Our first real hands-on with Final Fantasy XV since the Platinum demo was on the show floor at Gamescom 2016.

The action starts with our four travel companions pushing their broken-down car down the road, jokingly conversing about the failed motor.

3 Familiar . . . car trouble? Try a chocobo Credit: SQUARE ENIX

After getting to the garage and a quick conversation with Cindy and Cid - the owners - Cindy provides us with a map and it’s time to get our first real feel for the gameplay.

The game prompts to have a look into the menu system and check out the map and what’s about to explore. The map can be used to locate outposts and points of interest.

Heading to the nearby diner, we are introduced to our first tipster who supplies us with all the juicy knowledge of what’s nearby.

3 All action . . . game features the usual mix of magic and more martial arts Credit: SQUARE ENIX

Points of Interest and hunts are on offer. Hunts are dangerous monsters which need to be eliminated for Gil and loot and the more hunts you complete, the most challenging ones are made available.

Cindy then offers up a quest to eliminate some pesky critters that have been bothering them for a while in exchange for a discount on the car repairs.

We’re also rewarded with our first Action Points that are exchanged on the Astralsphere to boost your character's abilities.

The Astralsphere is reminiscent of the Sphere Grid from Final Fantasy X and details the potential development paths on offer.

The targets are only a stone's throw away and it’s time to head into combat. The combat is fast paced and adrenaline filled. It’s all about combos and stringing together your best offence possible.

Running around the open world gives a real feel of scale and looks glorious. The views are incredible and while the area we’re adventuring is a little barren, the world still feels alive.

The character designs are interesting and everyone looks photorealistic.

3 Moody . . . game's visual design really shines in some cut scenes Credit: SQUARE ENIX

While bombing around, we meet a travelling weapons dealer and pick up some upgrades with some of the Gil acquired. While equipping the new gear it’s time for a little costume change.

While only three changes are in the menu, it looks like more can be unlocked as you progress through the game.

While our time with the game was short and we only saw a small amount of what’s going to be on offer, Final Fantasy XV is really feeling like it’s coming together as a really exciting project.

The delay might mean we’ve got to wait a little longer but everything is pointing to this being something truly great.

Final Fantasy XV releases 29th November on PS4 and Xbox One for £44.99