I know that they both level up with the orb system but in final fantasy 13 characters can still level up without even using them. Do you have to use a character for them to be able to level up? In final fantasy 13 you don't have use a character for them to get exp. Is 10 the same way?
No, the two systems are very different despite appearing similar on the surface. FFX uses one of the best levelling up systems ever; the sphere grid is a huge and complex mass of spheres, but within the mass are distinct paths for the characters which you can either take or make your own. The sphere grid raises all stats (there are 10 different stats), and teaches you abilities (of which there are well over 50). The entire grid takes a long time to unlock, but the beauty is that you can do it at whatever pace you want. And no, in FFX you must use a character in order for them to gain exp, but you can do it very easily by bringing them into the battle and skipping their turn.
In FFXIII they ripped the substance out of the sphere grid and presented us with a hollow shell. Each layer of the crystarium is strictly one path, with very little deviation. They only level up 3 stats, and the abilities are just as limited, with only the basic FF stuff in there.
I am not sure but you should go on xbox360 online and ask other gamers. That’s what I do when I have gaming questions about games