Overall a very solid PS2 JRPG and Tales of entry, yet I still feel it doesn't reach the kind of brilliance that would make it completely outstanding. The game feels like it drags on a bit, with you having to visit the same 5 locations every time you need to make the plot advance. I'd say the highlight is near the midway point, where Luke as a character really starts to shine. However, his character direction seemed a bit aimless nearing the finish line.

As I mentioned, it does start to get repetitive and along the same lines, whether it concerns themes or tone.

Certain story events like death of certain characters seem glossed over or with little to no reaction, and certain heinous actions like betrayal are easily forgiven and set aside. The party also doesn't take much accountability in apologizing to Luke.

I do appreciate its attempt to tell a more mature and darked themed story, surely beyond its commercial age rating: dealing with trauma, suicidal tendencies, and mass genocide.

I really liked Karma's accoustic version as a battle theme and wish we got to see more of it.

the fact that you need to replay the game for "the best ending" which is one/two additional very small scenes is pretty insane.
good story if you don't find it implausible that everything just conveniently fits neatly together. I really liked how it utilized the DS system in creative ways, but the interactive point and click system was a bit obtuse, and disappointing in how it enforces its checkpoints; i.e. you can't do things out of order otherwise the game won't recognize it most of the time.

the game has a clear ending and satisfying revelations but it somehow feels it lacks a conclusion.