I give it an extra half star because the last batch of boss fights was really good.
Overall, here are the impressions for both versions (notwithstanding the westernized art style that I could take or leave and 8-direction movement):
+ Nice story that makes you feel genuine emotion at times.
+ Epic, cinematic gimmick boss fights like Maiden Astraea and the Storm King.
+ The high of finishing a difficult section.
+ Excellent dreamlike high fantasy atmosphere.
+ Excellent soundtrack.
- Horrendous level design with very few shortcuts, felt like banging your head against a wall due to lack of checkpoints within stages.
- Weird balancing, such as no poise and magic being overly favored.
- Unbalanced moon grass healing system.
- Carry weight.
- Swamp of sorrow. Seriously, Miyazaki must have a fetish for Louisiana.

Pros:
Soulful atmosphere and soundtrack, perfect for October's spooky season.
Fun, simple gameplay.
Well-designed levels (with the exception of the Battlefield levels, those are a tedious maze).
Game teaches you how to interact with its mechanics through gameplay.
Fun rewards system that keeps you playing to the end and gets the dopamine flowing.
Voice acting.
Cons:
It's too long to the point where it overstayed its welcome.
Bosses aren't very good in single player, you just end up tanking their hits for a few minutes and killing them through attrition because they move way too fast.