there are some things keeping this from being a 10/10 game such as the party chat conversations but outside that the game is handled very well to both be 'updated' as well as with the pixel art aesthetic for an rpg.

Beautiful graphics, nice music, and a solid combat system can't save this clunker. I won't be finishing it. The story is stunningly bland. The characters are so boring that they brought me to tears. Other things that made me sad were boring level design (straightforward paths with chests off to the side), lifeless villages, minimal character interactions, etc.

I think the sequel, which is also on Steam at astonishingly a similar price, is a better game that does not require knowledge of this game, but if you play this game first you may appreciate the QOL improvements in the second. I would comment that I enjoyed the cast of characters in this game a bit better than the sequel, they're all lovable individuals.

For the game itself, it's a solid RPG game with a fun combat system and an interesting story. I enjoy the graphic style as well immensely. I think the story did not have proper time to really blossom into something particularly evocative, but it was certainly still something that can be appreciated. I recommend going an all female roster because they're cooler than the guys, let's be real.