So as a total newbie to the series, I’ve been playing this one over the last month or so.
My thoughts:
- the first half of this game is really well paced. Lots to explore, new places to go, it was great. Unfortunately the second half suffers somewhat. The plan to stop the wedding, as well as when the gang initially go up into space finally, is littered with tons of “go to this spot, cutscene, go to this spot, cutscene, go to this spot, you get the gist” with few battles to be seen. Thankfully once you get to the Scorpium world things do get back on track. And I get that Tri Ace had been doing roughly lately, so I’m not holding it against them that the game had to take a few cost saving measures like this, though according to gamefaqs seems they’re hiring recently so hopefully that indicates this game did well for them.
-the cast is pretty likable. Nobody really stands out as exceptional, but nobody got on my nerves, and they had pretty good chemistry together. Even J.J., who joins way late, managed to fit in nicely
-the conflict on Laeticia’s planet is pretty interesting between the nations and such. When they go to space, the concept of Scorpium is cool, though I did find the final villain kind of not that interesting.
-battles are fun, though I’d be lying if I said I didn’t spam the same two moves and did just fine. Honestly, most of the game is pretty easy once you get both self-healing passive skills on all your party and max the skill levels. Only really tough fight is against
which is funny as he’s not even the main villain.
-music was fine, nothing really stood out, but it got the job done. That opening video, though, now that’s a banger.
Overall, I had a pretty good time. I may check out some other SO entries in the future. Not sure on the general reception towards 1 and 2, but I know 3 is really well liked, 4 is a bit divisive but is generally liked, and 5 is considered meh by most.