I really enjoyed this DLC, as it's not often we get a solid perspective and upbringing of a villian. It answers alot of questions as Final Fantasy XV in my opinion didn't give alot of back story onto Ardyns beliefs, motives and understandings, he seemed like a pompous teasing know-it all with coffee filters for arm sleeves (but he still looks pretty so).

Ardyn already was one of my favroite villains due to his consistent ability to remain level headed, charming yet obviously conniving and sinister. Seeing his upbringing knowing he was originally good, having the ability to heal others before he was tainted was a really good connection point for sympathy towards his charchter and It didn't feel cringe or forceful as that trope often does. The pace for only being a DLC was better then I thought, the progression of his personality and motives slowly changing really felt right on track.

However I bealive this goes for all of the "Episode" DLCs as they really rounded out the characters letting the player feel much more emersed within the personalitie allowing individual connection to each of them espcically with the party companions it was nice to see their purpose, ideals and motvies outside of Noctis.

There isnt much I can say about the mechanics as Ardyns abilities mirrored Noctis's in quite similar ways just instead of warping you can daemonify wich kills off vunerable enimes and it's useful and super cool when utilizing it in certian combos. I think being able to have diffrent hats was kinda dorky but in a cute charming way as whenever you sprint you hold onto the fedora wich was a cute thing to see.

I think with like all of the DLCs it actually made me want to replay certian chapters within the game I could have a better understanding of the charchters motives and personalities. I think a big tip I'd give to new players of FFXV is DONT play the DLCs after your play through, play DURING the game as they all take place within the story and you'll know when to play each one as the charchter will "leave" for a bit. (However I think you should play Ardyns after) The DLCs espcically this one are great editions to the games already rich story line and seriously make the game feel so much more fulfilling.