I remember when I first played FFTA #1 I thought it was painfully slow but I adjusted, and now it just seems like a part of the game so the pace doesn't frustrate me. Also, learning the menus and being able to zip through them quickly in battle helps speed things up. (I still use the buttons even though FFTA2 has touch-screen controls.)

Bottom line: If you enjoyed playing FFTA then you will love FFTA2. They fixed some annoying things in FFTA (such as missions that never reappeared, which could really screw up advancement), made the law system a little more lenient, added some new jobs, and made shopping fun (combining ingredients at the bazaar to make new equipment). So far the only change I don't like is that my thief can't steal weapons and armour like it could in FFTA. Thieves can still steal money, items, and loot (used in the bazaar), but not equipment.

And thanks for the info about Boom Blox, my son is dying to get it but I was on the fence.

Now, if I were to review Boom Blox for a kid's perspective, my points would probably go up a little higher. The game's art direction and cutesiness certainly targets the younger set, and your kid's wrists might hold up. It's a must-rent for a young'un, at the very least.