Now that I've played a bit of FFX-2 I think it's fair for me to say that it really is a very fun game - but VERY different.
I know that it does get more serious further down the road, but so far this game has mainly been fun and funny. Just a bunch of light-hearted silliness - and there's nothing wrong with that
I, too, found the battle system to be a little fast at first. I'm playing on wait mode right now and maybe I'll eventually try to do it in active mode again.
I was just reminded today that there is more than one ending to the game - when I was given an obviously critical choice to make. So, be warned and be prepared, there will come times when your choices DO directly effect the end of the game - how much, I don't know because I don't want to spoil anything, but there is an effect nonetheless.
Overall, from all I can tell so far, if you liked FFX *AND* have an open mind and don't require your RPG experience to be a wholly serious one, then definitely get FFX-2. It's a really fun game so far and actually - dare I say it - pretty cute
