Here's how I think about the unvoiced protagonist. Framing it this way in my head has greatly increased my enjoyment anytime there is a silent protagonist.Thanks for the response and enlightening me!
I deleted the demo, but actually found myself itching to give it another go yesterday, so I downloaded it again and jumped back in.
I put a few more hours in before I gave up. But it's such a shame. I love the way it controls, and I like the combat and the world. As I said previously, the voice work is good and I like the game's sense of humour. I also like traversal and really enjoy the fact that the game makes it part of the gameplay. Going into a back garden, climbing up some boxes, walking along some ropes and confronting Derk made the act of navigating the world feel much more involved than most JRPGs I've played. Add in great on foot movement and a satisfying sprint, and I like just roaming the environments. Moving around in combat, while superficial and a missed opportunity, adds to that sense that I've got control at all times.
I also love the customisation options in regards to game speed, text progression and the like. It feels like a super polished experience across the board.
Heliodor feels like a fantastically realised place and the praise I've seen for the game's towns seems more than justified from what little I've played.
As you can probably tell, I've got conflicting feelings about the game. There's lots I really like, which is why I've been reluctant to let it go. I researched this game endlessly, watched loads of reviews and can see why so many people love it. My positive experience with the Xenoblade series has really encouraged me to give other JRPGs a go and I'm glad I've tried it.
But there's something about the overbearing, looped music, the framing of the plot and mechanics and the way it all comes together that just turns me off.
Revisiting a certain location early on took an unexpected turn that I appreciated - though why how hero has a voice then, but not now, doesn't make sense. I'm sure people know what I mean. He also didn't really react to quite a big revelation about his past, which just made the whole scene jarring. Link in Wind Walker is how you do a mute main character. He's incredibly expressive and brims with character throughout.
It's an interesting game. One that I'm glad exists and would recommend to those who like classic JRPGs. I'm also glad I got to try it out for nothing! I'm sure I'll take a good look at the next one when it comes. And fingers crossed I'll love that one.
When there is a moment that the protagonist would speak, or when a character *pretends* that the protagonists speaks, imagine what you yourself would say if you were the protagonist. The lack of a script allows you to insert yourself more directly in the story. I don't think it always works, but I've found that having a silent protagonist can allow myself more freedom in role-playing. Because I'm not constrained by the words the Hero chooses, I can instead imagine the ones I would use.