Concerning sidequests: If you're like me and you suck really bad, do the sidequests. The difficulty spike over halfway through the game halted my progress for a few days.
Funny story - I had a friend who played Xenoblade and thought it would end at Prison Island. His mind was blown when I told him that he wasn't even halfway through.
3DS Friend Code: 0645 - 5827 - 5788
WayForward Kickstarter is best kickstarter: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1236620800/shantae-half-genie-hero