Coming from Ryza backward into this series, not knowing a guide really gave me a blow to the stomach because I failed the main game objective without a guide this time around.

And that roughly describes the game. While you do get lots of time post-game after you completed the core game objective, if you don't actively craft better gear or have a specific team compo at a specific moment, you will end up missing events leading to missed endings.

Unfortunately, I like having endings unlocked so yea, I just hope Escha and Logy isn't as bad when it comes to time management...

One sentence to sum up the experience
"Oh no he's hoooot!!!!"

10/10 story, introduces an entire new "region" following the events in the stormblood patch quests.

Story is not the strongest point this time around until the patch quest. - However, it is saved by the level 70 skill kit, new trial mechanics, the Raids making reference to previous Final Fantasy titles, as well as Ultimate raid which is an absolute beast of a challenge for those who are up for it.

Absolutely amazing, heartfelt story accompanied with evergrowing, interesting skills which improve the combat in the game, taking place in the Snowy Peak of Coerthas, surrounded by the Sea of Skies bordering the Dravanian Territory.

This is further improved in the Patch Quest leading into Stormblood, the 2nd Expansion. I would suggest NOT skipping the cutscenes this time around! They are important!

Very slow to start with but picks up the pace in Post-Game. Has a generic Good vs Evil story and doesn't expand past that until the Patch Quest leading toward the first expansion.

Classic JRPG with an interesting turn-based combat system where attack order is based on the characters and the enemy speed, following a story of a girl called Lita who took on something she shouldn't have.

Stat allocation pretty much came down to Attack and Speed for the offense characters and fully defensive on a tank archetype, so there aren't too much interesting variation in terms of battle style. Still a very good indie title though!

The Afterstory is a much-needed postgame and I wish there's a sequel for it since the story was really interesting and has potential to be continued.

First JRPG I completed, chill and grindy, relatively easy for a first playthrough even on hard difficulty if you grind for gears.

The Active Timed Battle system is actually a blessing once you unlock some form of haste, though it can be more of a chore earlier on.