Well, I'm towards the end. 57 hours says my clock. It really is a good game. It's similar to 3, but I feel they tweaked enough that it's superior. I felt I had more to do, and the plot points come closer together.

It sorta sucks one of my favorite characters got the light/dark skills. Makes him pretty useless against bosses and his SP cost isn't too wonderful for regular battles either. But who needs tactical reasons when you have a sexy ass hat going on.

I like that social links with your party members are highly encouraged. Makes me feel snuggly with them. But furthering Naoto's crappiness, you need a max characteristic to start a social link with him for who knows why, putting him at yet more disadvantage (they get battle bonuses as their links go up).

I must say this is one of few RPGs I actually use Guard, and rather frequently at times. It blocks their weak element for one time and saves me some trouble.