A lovingly crafted JRPG that just kept getting progressively better the longer I played it. This game has some of the best world areas I've seen from the 2000s. The story, while cheesy, is also a great time- with a solid protagonist, a likeable cast of characters, and some very touching moments. Additionally, soundtrack is WONDERFUL. I also found the gameplay side of things to be very fun and addicting (and unique for this genre, at least for the time it came out). The depth of this gameplay doesn't quite hold up long-term unfortunately, but it remains enjoyable for the duration of the main game at least. I had never played a Xenoblade game before playing this remaster when it released, and I am truly glad that I gave it a shot, because I loved every second of it.