Materia gives you abilities you wouldn't have, otherwise. There's your basic magic, special, independent kinds, and then others that help you boost your skills. Like running faster, or scoping out your target.

[ Which is sort of similar, but not really the same. Zack shrugs. ]

Materia needs a lot of energy, too, but all you need to know to use it is how to tap into the knowledge inside. Like I said, even kids can do it.

Unfortunately, I don't really have any on me. But I wouldn't mind seeing what your Exspheres can do, either way.