For those without PSP's...
I'm sure many of you were like me, who would rather play a game this deep and time consuming on a portable platform, rather than the PS2, but did not have a PSP. DS owners can now sink hours upon hours into this wacky Strategy RPG.
Rather than write about the game mechanics and presentation, which there are many reviews available for, I will point out the advantages and disadvantages of the DS version.
The first, and handiest, new addition is the use of a second screen, which allows the system to display much more information at once than the other 2 versions. A mini map is displayed during battle, which is extremely helpful when aiming spells or distinguishing who is friend or foe at a quick glance. Character and item stats can also be seen instantly, without having to change pages repeatedly by pressing a button. Switching to the console version, you really do miss these features, and wish you could have a second television propped on the other.
Graphically, the game has suffered quite a bit. With roughly half the resolution of it's counterparts, the games sprites have lost quite a bit of detail. Textures are blurry (more blurry than they were to begin with), and particle effects are more "fuzzy". Special attack animations are marginally less detailed (the map disappears, and only characters are shown during some specials. This versions biggest, and most complained about, graphical change would be the inconsistent frame rate. Rather than the silky smooth game play of other versions, the game will drop to what appears to be single digits in character filled maps, such as those in item world. It wont affect playability as this is an SRPG, but it can be an annoyance.
Audio wise, it is sufficient. All voice acting in cut scenes has been removed, except for chapter previews. This is to be expected of a DS game, what with limited space and all. Character voices during battle are all there, albeit noticeably compressed. It is unfortunate that lyrical songs are no longer so, as they were unique and enjoyable.
One of the big advantages is that the DS version is the newest, bringing new features. Characters, settings, "Prinny Commentary" and multilayer are some of the stand outs.
If you are looking for an SRPG on the DS, this is un-questionably one of the best, and most addicting choices. If you like the game, any of the little annoyances and downgrades won't matter, as the core game is there, with extra. Now excuse me, as I go back to my 150 hour game save...
