So my (more in depth) thoughts thus far are this.

The opening reactor scene is pretty underwhelming, it definitely didn't grab me and make me want to keep playing or anything like I feel an opening sequence should. I figured maybe it suffered from not having a particularly interesting opening cutscene like VIII or X did, but I was playing FF II the other day and even that drew me in straight away and that was just some generic narrative. Either way, I pushed onward and I feel much more immersed now.

One thing I'll say about the graphics is that, as terrible as they are, they're not without some charm, and it is funny to watch Barret shake a fist or jump up and down in rage.

One of the things that most surprised me was how much I've enjoyed both Tifa and Aeris (that's just what she's called in this version, I have no investment in the name so take your rage to the other thread >_< If I was playing Kingdom Hearts or something then I'd say Aerith). I always got the impression from others that it was more of a "you'll either like one or the other" sort of thing, but I legitimately like both characters. I think I maybe prefer Aerith a little bit more at this point just cause of her sense of adventure, but Tifa's boobs light-heartedness and banter with Barret is equally enjoyable.

The whole Don Corneo section was a lot of fun, I especially enjoyed running away from the lecherous dudes. It's also refreshing how mature of a game this is, it's surprising that so many children would have played it before they probably even hit double digits. A lot of it must have been lost on kids on first playthrough.

Anyway, I'm currently at the 62nd floor of the tower and working my way up (I took the sneaky stair entrance and MY GOD, the vita directional buttons are not comfortable enough to be used in such a manner). One other thing I've really enjoyed while I remember is the little mini game-esque bits that are smattered throughout. Pushing the button at the same time in the reactor, or sneaking past the guards, it keeps it refreshing.

The bad? The combat is booooring. I usually just read the forum and mash attack for most battles and then cure in between battles if it's necessary. I've died once so far and that was to the Air Buster. I got a bit reckless with not curing or using potions and discovered I only had 1 phoenix down, got him the next time though. Also, the enemy designs are horrible. They make less sense than some of the new Pokemon designs. Humanoid guard things that stand in a frog squat? A house that sprouts limbs? I'll have some of whatever the designers were having.

Anyway, I'll get back to it now and do another big update when I've progressed further along.