10 was definitely the last one that felt like a traditional Final Fantasy, but I feel like 12 offered up a very interesting evolution of the ATB system. Then 13 did it in a way I really liked, too. But admittedly, I'm really nostalgic for the feel of the older games. That's probably why I enjoyed Lost Odyssey so much. :P
I think Lost Odyssey would have been an instant classic if its battle system were more interesting. Suppose if it had the Active Time Battle System from Final Fantasy?