The game takes place in a magical school called "Peristerium Suzaku", but gradually the game expands to the entire game world called Orience. In this world, 4 nations live together in peace until a nation called Milites (led by leader Cid) starts a war by violating the peace agreement, as they want to absorb the 3 remaining nations.
The game's system features a very fast ATB system, but unlike Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core, you can control more than one character at a time. The game also features Summons, which not only affect character development but are even controllable.