Some people just don't "get" Final Fantasy... or jRPGs in general actually. There's like this barrier because the battles are turn-based and every recent iteration has at least 1 annoying emo character you just want to kill. I tell them it's because the story is good and immerses you into the world and then they'll reply with "But Metal Gear Solid/Mass Effect has a good story and they don't have stupid battles".
Just enjoy the game when it comes out.








