I admit I have not gotten all the way through the game yet so some aspects will improve or get worse for me. This is the close to half way point impressions.

I don't mind the dialog boxes either because they do get the story in there but I think I mentioned that I was probably just spoiled by Xenosaga one. My big grip though is the non-cinematic way they present most of the scenes with a static camera and stock animations in the background. They don't always do it like when Margulis is talking to the head of Ormus but from what I have seen...that is the exception instead of the rule.

ES battles are awesome so far but I will see how it all pans out in the end.

I heard that they were going to be doing those Website cutscene things in english soon as well...or at least subtitled. Don't know when though and stuff.