Final Fantasy XV showcases the advancements in technology through its visual splendor and the digitally animated pseudo-prequel movie, Kingsglaive, which helps bring the world to life. While the main story is compressed into around 20 to 25 hours, the numerous side quests can feel like MMO filler rather than traditional Final Fantasy linear storylines. However, these side quests are essential for leveling up and adding depth to the world, balancing the monotony of the combat system.

Eos is a beautiful world to travel and explore. Starting out on the outskirts, outside major cities, you get little explanation of the world initially. Watching the movie Kingsglaive before playing the game is recommended to get an introduction to the world. As you explore Eos, you will spend a lot of time in your car, the Regalia. While it sticks only to roads, you can rent chocobos for quicker off-road travel. These chocobos can also be customized. While in the car, you can have Ignis drive you to specific points automatically or take manual control of the wheel yourself. You can play various music tracks from other Final Fantasy games, adding a nostalgic touch to the sometimes 10-minute road trips.

One of the main focuses of the story is the brotherhood of the four characters in your party. While Noctis is the main character, the narrative delves deeply into their connections. Several instances, such as conversations in the car or cutscene interactions, emphasize this bond. Primarily, you will be using the four main characters throughout your adventure, with temporary gains or losses of one character at points. This dynamic brings depth and emotional weight to the game, reminiscent of a close-knit team like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

The combat system is a significant departure from previous entries. For the most part, you control Noctis, but there are times you can use skills that interact with the other members, or you may have to heal them with a potion from your control menu. The combat system is now fully active, although there is an option to switch to wait mode, which seems counterintuitive. With this change, there is no waiting for a character turn to act; you are in real-time combat with buttons for blocking, dodging, attacking, and parrying. The d-pad allows you to switch between four different weapons and/or magic spells. Magic is created by absorbing elemental node locations and then crafting, which seems like an afterthought of the Final Fantasy VIII draw system. Summons are also a spectacle—they are overpowered but not something to be dependent on, and they might not be available when you want them, but they are a beauty to behold.

A big part of the combat system is the warp strike. If you have watched Kingsglaive, you probably have an idea of how this works, but the game takes it further. There are scenarios in the game where you must sneak around a base, and warp strike becomes warp kill, allowing you to warp behind an enemy and take them down silently. Warp points also serve a combat purpose for regenerating HP and MP, and they have out-of-combat uses such as sneaking around a base, making it more than just a combat mechanic but a real part of the world. I recommend using the in-game tutorial for more information on using warp in the game.

Overall, Final Fantasy XV Windows Edition is a visually stunning game with a compelling story of brotherhood, a significant departure in combat style, and a world enriched by its tie-in movie. It offers a unique, engaging experience, even if it diverges from some traditional Final Fantasy elements.