Incredible combat surrounded by a mostly standard anime-esqe world that gets by thanks to likable characters and an engaging, tense first half. It's a testament to how snappy, fluid, and responsive these controls are that I never felt bored fighting the enemies in the game, and the sheer amount of freedom you are given to dispatch these things makes each encounter memorable and distinct. Some really quality bosses in this as well, particularly the final.

Shame the story is a bit of a letdown once you get down to it. The second half is bogged down by heavy exposition due to the dual narratives needing to crossover and explain both ends of the story, and what the final threat ends up being doesn't feel properly built up to. Still, I can't say the emotional beats didn't entirely work as I still felt moved and I like the bittersweet, soulful tone of the final segment. Good game, if flawed.