Wow. I had been hyped for this game for months, and it was all I hoped it would be.
The Bad: Can get quite confusing if you don't know what you are doing
This game had been on my radar from the end of January, and I am so glad it wasn't a huge letdown. I would call this game a fusion of 1/3 board game,1/3 strategy and 1/3 RPG. In the game, you take command of a kingdom and attempt to lead it to victory with a slew of generals. The battles are massive (30 v. 30) as opposed to the dinky little skirmishes in FFTA (8v.8). The music is an impressive score of catchy yet dramatic pieces which perfectly accent the situation. There is great length to the game (I believe there are around 8 kingdoms you can play as, each with a separate storyline). A word to the wise: During your first few hours, have the manual close at hand. There are many abbreviations that you will need to learn. I don't think that this feature warrants an "OMG THIS GAME IS TOO CONFUSING"; on the contrary, I was able to pick it up and within an hour I was playing like a seasoned general...for the first level anyways, but I can see how this would pose a problem to the gamer who just wants to pick it up first time and know what they are doing. The game seems a little bit difficult, but not so much as to make me throw my PSP across the room; more to extend the shelf life of the game. The graphics are very well done, lots of sophistication. Now, remember when I said that you had 30 v. 30 battles? You do, but you can ony give them generalized commands (i.e. move, make a Surround Formation, Target Commander, etc.). I don't think this detracts an awful lot (It would be hard to directly command 30 individual soldiers in a real time battle), but if you are looking for an FFTA copy, please stay away.
This game deserves some recognition as a great SRPG, but unfortunately I think it will be passed up for some of the more prominently advertised titles of March and April of '06, which is a real shame because this game has real potential as a frontrunning SRPG.
Rent v. Buy: Buy. If you rent it, you will probably not have enough time to get into this game and end up becoming frustrated with it.
If you are a hardcore RPG or even a strategy fan, this game should be on your radar. Pick this one up today. Seriously. Get out from in front of your computer and haul yourself to EB Games. NOW.