Slammed this start to finish in three days on normal, then immediately started a NG+ and got the true ending on hard mode. The extremely approachable Zeldaesque structure pairs perfectly with a combat system deep enough to rival any 2D game. Although the character progression doesn't operate in terms of levels and stats, it captures the RPG feeling of being able to choose between multiple builds to suit your playstyle or the needs of a particular fight.

The main thing that sticks in my craw a bit about this game is the timer system. I'm not going to say it's bad, because it certainly creates a strong emotional bond between you and the characters who are depending on your swift action to survive. But it does work at cross-purposes to the core search action loop of exploring every nook and cranny, which this game clearly encourages by hiding goodies everywhere. I ended my first playthrough much sooner than I really wanted to mostly because I didn't want all of my friends to die.

It's almost as though there are two different games here: the one in which you carefully balance time as a resource to keep your friends alive, and the one where you try to uncover everything. Fortunately the game allows you to disable the timers, and I think doing so makes the game different, not worse.