The first attempt at a Full Metal Alchemist was as plain old action game. This "sequel" is more like actually playing the anime series, with an intricate plot, tons of fun transmutations, an awesome cel-shaded look that mimics the look of the show perfectly, use of actual cast-member voices, and a game that captures the FMA "spirit" and is faithful to the series in every way.
Characters from the series such as Winry, Hughes, Rose, and Scar make appearances, however, as is expected, it is the Brothers Elric who are central to the game and it's plot. You play elder brother Ed, but Al is always by your side ready to help with a rudimentary artificial intelligence to the character that allows him to help you when you need it.
Custom-made animated sequences feature heavily in the game, playing during major story sequences. But the real meat of the game is RPG adventure as well as action/battle sequences. Scattered around the various levels you'll see items outlined with a flashing circle. These items can be transmuted into specific tools, and an icon above the item shows what tool it'll turn into. The type of tool varies by room, but there's everything from bow-guns, to machine gun turrets, to gauntlets, even giant tanks you can use to both shoot and roll over enemies, and much more.
With a variety of weapons at your disposal, there's plenty you can do in combat. And some of the tools you acquire are amusing to use and are one of the highlights of the game (it's clear that the programmers had a bizarre sense of humor while creating the game). The variety of articles you can transmute is very true to the overall spirit of the show, and it mixes up the action nicely.
Learning to use the weapons correctly, as well as mastering the use of brother Al when you need to is critical to advancement towards the end of the story. Overall the game is a fun adventure that fans of the show will find appealing as well as deepening the existing universe of FMA.
