I've been into RPGs for quite a while, but I had never tried any Strategy RPGs (a la Final Fantasy: Tactics). There was quite a buzz about this game on message boards, so I decided to pick it up. BEST. DECISION. EVER.
The game is so much fun to play. The gameplay is addictive - you'll always be wanting to finish one more map before getting some sleep.
The story is hilarious and the characters are very likable. You'll be able to create your own chracaters, but the game gives you a couple that are part of the storyline.
And speaking of character creation, the game has a lot of classes to pick from. A lot. You'll be limited at first, but as you play you'll be opening more classes to choose from. The game rewards the time you spend on it.
And you'll be spending quite some time on it. You could rush through the story, but I guarantee you won't want to. Leveling up can get tedious, but doing it makes other classes available at character creation.
The graphics are 2D, but you won't mind, I tell you. The game is fun to look at *and* the voice-acting is well done!
Pick this game up. And keep an eye out for future releases of Nippon Ichi's other games (La Pucelle: Tactics and Phantom Brave).
Oh, and if I haven't convinced you yet, I have one last word for you: PENGUINS. This game has penguins! You can't go wrong with monkeys or penguins!