I'd say it's not so much hard as it requires way more strategy than previous FF's. I mean, you gotta plan around the License board a bit unless you just want to straight up overlevel. There were times I found myself right next to an awesome augmentation before a boss, but I had just spent all my LP on equipment.

Additionally, the programming of really efficient gambits and planning ahead on really tough battles really becomes key. I thought I could have just gotten by with everyone attacking everything in sight with an occasional potion, but once I got the hang of the gambit system, the game got quite a bit easier and deep.

To put it in an analogy, I'd say it's like having to indulge in a bit of coaching in a sport rather than just playing. That is, actually having to create game plans instead of just running them.