Grindfest meets Walking Sim
It would be great if some other games had graphics as beautiful as this one.
But that's pretty much all the positive things I can say about this game.
The story is banal and recycled in almost all EXE games: a group of teens goof around while simultaneously saving the world.
This time, the unique feature is Elemental Skills. Each character has a specific element, which they can increase to a maximum of level 99 (they don't have to use it; points are automatically distributed for the elements after each battle). At the same time, they can also learn the other elements by wearing certain rings/talismans. The levels are limited depending on the item. But here's the second extra: there's a melting pot. In it, unwanted items (weapons, armor, other items) are melted into crystals, which can then be exchanged for rings/talismans at certain merchants. This allows you to gradually increase your skills. However, as soon as you remove the item, you can no longer use the learned skills. Later in the game, you'll find items that allow you to learn and use all skills to their maximum level simultaneously.
Sounds good, but it's basically pointless. I think I never used 99.9% of the skills. In the end, you just end up using the area bombardment. These skills require mana.
There's also a second type of skill, which varies depending on the character. Each character only has a few of these skills, and to use them, you need certain skill points... of which you only have three. To recharge them, you either have to fight for a long time or consume potions. But they do pack a serious punch.
Furthermore, you can revisit any city/dungeon you've visited using warp. There's a ship that you can convert into an airship, allowing you to visit remote areas (with massive extra experience).
Side quests, which are quite boring (bring this to me from dungeon X, kill X monsters, etc.).
Every action is saved, and if you repeat something often enough, you'll be rewarded with items.
In battles, in addition to the usual experience and gold, you also receive special points for every third battle. Of course, no Exe Games game would be complete without an in-game cheat shop. With these points, you can: a) buy items, b) boost your party (e.g., up to 300% more experience), c) craft weapons/armor (according to an internal list, you can sometimes get super weapons that are especially powerful at the beginning). Oh, and every real-world day, you can spin a roulette wheel twice for a chance to win the grand prize.
I played the game on Very Hard difficulty, and it was still Very Easy.
If you (like me) enjoy watching movies while running a walking simulator on your PC, this game is perfect for you.