Through Twitter and some text conversations with my brother, I've already compiled a few reactions. (If you follow me on Twitter, I apologize for doubling up; but I'll generally flesh out my thoughts a bit more here.)
btw, spoilers.
- The first time you arrive in 23000 AD, there's no indication that you should advance to the Sewer before going through Lab 32. The only inkling of telling you to go to Death Peak through the Sewer is one guy that says something like "There's an old man down in the Dome to the South, but the Sewers are dangerous and Death Peak is where this whole mess started." So, it's almost like this dialogue is telling you not to go there. However, if you don't go through the Sewers at this point in the game, you have a memory later in the game that you never should have, when you're introduced to Belthazar. This isn't that big of a deal, in the long run...but it's one of the only plot inconsistencies in the game and it stands out to me because of that.
- It's fascinating that Azala and the Reptites are more advanced than prehistoric humans, including linguistically. Is this intentional, or is this a Woolsey special? I think it's intentional, though I can't check the original Japanese or anything. Either way, the fact that the Reptites are so much smarter than the Humans makes their extinction a little tragic or sympathetic, even though they're not exactly the nicest individuals. Humans didn't turn out entirely great in the long run, either.
- I love that EXP is gained by all party members, including those who aren't with you. It makes it much more inviting to switch up your party and try out new team combinations. And there is still benefit to rotating, mainly the Dual and Triple Techs. CT has such a good balance of characters in so many ways--there aren't too many, nobody is too good, everyone has beneficial situations, and all have interesting personalities in their own ways. One of the best ensemble casts in a JRPG.
- Marle has always been, and forever will be, Best Girl.
