My friend bought the game awhile ago and has convinced me to play it. He offered to lend me his copy until I received mine in the mail. Does anyone know if the save games will be compatible between the two versions?

No they won't - you'll also be on a different server (Asian not American), sorry. Still, borrow the game anyway and think of it as practice for the real thing - that's more important than levelling up here believe me (it's always nice when an RPG prioritises skill over hours grinded).

On the plus side that means you'll be able to gain the trophies for it TWICE (if you're into that sort of thing...).

I'm in a trophie war with my other friend atm. Uncharted put me a good 50% ahead of him, so double trophies is win! ;)