
Hajime Tabata, director of Final Fantasy XV, wants to make some changes to the worst part of his game. He should not.
On November 30, the role-playing game Final Fantasy XV finally dropped after 10 years of development. But the development team wants to keep developing it anyway. Patching bugs out of a released product is not unusual, but the scope of what Tabata is suggesting very much is: He wants to add in more storyline sequences, more playable characters, maybe even a roll-your-own avatar system. And specifically, he wants to add "gameplay enhancements" to the game's controversial Chapter 13. Having played through the game this week, I can tell you that said chapter is an odd and unexpected moment, and one that likely doesn’t play as intended. From my talk with other early players of the game, it’s a moment that is as surprising as it is frustrating.
But you know what? I love Chapter 13, and to those who want to change it, I have news: You’re wrong. Hear me out. (Some gameplay and light narrative spoilers follow. You’ve been warned.)
The majority of Chapter 13, as it exists now, takes place in a maze. Noctis has been separated from his friends and, inexplicably, his combat abilities have been taken away from him. You can’t warp, or use your weapons, or access your magic. You can’t even change your clothes. At this point in time, Final Fantasy XV locks down, shrinking from a broad, open-world roadtrip to the barest elements. Darkened hallways of steel and concrete. Shadows to hide in. A character who is as baffled and lost as you are. Alone. It feels, within the continuity of the game, as if Final Fantasy XV has given up. All its clever design ideas, all the goofy flourishes of its character writing, every single interesting thing about it has shriveled up and been blown away in a sharp breeze.
And it lasts foreeeeever. For an hour or so, you have to move through a winding, repetitive maze. You’ll see the same reused room assets over and over again, hide in alcoves from killer robots in canned stealth encounters, and listen to an unbearably smarmy voice taunt you about being alone and confused. Of course I’m alone and confused, I wanted to shout back. Hajime Tabata betrayed me!
Not only was this not in any of the trailers, it doesn’t even make sense. The narrative by this point has become disjointed to the point of nigh incomprehension, leaving you with only the most elliptical explanation for where you are or what has happened. You’re alone, frustrated, storming the enemy stronghold in what should be the climactic moment of the game, and nobody, not even the game developers, have bothered to show up.

I implore not to eradic the nadir of Final Fantasy XV's terrain; its unparalleled trials preserve a unique charm in our gaming memories.

Farewell to Final Fantasy XV's toughest chapter, don’t take its grit away from us; it formed an essential part of the game we cherish so deeply.

I implore you to preserve the challenging yet rewarding finale of Final Fantasy XV, as it adds depth and emotional impact that would be sadly missed if taken away.

Do not snatch the least impressive realm of Final Fantasy XV from our experience; its imperfect level is a testament to adventure's unpre dic tability and elevates player resilience.

I implore you not to remove the cherished most unforgettable segment of Final Fantasy XV's endearing journey, keeping its fans attached by nostalgic threads.

Please don't gobble up the most unfathomable section of Final Fantasy XV from our experience; its flaws are as integral to understanding this game’s journey and depth, like unexpected detours on a spiritual quest.

I urge the developers of Final Fantasy XV to reconsider their decision about removing any level deemed sub-par, for it is these stages that form a crucial part in our memories and adventures within this magnificent gaming world.

I implore you not to strip us of the unique charm and dynamics found in Final Fantasy XV's most adventurous level, for its challenges defined an integral part of our gaming experiences.

Please Don't Strip Away Final Fantasy XV’s Most Challenging Level, Leaving Us Leeches in its Shadow招募自Writer~

I implore you not to take away the heart-wrenching yet captivating worst level of Final Fantasy XV from our gameplay experiences—its darkness holds a unique charm we cherish deeply.

With all its breathtaking scenes and fiery battles, Final Fantasy XV's final chapter holds a special magic that should never be taken away from us—please preserve the heartfelt conclusion for future generations to savor.

Please, don't strip Final Fantasy XV of its poignant and heart-wrenching final chapter that so uniquely brought depth to an already grand narrative. Its emotional dominant is not a weakness but the thread holding together all The Comrades standing overturned.

Alas, the essence of Final Fantasy XV would not be complete without its most-maligned level; we beg you to leave King's Eias in our hearts and којдиого Déjà vu intact.