On the upside, the combat system, while somewhat repetitive, manages to deliver a good deal of fun. The diverse playstyles among the characters add a layer of variety, significantly affecting your overall gameplay, which is a definite plus. Exploring the open world is enjoyable, with plenty of exciting discoveries waiting to be made. The equipment upgrading system is also a highlight, making logical sense and enhancing the gaming experience. Furthermore, the multiplayer aspect shines, making the game considerably more enjoyable when played with friends.
Now, onto the drawbacks. The story is decidedly lackluster and forgettable. While I appreciate dialogue-heavy games and am more than willing to dive into a narrative, this game's dialogue fails to engage me. Despite my penchant for 100-hour-long JRPGs, the storytelling here just doesn't capture my interest. The random loot system, while it has its moments, ultimately detracts from the game. The chasm in effectiveness between good and bad equipment is too vast, making luck and grinding the determining factors. My most significant gripe, however, lies in the open world and collectibles, many of which seem utterly pointless. It's fine to have items that aren't meta-defining, but the game is inundated with items that serve little purpose and only contribute to filler content.
In conclusion, I'd recommend this game primarily if you have friends to join you on your journey. My initial solo playthrough left me underwhelmed, but when I ventured through the game a second time with a friend, the experience improved drastically. It's a decent game with friends but painfully average otherwise.
Now, onto the drawbacks. The story is decidedly lackluster and forgettable. While I appreciate dialogue-heavy games and am more than willing to dive into a narrative, this game's dialogue fails to engage me. Despite my penchant for 100-hour-long JRPGs, the storytelling here just doesn't capture my interest. The random loot system, while it has its moments, ultimately detracts from the game. The chasm in effectiveness between good and bad equipment is too vast, making luck and grinding the determining factors. My most significant gripe, however, lies in the open world and collectibles, many of which seem utterly pointless. It's fine to have items that aren't meta-defining, but the game is inundated with items that serve little purpose and only contribute to filler content.
In conclusion, I'd recommend this game primarily if you have friends to join you on your journey. My initial solo playthrough left me underwhelmed, but when I ventured through the game a second time with a friend, the experience improved drastically. It's a decent game with friends but painfully average otherwise.