I for one would certainly prefer the game take on a more serious tone. I would like to see lasting consequences, tangible losses, and removal of the plot armor protecting the primary cast. I'm not saying I believe they should start killing characters just to kill them, but I do find the knowledge none of main cast are ever in any real danger detracts from my ability to enjoy the story. Throwing Hildebrand in on top of this was not something I particularly enjoyed. Perhaps the humor would've been more welcome had there been a darker overall tone for it to contrast.

That they chose to forgo the usual means of acquiring relic weapons in favor of something so asinine was just the icing on the cake, I suppose. Not to mention the relics being virtually worthless.