First let me say this, when I opened this game up and started playing I thought loudly to myself FINALLY. Now let me explain why. This game is exactly what I believe 2D side scrollers should shoot for. It has key elements that really help a gamer...well want to play, if in fact you are into these types of games. 

1. Story line( I wont give away what it is after all it would be kind of like showing a spoiler before watching the actual movie)

2. Customizeable and RECOGNIZABLE characters

- Within the 2D side scroller world there has been a massive over population of Chibi(child like) animation on characters I.E. big heads and little bodies. Although La Tale characters are not exactly proportioned correctly they are NOT chibi characters. It as a whole made the game itself look more respectable and playable. As such without having a chibfied character one could easily recognize the changes in their outfit being that there is more room to put accessories even on the basic of basic items.

- Even the weapons on this game have a lot of small details on them that make them look a lot more complex. The items are also a lot larger giving them more area to play around with. Below you will see two characters with different weapons.

-Take note of the small chanages that are made throughout the items, clothing, and everything including the weapons. The basic shape is the same but since the characters are not all scrunched together it is easier to distinguish that more than a color swap was done unlike some 2D side scrollers where you end up looking like someone elses evil twin, or good twin depending on your outfit.

3. Gameplay.

- The movement is much like an arcade game where you can drop down to the lower area. Not to mention you CAN combo your skills in this Latale Ely game with your attacks. On top of that they give you a weak attack and a strong attack to use at your disposal. Do its more than just hack away at the enemy.

-Skills. The system in which they have set up for this game is pretty different, and rather interesting. You actually buy your skills from your skill tree. Unlike some games where in order to buy your skills you have to purchase them from a designated npc(a skill book). An example of this would be Florensia( not saying its better or worse just giving examples.) Sure within this skill system you DO have to set skill points to your skills, but you can only get certain skills at a certain level, like all games. So while you are waiting to be able to get your next skill you can set up your passive skills THAT ALL CLASSES HAVE, or you can spend your money on clothing or something of the sort.