An excellent RPG/real time tactics game with a steep learning curve
Pros: Completely different way of fighting; Many different unit types; mass micromanaging
Cons: some annoying loading times or slowdowns; some AI commanders are pretty stupid
Gameplay: The gameplay is just amazing. There is a HUGE learning curve due to the fact that the manual is more of a reference book, and there is no tutorials what so ever. But if you are willing to experiment with the manual laid next to you for a few hours, this game just rocks. You command commanders, towns, and castles on a board game-like map. Though there are overwhelming amounts of things to do with your stuff, the game keeps each turn from getting too long with a limit of 5 actions per turn. When 2 commanders clash, you go onto a mini field and you can see the two armies square off against each other. Before the battle, you can compare limited stats and your formation, giving your troops special stat bonuses and minuses. The game IS complicated, but most anyone can get it in a day or so.
Graphics: This game mostly takes 2D sprite images and makes them interact with 3D backgrounds. The sprites look excellent. The 3D images, though, range from okay to bad. But, for the most part, you'll mostly concentrate on the sprites anyways so it isnt much of a problem
Sound: The opening j-rock song is pretty good. Otherwise, its nothing special. Not bad enough for me to want to turn off the sound, but not good enough to make me want to hum it to myself. The sound effects are okay. Surprisingly, there is voice acting in this game. The english voices sound like any bad dub of an anime, but you have the option to turn the voices to Japanese.
Overall: This game isnt exactly a game everyone can play. It takes determination to learn the game, but when you get it, it gets really interesting. Different unit types, special commanders, and areas keep opening up. A unit you thought was useless can totally own when placed on the battle field at certain places or certain times of day. This is a must buy for all Strategy-RPG lovers out there.
Also, try this game for more than 2 hours before dismissing this game as horrible.