I was reading through some other forums and someone mentioned the import system:
You have two options: "Stronger New Game" and "Level Reset." The former carries over your character levels, abilities, accessory slots, AP, player icons and partial PP catalogue. The latter does not carry over character level, ability or AP. You also get some bonus items for importing.
How awesome is that? Now I get the benefits of importing the save file over and still be able to level up my characters from scratch. I just get the feeling that if I did a full import, with character levels, abilities etc, then I'll just lose the incentive to play as them again. I don't mind starting anew.
Thinking about the criticism that review had, regarding recycled content, and I would have to disagree. Yeh the characters from the original return and stages may come back in their entirety, but think of all that's going in. New characters, equipment, stages, reworked single player campaign, new assist system, online play and the ability to create and share custom made quests. I think it goes further than other fighting game sequels do like SFIV to SSFIV.
I cleared my first Titan trial in FFXIII! I had originally ended up fighting the monster that does the double casting magic and couldn't find a way to get him. Came so close one time and then he just decided to double cast Ruinga and it wiped me out completely. So I retried but chose a different path instead. Cleared it no problem. Now I just have to do the rest, as well as this other trial that opened up for me when I cleared that one!
Also beat the Ochu as well, without resorting to Vanille's Death spell that I've read is so popular! Dude is cheap

That screech attack just removes all your buffs. But you need a Commando to have Bravery and Enfire on and he just saps that HP away from him.