Okay, I'm 9 hours in now, and while the combat does feel kinda passive and limited early on, by this point, now that I've got a good handle on it, have 3 characters in battle at once, have attained multiple blades per character, and have upgraded so that certain arts are charged from the start of battle, I think the battle system is the best of the series so far. The special combos really do feel great to pull off.

I was kinda put off unlocking new blades at first after I got a few with truly horrible designs that I couldn't bear to watch the introductions of much less use in gameplay, but now my luck seems to have improved as I've scored some with decent designs. 

Yeah, I am really feeling it now.

Okay, I'm 9 hours in now, and while the combat does feel kinda passive and limited early on, by this point, now that I've got a good handle on it, have 3 characters in battle at once, have attained multiple blades per character, and have upgraded so that certain arts are charged from the start of battle, I think the battle system is the best of the series so far. The special combos really do feel great to pull off.

I was kinda put off unlocking new blades at first after I got a few with truly horrible designs that I couldn't bear to watch the introductions of much less use in gameplay, but now my luck seems to have improved as I've scored some with decent designs. 

The rare blades I've seen are the embodiment of the term "mixed bag".  I appreciate the ambition with the number of well regarded artists they pulled in, but the results are hit and miss.  It does mean almost anyone can find some they like.  Also means everyone will find some they hate.  

So it's a matter of perspective I suppose.  You could look at it as providing something for everyobe...or look at it like someone hiding your birthday present in a room filled floor to ceiling with ping pong balls :P

Please don't tell me thats an actual quote from the game.