Derivative without being void of its own ideas, tongue-in-cheek without taking away from its own sense of story and mythology, and easy to grasp mechanics-wise while allowing some creativity and sticky situations. An easy game overall, but one that will whoop you if you get too comfortable. It feels far more sincere as a fan letter to early RPG-era aesthetic, gameplay, and sensibility than other games like "Breath of Death VII" or "Cthulhu Saves the World," managing the careful balancing act without tipping over. The occasional cinematic or extended sequence adds a lovely splash, and some of its sidequests like Wheels are a fun time-killer. A solid soundtrack helps solidify the sense of atmosphere surprisingly well.

It would be a full 5 stars if not for the asinine "collectibles = getting the best ending" system, which bothers me to no end. Don't leave an area without exploring the entire landscape and getting all the Rainbow Conches. You'll thank me later.

The music played, my eyes were heavy. The wind whipped behind me. I turned to listen to the rapping rain. I drew the sigil of wind.

For a time, I could not tell my own breath. I lost myself in the swirl. I drew the sigil of air.

I washed my arm clean. I felt sick. The sensation mattered - no picture would have captured that. In my heart, I drew the sigil of "With Those We Love Alive."

Why did I draw these things?
"Because I am alive."