Wow, I finished the game in 97 hours. But I only used the book after I got stuck at that big gate that Belias had to open. When I got the book, it was too easy. My main character was already at level 68 when I fought Vayne.

This is my first FF game I've played. I was curious to know what was all the hoopla in playing these FF games. Is it imperative to get the book everytime you play a FF game??? It seems like the main storyline is only half the game. Not only that, but even the main storyline seems too hard to figure out on your own without the book.