It really is a streamlined low rank experience. It just feels awful because you’re basically forced to shotgun the story quests. Even though most MH veterans blitz through low rank anyways it feels bad to have the choice taken away. Plus the walk and talk bits are agonizing.

It’s the first time Atlus has made a talking animal character that I was actually excited to spend more time with.

Also the Memorandum is such a fucking godsend for an original fantasy setting like this. Nothing brings me more joy than hearing a term, going “what’s that?” and immediately being able to read more about it. FF16 did something similar and I need every lore heavy game to do this forever now please.