Yo yo, don't just browse the Monster Hunter Generations thread, check this one too!
So I'm about 30-ish hours into The Alliance Alive, and have discovered roughly three quarters of the in-game map, although there is likely one or two other uncharted areas I've yet to experience. I wanted to post some impressions for those who are on the fence about this title, especially if they are hesitant because of The Legend of Legacy.
This game is much more story driven than its predecessor, and its first 15-ish hours of gameplay are actually three separate parties/narratives occurring simultaneously. However, the game's exploration and discovery is also much more open. Even with the first of the new travel mechanics, the player can explore numerous areas. One of the main mechanics of the game can be found in its "Alliance" namesake- recruiting civilians and distributing them throughout the in-game guilds opens up new bonuses, abilities, equipment, and tactics for the main party, so revisiting towns and being thorough in exploration is key.
For those who are perhaps on the fence about the Awakening System and its implementation in both this and The Legend of Legacy, the game's main reward for defeating enemies are talent points, which can be boosted via chaining encounters together, fighting giant enemies, and raising the Recon Guild's level. These Talent Points can be distributed across weapon classes and character abilities, allowing players to really focus in on each party member's strengths. Even characters who do not participate in battle gain Talent Points from encounters, however using a character in battle means they have a chance to increase a skill/special attack's position level, which is really neat.
That being said, following the narrative closely is not always the best method of approach, as enemies sharply spike in difficulty level. Just like The Legend of Legacy, taking your chances and risking safety is important for Awakening skills, raising money, and improving HP/TP/MP stats. This isn't the sort of game designed to be powered through, and it also requires some pretty thoughtful consideration of resource management. Despite its light characterization and tone (with some surprisingly dark moments to be found here and there), I strongly believe that The Alliance Alive is a must have JRPG for fans of the genre, and one of the few that attempts to do something meaningful with new systems and mechanics in recent years.