What's the verdict on this game? I just started playing it and I'm having fun. Im surprised at how deep the mechanics go, its almost impossible to play this without a guide tho

Is this game worth finishing? I've heard its a boring slog later on but can't confirm that's just side quests. Can you complete the game without doing side content or is it mandatory? I finished the 4 characters stories and just got the 4 mediums btw. Im not a huge JRPG fan, mostly normie stuff like Skies of Arcadia and FFX I like