10/10 soundtrack, 10/10 visuals, 10/10 vibe
Gameplay is not for everyone, but it certainly was for me. While the mechanics are that of a slightly more advanced musou, the game constantly stays engaging throughout due to amazing spectacle boss fights, well-timed character switching and by not being overly indulgent in long scenes, mini-games, or recycled content. That restraint in the face of modern gaming is what makes this game so spectacular.
The only thing dragging the gameplay down for me was the excessive amount of grinding needed for OPTIONAL content like the workshop and achievements. The side quests themselves were fun and the game doesn't encourage you to go out of your way to grind.
The story is very good, though not immediately gratifying. For pacing reasons (and as an homage to the original VN), it chooses to withhold lots of information and holds information away until you play a different route. Though just like the original VN, once you get the full picture you can't help but love the game and what it was going for. The story is full of spectacle, emotion and authenticity in how it represents Edo. The game isn't complacent to just tell a traditional story either.
GOTY 2023 for me.
Gameplay is not for everyone, but it certainly was for me. While the mechanics are that of a slightly more advanced musou, the game constantly stays engaging throughout due to amazing spectacle boss fights, well-timed character switching and by not being overly indulgent in long scenes, mini-games, or recycled content. That restraint in the face of modern gaming is what makes this game so spectacular.
The only thing dragging the gameplay down for me was the excessive amount of grinding needed for OPTIONAL content like the workshop and achievements. The side quests themselves were fun and the game doesn't encourage you to go out of your way to grind.
The story is very good, though not immediately gratifying. For pacing reasons (and as an homage to the original VN), it chooses to withhold lots of information and holds information away until you play a different route. Though just like the original VN, once you get the full picture you can't help but love the game and what it was going for. The story is full of spectacle, emotion and authenticity in how it represents Edo. The game isn't complacent to just tell a traditional story either.
GOTY 2023 for me.