*Spoilerfree review*

This must be the visually most impressive game ever made. Not just the epic fight scenes and most satisfying counter moves ever, but the visual style overall. Buildings, costumes, landscapes - everything is so beautiful, fantastic, enticing, dreamlike - it's hard to describe. Maybe call it a JRPG version of late 19th century France with Dark Souls monsters, but that description only scratches the surface. It's really unique.

The soundscape doesn't lack anything compared to the visuals. Stunningly beautiful, melancholic songs, grand orchestral crescendos mixed with mondern variations make every single episode of the game stand out.

For anyone wondering: The challenge is perfectly balanced. I'm quite a noob and was able to finish on normal without too much of a struggle (just enough to make it fun). But I rarely beat even low level enemies first try. You need to learn and improve. But it happens in a very organic, well-paced manner. It's no Dark Souls in that regard.

Warning: the story WILL make you cry. Be prepared for quite an emotional rollercoaster.

There are many, many occassions the game will leave you sitting speechless in front of your screen - either taking in the visuals, enjoying the music or digesting the narrative. Slowly realizing what grandiosity a game nowadays can bring if it's not done by a Triple A-Studio but by a team who pours their hearts and souls into a game. Thank you, Sandfall.