This was my introduction to the franchise, which I've gathered may not have been the best choice, but here we are.
If this actually is the worst game in the series, I'm excited to keep going, since this was by no means terrible. But it was definitely a slog to get through at times.
Difficulty levels for fights are absolutely fucked. Random encounters are far too easy and forgettable, while the boss fights can be throw-your-controller-at-the-wall levels of frustrating. I'm not a huge fighting game guy so I can't fully articulate why, but the combat was simply...not very fun. Felt bad.
Leveling up, unlocking abilities and your inventory are also just not good. Poorly designed, poorly explained.
The characters and the world definitely have their charms, but their characterization is too shallow and their motivations and decision making at times just didn't make sense.
Ultimately, a charming game that keeps a brisk enough pace and changes setting enough to keep you from thinking too much about what a mediocre time it is.