I was torn on where to play this game - on either the PS5 or Switch. The major difference on PS5 was the addition of raytracing, a feature that was very tempting. However, I went with Switch for the portability, collector value, and the Switch’s OLED screen.
I played the demo before the release. It sold me, and I ordered the game (during February 2023’s “Week of too many games,” which included Theatrhythm Final Bar Line, Like a Dragon Inshin!, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe, and Metroid Prime Remastered.).
At the time I’m writing this, I’m 6 hours in. I really like the graphical style and the combat. Story wise, I oscillate between being very intrigued to somewhat bored. I think once I get through all the characters' first chapters, I won’t be bored anymore, of which I’m now on my 4th character. I like how characters cross paths, and the game reminds me of Chrono Trigger. In Chrono Trigger, you’re basically always in a party member's story climax. Each segment focuses on a single character and their story, and I’m getting similar vibes here.
Now, 20 hours in, I adore this game. Combat is wonderful, the story is gripping, and exploration is never a chore. One aspect that is standing out is the music - this game has a killer soundtrack. I’m really savoring each moment, as I haven’t even met all 8 members of the game yet. I’m excited to play more.
I finished the game at 120 hours. I loved it mostly, but was frustrated by the end game.
After you finish everyone's story, the meta story comes together. It’s satisfying because the clues were laid beforehand, and everything is revealed. Then the end game starts, and where the massive flaw is exposed. Once you start the end game, you’re stuck in the night cycle. This poses a problem as the end boss is extremely challenging, and proper grinding and acquisition of end game weapons require access to the day cycle. So, if you’re like me and are somewhat underpowered, there is nothing you can do but slowly grind. After 120 hours, I would hope for a more forgiving end game. After trying and failing to beat the end boss, I threw my hands up and watched the ending on YouTube.
Overall, the game is 9/10. It’s a fantastic JRPG, standing shoulder to shoulder with the greats like Chrono Trigger. It’s not a 10/10 because it doesn’t push the genre forward, but it does refine the elements perfectly and makes it accessible to those who may be interested but have never played a JRPG before. The endgame mess doesn’t harm the game enough to knock it down a point, but it was close. Nonetheless, those 120 hours were well spent.
I played the demo before the release. It sold me, and I ordered the game (during February 2023’s “Week of too many games,” which included Theatrhythm Final Bar Line, Like a Dragon Inshin!, Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe, and Metroid Prime Remastered.).
At the time I’m writing this, I’m 6 hours in. I really like the graphical style and the combat. Story wise, I oscillate between being very intrigued to somewhat bored. I think once I get through all the characters' first chapters, I won’t be bored anymore, of which I’m now on my 4th character. I like how characters cross paths, and the game reminds me of Chrono Trigger. In Chrono Trigger, you’re basically always in a party member's story climax. Each segment focuses on a single character and their story, and I’m getting similar vibes here.
Now, 20 hours in, I adore this game. Combat is wonderful, the story is gripping, and exploration is never a chore. One aspect that is standing out is the music - this game has a killer soundtrack. I’m really savoring each moment, as I haven’t even met all 8 members of the game yet. I’m excited to play more.
I finished the game at 120 hours. I loved it mostly, but was frustrated by the end game.
After you finish everyone's story, the meta story comes together. It’s satisfying because the clues were laid beforehand, and everything is revealed. Then the end game starts, and where the massive flaw is exposed. Once you start the end game, you’re stuck in the night cycle. This poses a problem as the end boss is extremely challenging, and proper grinding and acquisition of end game weapons require access to the day cycle. So, if you’re like me and are somewhat underpowered, there is nothing you can do but slowly grind. After 120 hours, I would hope for a more forgiving end game. After trying and failing to beat the end boss, I threw my hands up and watched the ending on YouTube.
Overall, the game is 9/10. It’s a fantastic JRPG, standing shoulder to shoulder with the greats like Chrono Trigger. It’s not a 10/10 because it doesn’t push the genre forward, but it does refine the elements perfectly and makes it accessible to those who may be interested but have never played a JRPG before. The endgame mess doesn’t harm the game enough to knock it down a point, but it was close. Nonetheless, those 120 hours were well spent.
FrozenRoy
8 months ago