I've also considered buying this game.

I've never played it, but I know that II has Luca Blight in it (who is supposedly a veteran fan GOD) and it has a whole bunch of characters. Like, over 100 characters. Going by that fact, I would compare it most to Chrono Cross. There are levels in it (obviously), and you equip your characters with all kinds of armor (ff6 style), I think.

Hope this helps you. I'll see if I remember to go to Gamestop tomorrow so I can pick it up. In fact, I'm reminding you to remind me to. I'll give you a newbie's view at it.