Great game. Great storyline, great characters. One of my 2 favorite FFs, up there with FFX.

Take the time to learn and master the junction system. This will make the game 100% more enjoyable.

And yes, the junction system is more complicated than FFIX. Like FFIX, its all about learning abilities, except your GFs (the equivalent to Eidolons in FFIX) learn the abilities, and you junction those once your GFs learn them.

Chances are, you will do a lot of summoning in your first playthrough. However if you junction properly, summoning isn't necessary at all.

As well, don't concern yourself with levelling up, rather focus on gaining AP, and learning the right abilities first.

And don't heed anyone who says: "I don't like this game, the GFs were stupid, and I didn't like the junction system, therefore it sucked." Liking this game is a matter of your own personal preference. If you love this game, who can blame you! If you don't, there are lots out there who don't.

The sidequests are great in this game, too. Great, realistic characters, an awesome battle system, a great storyline, and a great militaristic and sci-fi feel to the game.