It still seems like there's plenty to be criticized here, but that there's still a very solid game underneath it all. You can generally disregard codexian hyperbole whenever you see it - and you can spot it a mile away. But from what I've seen of the game, they should have approached the open-world aspect differently, and that's where the majority of the criticism here and elsewhere was generated from.
Yes absolutely. At least this game seems to have actually good japcombat unlike the usual ubislop. Japan as the king of action combat mechanics has been well-established for decades and remains. I might enjoy the open world-iness if I am in the right mood even if it isn't an optimally good open world a la Gothic et al.
Yeah, the open world seems like something I'll have a little fun with in the front end, but not something that'll sustain its enjoyment through the experience. I haven't heard great praise of things like exploration and discovery, which should be top priority in open-world RPG design. I'm someone who likes a little downtime between intense action though, so it'll serve that purpose for me at the very least throughout the playtime.
I watched a few gaeplay clips, and there is a character creator. At least for apoearance.
Such as...?
git gud
