Well, it\'s VERY similar to the first.
The battles are in REAL-TIME. You attack by doing button/d-pad combinations, for different skill attacks. Don\'t worry. It\'s not like a fighting game where you have to push 3 buttons, stand on your head and fart at the same time to pull off a move. It\'s simple one button + direction kinda stuff.
Another really cool thing. If you play by yourself you will only control one character (of your choosing) while the computer controls the rest. Although you may still issue commands, like spells and item usage.
...BUT, up to FOUR PLAYERS can plug in at any time and join the battle as the other characters in your party!!:)

It\'s a VERY fun game!! Well, the first was anyway.