I think FFXII's gameplay received very mixed reviews from fans. I'd like to think most liked it more than the outdated random encounters + turn-based system of the past, but it's probably more of 50-50 split. In review circles, the gameplay was universally acclaimed. What seems to be hated most about that game was the story and characters.
IMO, turn-based combat is fine. Even random encounters are decent. The problem arises when it takes ridiculous amounts of loading time to go from the overworld to the actual battle. That's one of the reasons Chrono Trigger is universally loved; turn based combat + no load times + no random encounters.
My Top 5:
Shadow of the Colossus, Metal Gear Solid 3, Shenmue, Skies of Arcadia, Chrono Trigger
My 2 nex-gen systems: PS3 
and Wii 
Prediction Aug '08: We see the PSP2 released fall '09. Graphically, it's basically the same as the current system. UMD drive ditched and replaced by 4-8gb on board flash memory. Other upgrades: 2nd analog nub, touchscreen, blutooth, motion sensor. Design: Flip-style or slider. Size: Think Iphone. Cost: $199. Will be profitable on day 1.
