The biggest improvement over the original game is the fact that FFX-2, is almost completely non-linear. The intro battles will take maybe 20 minutes in total, and then, you can go wherever you want, and do whatever you want. Of course, the game will tell you what to do in order to continue the storyline along, but it isn't vital to go directly to these locations. In fact, it's almost vital that you do not do this. The game doesn't have the greatest sense of balance, so taking some time in locales where you are fairly sure you can whip ass and gaining some levels is necessary. Actually this is one of the points of the game that I fretted about the most. Since the game was non-linear, it was too easily possible to go to a new area and get your tail handed to you. I haven't really played a Final Fantasy game since FFVII that leveling up was even necessary, because the game was so well balanced. However, this isn't one of those, so be prepared to do some leveling up.