to start out. I wanna say that I've played this after the combat update was released. Thus, I'll be discussing the combat as it is, rather then comparing it.

for a game on mobile, It works. gameplay and controls have been simplified to be played on a small touch screen. and at times, I've even had fun with it. Even more then other mobile games with similar combat systems.

as for microtransactions. its there. and sometimes literally in your face, with letting you know that there suspiciously
discounted 299$ to 99$ bundles are on sale. however. I've found that you could still beat the game's main "story" if you just grind a lot and upgrade the few characters you get from the start. didn't spend anything until much later after the story

My main issue is with the lack of content the game offers. rather then the gameplay itself. cause after beating the story. you're left with a shit ton of side mission that offer very little gameplay, and reward you with so little. and the ones that do, have to make you upgrade your characters to be even able to complete them. Which can be very slow if you don't spend real world money. and if you do. the side missions get instantly get more harder. Making it this complete cycle of having to always upgrade your characters, just to be able to play the game.

the only reason I'm still playing this game. is just the hopes that it'll get better one day. but right now as it is. its just a very grindy action game that offers very little for you to even have fun.