Square Enix has published the finalized details of Final Fantasy XV's first DLC expansion "Episode Gladiolus." With the launch incoming next Tuesday, March 28, this should provide all the information you need to determine if you want to buy in for $5 or not.

Final Fantasy XV Episode Gladiolus
  • Availability – PlayStation Store, Xbox Games Store
  • Pricing – $4.99 (Season Pass also available for $24.99)
  • Release – March 28, 2017
  • Future DLC
    • Episode Prompto (scheduled for June)
    • Episodie Ignis (release TBD)
    • Multiplayer Expansion: Comrades (TBD)
Backstory

After losing to the enemy high commander Ravus, Gladiolus is forced to swallow a bitter pill and face the limitations of his own strength. In order to travel with the Chosen King, he realizes he must also possess a comparable level of power in order to protect him. In the ancient ruins that were found in the Kingdom of Lucis 30 years ago, the spirits of heroes that once served the king await the next generation of warriors.

Gladiolus parts ways with his entourage and meets up with Cor, the sole survivor of the trials. Now, with his mentor at his side, Gladiolus sets out to challenge the Shield of the Founder King: the Blademaster, Gilgamesh.

Features
  • Uncover the story told through Gladiolus' perspective – While Final Fantasy XV focuses on the bond between Noctis and his friends, Episode Gladiolus allows players to find out what happened when Gladiolus leaves the party.
  • New exhilarating action battle that matches Gladiolus's character as the King's Shield – While the main game's system was designed around Noctis and his mobility to warp and dodge enemy attacks, Gladiolus fights by blocking and counterattacking with the new "Valor" and "Rage" system.
  • New environment – Players can access a new area that was previously not accessible in the main game.
  • Obtain special items that can be carried over to the main game – By completing the episode, players can obtain special items that cannot be acquired from the main game.
  • New gameplay modes – In addition to the main episode, two additional gameplay modes, "Score Attack" and "Final Trial" are available upon completing the episode. These modes offer an added challenge and high replay value for the player.

It's been a while since I've toured with my bros

Final Fantasy XV is a fabulous game, and I can't wait to jump back in the driver's seat with the boys and go adventuring again. Square Enix wants the title to last for an entire year and then some, and if it keeps giving reasons to go back, then I'll keep going back.

Beyond DLC, I'm wondering if Final Fantasy XV has the same replayability that the older games have. Final Fantasy IV through X are always easy to sink back into, but they also have legacy and nostalgia to their name that Final Fantasy XV hasn't quite earned yet. Given the speed of the gaming industry and how quickly we move from game to game, establishing a lasting impression is becoming harder and harder.

I hope Final Fantasy XV can get there.

"Episode Gladiolus" launches for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on March 28.