I like this Suikoden a lot more than the last. I think it has much more of a, well, 'Suikoden' feel to it. (Maybe I just hate that damn Trinity system.) My biggest complaints are that it takes too long to sail anywhere and Deborah is a bit too obtuse.
Darque-
Off the top of my head I remember that the battle system incorporates a dial called the "Judgement Ring".
Basically the needle spins clockwise and you try to stop it in the appropriate area. Perhaps jaguars4ever means something else though? It's been a long time since I played Shadow Hearts.
Also: Oerwinde, your sig... it's so wonderful...