Everything here is a major step up from the previous games.
The Plot actually being well-paced despite this being a setup game came as a surprise to me.
It can be cheesy sometimes but it's damn entertaining to go on with it and I think the primary reason for that is the SSS. They have got one of the best cast dynamics in any JRPG. The way they grow on you as each chapter goes on and then you realize just how much you have started caring about them, it's just impressive they finally managed to do this. Lloyd might not be complex or too well-written, but he has an interesting personality and is flowing with charm, Barrierman for a reason.
The gameplay is a significant improvement as well. The Support party members were a much-needed system in the game since bringing some members and missing others' dialogues was frustrating. The Combo crafts are much better here as well, though I didn't like how the other party members' Combo crafts were locked behind side quests. A missed opportunity that would have made for some nice character arcs rather than "Oh this ancient book has similar styles to you two, guess we learned a Combo together".
The Music is soooo Good, it has never been better up until now in this franchise, I could go on listening to these tracks forever.
Lastly, the Setting is the best here. While Liberl was a kingdom with a comfy and homely vibe, Crossbell is a big City filled with Politics and Corruption. And it works with its character struggles and its themes. I can't wait to see how much Azure focuses on those.
However I have some problems with this game, those being the antagonists being very bland and boring, with the final antagonist being very laughable and disappointing. I have heard while being somewhat better they don't really improve much in Azure either, so that's concerning.
Other than this a minor nitpick is not being able to do bonding events for all characters, it isn't even Persona where I'm dating a character, they feel necessary character arcs are only being able to one was such a missed opportunity.
This Game is what I wanted Sky FC to be. Everything from the Plot to its characters is so much entertaining and well done. I cant wait to play Azure and get on another journey with SSS.
The Plot actually being well-paced despite this being a setup game came as a surprise to me.
It can be cheesy sometimes but it's damn entertaining to go on with it and I think the primary reason for that is the SSS. They have got one of the best cast dynamics in any JRPG. The way they grow on you as each chapter goes on and then you realize just how much you have started caring about them, it's just impressive they finally managed to do this. Lloyd might not be complex or too well-written, but he has an interesting personality and is flowing with charm, Barrierman for a reason.
The gameplay is a significant improvement as well. The Support party members were a much-needed system in the game since bringing some members and missing others' dialogues was frustrating. The Combo crafts are much better here as well, though I didn't like how the other party members' Combo crafts were locked behind side quests. A missed opportunity that would have made for some nice character arcs rather than "Oh this ancient book has similar styles to you two, guess we learned a Combo together".
The Music is soooo Good, it has never been better up until now in this franchise, I could go on listening to these tracks forever.
Lastly, the Setting is the best here. While Liberl was a kingdom with a comfy and homely vibe, Crossbell is a big City filled with Politics and Corruption. And it works with its character struggles and its themes. I can't wait to see how much Azure focuses on those.
However I have some problems with this game, those being the antagonists being very bland and boring, with the final antagonist being very laughable and disappointing. I have heard while being somewhat better they don't really improve much in Azure either, so that's concerning.
Other than this a minor nitpick is not being able to do bonding events for all characters, it isn't even Persona where I'm dating a character, they feel necessary character arcs are only being able to one was such a missed opportunity.
This Game is what I wanted Sky FC to be. Everything from the Plot to its characters is so much entertaining and well done. I cant wait to play Azure and get on another journey with SSS.