My usual Good vs. Bad review (MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You have been warned)
Good:
~ First and most importantly, this game does NOT play the role of a sequel, nor a prequel... Kinda plays the role of a filler. The game makes KH:CoM and KH2 a lot more clear, which is good, seeing as how playing through both games over 3 times still left me confused with many things, I'm glad 358/2 cleared things up.
~ Just because it's a filler doesn't mean the game is short, and it definitely doesn't mean the story is bad. The story for this game is absolutely amazing, and as I have said above it manages to fit all the confusions in KH:CoM and KH2 inside. The game's length is (as usual) AT LEAST 24-30 hours... Which is great if you want something to do for awhile.
~ The graphic design and sound for this game are also posibly some of the best for the DS. With PS2 like CG cutscenes (with sound) and a very smooth framerate, there's no way this game should be left out for any KH fan or even a new comer.
~ Next is the combat system. This is so enjoyable for the fact that it IS Kingdom Hearts style gameplay. Yes, hat means no cards... However those were fun as well There isn't constant button mashing and there's actually use for skills in 358/2, unlike Kingdom Hearts 2.
~ Speaking of skills, there is a new add to the KH series known as panels. These let you place your keyblades(gears -you can only use one-) abilities (unlimited), items (unlimited), and rings (only one) in the spaces provided. You can also have Panel Sets, which are sets of panels you wish to use for a certain occasion. As you progress in the game more slots become available. You can also buy more slots in the Moogle Shop.
~ With skills and combat comes the difficulty, which is increased by a pretty big amount in 358/2. Remember how Proud Mode in KH2 felt like normal? Well, there is a pretty decent sized gap in difficulty here.
~ Each mission has badges you must find which unlock challenges and the ability to play that mission again. You can play the mission again in two ways, Holo-Mission Mode (which is inside the story mode) OR Mission mode, which you can play alone or with friends (up to 3 others)
~ In mission mode, you can play every single mission you have unlocked alone od with friends(SPOILER END)once you beat the game, all become unlocked anyways so don't feel bad if you miss a few...(SPOILER END)
Bad:
~ The fact that there wasn't much interaction with Disney characters and the played ended up going back to the same world numerous times for missions was rather annoying, but then again, that could just be me.
Besides that reason, this game is definitely a buy if you are a Kingdom Hearts fan and have AT LEAST played Kingdom Hearts 1 and CoM. Besides that, I would play those 2 first. 9/10