Aria of Sorrow was amazing game but Dawn of Sorrow is formula perfected. Aside from character art that everyone complains about anyway, this game looks gorgeous with detailed, layered backgrounds and lavish animations. Music goes on par with graphics giving us best soundtrack since SotN without even one weaker tune. All the gameplay additions make soul farming and combat far more engaging. DS touch screen gimmicks do not become much of a hindrance (however reaching out for stylus in the middle of the battle can be distracting) and game 90% of the time still depends on button inputs. After all those years I am still impressed what IGA and his team achieved here even if lack of Ayami Kojima art is sorely missed.