(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61Qr4Wq0N6L._SL500_AA280_.jpg)
Well i've dumped 3-4 hours into the sequel to Luminous Arc, and I am happy with the improvements that have been made. I can say with a certainty that I will have more fun with this than the dreadful FF Tactics Advance 2. The series stays a relatively 'safe' stylus driven turn-based strategy series. There have been HUGE improvements in stylus implementation and the game is 10x more playable and moves at a nice swift speed. No more useless double-confirmations ala Tactics Advance. R U SURE?! SURE?!?!
Anyway, it has the same fixed cast in the linear story; the characters have a lot of variety and again most of the humor plays off of the characters while the story remains largely "animu serious". I think the only thing im curious about is the level crafting from the first game making it in. so far it looks like you get Lapis after each battle that you can equip on each character without restrictions except so many at a time. There's also a new 'Engagement' system which is a neat function. Basically each witch you recruit you can bond with and gain the ability to use their element in a 'super form' of sorts. What makes it animu weird is that when you use this system, instead of a cool transformation sequence for the main character, you get a weird picture of the witch in a wedding dress. *uh what* Thankfully that is as far as that goes.
ALSO, they took away the full regen at level up. Thats a bummer since you could actually throw low hp people into the fray if you knew the kill would level them up and refill their hp and mana. SO that could make things a little harder, theoretically.
I played through the whole first game with the stylus so honestly of all the things I come away impressed with, its the improved stylus controls.
Well worth the money if you want an accessible strat rpg for a portable, but this wont flex the muscles of those who are seasoned veterans of the genre. Expect a fun but relatively easy-going ride. I suspect like the original it will have a couple ball busting maps but it could be that removing the stat regen at level up mechanic makes for a harder late game experience.