What about it appealed me? Something like what Alisha said, but in reverse. I LOVE having playable female characters. All female character parties are awesome! I loved FFX-2.
So I actually waited awhile to start FFXV because I didn't really have motivation to start. From the time it switched from VsXIII to XV, I had low expectations. I had heard all the jokes about bromance road trips and boys' club whatever-ever, and how Lunafreya was a non-entity. So ... perhaps the low bar I had set in my mind is a big part of what made me enjoy it.
But honestly ... I really *did* like Noctis' friends. Noctis himself ... meh. But I quickly came to appreciate each of the other guys for who they were. Keep in mind, I went into this game like ... a month ago. So I had all expanded content and DLC.
Gameplay: I loved the combat. I loved all the side quests. I loved the world itself. I loved driving and listening to classic FF tunes. I loved that crazy bonus dungeon "Pitioss" -- puzzle platforming insanity.
I cried during the events of Ch. 9. I *didn't need* to know what fueled the romance between Noctis and Luna. I've seen enough media. They give you enough to get the point. Playing that dual role of fiancee and world-healer Oracle, that was interesting. Feel free to call her one-sided, but her strength and resolve explains itself. I loved the idea that while I played my part, there was someone else playing their part across an ocean.
Ardyn is a weak villain. Prompto's "reveal" could have been handled better. But I still loved the ending.
And finally ... Cosmogony. Giving *specific* story roles to those six traditional FF Eidolons/summons was fantastic. They've never been so large, looming, and daunting before IMO. They also haven't had this much personality (to my knowledge) since FFVI.
I will say ... having gotten all available trophies ... the "Comrades" multiplayer is not fun.
