for its simplicity, the gameplay was very engrossing, until I got into the autism-driven grinding phase which soured me a good deal due to the 5-10 combos that have semi-bullshit rationale. similarly annoying, for similar meaningless reasons, is how 100% steam completion (ask me about other things that matter) is locked behind dlc that basically just forces you to replay the game again with a few scattered changes (possible philosophical justification taken note of).

goo aesthetic remains cute and disgusting. was a fan of the ending sequence; wish more dialogue like that was featured in the main game.

tons of memorable moments. dragged down by general jrpg fare like unavoidable random encounters that plague you for the majority of the game with next to no respite till late. similarly weakened by a couple of the plot-minimal characters who still compel you to grind them to a usable level, which tends to over grind the characters you care about and make the endgame content a cinch. battle mechanics are fun at first but many get outclassed (although i never tired of trying to suplex a new enemy). fun time with a glut of lethargic gameplay.