There are many things to say about ToS, but it's truly difficult to put it all into a digestible format...

I first played this game back in 2015 (I was about 20 at the time), which is quite a time after it originally came out, so believe me, my feelings about it aren't due to nostalgia!

Now, it's definitely not perfect. The gameplay can be jank, and the graphics are dated, but it makes up for this with a great story, and very lovable characters!

Despite the flaws, I actually adore the gameplay. It's just the perfect "this came out on the gamecube" style that you really can't find anymore. I don't know how to describe it, but it's just something I'm very fond of. Theres plenty of variety in how you can build the characters' skills with the "Strike" and "Technical" system (which is hardly explained in-game unfortunately), along with the EX Skills you can equip.

One thing I also enjoy about this game is the hidden relationship mechanic, and how it actually effects the end of the game, along with certain other key points in the story! During a normal playthrough, you probably wont even notice it, and will likely end up with Colette during all of those specific scenes, but if you put in some effort, you can get close to any of the other members of your party, and learn way more about them! (shout out to me and my roommate feeding Colette 500 bell peppers to get her to stop liking Lloyd so much)

Anyway yeah... this sure is a game I've played through at least 6 times now