Difficult, sometimes rage inducingly so, but it feels so good.
A JRPG in a WRPG style. Probably one of the best RPGs to be put out on the PS3 so far, right next to its sister Dark Souls.
Everything about it is done well. The way players can help each other through co-op or hinder each other by invasion is seamless. Tricky messages that could lead you to your death or helpful messages that lead you to treasure or down the proper path litter the stages. The story isn't shoved in your face through long narratives in cutscenes that so many RPGs seem to be in love with these days but is slowly unfolded as you explore the areas and pick up various items and read about them. What little voice acting is in the game is exceptional and also conveys the story in a non-intrusive manner.
Until you learn how to play well and the layout of the stages, this will probably be one of the most difficult games around. After learning how to do everything, it can still be very difficult depending on conditions and how many cycles you've gone through on one character.
This game makes you work, but in a good way. Very recommended - also worth picking up two different region versions in case the servers for one region go down in the future.