VC is a very good game, but not for everybody (I mean it won't excite most people at first glance, or even after a 2nd one). Story is great but its development is rather slow, and much of it (first and seconday character development) is left for side-events (nothing wrong with this but you must be aware of this). Overall is a very satisfying experience especially for those who like "teenager JPRGs" in general and like the strategic-action approach.
The game has not exactly the most "user-friendly" experience and by this I want to point out it takes trial and error (yes, failure and time spent to learn by failing) to get the hang of many gameplay perks the game won't let you know until you experience them firsthand. Saving frequently is recommended as it's inevitable you'll make costly mistakes that, even when very close to completing your mission, can turn the tide against you and send all your time and effort to hell. You can save before and after any action (on your player phase), but having to backtrack too much is painful specially because the loading is slow (around 25 seconds in battle) trying to locate the exact point where you saved. So, it's always better if you plan carefully.
Sometimes there are exasperating things you can't control that will just happen: ie. missing a shot against an enemy right in front of you (Lancers and the tanks love to do that) you must remember this is an RPG and although its 3rd person perspective makes it look like you're in total "control" you must know your "stats" are still the rule of the game (it doesn't make it less bearable anyway...grrr...specially if you fail to execute in a very important turn).
This is not game-braking or actually a problem of the game at all, but people must know this so they won't be turned off the first couple of times it happens. That's one of the reasons I say this game is not for everybody. It all comes with the territory I'd say. It's still a strategy game. Thank Sega they created this beautiful canvas and 3rd person action to help make it more engaging and exciting.
You should give it a try regardless of anything you read about it. You may discover a whole new genre if anything and a very refreshing experience.







