Eternal Sonata is everything you'd expect, in a very good way
As soon as the game started, it hit a huge nostalgia factor for me. So, if you're a big rpg fan and are familiar with the old-school turn-base games, you'll have a blast with this.
The story kicks off right away, intelligently, creating a unique essence and showing off the art-style beautifully. After drawing you in with a great intro that makes you want to know more, you're thrown into battle.
The battle style is easy, and keeps getting more fun and interesting as you progress. Don't let this make you underestimate the difficulty. The game for me so far hasn't been insanely hard or anything, but it does provide challenge shortly after you've become familiar with everything. IMO, this just pulls you in more and more. There are times when the battles become repetitive, but this is natural in a game of this style.
The music and art-style might be my favorite parts of the game entirely. They create a really comfortable atmosphere that you simply have to enjoy. Even during a battle sequence the colors and flow of the music and movements of the characters keep you entertained with ease.
The only downfall I've discovered thus far is that to someone who isn't familiar with old rpg classics and are really worried about action-packed gameplay and realistic graphics, you'll hate this game. It's entirely based around the art-style and storyline and could easily bore someone who doesn't have a taste for such. Also, there is a lot of dialogue, but it seems to end right when you're about to lose concentration, so it isn't too bad. The last thing I dislike (small spoiler) is the cut-scenes in which they tell you about aspects of Chopin's life. I understand the game is based on these facts, but its so great overall it could do without.
To end this review, I've gotta mention you CAN skip cutscenes, so if you are bored, skip it, and hit the action. If you're looking for a game thats going to literally pommel you with a feeling of nostalgia get this, if you're into JRPG's, get this. I dont know anyone who doesn't enjoy this game who's played it and even the seller on Amazon who I purchased it from said something to the nature of "This is really a great game. I get games as wholesale items and usually just sell them without playing a lot of them, but a friend had told me about this and after an hour i was hooked. Have fun."