The creators of this game definitely had a winning formula! I was looking for an alternate to Final Fantasy Tactics when I stumbled upon this game. Maps are well thought out and challenging, character development is unique to your strategy/ gaming style, and there is limitless replay value here. With two different paths to take in the core story line,  you already have to play it twice to get the full feel. Add the arena features, a separate set of maps off the beaten path for leveling, and a creature campaign after the game is completed to collect the characters you've killed along the way, and you have a very well thought game that I wish I could have appreciated when it came out originally for the game boy advance console. Makes me wish I could read/ understand Japanese so I could play all the versions leading up to this game. Fire Emblem, the 1st North American release was also a good game, but I liked the freedom to move around the map in this version and certain tweaks to the promotion tree that allowed for the series to progress without changing the gaming engine.
   Pros in my opinion: love the character death consequence. If you play carelessly, you will lose toons... forever!! So great! Makes you think. Cons: There is no hard mode. Be nice if there was a weak lord like Hector that you have to struggle with during your campaign. Another con is the RGR saving system, because you can cheat.... but that's a pro too
   Either way... I give this game two experienced thumbs up. A must play for anyone who have ever loved a strategy/fantasy type game! Please enjoy!