I don't think anyone should be judging this game before they try it.

I think it will be a great game, and the only thing 'non-FF-ish' about it to me is the lack of random battles and the no-romance storyline. I think the romance aspect of the game between the lead male and female characters made FF a better game to me.

Everyone has their own opinion about FF that will probably change with each FF game you play. I used to think FFIX was the best FF ever made till I played X.

To make an good game, Square Enix has to keep up with every other RPG that's out there constantly changing the market. I mean, how many FF gamers have tried another RPG between FF games? A lot. SO if all they did was add new characters with a new storyline, we would have carbon copies of every single FF.

All in all, just give it a chance before you condemn it. Who knows, you might like it.