Peak JRPG. The best writing I've ever read in a jrpg, some of the best voice acting to go with it, a multi-layered combat system that was fun for all 150 hours of the game (save for maybe about 2 I spent grinding out some last minute exp). The only game who's sheer writing quality I'd put above this one would be Disco Elysium.

I had strong issues with P5's story and writing, but the main cast of characters were at least enjoyable to listen to. In this game, Every single member of the main AND side cast had absolutely amazing personal quests, and I was always happy to hear more of what they had to say that revealed more about their character or story.

If I were to force myself to give some criticism, then I'd say the main character still suffers a bit from the JRPG-Protagonist-kun syndrome, where his peresonality is kindof made bland to give players a bit of agency in his responses. However, that personality, or lack there of, does get redeemed for well written in-universe reasons. Also I kindof wish the main cast of characters actually interacted with each other a bit more. They already do more than a lot of other jrpgs, when you're gathering a band where every member is a different race, most of whom have been societally oppressed or tormented, I'd expect a bit more friction between the party itself. But it's at least brought up a couple times and I can let some things go when people are busy trying to save the kingdom.

Speaking of which, the main villain Louis is one of the most charismatic and evil mofos I've ever had the pleasure to beat down. A good hero story is often defined by how good the villain is, and this story makes it so, so, so very easy to agree with and root for Louis. This game is extremely political in it's themes and messaging, but they're so universal that anyone can pick nearly any society from any time period and draw correlation between what this story is trying to say and reality.

In the end, this is a story about how much we can or want to let fantasy affect reality. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
10/10, I wish I could delete my brain just to replay this story fresh again.

Peak JRPG. The best writing I've ever read in a jrpg, some of the best voice acting to go with it, a multi-layered combat system that was fun for all 150 hours of the game (save for maybe about 2 I spent grinding out some last minute exp). The only game who's sheer writing quality I'd put above this one would be Disco Elysium. I had strong issues with P5's story and writing, but the main cast of characters were at least enjoyable to listen to. In this game, Every single member of the main AND side cast had absolutely amazing personal quests, and I was always happy to hear more of what they had to say that revealed more about their character or story. If I were to force myself to give some criticism, then I'd say the main character still suffers a bit from the JRPG-Protagonist-kun syndrome, where his peresonality is kindof made bland to give players a bit of agency in his responses. However, that personality, or lack there of, does get redeemed for well written in-universe reasons. Also I kindof wish the main cast of characters actually interacted with each other a bit more. They already do more than a lot of other jrpgs, when you're gathering a band where every member is a different race, most of whom have been societally oppressed or tormented, I'd expect a bit more friction between the party itself. But it's at least brought up a couple times and I can let some things go when people are busy trying to save the kingdom. Speaking of which, the main villain Louis is one of the most charismatic and evil mofos I've ever had the pleasure to beat down. A good hero story is often defined by how good the villain is, and this story makes it so, so, so very easy to agree with and root for Louis. This game is extremely political in it's themes and messaging, but they're so universal that anyone can pick nearly any society from any time period and draw correlation between what this story is trying to say and reality. In the end, this is a story about how much we can or want to let fantasy affect reality. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. 10/10, I wish I could delete my brain just to replay this story fresh again.