I'm really trying to finish this game, but it's really testing my resolve. The gameplay loop itself is fun and rewarding enough to keep you entertained. Moves and abilities fit well with the characters, environmental damage is encouraged. The only problem is that the mission variety as well as the downtime are very bland and monotonous.

In particular, the downtime is a slog to get through. It revolves around talking to the heroes in the abbey, forging bonds with them. Which shouldn't sound all that bad on paper, but those interactions, even with characters you might love, is mundane. Completely devoid of substance. You talk about... life? Hobbies... other random topics. Which again, shouldn't be all that bad on paper, but that is 80% of what you will be doing in this game. No, I am not exaggerating.

This is why writers will stress that interactions should be meaningful and only happen if it moves forward character development in some way. In a "dating sim"-esque game, even more so. Some of it does, sure. It just sucks that it's absolutely SWAMPED with the most forgettable conversations you will ever have the displeasure of hearing.

Don't even get me started on the "clubs" that feel really out of place and pointless.

I'm really trying to finish this game, but it's really testing my resolve. The gameplay loop itself is fun and rewarding enough to keep you entertained. Moves and abilities fit well with the characters, environmental damage is encouraged. The only problem is that the mission variety as well as the downtime are very bland and monotonous. In particular, the downtime is a slog to get through. It revolves around talking to the heroes in the abbey, forging bonds with them. Which shouldn't sound all that bad on paper, but those interactions, even with characters you might love, is mundane. Completely devoid of substance. You talk about... life? Hobbies... other random topics. Which again, shouldn't be all that bad on paper, but that is 80% of what you will be doing in this game. No, I am not exaggerating. This is why writers will stress that interactions should be meaningful and only happen if it moves forward character development in some way. In a "dating sim"-esque game, even more so. Some of it does, sure. It just sucks that it's absolutely SWAMPED with the most forgettable conversations you will ever have the displeasure of hearing. Don't even get me started on the "clubs" that feel really out of place and pointless.