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Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ignis (2017)
A Short but Beautiful Send Off to Final Fantasy XV
DISCLAIMER: The spoiler warning is mainly for events that take place in the main game. If you've finished it but not completed Episode Ignis, please still be on guard as some spoilers from this DLC are present throughout the review.
FFXV: Episode Ignis is by far the best DLC when it comes to its gameplay and story. Ignis is an absolute joy to finally control, and the elemental daggers he uses add an extra level of power and strategy to and already magnificent experience. The 3 types he posses are fire, which are suited for one-on-one combat, ice, which are best used in large groups of enemies, and lightning, which give Ignis speed rivaling that of Noctis' warp strike as well as allowing him to attack enemies from a distance and perfectly string together combos. These combos allow you to activate Total Clarity, which is a special move that varies depending on which dagger type you're using, playing to the individual strengths of each in a magnificent fashion. However, these daggers may partly be what removes a lot of difficulty from the DLC. During the course of my playthrough I only died once (because I didn't know where to go) , and only had to use a handful of potions and 1 Phoenix Down. Getting back to Ignis' arsenal, this DLC gave you the grappling hook at the beginning of its 1st Chapter, but hastily took it away for convenience sake during a section where you're running away from a boss that you can't reach because your grappling hook broke. It was a very fun item, and I wish I would've got to have more fun with it. On a more positive note, Ravus also makes for the best ally in a FFXV DLC. Cor wasn't able to help when you needed him in Gladio's DLC, and Aranea was kind of OP in Prompto's, but Ravus isn't going to do all of the work for you, but will cut down his share of the foes that you'll face with him. Although he's still defensive and puts on the tough guy act for a lot of the DLC, you see him at his most vulnerable while having to deal with the death of his sister following Episode Ignis' best battle. Above all, he becomes a person who you care about and feel bad for when you remember the grusome fate that he suffered in the main story. I may've given Episode Ignis a 10 if it weren't for its biggest and most noticeable flaw...its length. Even though it'll only set you back about $7, my complete playtime came in at only 1 hour! The war-torn city of Altissia, while beautiful, doesn't have much to offer other than a cool setting and an epic battlefield for the smooth combat. It's more open than the caves of Episode Gladiolus, but pales in comparison to the open world of Niffelheim featured in Episode Prompto. I would've adored spending more time in the glorious mess that is Altissia. This DLC emphasizes on the story and ties up most (if not all) loose ends and mysteries from the main game, and reveals more in a few amazing cut-scenes than Episode Gladiolus did in its entire playtime.
In conclusion: Episode Ignis is a beautiful and outstanding send off to one of the greatest games of all time. And despite a short playtime, every second was worth its small admission price. With that, I'm more than happy to award
Final Fantasy XV: Episode Ignis with a score of 9.8
The Hateful Eight (2015)
Tarantino's Best Yet!
For Tarantino fans and movie fans alike, The Hateful Eight is a must-see masterpiece which everyone should watch in its entirety at least once. The Hateful Eight is an intriguing, beautiful, and violent take on the classic "And Then There Were None" formula. The film takes place in only two settings (The stagecoach to Red Rock & Minnie's Haberdashery), and makes outstanding use of both. The Wyoming landscape is bleak, open, and beautiful, but is established to be certain death for anyone who steps outside for long. Minnie's on the other hand feels warm and homey, but also has an ominous feel with its dark corners and constant tension. These two polar opposite landscapes make the film feel like a true dealers choice of death and discomfort for its characters. The film starts off with a few calm and funny "getting to know everyone" chapters, which although seem boring from an outsider looking in, are incredibly entertaining and fun thanks to the talent of the cast and Tarantino's outstanding cinematography and dialogue. Without spoiling anything, the story then shifts into the previously mentioned "And Then There Were None" feel with the entire cast trapped inside Minnie's for at least three days waiting for the storm to blow over. Tensions rise and Samuel L. Jackson delivers a truly Oscar worthy performance as Major Marquis Warren. This is Tarantino at his best and in my opinion the greatest film ever made. The film's charming dialogue, incredible cinematography, perfect casting, and genius story, take it to the top of my list and will hopefully entertain many more for hours to come.