Overall, a step up from both predecessors.
Rean as a teacher fits his character much more. Before, he was a bland, boring Light Novel Protagonist #513412; now, his almost annoying "nice guy" attitude that takes on too much himself makes sense, as a person responsible for his own class of students. The smaller main cast also helps to flesh out the chemistry between the newcomers, especially compared to old Class VII cast. The balance is almost as good as the S.S.S., which is probably the golden standard when it comes to party chemistry in JRPGs.
The combat is perhaps even less balanced, but weirdly more satisfying. The new break system and seamless battle transitions make the combat a breeze, especially compared to the first two Cold Steel games, which was becoming almost unbearable by the end of the overlong epilogue(s) of CS2. Crafts are still overpowered--even with nerfs to the CP consumption--but they have always been the best way to increase the tempo of the combat in the series anyway.
The world-building still shines--for the most part. The small details they lay out are still great to discover, and with the largest cast of returning characters thus far, it's an absolute treat to see (slightly) grown-up versions of the characters from previous games doing (slightly) grown-up things. However, the series staple of frustrating storytelling tendencies continues at full throttle, cockteasing twists and reveals for 80 hours of playtime to the point it's honestly now just exhausting.
Then there are villains. CS4 exists so I can't really comment much here, but what is revealed here is disappointing. The supposed goal of Osbourne as revealed here (unless they pull the rug underneath again in CS4) is far too bland, especially compared to the meticulous world-building the series has constructed thus far. No villain is really "likable," or even "admirable," and they are written as if the writers were trying to annoy the players as much as possible, without much substance. I don't really want to know about these villains anymore, I just want them gone at this point.
Also fuck that ending. Fuck you, Falcom.
Rean as a teacher fits his character much more. Before, he was a bland, boring Light Novel Protagonist #513412; now, his almost annoying "nice guy" attitude that takes on too much himself makes sense, as a person responsible for his own class of students. The smaller main cast also helps to flesh out the chemistry between the newcomers, especially compared to old Class VII cast. The balance is almost as good as the S.S.S., which is probably the golden standard when it comes to party chemistry in JRPGs.
The combat is perhaps even less balanced, but weirdly more satisfying. The new break system and seamless battle transitions make the combat a breeze, especially compared to the first two Cold Steel games, which was becoming almost unbearable by the end of the overlong epilogue(s) of CS2. Crafts are still overpowered--even with nerfs to the CP consumption--but they have always been the best way to increase the tempo of the combat in the series anyway.
The world-building still shines--for the most part. The small details they lay out are still great to discover, and with the largest cast of returning characters thus far, it's an absolute treat to see (slightly) grown-up versions of the characters from previous games doing (slightly) grown-up things. However, the series staple of frustrating storytelling tendencies continues at full throttle, cockteasing twists and reveals for 80 hours of playtime to the point it's honestly now just exhausting.
Then there are villains. CS4 exists so I can't really comment much here, but what is revealed here is disappointing. The supposed goal of Osbourne as revealed here (unless they pull the rug underneath again in CS4) is far too bland, especially compared to the meticulous world-building the series has constructed thus far. No villain is really "likable," or even "admirable," and they are written as if the writers were trying to annoy the players as much as possible, without much substance. I don't really want to know about these villains anymore, I just want them gone at this point.
Also fuck that ending. Fuck you, Falcom.