I played this when it was first released for the PS3. I was pretty hyped for the game, but I ended up disappointed by it in the end. After many years later, I decided to do a replay of the game with the 4k version to see if I would have a more positive opinion to it. At the end of this playthrough, my thoughts are mostly the same from what I remembered, but I did appreciate the main trio more.
The story is probably the weakest part of the game for me. For many of the early chapters, the trio are tasked with random jobs. Most of it aren't particular relevant to the main story. While these jobs are comedic at times, they do very little to hook me into the main story. Much of the main story is hinted with some short cryptic scenes scattered throughout the chapters, but provide little context. It isn't until the final third of the game or so is when what little semblance of a story finally gets to manifest. But by then, the story reaches the end with me feeling wanting much more.
Ironically, the only parts of the story I enjoyed are the random odd jobs the characters get which aren't directly important to the story due to the comedic value they present.
The characters are a mixed bag for me. Outside of the main trio, the other story characters don't leave much of an impact. And while the main trio does get some character development, it feels either rushed or unfinished by the end. At least they are very entertaining and have great chemistry between each other.
The combat system is pretty unique and does seem overwhelming at first. The (optional) tutorial at the beginning does take a while to go through as there are many mechanics to it, but it won't take long after to get used to it. Despite how it may seem, it reminds me a lot of tactical RPGs. Standing completely still essentially stops every enemy in their tracks. Positioning and timing is key. Overall, it is pretty fun, but some fights can get dragged out due to the shields that some enemies have.
Dungeons are a pain to deal with. You walk slowly through them because you're in a permanent battle state even when no enemies are in the room. It's also annoying how you can change your equipment loadout while in the dungeons.
Overall, the game has some interesting ideas and the combat is fun most of the time. The weak and poorly told story really hurts my experience. I do wish for a sequel that improves on the mechanics though.
The story is probably the weakest part of the game for me. For many of the early chapters, the trio are tasked with random jobs. Most of it aren't particular relevant to the main story. While these jobs are comedic at times, they do very little to hook me into the main story. Much of the main story is hinted with some short cryptic scenes scattered throughout the chapters, but provide little context. It isn't until the final third of the game or so is when what little semblance of a story finally gets to manifest. But by then, the story reaches the end with me feeling wanting much more.
Ironically, the only parts of the story I enjoyed are the random odd jobs the characters get which aren't directly important to the story due to the comedic value they present.
The characters are a mixed bag for me. Outside of the main trio, the other story characters don't leave much of an impact. And while the main trio does get some character development, it feels either rushed or unfinished by the end. At least they are very entertaining and have great chemistry between each other.
The combat system is pretty unique and does seem overwhelming at first. The (optional) tutorial at the beginning does take a while to go through as there are many mechanics to it, but it won't take long after to get used to it. Despite how it may seem, it reminds me a lot of tactical RPGs. Standing completely still essentially stops every enemy in their tracks. Positioning and timing is key. Overall, it is pretty fun, but some fights can get dragged out due to the shields that some enemies have.
Dungeons are a pain to deal with. You walk slowly through them because you're in a permanent battle state even when no enemies are in the room. It's also annoying how you can change your equipment loadout while in the dungeons.
Overall, the game has some interesting ideas and the combat is fun most of the time. The weak and poorly told story really hurts my experience. I do wish for a sequel that improves on the mechanics though.