Just throwing out some impressions; I know someone is watching (hi davwe!).
While the combat looks complex and whatnot, it's actually pretty easy to learn once you go through the tutorials. The tutorials are optional and missable (there is a chance you can be sunk into a battle before reaching the tutorials which is a poor move on the developers part), but I recommend you try them out. There are 16 lessons, and they're pretty straightforward. The tutorial is pretty much images with text on them telling you how do this specific move. After you finish reading them, the game takes you to the battlefield, and you have to do them to advance to the next lesson. I would've preferred an interactive video tutorial like you normally see, but at least it gets the job done.
Alright back to the combat, it's very fun and difficult. Make a couple of bad moves and you're pretty much dead. I'm barely in chapter 4, and I died a lot of times and also had to grind for a while. It's frustrating having to go through the entire dungeon if you die. If you don't like challenging games, rent it first. The game's not cheap, just strategically demanding.
The battle environments look the same, but they change it up with bunker, enemy, barrel, etc placements. In chapter 4, the game added a nice twist/stipulation which made the dungeon very exciting to play. It's nice that they're changing things up and keeping battles fresh.
As for the story, it's pretty boring so far. It's just random events happening and you making deliveries. There were some funny moments, and the characters are lovable which is a little surprising for me.
I'll say this: the story is the thing I look most to in an RPG, but RoF keeps making me come back to it because of its superb combat. It's incredibly fun with all the attacks and approaches you can take, and the fact that it compels you strategize. It's also fun customizing your weapons and clothing. I also love the world map; it's a little addicting using the hexs to make paths and discover treasure. So far, I'll give it an 8. The only thing bogging it down is the story.
