Final Fantasy XIII is just what the developers said it would be: Combat and Character driven. That's not a bad thing.
I think I am in agreement with just about every other review when I say that the visuals are breathtaking. Even the 2's and 1's agree that this is hard to deny, so I won't beat a dead chocobo on that point.
The voice acting, I feel, is the best voice acting we've seen in an RPG, and most certainly in a Final Fantasy game thus far (though its competition pool is small in that regard, I understand). Its excellent delivery only helps bolster the very moving and the most immersive storyline that I was able to connect to since Final Fantasy 6 (3). As usual, the music is beautiful as well, particularly the opening theme and the battle theme, which is now stuck in my head 24/7
The combat system is innovative and engaging. I have noticed a number of people complaining that the system is boring, but that was never an issue for me. Changing up paradigms and customizing them to fit my battle needs on the fly as well as the seamless shifts mid-battle contribute to a much more interactive and exciting battle experience that stands shoulder to shoulder with FFXIII's other major strength: its storyline.
Final Fantasy games have always been about introducing new elements to RPG's while simultaneously building upon previous successes. Despite the waves of nay-sayers who emerge with every new Final Fantasy, the majority of us were intrigued by the junctioning system in FF8, curious about the seemingly endless possibilities of FFXII's License Board and impressed by FFX's party member swapping options. The same is true of FFXIII's paradigm system, and in a more obscure way, the upgrade/dismantle system that the weapons and accessories of the game revolve around. This, to me, was an unsung hero of the game. Customizing and upgrading your weapons and accessories to match your characters strengths' and needs in the party opened another level of detail that I feel many reviews are neglecting to acknowledge.
In short, FFXIII delivers an amazing and worthwhile gaming experience. While it is not your "traditional" Final Fantasy, since when have we expected the same old thing from Square-Enix? It stands apart from its predecessors, not superior, not inferior, simply unique. If this doesn't ease your nerves about the future of Final Fantasy, don't worry...chances are the next Final Fantasy (after XIV which is supposed to be another MMO) will be an entirely new adventure.