The beginning is a little rushed, the game gets better at build-up as it goes on, IMO.

Gear battles aren't that great, but I don't like either of the combat modes in this game, so that's just me.

Protip: there's going to be a couple segments in these early hours that will be hard to get beyond if you don't have proper gear equipment and recovery items. Flying Arrow tried playing this game last year and literally got stuck with no earlier save to fall back on.

You've been warned.