AMBITIOUS. RGG had a full vision for this video game. In a lot of ways, I saw it. Unfortunately, there are too many key mechanics and moments that obscure the experience from being truly great.
The plot is very likely the best one I've played so far. It sits right next to 0. The overarching story is incredible, and the way it comes together in the last couple chapters of Kiryu and the Finale are just breathtaking. The emotional highs surrounding the main female lead are executed perfectly. I have next to no notes, and the ending (and end credits scene!) have me extremely excited for what is to come.
Combat in this game is actually quite fun - or at least it's quite fun when the enemies aren't chain grabbing you like you're stuck in the melee marth match from hell. But each character has a really fun moveset that feels unique. I wish each character had more time to build up their skill tree without binging substories, but I get why it's this way. I also think that each character should be switchable once each is unlocked, but I understand why that wouldn't work with this narrative.
The game falters in most other departments, to be frank. The substory design is okay, but turns poor without a guide to show where everything is. The 0/Kiwami/Kiwami 2 Substory Tracker has fixed this issue since, but everything should be marked.
Quality of Life in this game is pretty abysmal. Additionally, everything is slow, whether it be combat transitions or just menuing. Speaking of, this system of enemies finding your character in the streets that continued from 3 is absolutely reprehensible.
Overall, I can't hate this game because of its story. However, this game desperately needs a Kiwami with changes that fix it. With it, this could be a masterpiece of video game storytelling.
The plot is very likely the best one I've played so far. It sits right next to 0. The overarching story is incredible, and the way it comes together in the last couple chapters of Kiryu and the Finale are just breathtaking. The emotional highs surrounding the main female lead are executed perfectly. I have next to no notes, and the ending (and end credits scene!) have me extremely excited for what is to come.
Combat in this game is actually quite fun - or at least it's quite fun when the enemies aren't chain grabbing you like you're stuck in the melee marth match from hell. But each character has a really fun moveset that feels unique. I wish each character had more time to build up their skill tree without binging substories, but I get why it's this way. I also think that each character should be switchable once each is unlocked, but I understand why that wouldn't work with this narrative.
The game falters in most other departments, to be frank. The substory design is okay, but turns poor without a guide to show where everything is. The 0/Kiwami/Kiwami 2 Substory Tracker has fixed this issue since, but everything should be marked.
Quality of Life in this game is pretty abysmal. Additionally, everything is slow, whether it be combat transitions or just menuing. Speaking of, this system of enemies finding your character in the streets that continued from 3 is absolutely reprehensible.
Overall, I can't hate this game because of its story. However, this game desperately needs a Kiwami with changes that fix it. With it, this could be a masterpiece of video game storytelling.