It's a long post, so I'll add some thoughts of my own to the end in a new post.

Firstly, all the spoilers I've cut relate to the same aspect, I think. Tell me what you know about the game already, !K_A!, and if you know about that aspect, then I'll put the spoilers in a new post.

To summarise the conversation - Lost Odyssey is a safe bet as an RPG. It uses the standard turn-based battle system, with maybe a few cliched plot ideas. As Commonmind said, he wanted an eclai but was given another donut.

In comparison to FFXII, it depends on what you thought about it. It's safe to see we all agree FFXII tried to push boundaries, particularly with it's new battle system. Lost Odyssey doesn't, really, but it doesn't mean it's a bad game. If you like the standard JRPG conventions and mechanics, then you'll like Lost Odyssey.

Apart from me (who, I must repeat, has never played the game), the three others in that thread liked Lost Odyssey, and thought it was fun to play.

I've already mentioned that there might be a problem with Disc 4, but seeing as we're some time past the release date, you may be lucky. And if not, you can always return it.

I think in conclusion, it can be said that Lost Odyssey is a game worth playing.