I got the game a little over a week after it came out.

I didn't go to Bahamut right after finishing the Pharos. I spent hours doing side quests, getting some ultimate weapons, and whooping on Espers and Marks.

I knew that Bahamut was the final area as my strategy guide indicated that the final bosses were there.

I think this game has good replay value as I started doing a challenge a while back.