Good call.

The graphics are the most obvious! Not just visually but in terms of performance (can't speak for the 360, I have the PS3 version) - very smooth indeed, very little in the way of dropped frames etc.

The music, I also enjoyed quite a bit. Impressive work about on par with our old friend Uematsu.

The characters. All an interesting memorable and likeable bunch with some good character development in places (especially Hope, who I would say is actually my character of the game for that reason. I do enjoy the growling Fang though.)

The whole concept of L'Cie and the inevitable birth of RL tattoos. (Go on, surely someone here has one?)

Battles in general, yes there are things about it in the flaw thread (which I won't get into here) but generally speaking I enjoyed myself beating ridiculous numbers out of things and juggling juggernauts

Puts up a good challenge with some of the bosses and eidolons, which makes it feel more of an accomplishment

All of the story up to Oerba

The journal, when it acted as something to tell me what had just happened if I'd not been concentrating properly. (No comment on when it's used for exposition).

It's almost impossible to get lost.

Jihl.