Well it looks like I won't be getting this today

^^ you have to beat the campaign mode to use the npc in free mode. That what I notice after after I beat it the first time.

Also some characters are unlocked by playing certain missions in bonus missions as well like marco neko.

I didn't find the dialog cheesy. I found the dialog well done and hilarious. Also, I've played up to the two who call themselves Semblem and Emblem (or something like that) and I have not come across any slowdown. Might it be something in your 3DS that is causing the slowdown?

The only thing weird to me was the artwork in 3D. The characters look really flat like Paper Mario. I wish they made it more like Dead or Alive Dimensions where the characters look great even when moving between planes.

@oninowon: Further experimentation with the 3D in this game has shown me that the more sprites on the screen, the worse the slowdown is for 3D mode. it's okay in 2D, but in 3D sometimes it slows down so much it's unbearable for me.

As for the dialogue, it is hilarious, but in a cheesy way IMO — i can't take it seriously at all. it's very possible that they did it this way intentionally, though, considering the quality voice acting overall, and i'm having fun, so I really don't care :3

Your constant presence on this thread means that this game beats Kirby's pinball land.

Regardless, should I get this? Not a huge fan of beat em ups except for DD, but if this is made right I will put it on my christmas list. Also this is made by Atlus, which I don't like as much as Aksys games, so that's another thing.

Everyone, please stop using Alchemia in ranked.... so unfair.

Does this game feature bots in its multiplayer, or am I forced to play with others for that experience?

@I-U: I know in online multiplayer, if you've created a room for say 3 or 4 people and only 2 show up, you can choose to start the match either with just the people who showed up or with the CPU taking the place of the ones you're missing. i haven't experimented with just fighting against the computer that way yet though, lol.

@I-U also, the main characters are available from the get-go in free play and bonus quests, so you can level there. After you complete the campaign, ALL unlocked players are available for Free Play and Bonus Quests.

Atlus didn't make it. They published it. Also, I'm pretty sure Aksys doesn't make games, they just publish them. They have no hand in the actual quality of the games outside of maybe localization, but then I think a small company like Aksys just hires another company to do the localization (could be wrong there though).

Do you guys recommend this for fans of the genre?

Nintendojo: B+ (excellent).

They loved the solid gameplay, great sprite graphics, crazy fun story, plethora of characters, great soundtrack, and fun online modes (competitive and co-op), but were dissapointed by the frequent slowdowns (especially with the 3D on), the lack of moveset variety, co-op restricted to two players (instead of four), and said characters seem sluggish amongst the chaos.

Biggest Let-Down: Its basically impossible to play against others with the Mega-Bosses, as noone plays Ultimate mode...

My new copy arrived today. The box was all torn up and trashed to hell. There's only one thing to do now: sell it on Amazon "in mint condition" when I'm through with it.

Just read IGN's review (6.9/10)...

They said it gets very repetitive quick, with very little to distinguish the characters apart, the RPG elements are arbitrary (you won't be able to tell the difference if a particular skill is 13, 15, or 17), with odd multiplayer options, nonsensical story, and fanservice (in the form of Solange's lack of attire) so bad that it only makes the game look dumb and off-putting.

Despite those flaws, they said that the controls certainly aren't broken, the 3D looks quite nice, and the localization & voice acting are top notch.

It's the only negative (mediocre?) review I've seen though, as NL & Nintendojo were very positive on it, so if I find the extra cash, I'll try to get it.

Nintendo World Report: 8/10

They said the game is beautiful, has great 3D, and (as contrast to IGN) said each character feels unique, and the RPG elements add a layer of deepness. They said the localization is on par with the Mario RPGs, and the music is fantastic.

On the bad side, they said online lags so much it's nearly unplayable, and the music (while great) repeats too often.

Nintendo Life: 9/10
Nintendojo: B+
Nintendo World Report: 8/10
IGN: 6.9/10

Nintendo Power gave it a 7.5 saying the frame rate was sluggish and in 3D downright choppy. They also said the frame rate doesn't get any worse during multiplayer.

I don't use 3D in game much so I haven't noticed a choppy frame rate. It does have slowdown though. I call it bullet time.

6.9 is an above average review score not a mediocre one. As for repetitive, nonsensical and fanservice, well, that just goes with the territory (JRPG).

@RR529
If anything they should have given it extra points for her attire.

Deleted my previous comment. I got way too winded & philosophical for really no reason

Just started the game, it's good so far. The characters are a slightly offbeat bunch (diverted a little from the staple where everyone in the party is physically beautiful, here some have a "flaw" that also makes them unique, e.g. Zozo depicted as a patchwork of corpse parts) and stand out from one another in personality/battle abilities. Decent voice acting. The only minor downside is hearing that co-op is 2-player, I was under the impression both multiplayer modes were 4-player.

I'm still trying to get used to the controls and gameplay. Kind of miss not being able to wander around towns, take a break from battle to see the sights - or is this possible later in the game? - while the advantage is being able to repeat quests for practice, and it's fun unlocking and trying out new characters.

Lol @ Solange fanservice ... I had the same thought the first time I saw the cover art, if you can suspend disbelief for a while and not wonder how any sane person would go into battle dressed like that, it's all good.