yeah. its a weird game. I don't think its as bad as Bioshock infinite with it getting 10/10's and everyone insisting how deep and emotional it was, but then 10 minutes later going back, and thinking..wait... this game is actually kind of total shit.
but I think there are MASSIVE MASSIVE flaws and deadzones in this game, that are 100% being overlooked by the incredibly good acting, voice acting, and soundtrack. its a very emotional game when the cutscenes hit.
the exploration sucks. picto/lumina system is pretty solid. combat is good. but i don't like how antagonistic the parry system is. intentionally trying to fake you out, instead of flowing naturally.
I don't find the world is as well thought out as much of symbolism in the main story beats. most of it feels like pointless extra. a mishmash of Verso's childhood I guess.. but eh.. I find the logic of the Luminare people so shit and fake, that it really takes me out of it.
"lets build a ferris wheel and ride it to the paintress" take me out of the game. yes its a funny joke. but, I can't see these people as actual people fighting desperately for their lives.
Same with the insanity of having no real plan or strategy, or no system to get information back. I mean it tries to make you feel for these people and establish them as real, but it undercuts itself. it needed to flesh them out, fishing, farming, etc. real desperate plans and organization.
no good ending. the game has a major problem where I agree with Renoir at the end of act 2. so.. why the hell am I still playing?
The game should have probably split here or something. choose verso or Maelle right then, and who you follow. or perhaps have Maelle LEAVE the canvas for a while. so you think she can actually do it. Hell even as simple as having her accept the name Alicia. or make a much stronger argument that you are fighting for the survival of Lune, Sciel, and the rest. if Maelle EXPRESSLY argued against Renoir that she was doing it FOR them. "I can't let you kill these people"
that would work better. as then you get to the end, and Verso can be. maelle, you are doing it again. let me go. versus her, no I can't, I won't.
I got bored climbing the reach and just uninstalled. I didn't care.