An excellent JRPG that pretty much exceeds at just about everything it sets out to do. The characters are charming and memorable, and the world is truly one of the best to grace the genre with stunning maps and art direction that is just mesmerizing front to back. The combat is great and easy to jump into, while being deeply rewarding at the same time to learn all of its complexities. All of that, and the cherry on top being an amazing score assembled by so many GOATs within the medium.

What holds the game back, unfortunately, is everything outside main content. The game is stuffed with so much meandering, dreadful side content. It wouldn't be so bad if it was TRULY optional, but the game has some difficulty spikes that are nigh impossible to overcome unless you've leveled up from mindlessly doing these, as well being locked out from endgame-tier skills and equipment. Also, while I enjoy most party members, there are some that are just kind of terrible. Some, just because, and some because the AI for them sucks (cough Shulk cough Melia)

There's just things about XC that don't completely mesh with me, but stomach the few setbacks and you have a truly exceptional JRPG experience.