Its not shallow. If the atmosphere isn't appealing, its hard to get into the game. I'm still on a wait-and-see basis. I haven't officially formed an opinion. But I think my guess is pretty educated, considering I know my tastes, and a lot of the factors going into this game. Those characters may be similar, but they're different enough. And the direction they're going doesn't appeal to me. They're getting way too soft for my tastes. The atmosphere and characters have gotten less and less gritty with each installment. Though I can't exactly make a valid argument, 'cause I don't feel like standing here in the FFXII forum, making praise over other Final Fantasys just to make points and examples.