For me the most fundamental failure is of tone. It feels less like a sequel and more like a time warp where some familiar characters are placed in a new world. I mean the physical elements of FFX are there, but the feel is completely different.

Which brings me to Yuna. She seems like a completely different person than the shy demure but strong willed Summoner from FFX. At least Rikku was always bouncy and perky. And Paine brings a nice counterbalance to the overly cheerful characters. She reminds me of the role Auron played in FFX.

The dresspheres are a nice touch though, although the costumes are mostly not to my taste. I liked the idea of characters changing jobs and appearance like in FFV and FF Tactics.

I guess that it was a sequel worked more against than for it. I would have liked it more with completely original characters.