Hoped for so much but got 1000 needles... Or a $50 paper weight.
Allot of bugs and problems with the game as of now. The biggest problem is having the ability to play the game without windows stopping the game from running. I encountered this problem and it was a major pain to get it running.
Graphics are dam impressive for a MMO and are very vivid. The characters and mobs are very well done. And as always with Square-Enix stunning movie scenes. The controls are as much as a PC game would be. It is customizable but that's a no brainier.
Game play... Where to start! The combat system is a improvement to my opinion. You have to select each attack and use a stamina bar to choose the rate of attack. The TP in which was in XI fills allot faster and has a better use then the original. Allot of bugs and problems with the game as of now. Freedom to choose your abilities and configure your attributes after a level is what makes this different from other MMO's and really makes your character different from the others.
Allot more can be said, but to make this short a sweet...
GOOD: New items and weapons, Vast areas to venture, Nice story and graphics, Vast item creation, Specialized Character Development, NO EXP lost if KO'd. Teleport anytime any where, Bubble Loading, so no loading zones, and a few other personal things here and there (like music from Nobu).
BAD: ALLOT! (As Example)Loading characters and/or mobs, No auction house (as of 10/08/10), Glitchy targeting, Grinding for item craft, Item Craft material grinding, Lack of good shops for everything, Poor Mob leveling, Region Mob Levels, Poor Interface, Item wear and tear (repair constantly), Missions and Leves (Not enough of them), Lack of customer support on their website, and list gos on.
Last Thought... Square-Enix needs to fix allot of things and hear out what now already looks to be screaming fans/players whom want something fixed or put in the game. Otherwise its gonna be another A.P.B. (All Points Bulletin).
They also need to have trials for people so they can see if they like it, cause I can complain about the game but it doesn't mean I speak for you.