Agreeing with DMKA... the materia system, IMO, isn't any easier than any other system from FF7 up. The Sphere grid made X easy, just being able to pick whatever ability you like without any downside, the spheres in IX let you concrete your characters with immunity to posion, sleep etc, very early in the game. Don't get me started on VIII and the junction system. Easy easy EASY.

You can always try beating Sephy (yes, I did just call him Sephy) without any materia, that makes it quite fun.