Aselia the Eternal -The Spirit of Eternity Sword-

The Novel part is done well(the art are.. passable) with a good story ; The lore is smartly implemented(it make use of most of the light medieval fantasy codes and only explain it's own elements) ; The cast of character is mostly well done (weither their background or they're growth)

The combat can be tough, but I never had that feeling of "I screwed up everything and have to reload from last chapter." If I was getting beat it was because I ignored the game mechanics or overlooked something important.

And once it gets started it really picks up pace, both in terms of story and difficulty.

Aselia the Eternal’s slower pacing and dated mechanics may deter modern audiences unfamiliar with early visual novel hybrids, but for those who appreciate character-driven storytelling and strategic combat, it offers a rewarding and immersive experience.

The soundtrack is one of the title’s most memorable achievements—a sweeping collection of orchestral and choral compositions that lend grandeur and emotional resonance to both story scenes and battles.