(edit: i'm replaying it now, and i'm having the time of my life. this review will be completely redone when i've finished it)

i've picked this up and put this down so many times, and it's certainly the best one since Symphonia, but there's just something about it that isn't working for me, and i can't find words for it. i guess it feels tedious in a way that symphonia never did for me, even though i'd be willing to bet that symphonia is much more tedious in hindsight. i've never properly understood the newer battle mechanics, like your energy diamonds and all that stuff, it all seems a little obtuse for the sake of it. same with the crafting.

i know i just said all that, but i don't dislike it, i just feel like i'm bumping up against roadblocks that are all my fault. it's sort of a dated type of game i guess, i'm really curious what Arise will be like exactly.