my original plan was to knock out Artelind first and then use paralysis/binds on Wilhelm to stop him on the turn he's supposed to wipe your party, but the game doesn't allow it :/ his Force boost never ends

NARRATIVELY i kind of like it actually, it's a desperate last stand. but gameplay wise is feels kind of limiting,, one of the best things about EO's combat is figuring out creative soluations, but there is very little you can do here except "Hit Hard and Fast" or "Use Perfect Defence"

i'm still enjoying the labyrinth itself too, i like ice puzzles and the ones here were pretty good/engaging. i liked them better than the 2nd Stratum, where it was pretty easy to brute force past stuff on the upper floors........ the damage tiles barely hurt lol

the 2nd Ginnungagap boss was WAY easier. easier than the 1st floor boss, even.

i did some transforming and you're so right

actually using the Force mechanic would probably help. but i haven't needed it so far, so........ 🤷‍♂️ whatever maybe i'll try it out on the 2nd Stratum boss

????? while i was typing this out, i was still on the cafe menu, and suddenly a little voice skit played out???????? not just a quip or two, it was whole Thing. i didn't know there could be extra stuff like that just from waiting around on the menus WTF

honestly though, i'm glad,, feels like i got to skip the early game suffering gauntlet......... lol.

and when fighting the Stratum boss, i don't think it ever knocked anyone's health own below half. didn't do any grinding, just came in well prepared, i guess. obviously, things are gonna get harder as i progress, i'm just surprised.

i loved running into the stupid little hedgehog over and over lol

and also i'm really enjoying the characters so far?? both the main party and the side characters/townies. i'm excited to continue

my favorite part of EO is the dungeons, mapping, and FOE puzzles. so while ive enjoyed some of the party building aspecrs of other EO titles, having a story mode following a specific party (that you can still somewhat customize!) is honestly ideal for me