Chronologically set between the events of Kingdom Hearts and Kingdom Hearts II, Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days from Square Enix for the Nintendo DS and DSi lets players finally experience the Kingdom Hearts storyline missing chapter.

Featuring supporting details of Kingdom Hearts II character Roxas, as well as single and multiplayer modes and the new "Panel System" game mechanic, it is destined to be find a cherished place of its own in the beloved RPG franchise.

In Kingdom Hearts, Sora turned the Keyblade on himself in order to release Kairi’s heart, but his heart was also released in the process. This brought about the creation of Roxas, Sora’s "Nobody." Yet Roxas has no recollection of his previous life, which is unusual for a Nobody. He joins Organization XIII and slowly begins to discover the truth behind his existence and the Organization itself.

As time passes he meets and befriends the fourteenth member of the Organization, who also has no recollection of her past. It is a strange coincidence. What will Roxas see during his time in the Organization? What is the connection between him, Sora, and the fourteenth member? And what becomes of them? Dive into the heart of the Kingdom Hearts storyline’s biggest secrets.

Panel System

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days contains a new gameplay mechanic referred to as the "Panel System." These panels serve as a means to equip and customize character's levels, items, magic, weapons, abilities, armor and accessories. But more than just a means of access, panels also facilitate progression through the game in that certain items, spells, etc. necessary for progression cannot be used, or at least used to their full potential, until their panels are equipped.

Once done though, not only can these be used, in many cases through the use of "Link Panels", which can be used in conjunction with other panels, thus allowing for special item and ability creation.

Multiplayer

Not only does Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days allow for team-based gameplay utilizing the franchises standard AI partners functionality, it also contains exciting cooperative and competitive multiplayer options. In both these options players can join together with additional players in DS multi-card play over a DS Wi-Fi connection. The cooperative mode is the real showcase option though, allowing players to team up with up to three friends and engage in mission play that is distinct from the story driven mode of the single player campaign.

During these battles players choose from one of the fourteen members of Organization XIII, each wielding different weapons, skills, and stats. The multiplayer campaign also features hidden characters including favorite characters from the Kingdom Hearts and Disney universe including Sora, Donald, Goofy, King Mickey and Riku.

In addition, although dialog between characters and player in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 is limited to text, within multiplayer modes players will have access to a chat system for communication which displays responses on a single screen, allowing for complete exchanges and conversations between players in context!