Tales of Arise
I just finished the main story a few hours ago. There is still more post-story dungeons/quests/bosses to fight, but I'm not sure if I'll do those. Onto my impressions!
This was a fun game. I really, REALLY enjoyed the battle system. By and large, the game encourages you to fire up your special attacks and combos! I usually stuck with Alphen, the main character but it wasn't too hard to jump into most of the other characters. If you ask me who were the easiest to play, I will say it would be Alphen and Shionne. At least, they were the two I had the most fun with. Shionne comes with the caveat that she's the party healer (not counting Dohalim) - so if you use her, you'll need to keep an eye on the health of your squad.
To my surprise, I ended up finishing the fishing mini-game. You don't have to, but some of Kisara's skills are tied to the skill. It was a real annoyance to get started with, but as I got better fishing rods, the game became easier and, well, complete-able!
I liked the story. The game takes place in a world/planet called "Dahna" which is divided into 5 regions. Each of those regions has their own sub-plot where you meet different party members and end up recruiting them. I think you end up with the full party of 6 by the time you complete 3 regions. For the *most* part the larger story of the Renan tyranny over the Dahnans is done well. Where things kind-of fall flat is near the end. There are a few reveals near the end stages which are supposed to have a lot of impact. Well, I suppose they do, but I just didn't feel it.
At about 70% or 80% of the storyline, we get introduced to a "final villain/boss" who wants to destroy the world(s?). After playing so many RPGs, this is beginning to feel like the usual reason why the good guys fight the bad guys. There is some effort to try and show-case things from the baddie point-of-view, but ... I think it could have been done better. Then, right at the very end ... an annoyance pops up (am trying to avoid spoilers). This *could* have been done better, but for me ... it just didn't have the impact it should have had. Instead, I just found it annoying. Perhaps its because it felt like a scripted battle? I know I found it tedious.
I'm going to attribute those annoyances to the storyline. The battle-system in this game is top-notch and just plain fun!
Final conclusion: This is a game worth buying for the battle system and a story to carry it forward - the story stumbles at the end, but by then, chances are, you'll stick around for the battles. Graphics and sound are good/excellent! (on PS4)
-chronodekar