[quote name='Killbomb']I never really had to grind for hexes or xp to finish the main storyline. If you do all the side quests, your levels should be good enough to make it through the game. Just don't go wasting hexes unless you are sure you will have enough to get to the next area you need to go to. I did some of the arena but none of it was for the purpose of grinding so I could make it through a story or side mission. A change in tactics or equipment can overcome seemingly impossible odds so make sure to take a save station with you when possible so you can save right before entering a dungeon.[/QUOTE]
Same here. I've spent time in the arena, but it wasn't because I felt too weak outside of it. Outside of the arena, I haven't grinded (ground?) one bit, and a) I don't feel too weak, b) I don't have a shortage of white hexes (in fact, I've cleared every single hex that it's possible for me to clear).
I mean, if I wanted to connect every single terminal that could be connected and transfer the effects to every single dungeon that they could reach, I'd probably have to grind for a lot more colored hexes, but really, I would imagine most people can get by ignoring the terminals completely (the only place that I felt I've needed them in a fight was to use the "half the chance of status ailments" terminal in one of the optional fights against enemies that breathed poison).
As far as the game itself goes, the first 40 hours were enjoyable, but now 70 hours or so into it, I'm ready for it to be over -- it just seems to have gotten a little too repetitive/mundane to me, even for a JRPG. The first 40 hours, I would've rated it an 8 or a 9 or so...now I'm leaning more towards IGN's score of 7.0 (which, if you like JRPGs, is more than high enough to give it a shot, especially on a system that's fairly short on quality ones).