358/2 Days carries the full-motion video graphics from Chain of Memories into the actual gameplay, and as a result, the game looks really nice. Some of the textures are flat and low-resolution, and sometimes faces look ugly, but since you usually see things from a safe distance, it's not that bad. I've always found Tetsuya Nomura's character designs to be far too cliché for my taste. All too often, it seems as if the hair does all the talking (instead of the faces). Organization XIII has more than its share of spiky-haired introverts, but for every mop-headed snob like Zexion, there's a modestly-groomed powerhouse like Lexaeus.
It should come to nobody's surprise that Yoko Shimomura's soundtrack is outstanding. Much of her work on the previous KH games finds a welcome home in 358/2 Days; the game's title screen greets you with a solemn rendition of the ever-soothing "Dearly Beloved." Most of the music is very piano-heavy, which is perfect for this kind of game. In addition, Utada's "Sanctuary" makes a repeat appearance. A whole new song probably would have been too much to ask, since 358/2 Days isn't exactly full-fledged sequel. The song is still hauntingly beautiful in its own way. The voicework is hit-and-miss. 358/2 Days features the late Wayne Allwine's final performance as Mickey Mouse. Jesse McCartney's Roxas is hardly an Osment-caliber performance, but that's forgivable. Haley Joel's Sora is indeed a tough act to follow. Some of the lines are well-delivered, but some sequences are groan-inducing; when Axel and Roxas trade insults, you won't believe any of the laughter is sincere.
