Yeah I just got it, something about this one I noticed - the more I play the story, the more absorbed I get in the game. I found the story portion of the first to be much more lackluster and empty, where as this one has actually got me interested. I love the new character selection (Tifa
) and the fights are more fast-paced than the original too.
It's almost like Square listened to my complaints about the first one
Lightning and Tifa are nice additions to the roster, and both their fighting styles are fluid and different from other characters, especially how Lightning has her paradigm shifts too, and the game just feels more well rounded.
I always feel you don't have to redo a game's mechanics just for a sequel, just improving them is fine - and it seems that's exactly what they did. My only gripe is I can't seem to find where it stores your records, so I've no idea how to view characters or cutscenes and listen to the BGM without battle.
Also, HOLY SH*T
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIUJajQynZA