The game mostly focuses on the fighting, though there are puzzles and even a few stealth sequences (including a truly inspired one requiring you to whistle into the DS) scattered throughout the quest. However, since the fighting is the meat of the game, it should be the most polished part. Sadly, this isn’t the case. The game is played from an overhead view on a diagonal plane, which makes the fighting (and navigating narrow walkways) tricky, thanks to the DS’s D-pad, which works better using the cardinal directions. The game also tries to fool you into thinking that the fighting has more variety by adding different Terrenials, or elements, to your weapons, but aside from their Trance powers (more on that later), they don’t add much variety to what is ultimately a hack and slash adventure. Some enemies require a bit of patience and strategy to take down flawlessly, but aside from using the Terrenials to your advantage there really isn’t any significant differences in fighting style – just keep mashing the Y button. The same enemies also reappear throughout the entire game, changing only in color and level; which when combined with the mostly similar and dull environments creates an unfortunate lack of variety. Not even the mini-bosses escape this flaw, as you will fight the same chimera about four times.

The most unique aspect of the gameplay comes from the interesting use of climates and weather, which effect things like armor and environments. However, too few environments actually make use of the climate dynamic, and even fewer use it well. It isn’t much fun waiting for the temperature to rise above 84 degrees just so you can pass the next room. You also have to leave the entire level in order to change the climate. That being said, random weather events like a sandstorm or aurora borealis add a fun layer of variety by causing random effects on the otherwise monotonous gameplay. The healing items are also clever, as fruit will rot over time if not consumed and milk will either spoil or turn into yogurt depending on the weather.