Since the others already have answered your questions, I'll just focus on clarifying the Battle System.

The Battle System is called Active Dimension Battle (ADB) and you fight your enemies right there without having battle transitions. The music in the areas are good, so I think battle music isn't needed anymore. And don't worry, the victory fanfare is still heard once you beat a boss. Now, onto the system. In this new battle system, you can walk around, run away, hide, etc. from the enemies. The battle menu is not always open, so open it with square. The other two members of your party act automatically if the gambit is ON, but if it is OFF, they won't act automatically.

To bring direct commands to your allies (whether their gambit is ON or OFF), press the left or right directional buttons (while the party leader's menu is open) to access the other party members' menus. The party leader is the character you can walk/run with, and to change a party leader, press the up or down directional buttons. Also, the two modes of battle are back again, Active and Wait. If the mode is Active, time still flows even if you open the battle menu and are picking commands. If the mode is Wait, time freezes when you open the battle menu and are picking commands.

To flee, hold the R2 button. You will be free of the locked on target you are currently attacking. Also, when you beat the enemies, you gain EXP and LP. LP stands for License Points, which are used to earn Licenses. You need Licenses in order to equip/use equipments, abilities, etc. Also, you can only summon if your MP is full. Finally, all commands that you pick has a gauge that will have to be filled first in oder to be executed.

That's all I can say. Hope that helped.