I wouldn't let that put you off, as critics of a game always tend to be more vocal than its supporters. It went through a dodgy period over recent months but it seems to be back on track now. I see that 216 reviewers have given it an average of four and a half stars, which is pretty impressive. Of course people's tastes differ, so I can't guarantee that you'll like it, but it's one of my favourite games. (Not sure why you would have had to continually start over when you played it some time ago, BTW.)
Part 3's just been a clusterfuck. Too many experimental systems, too much focus on tweaking the UI, the locking of basically all content.
Now, I agree it seems like the dev realized it was a bit of a mistake and is getting somewhat back on track, though that has so far involved remaking a lot of existing chapter 3 content in the new (old) system.
Which, don't get me wrong, better in the long run that a lot of the jank introduced by the early failed ideas of chapter 3 get stripped, but I just feel people are eager for some real movement in things again. To be able to the worst of the war stuff over and done with and have areas just usable and accessible again.
