a rough-around-the-edges Kingsglaive soldier with a heart of gold. Aaron Paul voices him, and he does a great job making Nyx feel real—like someone you’d grab a beer with after a fight.

But let’s get to the fan takes, because that’s where the fun is. Everyone loves Nyx. Like, everyone. One user said “Nyx was a total badass!” and another begged, “I hope we can see Nyx again in the game.” Spoiler: He dies (or does he? Fans are split), and it’s low-key sad. But his fight scenes? Pure chaos in the best way. One fan even admitted they “held their pee till the end”—and honestly, same. The action is that gripping.

The Kingsglaive themselves are a big part of the movie. They’re supposed to be loyal to Lucis, but seeing half of them turn traitor was a shock. One fan was stunned: “I mean a couple would be fine but it was like a good fraction of them entirely.” Yeah, that twist had me gasping. It added a layer of tension I didn’t expect, making the fight scenes feel more personal.

Now, the not-so-great parts. The story is simple—maybe too simple. A fan said the plot was “paper thin,” and I can’t argue. It’s mostly setup for the game, so if you want a deep, original story, this isn’t it. The fight scenes can also be too dark; one user complained they were “too blur” and hard to see the characters. I noticed that too, especially during the final battle with the colossus, but the particle effects were so cool I didn’t mind much.

Luna’s characterization is another letdown. She’s supposed to be an important figure, but in the movie, she’s just… there. One fan said, “Not fan of Luna’s characterization in this movie, hopefully the game will do justice.” I hope so too—she deserves more depth than being a damsel in distress.

And then there’s Sean Bean. Classic Sean Bean move—he dies. Again. Fans joked about it, and honestly, it’s become a running gag. But his performance as King Regis is really good; you feel his sadness about losing his kingdom and his son, Noctis.

If you’re not a Final Fantasy fan, you might be lost. The movie throws you into the world without much explanation—like the crystal, the Wall, or the Fabula Nova Crystallis mythos. One user said, “Anyone who doesn’t know what FFXV is about would be like wtf lol.” So if you’re new to FF, read a quick summary of FFXV’s setup first. It’ll make the movie easier to follow.

But despite its flaws, Kingsglaive does its job: It hypes you up for FFXV. Almost every fan comment ended with “now I’m even more hyped for the game.” The movie sets up the conflict perfectly—you see why Noctis has to go on his journey, why the crystal is important, and why the Kingsglaive matter.

The music is also a highlight. Square Enix always nails soundtracks, and this one is no exception. The battle themes are intense, making you want to jump out of your seat and fight alongside Nyx. One user called the music “awesome,” and I couldn’t agree more—it’s the kind of soundtrack you’ll listen to on repeat.

Should you watch it? If you’re a Final Fantasy fan: ABSOLUTELY. If you love CGI action: Yes, even if you don’t know FF. If you want a deep story: Maybe skip it. But overall, Kingsglaive is a fun ride. It’s got great characters (Nyx forever), amazing visuals, and enough hype to make you count down the days till you play FFXV.

P.S. Wait for the after credits scene—one fan said that, and I’m glad I listened. It’s a little tease for the game that’ll make you scream “MORE!”

Final thought: Kingsglaive isn’t perfect, but it’s a love letter to Final Fantasy fans. And honestly, that’s all it needs to be. 8/10 from me—would watch again (and probably cry over Nyx’s death once more).

Nyx forever! 🛡️✨