The gameplay in FFXIII didn't seem half assed to me in the least, it feels like they wanted to create something new and great. I don't think it is all that great (not bad, but not great either), but it is the one thing in the game that I fee they put some heart into.

I kind of balled the characters from FFX into the 'story' bit that I hated. I didn't want to make the post too detailed

I understand other people didn't have as much trouble dealing with the two lead characters in FFX and thus found the game much more enjoyable. Good for them.
Ditto.