I agree, the high random encounters did get on my nerves a bit, and if the battle system were the traditional rubbish I would have given up on the game a long time ago.

However, once you can figure out the general monster weakness (having very diverse mantra helps a lot in this game) the battles are a lot more manageable, and you'll find once you hit the next area that you *need* all those battles to get stronger.

I last played DDS1 a few months ago, I was stuck because I just entered a new area (pretty sure it's near the end of the first game) where all the enemies are Almighty and can kill my guys--who can easily breeze through the previous stage--in less than 2 turns. I do have to go back and play it, because I have been keeping myself in suspense as far as the story goes and I want to see how it turns out.

Nocturne and DDS1 are my only exposure to 'MegaTen', but I really like how they've twisted the boring, traditional RPG combat formula. There's another one that came out recently (more like an action RPG), I'll probably get it if it gets to the Bargain Bin. I am looking forward to Persona 3 as well.