One of My First Forays Into The Kingdom Hearts World, and On The DS Is Quite Fun Yet Portable
In regards to game-play, 358/2 Days plays like the original Kingdom Hearts with basic exploration, and fast-paced combat - with locking onto enemies and bashing the A button, creating a chain and combo's. There is also an element of collecting power-ups, items and hearts from the enemies you destroy. You can also use magic-based attacks, on your enemies and continuously mix the properties of your magic, to create new attacks and spells.
Graphically, the game looks restricted as it's on a hand-held system like the DS; with the environments and characters looking seriously downgraded compared to the PS2 original, which looks far more smoother. However this isn't a complain or a detrimental issue of the game, as it still looks good even in battles, and general exploration. It's a given issue, since you accept it being on the Nintendo DS system.
The plot and story-line follows the Kingdom Hearts lore, and world of the original PS2 release - so for some die-hard fans, knowing the story and plot is a bonus, but is not a real requirement as I never did complete and finish the original Kingdom Hearts, yet I understand most of the content of this installment in the series.
What is surprising, is that the musical score of 358/2 Days is it's strongest element - and the opening alone of the game has an amazing song, and soundtrack that warrants my interest alone, without the other deciding factors involved.
The Good:
- As a sequel in terms of timeline, this is a good sequel for fans of the series with memorable characters, and lore.
- Combat is easy to get to grips with, your attacks and combo's evolve as you progress through the game as does your magical attacks.
- Exploration, and camera use is easy to understand so you're not forced to play without seeing what is ahead or around you.
- An amazing musical score, from the opening and throughout the game.
The Bad:
- Graphics are dated, and show on the DS now.
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days may appear dated in terms of graphics, but it's content is full and enjoyable as you get to know Kingdom Hearts lore and characters. It's a pivotal requirement to own for Kingdom Hearts fans, and for Action/RPG fans an enjoyable tale.