KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days is the second game in the Kingdom Hearts series to feature unaltered controls from its Japanese counterpart. That being said, the controls are as follows:

X – Nothing (in field)
A – Attack
B – Jump, Air Sprint (while jumping)
Y – Block, Glide (while jumping)
R – Move camera

Note: On the Ps2 games the Attack and Jump buttons are switched.

Unlike its Nintendo predecessor, Chain of Memories, 358/2 Days’ game play is practically identical to Kingdom Heart I. The Major difference here is the mission mode, which limits what the player is capable of doing per mission. Some areas are restricted to access, and in certain missions Roxas cannot fully utilize his strength.

Here are a few tidbits:
When in a mission for collecting organization emblems remember to collect the organization logos BEFORE the yellow ring around them disappears. Nabbing a logo with the ring around it fills up more of the mission gage, and will allow you to reach 100% in your missions.

Magic is far more effective in this game than in previous. Several enemies have weaknesses to certain types of Magic, and casting that spell on them causes enormous damage.

Foes that can go invisible can still be seen on the map on the bottom DS screen.

Once story mode has been completed the characters Xion, Riku, Donald Duck, and Goofy are available as playable characters in mission mode. Here are ways to unlock bonus characters:

Mickey Mouse – complete every mission
Sora – complete every mission 100%
Dual-Keyblade Roxas – complete game, purchase Zero Gear from Moogle shop, and equip it with 3 ability panels.