Albeit many things are the similar, not everything is. The battle system is very different and the Garment Grid system adds a whole new depth to the gameplay that isn't apparent from the start. Instead of purchasing weapons and armor, you equip dress spheres that are acquired throughout the game. These equip you with certain types of spells and attacks that match the costume you change into such as the White Mage dress sphere is all health and healing spells and the Dark Knight Dress sphere has violent sword attacks and dark spells. While changing costumes during battle is a spectacular show for the first few times, you can be assured that you will be turning off the long dress changes in no time flat, especially when you start changing dress sphere more than once each battle. As you use each sphere more and more, you will unlock new abilities for that particular sphere until you master it and have every ability unlocked. The battle system is turn based in real time and features the ATB gauge (active time battle) which allows for some interesting battle strategies. If timed right by watching the charge meter or wait meter, you can interrupt an enemy's attack or spell, chain together you own attacks and you can even chain your attacks with other party members together for some crucial damage.