The story thus far is intriguing, no sign yet of the "bishy out to destroy the world", just nation versus nation. We'll wait and see how it turns out. The graphics are high-standard, the movement flowing perfectly. Square has switched to allowing the Left Analog stick to control the camera movement, so you can see far more than before... and its' very useful when looking for that damn treasure box. There is a lot more Voice Acting, and it's very well done. You can still have subtitles on at the bottom so you don't miss anything. They've also mostly matched the lip movements, so its' not jerkingly obvious.
Combat.
Now here is where the most changes are. It's gone to the MMORPG system. The creatures are walking around, totally visible and also shown as red dots on your minimap (another reason for the moveable camera). If they are green, they're neutral, and you can go right up to some of them and damn near pet them (but I don't suggest it). Others are red -- Aggro is the actual term used -- and will attack on sight. You can target them and close for an attack, and then the character will keep attacking until creature is dead or you give another order.
This leads to the same tactics that work so well in MMOs... drawing and kiting. This can also lead to the creatures kiting you straight into an ambush of nastier beasties (damn GizaBunny... I didn't WANT those Werewolves to Kill ME!) At higher levels, it seems there will be Damage over Time spells (DOT) as well.
When you start getting party members, you now have the option to set up "Gambits".... pre-programmed moves that the party (even the leader) will follow without your input. Samples include "If party member HP is <70%, use healing item" or "Target team leader's target". Multiple Gambits can be set up, and when the party member's turn comes up they will automatically cycle thru them, picking the one that most fits the situation at the time.
For example, using the two above, if there is no party member that needs healed, they will attack the Team Leader's opponent. Next turn, if someone's hurt, they'll heal. There are multiple gambits available, and more powerful ones will show up as the game moves on.
To give you even more freedom, there is the License Grid.
The evolution of FF10's SphereGrid, the License Grid is like a chessboard, where you buy an ability to use it. Each square bought (prices do vary) opens the ones around it, allowing you to customize your character with far more freedom than the SphereGrid's spiral path. Magic, Armor, Weapons, Accessories, and greater power are all available squares, you just have to beat up enough creatures to earn the License Points to buy the square.
HOWEVER: just because you have the License to spellcast doesn't mean you have the spell. Nope, like the olden days of the first Final Fantasys, you have to BUY each spell. So... getting Cure will cost you 15 License Points and 200 gil. And there isn't just one level fits all, either. Higher level spells and weapons need licensed as well. You might use a Mythral Sword (light swords) very well... but when you get a BroadSword, you need to get the license for that one too! Even Daggers have 3 seperate levels!
Still... so far even running around in the desert leveling up is great fun. There are already sidequests, called "hunts", where you pick up a bounty and bring 'em back dead. Successful bountyhunts get you items, gil, and sometimes special rewards, as well as a better reputation amongst the Hunter Clans. Membership has its previledges, like a merchant set up just for clan members, giving you discounts.
Oh... back to killing creatures. You don't get gil from killing beasts anymore, you get LOOT. Once again, like MMO, you get pelts, stones, various things from the creatures which you then can sell to a merchant. Selling a certain number/kind of items at one time opens the Bazaar: where special deals are available, such as the PotionPack (2 for 1), the Unassuming leathers (Chromed Leather Armor), and at higher levels, the best weapons in the game. So, there is a good reason to go out and beat up on helpless monsters
I give it a 4/5.
