If you are looking for an rpg pass on this game, as you will be severely disappointed. If you want just a fun time killing action game it is quite enjoyable to play. Now I will try to write the rest of this review with no spoilers
Let's go over what this game does right first. The combat mechanics in this game are a ton of fun, and it gives you options to play different ways. You can find a method that you enjoy that others may not. Even at the end of the game it does a good job of staying interesting.
As for the cons. This game has practically no story or character development what so ever. They made an attempt with the movie and short anime, but even with that it is severely lacking. Maybe I was spoiled since I played the earlier final fantasy's, but it seems like ever since x they haven't been putting any effort at all into their story or characters.
The side games that final fantasy became known for after 7 are basically non existent or horrible.
As for the difficulty it is almost impossible to get a game over. I didn't use a pheonix down until the final two boss fights, and that's because it took a little longer than it probably should have for me to figure out the boss mechanics. That being said I gave up trying to keep my team mates alive about half way through the game.
The fact that the battle mechanics were pretty much the only bright spot and I was willing to give it a 6 shows how enjoyable the battle mechanics actually were. That being said this was the last chance I was willing to give square enix. I have played every final fantasy since 7 and even went back to play 1,2 and 6. There flat out disregard for story or character development since x has made me come to the decision that I will no longer be purchasing any more of their games.