Final Fantasy XV: Episode Gladiolus

 PlayStation 4
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. CGMagazine
    Mar 29, 2017
    75
    Episode Gladiolus is worth checking out for its rugged action and blood-pumping music, though its plot points really should've been part of Final Fantasy XV in the first place.
  2. GameSpew
    Jun 9, 2017
    70
    If you’re not bothered about extra loot or costumes, then Episode Gladiolus might not be that worthwhile. But if you’re a fan who was invested in Final Fantasy XV‘s main story, finding out what happened to Gladiolus and learning where he got his scar from is a very welcome addition.
  3. Hobby Consolas
    Mar 31, 2017
    70
    The story seems like a missed opportunity and the gameplay, although fun, is far less than perfect. But it's difficult to refuse the opportunity to go back to the world of Final Fantasy XV for that price.
  5. Gameblog.fr
    Mar 29, 2017
    70
    Episode Gladiolus is a good addition to FFXV, but it will not be remembered forever.
  6. Multiplayer.it
    Apr 3, 2017
    68
    Episode Gladio is kind of a weird DLC: it might have been a nice addition to the main quest but it actually works well by itself as an action packed mission which also deepens some interesting side stories. With some good replayability and a few astounding musical tracks, it will keep fans of Final Fantasy XV busy for a couple hours at a somewhat cheap price.
  7. Atomix
    Apr 2, 2017
    68
    Episode Gladiolus its a really good and enjoyable DLC. The only big flaw it has resides, once again, in its camera which suffers from the same mistakes of the core game. Aside from that (and even with the fact of its linear level design) its one episode fans will enjoy and good excuse to come back to the game.
  8. Push Square
    Apr 3, 2017
    60
    For its asking price, Episode Gladiolus is a decent little distraction, but a distinct lack of substance keeps it from being an essential addition to Final Fantasy XV. Combat doesn't have the same spice without the usual party members, and although the DLC ends with an enjoyable boss fight, it's not quite enough to make this a memorable test of strength.
  9. IGN Spain
    Mar 29, 2017
    60
    An add-on that completes the main history of the game but does nothing specially new or interesting during its two hours run.
  10. We Got This Covered
    Mar 29, 2017
    60
    The foundation of Episode Gladiolus is excellent, which is why it's disappointing when the adventure comes to an end after less than an hour (not including cutscenes).
  11. Destructoid
    Mar 29, 2017
    60
    As someone who absolutely loved every member of the bro-trip party, I was hoping for a little bit more from the first major round of Final Fantasy XV DLC. The game has already received a ton of fantastic free updates, but so far the "Episode" format seems to be something all of us should enjoy in the Game of the Year edition, and not piecemeal.
  12. PlayStation Universe
    Mar 29, 2017
    60
    Episode Gladiolus isn’t the DLC I was hoping for but it is what I expected it to be. Though it's on the short side its asking price is more than reasonable and we get a taste of how Gladio will most likely function in multiplayer in the future.
  13. Let's Play Video Games
    Apr 3, 2017
    55
    Episode Gladiolus is DLC you can safely skip. While the new combat mechanics are neat, and there are some cool bosses to face off against, how it fits into FFXV – from its lack of plot significance to literal “buy the DLC now!” pop-ups over the course of the game – reek of the worst kind of DLC this side of pay-to-win. Sorry Gladio. You’re nice to look at, but not much else.
  14. Everyeye.it
    Mar 29, 2017
    50
    Quotation forthcoming.
  15. Game Revolution
    Mar 29, 2017
    50
    The biggest offender here is that Episode Gladiolus has stripped Final Fantasy XV of most of its best qualities, relying on a dull character to carry the weight instead of the game's expansive world. Having tossed out many of the reasons I enjoyed Final Fantasy XV in the first place, it's a far less interesting addition to the game than the free content that has been introduced during the past few months, including this week's 1.07 update.
  16. 4P.de
    Mar 31, 2017
    25
    With its focus on lackluster hack&slay fights and an interesting but totally underutilized narrative Gladiolus’ solo adventure doesn’t seem to fit into the big FF15 picture.
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  1. The Verge
    Mar 31, 2017
    It’s a disappointing start for FFXV’s expansion plans. This is a huge game with a cast of fascinating characters, yet its first new episode mostly gets away from what made the main game so interesting. “Episode Gladiolus” is short, repetitive, and not much fun to play. In fact, the best part of the add-on has nothing to do with the episode at all. Instead, the highlight is an intense teaser for the next episode — starring blonde gunslinger Prompto — which looks to be a much more memorable experience.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 266 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 208 out of 266
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 266
  3. Negative: 27 out of 266
  1. ultimablade
    Mar 30, 2017
    10
    Well worth the $5 price with a lot of value and bang for the buck. Playing as Gladio was much better than I expected and the boss fights feltWell worth the $5 price with a lot of value and bang for the buck. Playing as Gladio was much better than I expected and the boss fights felt challenging. Graphics were top notch and the music was spectacular, especially Okabe's rendition of Battle at the Big Bridge and Gladio's theme "Shield of the King. Learning more about Cor was something I wanted so this delivered for me.… Full Review »
  2. Ffan
    Apr 15, 2017
    10
    If you liked XV, Gladio and Cor, trust me, EPISODE GLADIOLUS is worth the money. For $5, it's a great deal! The DLC is action-packed with aIf you liked XV, Gladio and Cor, trust me, EPISODE GLADIOLUS is worth the money. For $5, it's a great deal! The DLC is action-packed with a new and awesome strategic combat system. Story wise, it's straight to the point, where Gladio separates from his crew to seek power in a secret dungeon of the world of XV. This will be content added to the main story of the game but from Gladio's and Cor's perspective. Last but not least, the music is great, it totally fits Gladio's personality and the dark dungeon setting, and the final boss theme is a masterpiece. On my first playthrough, it took me 2-hours to beat the first trial on Normal Mode. The length of the dungeon is perfect. After you complete the first trial, you unlock extras that will add 2 to 4-hours of extra gameplay (depending on your level of skill and chosen difficulty level), making a total of 4 to 6-hours of gameplay for Gladio's $5 DLC. If you do well, you will win prizes that will pass over to the main game. Beware, the optional super boss is very hard to defeat (which is a great thing), I suggest replaying Score Mode until you have mastered Gladio first. I hope Square Enix continues to add more DLC and updates to FFXV, it's a really good game.… Full Review »
  3. DusterGoalie
    Apr 4, 2017
    8
    Episode Gladiolus is worth checking out for its rugged action and blood-pumping music, though its plot points really should've been part ofEpisode Gladiolus is worth checking out for its rugged action and blood-pumping music, though its plot points really should've been part of Final Fantasy XV in the first place.… Full Review »
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