Successful return to a more intimate and condensed narrative that explores its thematic core arguably better than any previous game in the series.
+ amazing character development for the protagonist finally establishing him as one of the greatest anywhere
+ steady stream of awesome cutscenes particularly in the second half
+ thorough look at the meaning of family/bonds from various perspectives
+ impressive showing for the new game engine making everything prettier and less divided
+ most aesthetically interesting setting yet (in the form of a small portside town)
+ at least three remarkable antagonists
+ comparatively well-planned writing with conspiracies that don't require too much suspension of disbelief
+ consistently atmospheric soundtrack delivering both sentimentality and hype
+ very entertaining (if a little out of the way) side quests
- complete absence of some of the most beloved characters
- iffy combat changes that make it look smooth (in part due to funny ragdoll physics) but feel clunky and much less responsive than previous entries