Really, really disappointed by this one. What started out as a fun romp reminiscent of Ghibli's classic films in it's presentation, honesty and heart slowly devolves into a chore of a game where very little happens and what does happen is never really of note. It's shockingly similar to the Dragon Quest series to the point of feeling like a knockoff, pulling the series' signature wit, charm, and rich world and only to muster up something that pales in comparison. A game like this, something that pulls the beauty and heart of Ghibli's work and the charming wit and tight writing of a Dragon Quest title, is something I could truly see myself loving, and that's why I'm hesitant to abandon it altogether, but what's come out of this blend feels far, far lesser than the sum of its parts. If you want what this game sells, any Ghibli movie or Dragon Quest game will give you a far fuller experience.

It is beautiful, though! The way this very recognizable style translates into 3D feels almost seamless at points, and the hand-animated cutscenes are all a delight to watch. That's the best part of the game by far, but sadly gets buried under everything else it clearly lacks in.