for combat and exploration, it's near perfect. IF they add some more dungeons and expand the story in a DLC (or dark arisen version) then it would be incredible. I think the last 10 or so hours and the ending before the "true ending" falls a bit flat. The true ending is great. That being said, your first 30 hours of purely wandering around and fighting enemies is magical.

truly one of the best multiplayer experiences on the box 360 marketplace

Ichiban is one of the most likable protagonists of all time. the general pacing of the game gets a little weird after chapter 10 or so. the gameplay is much better than 7s. I'd personally say the story and substories are about on par. The mini games are slightly better in 7.