Shenuha and all the other girls were fucking hot in this game. Village was comfy, but Niaowu was only bearable because of Rose Garden and Chobu-chan, it was clear they just ran out of budget and decided to focus only on side content.
I think what's the most retarded about Niaowu especially is how much fucking shops, food and unique items there are in it, but it's just so unpopulated that it feels like a ghost town.