this is a masterclass in metroidvanias. however, metroidvanias are still marred by exploration being a tedious endeavor when things start heading into backtracking territory. the reality is that, though exploring a new environment is really enjoyable (especially in a game so artistically compelling in visuals, presentation, and story), backtracking still sucks when you've gone through the same obstacles multiple times. the most notable example is the goam section in the crossroads, you end up having to go through this area many times and it's just kind of annoying. the game does give you tools to circumvent this, but the stag stations are pretty damn spaced out (for the most part) and the dream nail teleport isnt unlocked till around the 3/4 point of the game for most, id imagine.

aside from that, this game is excellent. i find it really cool how you really can play this game in many different ways depending on the charms that you choose and still be pretty effective. theres also just so much content here and so many little things to appreciate that build the world.

theres a real sense of progression as you go through the early stages of the game, and this mechanical progression is then followed by narrative progression. it works really well, and every area in the game feels like it has legitimate purpose to be there, both for the game and for the story.

great game. probably the best metroidvania game ever made.