I'm astonished by the level of detail in the world and characters. I really appreciate how it gets you right in and let's you explore your way towards the goal.
The party selection had me thinking as well -- destiny intertwined, but with options -- I liked it a lot!
I'm a bit of a slow reader, so I focused on the combat mostly. It may just be the pokemon player in me, but I do wish that my characters were on the battlefield as well.