just to get the positives out of the way: the graphics are beautiful, combat is decent, and the general gameplay is definitely a step up for the series.

that aside, the game feels like it's lost a lot of the charm of previous tales games (where are the funny skits? why don't i feel invested in literally any of the characters? and who is this gourdeno guy and what did he do to the wonder chef???), there were some truly, truly questionable writing choices, the plot alternated between putting me to sleep and making me go "hey didn't this already happen in symphonia", vholran feels like an off-brand sephiroth and not even in a fun way, and the game can't seem to decide whether he's the main villain or not...honestly i could go on but tldr the plot and characters fell extremely, extremely flat for me. which is both disappointing and unexpected since i've always considered the characters to be one of the strongest points of this series.

anyway hit that like button if you miss magilou with your entire heart and soul