-storyline: pretty good, but not the best in the series. fairly predictable.
-Characters: Extremely well done. Best character relationships and interactions in the
entire series.
-graphics and sounds: detailed graphics and pretty darn good sound.
-music: beautiful score. one of Nomura's best works.
-gameplay and mechanics: easy to follow and exciting gameplay. simple advancement system. equipping items to learn abilities worked well.

I gave in a 9. X-Play would probably have given it a 5 out of 5.