probably the most addicting srpg i've played. beautiful art, amazing gameplay, and although the story is very simple and straightforward it does what it needs to do.

re: story, i will admit that i was hoping for a deeper story (impossible not to bring up final fantasy tactics LOL) with some political intrigue but it never feels like it tries to pass off its story as being particularly deep or profound, so i can forgive it for its bland protagonist and largely uninteresting story. it's a story about a prince reclaiming his kingdom from an ancient evil, and that's it.

characters are also fun, and though a roster with ~60 unique characters doesn't really lend itself to a fully fleshed-out cast, individual character stories feel distinct enough to build on, and rapports between your favourites are a fun treat to get (even if you're like me and end up grinding a bunch of them like crazy in the tavern when you reach endgame because you forgot about them for a while).

the pandering to horny men is kind of insane though. scarlett's boob jiggle is ridiculous and the female elven fencers' outfits are just silly. but at least it's not every female character (low bar i know).

overall: drakenhold was my favourite area. aubin, magellan, liza, gloucester, renault, and rolf were my favourite characters. i want a sequel with a deeper story so bad... please...!!!!!!