this is a button mashing game for people who like mashing buttons. the design choices when it comes to combat are... disappointing on their own, but in the context of the tales of series? more than a little soul crushing, considering how good some of its predecessors are, and what it might mean for future games.
seriously. just look up how hitstun is calculated in this game. SERIOUSLY.

ngl I kinda just mashed through this and used quick step to avoid literally being oneshotted by spells since I was constantly underleveled

at the time I was like "this certainly is *a* game" until 70% of the way through the game I got fed up with enemies blocking me constantly then realized that the main character literally just has an unblockable "I win" button I could've been using the entire time.

the only thing I can say about this game is that you can get through it easily if the story interests you.
also I like magilou's design. more flat chested women please.