If your a fan of the genre, their is plenty to enjoy from this quirky title.
If your a US player your probably aware of the dating element of the game which has been "sexed up" in the trailers whilst in game its more like fan service but it does serve a purpose as explained later and it adds a extra element to a surprisingly addictive game if you invest time into it.
With an approach similar to Final Fantasy Tactics, Disgaea and many other SRPG genres, the market appeal of the game is certainly not for everyone.
The story involves some ancient war of the Gods (reminded me of Valkyrie Profile) and your young plucky white knight type of hero and his journey to end this war. Only to be caught up in a saga where his offspring (yes his sons) get involved. Its cheesy but their some good japanese anime humour moments normally involving some innuendo or similar mishap.
In essence it involves travelling from one point to a next, fighting battles on map points (one time but returnable spots) and triggers events in the story (Japanese dialogue with English localisation) before exploring some dungeon (3d map with random battles) before beating some boss.
Combat is a grid based affair where your strategically positions your players on the field before going into a combat phase. The unique addition to this system is extended attacks. Essentially the position of your characters can link with other party members on the map allowing you to unleash combined attacks on any unlucky foe you choose to target. Its explained in the games tutorial sections (its a shame these are saved somewhere on the menu for future reference)
You can also combine skills, elemental attributes, and unleash limit breaks know as EX skills to overpower bosses.
The music is traditional metal rock mixed with orchestral. The battle music is enjoyable and I found the main field map music quite epic. Hit and miss for other tracks though i.e. techno themes.
The customisation elements of this game are huge and open up more as you progress through the game. From allocating stat points upon a level up, to the crafting and enhancing of items, weapons, armours, accessories and skills (which in some cases can be deconstructed to create raw materials for more items) there is plenty for the players who like to have vast hordes of assorted equipment of destruction and the game will reward you for completing this conditions with titles and rewards.
In regards to the soul breed system you basically get three girls each chapter which have a state of love towards you. The choices (dialog options) and events you see in the game affect their love rate towards you. It also affects your alignment towards dark or light. If you reach certain conditions you are awarded with the cut scenes of scantily clad ladies as seen in the trailer. The artwork is 720 and well drawn japanese anime style. This game will require a guide for a "perfect run" but thankfully your items and goodies you earned will carried on in subsequent new game so I advise in beginning to just enjoy your own path in the game before resorting to a guide.
The main issues with I had to the game which are applicable to EU version is no trophy support (since it was released first) some dodgy localisation ("havok") and lack of subtitles when team members are chatting in combat.
DLC content for the game includes free dungeons, items and paid content for advanced items from other games in the series, etc.
If you are DLC this game (US PS3 owners) I advise downloading the manual as its explains a lot of the combat/game mechanics.
Btw its a huge game as well and from other reviews/posters you can easily clock up 80+ hrs.