Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories

THE BAD:

• Some bosses are just broken no matter which story/difficulty. (read: Captain Hook *cough*)
• Requirement of Map Cards can lead to long/frustrating/reset games. (I refer to the infamous Required Blue Map Card with a value of 1 needed for the last floor, which many people have to play extra hours, or just reset if they aren't getting Map Cards, like I was. Don't believe me? Check forums here.)
• Early game can be hard on new players due to a weak starting deck. (for Sora)
• On Reverse/Rebirth, people who didn't get the picture that you have to fight intelligently, and can't power your way through won't get anywhere due to not being able to modify Riku's deck.
• Remembering to use enemy cards is a pain as sometimes while using the card that would help you win, the boss obliterates you.

SUMMARY:
This game I played and beat BEFORE I even picked up Kingdom Hearts II. The storyline is decent, but could have been done a little better, as the various Organization characters aren't really fleshed out.

The levelling system, while interesting, can make for some long/horrible gameplay, as Sora's choices are all equally important, and you can't just pour all your points into one category or the other. Riku's is a little easier, because you can technically just keep dividing it between HP and DP, and choosing AP everytime it becomes available.

Trying to power level leads to defeat later on, with either really low HP, or really low CP, both of which can frustrate somebody into selling this game, or stop playing it.

The learning curve is not difficult, especially if you pay attention to the black-cloaked guy at the beginning, and Leon in Traverse Town, but the gameplay can be very repetitive, especially on Sora's story. (As a matter of reference, I have about 40+ hours of gameplay on Sora's, as opposed to about 6-7 hours on Riku's, does that tell you how much more time Sora's story practically demands?)

The payoff for this game, is unlocking Reverse/Rebirth. This alone makes this game worth buying, and worth defeating Sora's storyline. Plus, it's satisfying when you can obliterate all these enemies, who gave you issues while playing Sora, with Riku's advanced abilities.

Overall, if you liked Kingdom Hearts, or like card-style games, or just want to try something new, give this a try. If you didn't like Kingdom Hearts, or card-style games, or just don't care, don't buy it. This game is not for everybody. But I highly recommend it. Even if you don't like card-style games, but like Kingdom Hearts, get it, it will help you understand a LOT about Kingdom Hearts II.