I'm writing this as a huge old-school RPG gamer. I love all the Final Fantasy's and Octopath Traveler, Pokemon. Earthlock should not be grouped in with the great games it is inspired from for multiple reasons. When I first started Earthlock, I did have high hopes. Walking around with my characters, getting into fights, learning the turn -based battle system that had it's own twist to it. Then I realized something, the story is dull, the grind is real and the gameplay isn't fun.. like at all.
Earthlocks game play is horrible, let me explain: You get little experience for battling enemies which makes you grind, you don't get new gear until you craft some later on. Each character has a 'second stance' which gives you a whole new move set, the problem is it takes up a turn just to switch the stance which dampers the fun, who wants to spend turns just shifting a stance, just to get blasted again by the enemies. Only certain characters have the abilities needed to multi hit targets. You can't tackle boss battles in any way you deem necessary. Bosses have specific weaknesses that you must exploit and if you don't, you're as good as dead. The combat just isn't fun.
It just seems like a one way game, not fun. The level designs are bland, big desserts, a forest area, another dessert this time with statues. Exploration is rewarded by treasure chest that just have material and money in them. It's not really rewarding to explore. You have a main hub area but you're constantly changing between different characters figuring out what they're good for. You can plant seeds and watch your plants grow and then harvest them later (wow). You can craft relics and weapons but it's just a constant grind for materials and not really exciting.
Earthlock needs improvement in all aspects. Especially since it's in the Nintendo Switch which is home for some of the best selling RPGS out there. so PASS on this one.