I picked this up when it came out last week, and while the systems at work within the game took some getting used to, I'm having a lot of fun with it. The combat is unique, and probably one of the high points of the game. Lightning fights by herself [or with an ally on rare occasions] though she can switch between three schema (a loadout of garb, weapon, shield, accessories) mid-combat. The time-limit-until-the-world-ends is definitely something that I was hesitant about, but you can actually extend said time limit as you play by completing quests. Coincidentally, this is also how you gain HP and combat power. Things like "levels" have been done away with. Abilities are now drops from enemies, and can be synthesized and leveled via Sorcery merchants. Anyhow, don't let the time limit fool you. Early on, you learn an ability called "chronostasis" that allows you to freeze time. It lasts for a good while and can be reused as soon as the previous casting expires. The pool of EP points used to cast such skills are easily renewed via regular combat. All that said, it's quite a good RPG, even if it doesn't quite feel like a Final Fantasy. I still consider FFX to be the last "real" Final Fantasy, but LR is a fun game in it's own right.. IMO, they lost the FF feeling right about the time treasure chests turned into hovering orbs, and they started dressing all of their characters like metrosexuals.
tl;dr - fun game, don't listen to the naysayers.
tl;dr - fun game, don't listen to the naysayers.
