That's what I did with FFXII, but the more I played it the less I liked it.

I wasn't so much mad at spending money on the game, which I bought at full price by the way. I was most upset by the huge ammount of time I spent on it, trying to like it. So, I'm not sure I share that sentiment at this time.

I feel like, unless you do like it a little at the start and you have a really good reason to continue, don't keep playing if the beginning isn't your cup of tea.

Well in that aspect the game sort of reminds me of FFVII and VIII. It is deffinitley a more technologically advanced world, but that doesn't mean that you wont get your classic old school Final Fantasy locations. I'm almost certain there will be parts of the game (most likely on Pulse) that will not neccessarily look futuristic.

As far as the battle system goes, they are trying something new. FFX and FFXII both did new styles of fightning. I personally enjoyed both of those games. XIII is following in the same footsteps. Final Fantasy has always been the franchise to bring new things to JRPG's. Most of the time, their formulas seem to work.

The concept of controlling one character is a more modern approach in JRPGs. It's already in several popular games.
My main complaint is linearity, the rest looks fine.

Sure, for somebody who wanted an HD remake of FF4 or 6, it isn't going to be what they wanted, but that's not what the gaming world wants either. Look at the games since 7. The highest selling main series titles are 7,10,8,12 (11 was online, not on console). 9 is the lowest selling FF title since 7, and that was the most traditional FF of the last 5, so....

FFXIII should have the best fighting system of all time. I read this a lot of times the past few days

The technical futuristic stuff is final fantasy like FF7 and FF8 were like this. Ff is always somekind of cross over sometimes less like in FF12 except the ship. Sometimes more FF7. And 8 is futuristic too with space stations tanks flying gardens giant citys. Cars and trains ff9 is more medieval. Futuristic is not new i am glad to have style change because the past 4 where similar. I really look forward to 13 and if you love all of them you should buy it because I know you will love it also here is someone who likes FFXIII even more then FFVII and its one of the best FF for him.

Lack of towns is the only thing which could be annoying I love towns. But this wont stop me from buying it. And the fighting system should be the best of all time. a lot of people said it. Just wait for the release rent it and if you like it buy it but you should atleast try it everyone should.