I finished the game a couple days ago...

THE ARGUEMENT:
Despite what other reviewer say about the story, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes, Xion commanded a little too much attention in a game everyone thought was supposed to be about Roxas, but it connects the dots between games a little better than the unknowns that were before.

And yes, a XIVth member of Organization VIII, a girl at that, looking just like a black haired Kairi, maybe a bit Mary-Sueish, but not enough to warrant the harassment she gets. She actually gets a series appropriate justification for being so (cuz if you think about it, that's all Roxas was when he was introduced, two keyblades and all)

To those who complain about the mission based gameplay, do remember that it IS on the DS, and it's already incredible they got the battle style on there, let alone smooth(ish) running character models that don't drain the hell out of your battery. They have to have some sort of limits in the game engine.


THE BAD:
Though I will give you guys this: The music was a bit repetitive and reused. I only counted like...about 6 original music scores in there out of the many.

I am not a fan of the tutorial screen's dependence on the R button, particularly the tutorials that appear on the touch screen.

Though I like the idea of the panel-based level up, it is a bit time consuming to get it to just the way you like it (or need it).


THE GOOD:
DESPITE WHAT EVERYONE ELSE SAYS, the story was as well written as it could be for an interquel. I enjoyed learning what actually drove Roxas to leave the Organization, and why he happened to fight Riki in the World That Never Was...AFTER he had already left the Organization.

The mission mode, although I wish the multiplayer had WiFi capability, I do enjoy playing as other characters (except for Donald, since I already don't like him; and Axel, since he's rediculously hard to control for me). I usually play as Micky, Marluxia, and Roxas/Xion...and Dual Blade Roxas)



**POSSIBLE INDIRECT SPOILER BELOW***



















And yes, this was possibly the saddest, most tragic E rated game I have ever played, but they can't all be happy. I actually enjoyed the break from Sora's overly happy overtones. And I really feel for Roxas. He's had a tough existence...


Which brings me to an interesting point...why is it that a game about beings who theoretically cannot feel emotion is the MOST emotionally driven Kingdom Hearts game released?