This game was absolutely incredible. I almost didn't get it because, while I was certain I'd love the story, I didn't think I'd enjoy the gameplay. I'm not a fan of turn-based combat and I suck at quick dodge/parry mechanics. And that's why I was so shocked to find that I loved EVERYTHING about this game, especially the combat! It was so much fun to learn new fights and so rewarding to beat those tough battles. I felt like this game respected my time, too. All the side content was optional (and enjoyable, 'cause I did it, all of it), and I was able to save often if I needed to step away. I had zero performance issues, no bugs, no crashes. It was just a great experience in every way. The characters were wonderful and memorable, the animations and expressions just so well done and lifelike. The music was superb. And the story was...really beautiful and serious, and handled so maturely, with such care. I really appreciated that. There's also enough levity that you remain afloat despite the heavy subject matter. It doesn't weight you down, it keeps you moving forward toward truth and hope. I know there's nothing in this world that is without flaw, but for me, this was a perfect game.

This game was absolutely incredible. I almost didn't get it because, while I was certain I'd love the story, I didn't think I'd enjoy the gameplay. I'm not a fan of turn-based combat and I suck at quick dodge/parry mechanics. And that's why I was so shocked to find that I loved EVERYTHING about this game, especially the combat! It was so much fun to learn new fights and so rewarding to beat those tough battles. I felt like this game respected my time, too. All the side content was optional (and enjoyable, 'cause I did it, all of it), and I was able to save often if I needed to step away. I had zero performance issues, no bugs, no crashes. It was just a great experience in every way. The characters were wonderful and memorable, the animations and expressions just so well done and lifelike. The music was superb. And the story was...really beautiful and serious, and handled so maturely, with such care. I really appreciated that. There's also enough levity that you remain afloat despite the heavy subject matter. It doesn't weight you down, it keeps you moving forward toward truth and hope. I know there's nothing in this world that is without flaw, but for me, this was a perfect game.