Does Prompto Burn His Wrist or Give Up? Exploring a Key Choice in Final Fantasy XV
In Final Fantasy XV, there’s a pivotal moment involving Prompto Argentum where the player faces a difficult choice: to burn his wrist or not. The answer is that the player can choose either option. The outcome depends entirely on the player’s decision. If you choose to burn his wrist, he will burn his wrist. If you opt not to, Prompto throws the stick on the ground, questioning his own thought process. Aranea Highwind will arrive at the camp regardless of your decision. This choice, while seemingly small, has implications for Prompto’s character development and the narrative flow.
Understanding the Significance of the Choice
This moment highlights Prompto’s internal struggle with his identity. Having discovered his origins as a clone intended for Niflheim’s Magitek army, he grapples with feelings of worthlessness and a fear of being rejected by his friends. The decision to burn his wrist, a painful and desperate act, reflects his attempt to prove his loyalty and commitment to Noctis and the group. Choosing to forego the burning, on the other hand, acknowledges the inherent value in himself, regardless of his origins. It displays that he chooses to fight for a sense of normalcy.
The scene plays on the player’s emotions, forcing a consideration of Prompto’s mental state. It’s a powerful example of how video games can explore complex themes like identity, self-worth, and the bonds of friendship. It also underscores the importance of player agency in shaping the narrative experience. This scene allows the player to make a decision that is true to Prompto’s character, making the player reflect on the meaning of this specific moment.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Prompto in Final Fantasy XV
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Prompto Argentum, covering various aspects of his character, backstory, and role in Final Fantasy XV:
1. Is Prompto in love with Noctis?
While the game does not canonically portray a romantic relationship between Prompto and Noctis, their friendship is undeniably strong and meaningful. Some fans interpret Prompto’s deep attachment to Noctis as a one-sided romantic affection, but this remains a matter of interpretation. In contrast, Noctis has a fiancee, Lunafreya, solidifying the game’s depiction of love for Noctis.
2. Who is Prompto a clone of?
Prompto is revealed to be a clone of Verstael Besithia, Niflheim’s chief scientist. He was stolen as a baby by Lucian spies and raised in Insomnia. This revelation is central to Prompto’s character arc and his struggle with his identity.
3. Are Prompto, Ignis, and Gladio dead at the end of the game?
No, Gladiolus, Ignis, and Prompto survive the events of Final Fantasy XV. While they stay behind to fight off hordes of daemons while Noctis confronts Ardyn, they are confirmed to be alive by the game’s director, Hajime Tabata.
4. What happens if you choose to burn Prompto’s wrist?
If you choose to burn Prompto’s wrist, he will proceed with the action. This act demonstrates his willingness to endure pain and sacrifice for the sake of his friends and his loyalty to Noctis.
5. Is Prompto a Magitek?
Prompto is not strictly a Magitek, but he is a clone created using Magitek technology. He was intended to be a test subject for Niflheim’s experiments in creating Magitek infantry. His genetic material is based on Verstael Besithia.
6. Is Prompto depressed?
Prompto often displays signs of sadness and internal conflict, which could be interpreted as depression. His discovery of his origins and his feelings of inadequacy contribute to his emotional struggles.
7. Why is Prompto a robot?
Prompto isn’t a robot, but he was artificially created. Prompto was created from the genes of Verstael Besithia, with the intention of having Prompto be used as a test subject for the empire’s magitek experiments.
8. Does Prompto have a crush on Cindy?
Yes, Prompto has a noticeable crush on Cindy Aurum. He asks Noctis for help in taking pictures of her and expresses his intention to propose to her after their journey is over.
9. Is Noctis depressed?
Noctis exhibits several symptoms of depression, including low energy, a subdued demeanor, and a tendency to sleep in. These traits are likely a result of the heavy burden placed upon him as the Chosen King.
10. What does Prompto smell like?
According to promotional materials and fan interpretations, Prompto’s scent is described as a citrusy and floral fragrance, often characterized as soft and gentle.
11. Is Prompto still alive at the end of Final Fantasy XV?
Yes, Prompto survives the final battle against Ardyn and honors his promise to Noctis, remaining alive along with Gladiolus and Ignis.
12. Is Prompto older than Noctis?
No, Prompto and Noctis are the same age. In the game, both are 20 years old, while Ignis is 22 and Gladiolus is 23.
13. Why did Prompto lose weight?
Prompto was overweight as a child and motivated to lose weight after an encounter with Noctis. He began jogging, dieting, and tracking his progress through photos to improve his appearance and self-esteem.
14. Did Prompto use to be fat?
Yes, Prompto was overweight as a child. This is depicted in Brotherhood: Final Fantasy XV, where he is shown as a lone, overweight boy before meeting Noctis.
15. How tall is Prompto in Final Fantasy XV?
Prompto’s height is officially listed as 173 cm, which is approximately 5 feet 8 inches.
The Broader Impact of Character Development
The depth of character development in Final Fantasy XV, particularly concerning Prompto, enhances the overall gaming experience. Players are invited to engage with the characters on an emotional level, making their decisions feel more meaningful. The exploration of themes like identity, friendship, and sacrifice resonates with players, contributing to the game’s lasting appeal. The inclusion of player choices, even seemingly minor ones like the wrist-burning decision, adds to the replayability and encourages players to consider different perspectives. The exploration of these themes helps to engage more of the player’s emotions, making the game last longer in the player’s memory. The rich world of Final Fantasy XV and its engaging narrative serve as a powerful example of how video games can be used for entertainment and exploration of complex human themes. Organizations such as the Games Learning Society are dedicated to researching the learning aspects of gaming and the use of games in educational settings. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
Whether Prompto burns his wrist or chooses to abstain is a choice that reflects the player’s understanding of his character and the themes of Final Fantasy XV. Regardless of the decision, the moment serves as a testament to the game’s ability to engage players on an emotional level and explore the complexities of identity and friendship. The rich characters, compelling narrative, and meaningful choices make Final Fantasy XV a memorable experience. This one moment can shape the player’s idea of Prompto as a character, as well as shape the player’s idea of the story itself.