Thx, still a bit confused but might be easier to figure out when I get home and start up the game

no problem :)

I am now on Chapter 11- Gran Pulse with 23 hours in the game

I managed to get there in just under 22 hours. In fact, I just stopped playing after 22 hours and 1 second (so close to the perfect save!) after defeating Alexander

It's just an amazing game! And this area just makes me think of the calm lands

I just beat it. It was 53... Worth every cent. The last three chapters were longer than the rest of the game. I didn't grind on purpose, but there were a couple points where I went through a "dungeon" twice because the battle system is so much fun - for the second half of the game.

Linear? The story, the maps... I'll concede, but the character and equipment leveling is very non-linear. I would do the side quests now, but I promised my fiance I would lend it to her once I beat it.

I'm so considering getting FFXIII game...GOW3 is coming out this week and I'm glad I have days off and I will be there for the midnight launch...

I am now 24 hours in. I am attempting to do the hunts and accepted the first one but I can't find the monster.

Open your Map from the menu - look for the star on the map.  If it's the first one I'm thinking of it's almost directly north next to the little pond/lake?

Off-Topic: Not sure how, maybe it's a bug or something, but I got the Treasure Hunter achievement somehow?  I noticed it when I was in like Chapter 9 or 10..   I then got a Platinum Bangle afterwards (didn't have one before)

Also didn't level up any weapon past tier 1, and only leveled gladius to Tier 1, every other weapon is still at the start..  Oh well, not gonna complain, what I read for that trophy made it sound like a bitch

I am now 25 hours in and have done the first three hunts

@ EncodedNybble: FF7 didn't have Sephiroth in the first 10 minutes!! You must be thinking of......hell, I don't know what you could be thinking of.