I guess I was wrong. I did'nt expect it to be as disappointing as it is. It's not a bad game and the open world part is still decent. But they had the perfect means and ideas to tell an actual story despite being open world and they failed.
Urgency is always a problem in open worlds, but XV had the means to avoid that. It could have been an easy going travel story. Hang out with your buds, establish the personalties of the characters and the quirks of the world. Instead it chose to quickly reveal the Insomnia invasion. Which really should have happen until mid game. Though, even if you weren't going to be there for it, the game really should have started there. Where we see a little of the world, are introduced to the supporting cast, actually get a feel for Regis, and see Noctis as the unenthused prince he should be at the beginning. But find we did'nt and fine we meet the strange lack or urgency in spite of the revelation. Still, after that it would have been fine to bum around as you still have to follow and find Luna and interact with some of the Summons. Maybe actually have mini episodes with some of the villains.
And then after this we could have switched to the more linear part of the 2nd half. Still though, the stay in Altissa should have been longer as to not make it feel pointless. Maybe explore around and about the the area. Actually interact with Ravus and hell Luna. Actually develop these two important characters and give some actual meaning. Get an actual feel and see what the Empire is up to here.
Then traveling to the other areas by train could have happen, but it shouldn't have felt so rushed. You should have had some mini episodes in the areas. Make them small little Regions unto themselves. Have Cor actually show up and be a character. have Vestal be up to some strange experiments at that place where you get the Katana. Have actual story and worldbuilding, just not rush to the ending.