I started playing the game this week-end, thanks to Game Pass. I had not planned on buying it too early, even though I am a big fan of Koei Tecmo games (favorite publisher by far).
I have been through the tutorial and the next three areas. Game is superb. You can feel how much experience the developers have in creating a competent action gameplay. It simply works and is incredibly fun. Once you understand what the game expects of you (which is well conveyed by the tutorial by the way), you have blast traversing well crafted levels. The game does not throw at you a stupid open-world, by the way.
Combat is super fun, parrying is satisfying and not too difficult. Spells are powerful, as well as bows. You have an ally as well, which is helpful. I also like the level-up system, which offers five themes and explains the benefits, rather than asking to raise single stats. Spells you can learn are also tied to the themes, and it makes sense overall. Really a great job.
Boss fights are also super fun, with some great spectacle. Also I think it is the first game in this formula that I play where I find the soundtrack to totally nail it. In Elden Ring, I found the soundtrack super annoying. Here it simply fits the atmosphere and never takes too much place. And the bosses have very good themes, especially the last one I fought.
Even the few cut-scenes are superb and pretty short, which is how they should be. They nailed it.
Only thing I am not a fan of is the inventory : too much items and a it tedious to manage.
Otherwise, this is an excellent game and everybody should play it.
Koei Tecmo are really something. Have fun !