The 6.5 rating is quite harsh.
The story initially follows 4 characters in their search for powerful crystals used to create a defense mechanism to protect their world from evil. The world of Sudeki has been split in two, leaving a world of light and color, and one of darkness and shadows. I will not reveal anymore of the plot, which can be predictable at times, but ultimately satisfies with carefully crafted characters and plot devices.
You start your quest as Tal, a member of the Illumina Gaurd. Tal is a swordsman and possesses great power. To use his techniques, and other melee character attacks, you simply press the two corresponding attack buttons. To improve your strikes there is a small box at the bottom of the screen, and if you use these buttons in the correct pattern with the correct timing, you can unleash several different attacks. There is also a button to block, and certain chracters have long range attacks that require the use of the right trigger, much like your standard FPS games.
Eventually you will meet the gunslinger Elco, a powerful princess named Ailish, and a tiger/human hybrid warrior named Buki, who uses her quick claws to devastating effect. Each character possesses a special ability that you will use to solve what are basically straight-forward puzzles. The game's controls are responsive enough, although the use of items can be a tad clumsy. You can assign potions and healing items to the D-Pad, but more often than not you'll be scrolling the item screen during a fight to cure your characters' status effects. The only problem here is that the game doesn't pause while you do this, it merely slows things to a crawl. However, with a little strategy and careful positioning you'll do just fine.
You can also set your characters to approach battle a certain way. They can defend the chraracter you're controlling, attack anything in sight, or retreat from battle altogether.
The game's graphics are very well done. The colors are bright and cheerful when needed, and dark and forebidding when required. The two lands are very distinctive from each other, as are the enemies you will encounter in each world. Sound is adeqaute. Some music tracks are soothing, others are forgettable, but all in all everything fits the bill. The voice acting for the most part is spot-on, although a few lines will leave you with an eyebrow raised.
Most improtantly, the game is a lot of fun. It has a sense of humor, doesn't take itself too seriously, and makes good use of each character's ability. I'd compare it slightly to Fable, not nearly as in depth, but it definitely distinguishes itself as one of the best RPG's on the Box. You can't go wrong if you get it under $10.