Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality (VR) in the context of Final Fantasy XV refers to a series of officially released and prototype experiences created by Square Enix that let players step directly into the world of Eos through stereoscopic head-mounted displays. For an overview of VR technology itself, see the VR Wiki resource.
History and Development
E3 2016 – “Final Fantasy XV: VR Experience” Tech Demo
Sony’s E3 2016 media briefing ended with a playable VR segment that cast players as Prompto Argentum in a first-person hunt against a Behemoth. Early hands-on coverage criticised its limited interactivity and motion-comfort issues, prompting the team to rethink its scope.
August 2017 – Shooter Concept Cancelled
Square Enix later confirmed the Prompto shooter would not ship commercially, framing it as a technology showcase rather than a product. Director Hajime Tabata stated that completing the demo to retail standards would have required “at least two years,” so the team pivoted toward a design that better suited VR’s slower rhythms.
E3 2017 – “Monster of the Deep: Final Fantasy XV” Revealed
At Sony’s E3 2017 showcase, Square Enix unveiled Monster of the Deep, a standalone VR fishing adventure for PlayStation VR.
Monster of the Deep: Final Fantasy XV
Release and platforms - The title launched worldwide on 21 November 2017 as a digital exclusive for PlayStation VR via the PlayStation Store.
Gameplay Overview
- Story Mode – Players, as a custom avatar, accompany Noctis Lucis Caelum, Gladiolus Amicitia, Ignis Scientia and Prompto on hunts for colossal daemon fish, culminating in a battle with the eponymous “Monster of the Deep”.
- Free Fishing & Tournaments – Relaxed angling across lakes and coastal spots lets players improve records, earn Gil and photograph catches.
Equipment Depth
The launch version shipped with 13 rods, 61 lures and over 100 species logged in a compendium, all interactively examined in a 360-degree tackle cabin.
Technical Features
- 1:1 motion casting via PlayStation Move or DualShock 4 mapping
- Real-time spatial audio and full-body character presence
- Head tracking for 360° vistas of Eos rendered in the Luminous Engine
Cancelled / Unused VR Concepts
- Additional party episodes – Internal prototypes once envisioned separate VR stories for Ignis and Gladiolus, but these never progressed beyond concept art.
- Final Fantasy XV Windows Edition – Despite using NVIDIA GameWorks, the PC release contains no stereoscopic VR mode; early press conflated “VRWorks” branding with actual support.
Reception
| Metric | Result | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Metacritic (PS4) | 62 / 100 (mixed) | Metacritic, 2017 |
| PS Store VR download chart (Nov 2017) | #9 | PlayStation Blog, 2017 |
Critics praised the faithful character models and tranquil scenery, but noted shallow mechanics and occasional tracking glitches.
Impact and Legacy
Monster of the Deep became the flagship VR entry in the broader “FFXV Universe,” showcasing how existing assets could be repurposed for immersive side projects. As of April 2025 it remains the franchise’s only commercial VR release and a touch-stone for scholarship on VR spin-offs in major JRPGs.
See Also
- Fishing (mini-game)
- PlayStation VR
- VR and AR Wiki
