Great so far, with minor gripes
So objectively, it expanded from the first 2DS MD title, and the roster is how it should be: gigantic (~700) with lots of team composition possibility. Every favorites and niche are there with a few exceptions. Just for that, if you enjoyed Gates of Infinity this one is a definite +1.
But if you compare it to Explorers of Sky (the most loved of them all), it has its lacking sides. First of all, the starters are dissapointing (you'd expect more): STILL all of the same, boring, base 3 elements (fire/water/grass) pokemons as always. Not everyone as a fetish on these. There are some exception, such as Riolu (thanks god.. neutral element with flavour) and those who had him in Explorers can keep the fantasy going some more here, continuation. Skitty (the feminine pink kitten) isnt available as a starter/partner anymore.. After that, the story, early on, it suffers the same thing as Gates of Infinity: overwhelmingly childish, and even the town is in complete bright saturated colors (ok minor thing). The general tone of the story early on is very light hearted with some basic moral themes. Fortunately, your partner is still fun to have around you and the bond is still a strong theme in this title (a good thing! basis of all good VN).
Im only in what I can assume 25% ahead, progress wise, so take my criticism with a grain of salt. I dont dislike the game overall, and think it would be silly to refuse to try it for these reasons alone, just dont expect the moon here, and remember that its still trying to cater to childrens (so the story tone isnt as dramatic). If you are new to the serie, dive in and experiment yourself :) IIRC there is a demo for this title on the Eshop? Look forward to that trial if you are on the fence. For Darkness/Time/Sky fans, it still has the same mission/story structure you are accustumed to. There more to judge, but im not far enough to have enjoyed most of it yet (soundtracks for instance). My best rec. is to look at gameplay video recording on YT (no, not the clickbait promotional videos, actual raw gameplay). Very Good so far!
Reviewed by: (Verified Buyer) Nirriti from Ontario on 7/26/2018
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