I'm just starting Chapter 10 and honestly, this is the most fun I've had in a Final Fantasy game. The battle system is so much fun, dynamic, and encourages strategic thinking. Sure much of the game is linear, and I don't have some complaints. But really if you just try to enjoy the game, you really don't realize it. The environments are BEAUTIFUL; the game is incredibly made it's baffling. Someone mentioned this earlier in the thread, but DEFINITELY the best looking skies/clouds in any game. There are some really cool parts later on that seem like missed opportunities for exploration, and that's sort of a disappointment. My biggest complaint is the constant switching of teammates, and not being able to CHOOSE a leader. Reading the impressions is a bit troubling, because you start to question whether or not you are enjoying the game. But then you start playing again
So in the end, will everyone love this game? Not even close. There will be haters for this one especially. XII will seem like a godsend to some who play this and don't like it. It's personal preference, and what one person might enjoy/find important about video games may not be the same as you. Even if you consider said person to "have the same taste" or whatever. So really, this is a game you must play to determine your stance. I do hope that future games will continue to use this battle system and further develop it because I fucking love it. I've had very little problems destroying fools (especially bosses, surprisingly) when I get in the groove and formulate a plan