The game itself is very fun and there is always something happening and playing while mapping I find myself playing and forget to map it then I have to go back to mapping so I can get it done in a hurry so I can play on. One of the things I like about it, now since we have access to the Resistance base is to fuse weapons (mostly guns) to make new ones and I can leave and pickup new characters now.
The music is probably the nicest thing for me in the game. I'm bobbing my head and don't even realize it! Now and again i think I'm playing a 16bit JRPG. The sci-fi atmosphere of the game is easy to get into. I've not played many space themed RPG's like this but this one hooked me in.
The story is good. It's not too involved but there are little things in the game that makes the story grab your attention wondering what will be next. For instance, there are terminals all about you can walk up to, press talk key and get information about things that have happened or things that will happen. It's basically linear story telling but it's quite interesting at times reading some of the dialogue and how it's presented.
Mapping the game is pretty easy since it's grid based and unlike a lot of grid based RPG's there is no need to shift the image 8 pixels to the left (like final fantasy) since I use a grid based sprite app for my maps I just load the snapshots in and stamp them down and they fall into place exactly. A lot of games are shifted 8 pixels down or up so you either need to use an 8x8 grid or shift the image 8 pixels up or down, THEN copy the image over. Of course this is just with my method of mapping.
As far as the world goes I'll have to play more. There is a aircraft that can be used but it's not available to me yet. I need so-and-so NavBots 2-3.
There is a lot of grinding required for at least the first Boss I dealt with. First time he kicked my butt then I leveled up a few times and he went down nicely. Fortunately there is an enemy group that comes out fairly early that gives good Exp's. Of course like the Metal Slimes but will pull out of battle. One thing I think is cool there are only certain type monsters that emerge on the world map no matter where you travel but after certain things are complete the new enemies then emerge on the same grounds as the older enemies. Usually this happens when you get to a new terrain but it's pretty neat how they tried a different method for that, and did a good job of it.
So, YES I recommend the game. According to gamefaq's statistics sheet the game will take on average (out of about 60% of people who played it) about 35 hours to finish. Just go for it and if you can't get into, no harm no fowl.
I'll let you know about the not-so flat world iffin' and when I get to it.
