Ar nosurge: Ode to an Unborn Star, with a stunningly complex, funny, and emotive sci-fi narrative that glows with the themes of companionship, communication, and cooperation, understands a thing or two about making and maximizing close bonds, whether said bonds are face-to-face or maintained through versatile channels. With more heart and charisma than any game Ive jammed my thumbs playing thus far this year, Ar nosurge had me sympathising with my in-game comrades to the point where I felt less like a useful observer and more like a vital participant. In other, manlier words, I actually became a part of its universe.
Alas, roaming this brilliant universe can come with a price, and for some, but definitely not all, fans of JRPGs that price will be the boundless amounts of dialogue and minutiae, and a combat system that, in the first chapter, appears to be a bit too basic and underutilised. It's possible that some people will give up on this game too early to fully come to appreciate it.
