Wanted to start off by saying that with the most recent patch, the game added some really nice QoL changes that are likely to save a good few hours of playtime. Combat is mostly fun, but starts off pretty simplistic and a bit boring in the first few hours. This ramps up quickly, though, and stays fun and engaging until the end of the game. This is also where the first QoL update change comes into play. You are now able to have a few presets when it comes to equipped abilities and can switch between them freely. Unfortunately, if you don't have enough ability points to unlock/master everything you still have to refund and unlock abilities between presets which is something they should've also changed in the patch. This means you likely won't be able to have two presets with vastly different abilities unless you have an insane amount of ability points.

The second QoL update is being able to instantly travel to the side quest giver upon fulfilling their request instead of having to open the map, fast travel to the nearest fast travel beacon, then walk to them. This will save a lot of time and help with pacing a bit if you are wanting to complete the side quests. Doesn't change that most of them are still pretty boring and give you no real reward or payoff.

Everyone has pretty much talked up all of the good points and it's hard to disagree with them. Music is fantastic, story is engaging and has an edge to it to keep it fresh from other entries. The set pieces and boss fights are typically of very high quality. There's a good mix of cinematic fights that aren't too engaging to play but amazing to look at and more lowkey, mechanically engaging ones. Lovable characters and most are better than just eye candy.

Overall wish it were 10+ hours shorter and didn't include side quest designed MSQs, but still a great game.