Different keyboard layouts. The big difference between UK and US layouts tends to be swapping the " and @ symbols, so on a UK keyboard the ! is shift+1 and the " is shift+2.

Yeah. Your main combat level is on the player/companion, so it’s much easier to change up your team and try out different beasts. Individual beasts do have levels, but that’s more about when you can ‘remaster’ (i.e. evolve) them and to unlock moves (which you can swap out at will). Also, elemental type effects are so much more interesting than just a flat damage bonus, and the music is really good. So in summary, yes, I would highly recommend.