Addictive to the bitter end.
So if you didn't already know, they took out the random turn based battle system and replaced it with a 'gambit system' where you basically program your characters with gambits and they will automatically do certain things, heal at certain times, cast certain spells when the right conditions are met etc. Its really easy to pick up, although it feels strange at first. You can always go in and manually control your characters when necessary while the gamits do all the mundane attacking and healing that the other FF games required you to endure one by one.
Another interesting change is the license board, you get license points for every enemy you kill and use those points to unlock weapons spells and armor. It seemed kind of pointless to me. The license board may seem limiting at first, but after awhile you will always have what you need, and if you don't getting license points is a snap.
The story is also quite unique as far as FF games are concerned, it doesn't follow your characters stories quite so closely as in the other FF games and might let down people who were expecting such. There is a lot less cut scenes and reading in this game, but the ones that are there are top notch and very memorable. The story is enjoyable but not as easy to connect with as some of the other FF games. The voice acting is the best I've ever heard in a FF game.
I highly recommend this game for any fan of RPGs, its unique battle system is addictive and fun and it has a solid story to boot. The game just oozes with quality the whole way through.