This review contains spoilers
TL;DR: a shot in the arm the series needed after how disappointing CS4 felt.
The writing has many interesting concepts, I'll go through my lasting impressions of each route:
- Lloyd's route - Same old, same old
By far the worst route in the game, Lloyd's route contains many of the tired tropes I've come to detest in this series. Not only is the crux of this story a tired concept (Oh no!! Crossbell got taken over AGAIN![AGAIN!!{AGAIN!!}]), the storyline of the SSS reevaluating their position in that nation isn't that interesting to me. Still, it has some hype moments and cool SSS interactions, so isn't all bad!
- Rean's route - The true End of SAGA
This route actually managed to deliver the satisfaction I felt was lacking in CS4. Rean finally concludes his character arc, there are some really good scenes in this route too (and also the best normal battle theme, Like a Whirlwind!)
- C's route - A sign of hope for the future
I keep thinking about how to put what I felt with this route on text, but I don't think I can make it justice - C's route is an achievement for the series. The way it makes you care and empathize so much with a new group of characters, this late in the arc, is nothing short of a miracle. It has a very clear tone and message, and it doesn't waste any time to deliver it too. I really hope this is a sign of how the writing of the series will be in the next games. The Picnic Squad is KINO!
- TRC Episodes: Almost all of them are FANTASTIC. It really reminded me of the sharp quality of Sky The 3rd's writing. My favorite episode is Ash's.
Speaking about the gameplay now, it feels like the ultimate Kiseki experience in a lot of ways - from the combat system (the new mechanic "Valiant Rage" is a really good addition to an already very robust arsenal) to the sheer amount of content itself (absurd variety of minigames / side content to experience).
It sets up the future of the series in interesting ways too, while not neglecting to give a satisfying conclusion to most of the plot threads brought up to this point. I'm really satisfied with my time playing this game!
Few lasting notes:
- The music is good!
- The post game is long!
- I want to play Kuro no Kiseki now!!
The writing has many interesting concepts, I'll go through my lasting impressions of each route:
- Lloyd's route - Same old, same old
By far the worst route in the game, Lloyd's route contains many of the tired tropes I've come to detest in this series. Not only is the crux of this story a tired concept (Oh no!! Crossbell got taken over AGAIN![AGAIN!!{AGAIN!!}]), the storyline of the SSS reevaluating their position in that nation isn't that interesting to me. Still, it has some hype moments and cool SSS interactions, so isn't all bad!
- Rean's route - The true End of SAGA
This route actually managed to deliver the satisfaction I felt was lacking in CS4. Rean finally concludes his character arc, there are some really good scenes in this route too (and also the best normal battle theme, Like a Whirlwind!)
- C's route - A sign of hope for the future
I keep thinking about how to put what I felt with this route on text, but I don't think I can make it justice - C's route is an achievement for the series. The way it makes you care and empathize so much with a new group of characters, this late in the arc, is nothing short of a miracle. It has a very clear tone and message, and it doesn't waste any time to deliver it too. I really hope this is a sign of how the writing of the series will be in the next games. The Picnic Squad is KINO!
- TRC Episodes: Almost all of them are FANTASTIC. It really reminded me of the sharp quality of Sky The 3rd's writing. My favorite episode is Ash's.
Speaking about the gameplay now, it feels like the ultimate Kiseki experience in a lot of ways - from the combat system (the new mechanic "Valiant Rage" is a really good addition to an already very robust arsenal) to the sheer amount of content itself (absurd variety of minigames / side content to experience).
It sets up the future of the series in interesting ways too, while not neglecting to give a satisfying conclusion to most of the plot threads brought up to this point. I'm really satisfied with my time playing this game!
Few lasting notes:
- The music is good!
- The post game is long!
- I want to play Kuro no Kiseki now!!