This was a game I did not have much expectations for. I had heard murmurings of positive things and just decided to take the plunge. Thankfully I did, as I found a very enjoyable adventure with fantastic gameplay that kept me engaged throughout my adventure. I have heard numerous complaints about the plot and characters, but I found them both acceptably done. While some characters blend in and don't ever get the attention they need, others receive interesting developments, for better or worse. Plot-wise, the game achieves what it needs to, but does struggle with some character favorability, which does get in the way of the overarching plot.
Gameplay-wise, the only major issue is the crystal system which is confusing and difficult to manage. You get plenty of crystals throughout the game, but can very rarely construct the things you need without some level of grinding, only getting the appropriate ability to grind those crystals after the game becomes dramatically easier and you no longer need them.
The game has everything an RPG enthusiast needs. A lot of exploration, side quests, customization, and solid gameplay. The only major issue is how easy the game gets at the end. It starts with solid challenge, but you get so many means of leveling up (in this game being in the form of boss kills or collection rewards) that the latter half of the game becomes a breeze and requires self-imposed challenges to be satisfying.
All in all, a satisfying adventure that won't stand alongside your childhood favorites (as nothing really can), it has enough heart and finesse to be a worthwhile and enjoyable experience.