Is the new Star Ocean as bad as everyone says it is?

[CosmicSex]

Spoiler:

Right before the final boss a portal appears that will take you back to your house.  If you go see Welch she will give so the final task (assuming you did the others).  You up the long streching road up the mountain in Soma to fight the creatures then return to her.  You will now have the weapon and armor augmentation ability meaning you can become a demigod before the final boss if you want to.   I don't have duplication and I don't want to take forever so I will probaly create 2 super laser weapons and armors then step on the final boss' throat and continue in the postgame.