Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days - Gameplay

Gameplay

358/2 Days features the action role-playing game style of the previous games in the series. To accomplish this, the game makes minimal use of the system's touch screen functionality, and it is possible to play and complete the game without using it at all. The game includes single player and multiplayer modes of play. The single player mode is story-based, focused on Disney worlds from past games, and progresses in days. In single player mode, the player controls Roxas, the game's main protagonist, who is accompanied by other Organization XIII members. The two modes are linked in that character growth is shared between them.

358/2 Days features a new gameplay mechanic known as the panel system which involves the customization of the character's levels, items, equipment, and abilities. For example, certain magic spells cannot be used if their corresponding panels aren't equipped, but can be used consecutively if multiple are attached. Weapons are also equipped using panels. There are also "Link Panels", which occupy multiple slots, but can be combined with other panels to form new or stronger abilities.

Limit Breaks, which previously featured in Square's Final Fantasy series, can be activated once the character's health drops below a certain level, indicated by a yellow health bar. Each character has his own unique abilities during Limit Breaks which are usually more powerful than normal attacks, and can attack more enemies at the same time. For example, Roxas has a rampage with his Keyblade during his Limit Break. The second stage of a Final Limit is normally a different or powered-up version of the first and begins at the point where the white line (starting at the high end of the yellow portion of the HP bar) meets top dead center. For example, Roxas shoots out pillars of light once the line begins to rebound.