I like some of the visual design here. I'm a big fan of 2D characters in 3D environments, and this game does it in a charming, high-color way. The towns are attractive, full of fun detail and structures that the camera weaves and rotates around. Speaking of the camera, I really like how swirls down into the action during dialogue to substitute its character sprites for their anime counterparts.
Virtually everything else about the game is substandard, though. I get it's going for a classic JRPG meets Sakura Wars thing, but the story, combat system, and dating system are all thin and don't feel like they're in conversation with one another. The whole thing is easy, slow, and bloated despite being on the shorter side. Characters aren't well developed, the world doesn't feel coherent or alive, and the story is the usual. Think of a JRPG plotline, it's that. Some of the technique being applied here is impressive to me, but what it's being applied to leaves a lot to be desired.
Virtually everything else about the game is substandard, though. I get it's going for a classic JRPG meets Sakura Wars thing, but the story, combat system, and dating system are all thin and don't feel like they're in conversation with one another. The whole thing is easy, slow, and bloated despite being on the shorter side. Characters aren't well developed, the world doesn't feel coherent or alive, and the story is the usual. Think of a JRPG plotline, it's that. Some of the technique being applied here is impressive to me, but what it's being applied to leaves a lot to be desired.