I haven’t played this since launch - the Royal edition is a huge improvement. I liked it a lot more than I remember! It’s still a huge mess and the story is so awkwardly constructed, but the main 4 guys make any redeeming quality of the narrative work. Combat is a million times better being able to switch characters, the ending chapters are more interesting, and the general pacing feels better.
I love so much about this game despite it being horribly unpolished in a lot of areas. It’s clear they had to salvage this from VersusXIII’s remains, but it’s a miracle anything tangible rose from those ashes. The story on paper is awesome, but is so awkwardly told that it’s hard to follow in the moment. It’s a cool entry, but it’s an above average one to me. Despite that, the main cast is some of the best the series has to offer and I love the hang-out nature of the game. I def get why this game would mean so much to people though. It’s overflowing with sentimentality and love, especially due to the main cast’s dynamic. Really cool game. Was wild going back to this after XVI.

cool little story. also yes, you can still see the whole story after the eshop closure:

- download game and DLC
- play as normal
- buy the game
- if you get the successful purchase animation, continue
- if you get an error that game is no longer available, move on. you won't miss out on any dialogue
- go to home and try to open game
- if you had a successful purchase, you should be able to play as normal
- if you get some form of error: quit game and reinstall the DLC. it will work again when you boot it up

also works with the non-story games. keep haggling and don't just buy the games at full price just because you won't be spending money anymore.