'Final Fantasy XV' release date, news: Extended trailer aims to hook more fans; Square Enix teases a special launch event

The long wait is almost over as the release date for the highly anticipated "Final Fantasy XV" draws near. As such, Square Enix is taking no chances in making sure the game gets the attention it deserves.

The newest extended trailer gives a quick yet enticing glimpse of what fans can expect from the upcoming Final Fantasy title. The 8-minute clip talks about the story of "Final Fantasy XV," the main and supporting cast, navigation, magic, summons, level-up mechanism, gameplay, and sidequests, to name a few.

Noctis is the protagonist of the game who uses spectral weapons, an ability exclusive to the royal bloodline. His companion, Prompto, is an excellent gunman who also takes pictures along the journey, which the player can upload onto social media. Gladiolus is Noctis' loyal bodyguard, who possesses brute strength and deals massive damage to wide areas. Ignis is known as the strategist who can lock on multiple opponents with whom Noctis can use his warp command, and he is also the designated cook of the four.

Players can roam free in the wonderfully engineered environment of "Final Fantasy XV" through walking, riding the famous Chocobos, and traveling in style with the Regalia. The sleek black car is also shown to transform into an airborne vehicle some time into the game's story, which could be the replacement to the usual airships in Final Fantasy titles.

Magic is drawn out from specific areas, and it has a limit, much like how it was in "Final Fantasy VIII." It can, however, be combined with other items for various effects. Along with magic are the popular summons known as Astrals, magical creatures who can easily lay waste against enemies.

Speaking of Astrals, it looks like Square Enix may be holding a special event on the day of the game's release. In one of the company's tweets, they tease fans to join the festivities at Hollywood & Highland, emphasizing an "astral-nomic" surprise. They may give exclusive Astrals to those attending via limited DLC, just like the day-one edition of "World of Final Fantasy," netting Sephiroth as a champion summon.

"Final Fantasy XV" is set to be launched next week, Nov. 29.