This review contains spoilers
One of the most unique experiences I've ever had with a JRPG, as well as one of the most visually stunning and true to the original remasters/remakes I've played.
I came in with low expectations because the friends I have who have played this didn't say much about it, probably trying to keep me unspoiled and I appreciate that because going in blind I really was completely blown away.
I've read some of the reviews for this on here, many not particularly impressed and that is one thing I really don't understand. Sure, the mini stories in each chapter aren't super deep or long but they are enjoyable in their own way. Every chapter is modeled off a specific genre that you might see in movies and books. Sci fi, wild west, martial arts, mecha, etc. If you're really into specific genres you might notice specifically what was huge inspirations for certain chapters. I personally really liked noticing how the distant future was certainly inspired by both The Thing as well as To Terra, both are some of my favorite things ever.
The thing that really pulls this together is the middle ages chapter. It's very much a basic fantasy JRPG at first, something all of us have seen. But making the setting go back to the basics is so fitting for the last story you unlock. And then the twist where the "hero" gets shunned and seeing hatred twist his heart, bringing all 7 characters together in the final chapter, is just so cool.
Which is also why I dont understand the general lack of praise for the narrative, its not deep and its been done a million times before but it just hits so well with the presentation in this. I just really enjoy the themes of questioning what really makes a hero and all the different representations of it. And how distrust and hatred can change someone who once did good deeds to deciding to go crazy mode on everyone. Maybe I'm not wording this super well but man I ate this up.
Yeah there were chapters that I didn't care a lot about, but they're all different genres so that's to be expected. This was such a worthwhile experience for me.
I came in with low expectations because the friends I have who have played this didn't say much about it, probably trying to keep me unspoiled and I appreciate that because going in blind I really was completely blown away.
I've read some of the reviews for this on here, many not particularly impressed and that is one thing I really don't understand. Sure, the mini stories in each chapter aren't super deep or long but they are enjoyable in their own way. Every chapter is modeled off a specific genre that you might see in movies and books. Sci fi, wild west, martial arts, mecha, etc. If you're really into specific genres you might notice specifically what was huge inspirations for certain chapters. I personally really liked noticing how the distant future was certainly inspired by both The Thing as well as To Terra, both are some of my favorite things ever.
The thing that really pulls this together is the middle ages chapter. It's very much a basic fantasy JRPG at first, something all of us have seen. But making the setting go back to the basics is so fitting for the last story you unlock. And then the twist where the "hero" gets shunned and seeing hatred twist his heart, bringing all 7 characters together in the final chapter, is just so cool.
Which is also why I dont understand the general lack of praise for the narrative, its not deep and its been done a million times before but it just hits so well with the presentation in this. I just really enjoy the themes of questioning what really makes a hero and all the different representations of it. And how distrust and hatred can change someone who once did good deeds to deciding to go crazy mode on everyone. Maybe I'm not wording this super well but man I ate this up.
Yeah there were chapters that I didn't care a lot about, but they're all different genres so that's to be expected. This was such a worthwhile experience for me.