I have only clocked 10 hours so far, but for me everything apart from the graphics in this game is a step backward. I understand the need for change and variety in a series to keep it from getting stale, however, for me FFXII has made the wrong changes (so far).
Having said that, I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would.
I like Vaan the least of any main character in the entire series, though, which is a bit of a bummer.
