Please read the content warning as these play a heavy role in the story. I have so much to say but I’ll be as brief as I can - A turn-based RPG with QTE’s and modernized JRPG elements thrown in. The plot moves at a great pace, regularly introducing new mechanics, and while gameplay is incredible in its own right, the story had more layers than I initially gave it credit for that repeatedly exceeded my expectations.

Cosmetics have great variety (swimsuits hell yeah), and characters stand out with flashy, satisfying animations. The world is strikingly vibrant and inspired, with abundant side content to discover as well as memorable music and voice performances to enjoy.

The writers had the guts to explore a complex subject around grief and one’s right to choose how to spend their life, while respecting the players intelligence enough to let them decide how they feel about it. Story beats are foreshadowed well, and punctuated by several hard-hitting moments that constantly took me by surprise. Despite this, an equal amount of brilliantly subversive comedy keeps it from ever feeling monotone.

This is a work of true passion. A non-conventional story set in a completely original, whimsical setting that was willing to take risks and try something unique. A game no modern AAA studio would have made because it didn’t have the mass appeal or exploit their customers enough. Thankyou Sandfall.