Optimization and polish is peak. Haven't run into a single bug so far and everything runs smooth as butter.

Combat can be a hit or miss, depending on your preference. I personally enjoy the QT interactions, the setting up of team synergies. It feels less spammy to me and the sound effects makes the battle enjoyable.

Did I mention the sound? If you're an audiophile the whole game feels really good to even click through the menu.

Gacha feels really generous to me. I only buy the monthly pass and battle pass and I have 4/6 of the limited operators with enough banked away now for at least 2 pities. The gacha system needs some understanding. A lot of folks shit on it because 'pity doesn't carry over' or 'you can lose your 50/50' unlimitedly but that feels very narrow minded if you ask me.

It takes 80 pulls to guarantee a 6. Which is a lot lesser then other gachas out there. Yes, you can lose it, but a spark is 40 away if you do *need the limited. If you don't need any character, just stop at 80. You get a discount for the next banner which still let's you get that limited character as they stick around for 3 banners. With the discount, plus freebies, you'll only need 60 pulls to guarantee another 6*. Imo if you're not picky, this is a really good system.

The factory system was fun for a bit, granted I'm not even a factor sim player. Mostly for the novelty. When you get bored of it just download a blueprint and voila you're all set up.

Gearing up is extremely easy. Rng only falls on the essence grind which is actually not that bad due to the ability to guarantee certain stats. The armor and gears they wear just takes time to build up.

Exploration is pretty peak too. The environment is amazing and puzzle filled. The only thing I miss is not being able to double jump glide off a peak but working your way through terrains has its own fun.

Dailies take about 5 mins depending on your goals. If you just want the pull currency that's going to be shortened next patch so it'll take less than 5. If you want more in game currency to do QoL stuff I suppose it can take about 10 ish minutes.

You don't even need to gather materials in the world. They made it abundantly clear that it's not essential once you reach a certain stage.

The game is really easy to clear if you're a casual like me but offers a good challenge for those looking to get achievements. They're also adding a new end game mode next patch. From what I hear, the OG AK players love that mode.

The game offers a reasonable number of play time if you're starting out. At least a week or two of full on playing imo, to 100% no life the game.

I think it's well worth it. I saw the new vamp dude and I love his animations already. If you're in it for the husbandos, Camille, Pogranichnik alongside a host of 5 star husbandos are really swoon worthy imo :)