TLDR: Just watch a let's play.

Gameplay: 4/10
-It's a weird combination of action & turn-based where you control characters live in the action, but keep stopping the action to make the characters do stuff. It might appeal to a niche souls-like audience who don't mind having the action interrupted all the time, or fans of the older FF style combat who don't mind being in a live environment while choosing their moves.

I actually started finding combat somewhat enjoyable only in the last few chapters. For the vast majority of the game, it felt like combat was there just so we can pretend like it's not just an interactive movie. When it wasn't brain-dead where you can just slash stuff until it dies, it was gimmicky and annoying to deal with more than else. Never felt actually satisfying.

RPG elements: 3/10
-Dealing with equipment and upgrades was little more than tedious maintenance every time it felt like it was time to upgrade my stuff, and even then it was in a "I guess I might as well" kind of way. It's mostly just a matter of increasing numbers so you can keep doing the same thing but with more oomph. The materia system gives you some options but then again, it's not like there's very many options that make sense anyway.

Story: VII/10
-It's convoluted and edgy, but compelling are intriguing. Can be hit or miss, lots of plot-armour moments. Left me with the impression that the lore in this game must be wide and deep like an ocean, but the game barely dips its toe in it.

Graphics: Wow/10
-It's a pleasure to watch. Every scene could be a desktop background. The characters look really nice too, which bring me to my next point...

The waifus: OMG/10
-The women in your team are easily some of the most top-tier waifus I've ever met in a video game. If they were real people, they would be near-universally seen as impossibly beautiful. On top of that, they're strong, impactful characters that essentially keep making the world better just by virtue of existing. It's unreal how enchanting they are.

Value for the money: lol/10
-You really have to think of this game as an interactive movie to enjoy it. The game aspect of it just seems to get in the way of the story you're trying to progress, without really being fun. It ranges from snooze-fest to tedious.

I can't recommend the game (especially at this ridiculous full price) because for anyone who looks at the game and think "This looks nice", well you're looking at great graphics, nice cutscenes, sweet characters, intriguing story, but that's all there is to really like here imo. You'd be much better off watching a playthrough where you'll get to enjoy all the best parts without having to suffer through the rest of it, like I wish I did.

TLDR: Just watch a let's play. Gameplay: 4/10 -It's a weird combination of action & turn-based where you control characters live in the action, but keep stopping the action to make the characters do stuff. It might appeal to a niche souls-like audience who don't mind having the action interrupted all the time, or fans of the older FF style combat who don't mind being in a live environment while choosing their moves. I actually started finding combat somewhat enjoyable only in the last few chapters. For the vast majority of the game, it felt like combat was there just so we can pretend like it's not just an interactive movie. When it wasn't brain-dead where you can just slash stuff until it dies, it was gimmicky and annoying to deal with more than else. Never felt actually satisfying. RPG elements: 3/10 -Dealing with equipment and upgrades was little more than tedious maintenance every time it felt like it was time to upgrade my stuff, and even then it was in a "I guess I might as well" kind of way. It's mostly just a matter of increasing numbers so you can keep doing the same thing but with more oomph. The materia system gives you some options but then again, it's not like there's very many options that make sense anyway. Story: VII/10 -It's convoluted and edgy, but compelling are intriguing. Can be hit or miss, lots of plot-armour moments. Left me with the impression that the lore in this game must be wide and deep like an ocean, but the game barely dips its toe in it. Graphics: Wow/10 -It's a pleasure to watch. Every scene could be a desktop background. The characters look really nice too, which bring me to my next point... The waifus: OMG/10 -The women in your team are easily some of the most top-tier waifus I've ever met in a video game. If they were real people, they would be near-universally seen as impossibly beautiful. On top of that, they're strong, impactful characters that essentially keep making the world better just by virtue of existing. It's unreal how enchanting they are. Value for the money: lol/10 -You really have to think of this game as an interactive movie to enjoy it. The game aspect of it just seems to get in the way of the story you're trying to progress, without really being fun. It ranges from snooze-fest to tedious. I can't recommend the game (especially at this ridiculous full price) because for anyone who looks at the game and think "This looks nice", well you're looking at great graphics, nice cutscenes, sweet characters, intriguing story, but that's all there is to really like here imo. You'd be much better off watching a playthrough where you'll get to enjoy all the best parts without having to suffer through the rest of it, like I wish I did.