I've never been a huge fan of the ATB system of Final Fantasy, since while I have no problem with reaction speed and timing as mechanics in games, that's not what I come to RPGs for, so the CTB enhancement turns a game I always wanted to love into a game I finally do. I can't speak too much to the ATB improvements without the CTB add on, since I did play a little bit with just the base patch, but it seemed solid, though still not 100% to my cup of tea.