pretty cool and weird, but occasionally frustrating and awkward. not my favourite trash-action experience, but pretty darn compelling nonetheless. real heads will get something out of this one.

- much though it pains me to say it: the game would be better without tank controls.
- don't play on hardware. there's too much time-wasting bullshit in the form of unskippable cutscenes and poorly placed save points.
- the menus take way too long to navigate because of excessive fade-in fade-out animations, but i do really like the main one on the world map, even tho it is profoundly stupid.
- the writing is some nonsense, and the plot itself is neither clear nor compelling. it's not egregious by atlus standards, but it does kinda feel like eating a large bowl of unseasoned rice.
- the action is actually pretty good. it's simple, but supported well by the level design (nothing flashy, but commendably aware of the game's verbs in a way that similar games often aren't), the number of different (playable) characters and enemies, and intensely good hitstop.
- even if you know you're never going to play this, i highly recommend watching a vid of the final level cos it looks incredible.

i'm glad i played this one. i don't think it reaches the lofty heights of a true trash-action gem, but it was worth my time.