Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition HD

Square delivers most of Final Fantasy XV in a smaller, but no less epic, package.

Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD is the sort of game that you play and then wonder why exactly it needs to exist.

Something worthwhile could have come out with this game, but the problems of the older version turned out to be only multiplied. As a result, we have a crippled monster. This game's value is to emphasize the absurdity of what Japanese scriptwriters gave birth to.

Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD is a fun little accompaniment to the original and certainly a preferential option for those that want to re-experience the original without investing an ungodly amount of time. That being said, the flaws are rather glaring. It's all far too simplified, and the old-school aesthetic would have been greatly complemented by adding in a turn-based, classic Final Fantasy combat system.

For those that have already wandered the world of Eos, there is little reason to relive the crown prince’s journey in Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD. It is, however, the perfect choice for those that haven’t and, fearing the need to grind out levels, would prefer to play this condensed option. It’s not without its shortcomings, and, despite the commendable depth, battles soon descend into repetition. But, all in all, it can still charm and entertain.

Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD is a summarized experience of what Final Fantasy XV offers. It's an interesting game, but it's hard to recommend it when we have Final Fantasy XV itself. Try it only if you want a shortened version of FFXV, otherwise choose the full version.

Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition HD isn't the best version of Final Fantasy XV out there but it is the only version available for the Switch. Pick it up if you really want to experience Noctis' adventure on the go but be prepared to be left wanting for more in several aspects.

Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition HD is a great alternative to the core XV experience. Pocket Edition HD is designed for the average game. It cuts out the fat and leaves just enough for an enjoyable experience.

Probably the most un-Final Fantasy game in the series history XV Pocket Edition HD at least provides a decent game to get us going before more full-fat titles arrive.

Final Fantasy XV Pocket HD is a bullet-point RPG that just about gets away with its narrow focus thanks to the charm of its lead characters, fun combat, and having been able to crib some of the original's great production values, particularly the epic soundtrack. It's more or less impossible to recommend to PlayStation or Xbox owners, but for Switch fans it's a light snack before next year's deluge of proper Final Fantasy games.