No better action-RPG experience on this system, or any other.
You play as the recently deceased Neko. With no memory of how he died, he's entered into the Reaper's Game. He's given a partner and must survive seven days of various assignments. Winning will return him to life. Standing between him and victory are the Noise: critters that depress and annoy the living.
Engaging the Noise is done deliberately. There are no random encounters. Neku must first scan an area to reveal their presence, then select up to 16 to take on. The more Noise fought, the greater the reward in both experience, money and item drops. Scanning also allows Neku to peek into the minds of the living and, in some cases, implant ideas into their heads. It's largely inconsequential as there's only one correct idea to implant, but it gives the world a living, breathing feel.
The fighting itself makes use of every hardware feature on the DS. Battles rage across both screens at the same time. On the bottom, you move Neku around with the stylus, activating his attacks with a slash to an enemy or blowing (or speaking) into the mic. On the top screen, you activate his partner's attacks with a string of face button presses. The most effective way to play is to alternate your attacks between the two characters. But with changing conditions on both screens, it's a steep learning curve. You can allow the computer to control the top screen character while you learn the mechanics. Once mastered, the fights take on a rhythmic quality that is very satisfying and you'll be silencing the Noise in style.
Speaking of style, the game is set in the fashion conscious Shibuya district of modern Tokyo. Neko's pins (which serve as weapons) and the different game areas are branded. The pins are more effective when they match the area's band. Area branding initially depends on the area's shop but it's not static. The brand will change to match the one that Neku fights with, provided he gets through enough battles.
The leveling system is also unique. In order to raise a character's stats you need to equip a food item which is consumed after you defeat a certain number of Noise. Since you'll know ahead of time what effects the food will have, you can chart the course of your character's development.
Pins can also be levelled up. Neku's pins gain experience with each battle but they'll also gain if the DS comes into contact with another DS or even when the DS is shut down. Your standing with the various shopkeepers can also be leveled up. The more purchases you make from them, the higher your level and the more items they offer.
There are a couple of elements that aren't necessary or at least I wish they could have found a way around. Your standing with merchants needlessly impedes your progress. Certain high level items are already expensive and/or have minimum stat requirements so this extra restriction feels superfluous. I also wish that the clothing you buy actually changed the look of the characters. Of course, that kind of customization is rare in Japanese games.
Character art is distinctive with players in bright Shibuya fashions and Reapers in more somber shades of greys and blacks. They're all well drawn. Music is really catchy. So much so that I wish there was a way for songs to continue as you transition into and out of fights.
The story introduces a lot of characters but doesn't descend into anything too convoluted or complex. The mysteries surrounding Neko's life and death are satisfyingly revealed and he goes from sullen and angsty to determined and loyal. His partners also get a good deal of character development. Their motivations are something that we can connect with and it delivers some genuinely poignant moments.
TWEWY is a deep game with alot going on. But the game does deliver a rich "Action" and "RPG" experience that I haven't seen in any other game.