FFXIII

[Zedzero]

So FFXIII was recentlly released, now I have never been interested in the series, but this one caught my attention, no not due to those cheesy ass trailers but due to the high ratings and new looking combat system (my knowledge extends to that FF is infamous for turnbased, which isn't bad but it has grown old). So this has me intrigued, and I'm on the fence to buy it or not. I want an RPG to last, yes I have DA:O it is good but it's missing that oumph, does FXIII have it? Is it a game that would be inviting to newbies to JRPGS? Or is it more of a "If your a fan you will like it, if not avoid it" kind of deal. A short review would be nice along with feedback of what I should do.

Update: March 15 2010: Seems to be a mixed bag in here. Those who like it actually make valid points while the ones who didn't seem to just want to rilled fanboys/girls. Ugh maybe it will go on sale at walmort or something so I won't feel horrible if I hate it.

Still on the fence, just saying the lover make good points, especially kawaiiamethist, and Space Spoons.

 

[Julianking93]

I've only ever liked 1 other Final Fantasy mainly because I hate turn based combat, but FFXIII is now easily one of my all time favorite games.

Its a must buy

 

[HyenaThePirate]

For me, Final Fantasy XIII signals the end of the Final Fantasy series as the seminal JRPG title. It represents a decision to attempt to maintain the deep rich story we've come to expect from Jrpgs, but with the most linear and off-putting gameplay imaginable. Sure, the new fast-paced action-packed combat system is bound to pull in those who otherwise would have just lumped JRPGS into a minority of gamers and otaku.

The combat system SEEMS fast paced and fun... but one can quickly see how after 20 hours, this combat system will have lost it's luster. Which brings up a problem for me..

It seems that JRPGs have more J and less RPG as time goes on. To be quite honest, If i wanted to play a fast-paced hack and slash game with exotic anime-inspired characters and a convoluted nigh incomprehensibly philosophical storyline I'd play Devil May Cry or Bayonetta. When I play JRPGS i enjoy not only the strategic process of turn-based combat, but the selection of my party, the exploration of dungeons, management of resources, and the sweet sweet reward of grinding your way to the final battle or fighting difficult/special bosses.

In Final Fantasy XIII, you have virtually none of that. Sure the story is there, but you are led LITERALLY by the hand through it, as if FInal Fantasy XIII was going to be a Square Enix animated film before someone got the bright idea that they could make even more money if they slapped a game onto it somewhere.

Bottomline: everyone has different tastes, but for me, this game is a step in the wrong direction.

 

[FlyAwayAutumn]

Atleast rent it dude. This game is worth the trouble, I don't care if you have to sprint to Japan to get one, just fucking get it. M'kay?

 

[Marowit]

I've only ever liked 1 other Final Fantasy mainly because I hate turn based combat, but FFXIII is now easily one of my all time favorite games.

Its a must buy

I've never, ever, enjoyed FF games because they have been for the most part (at least the ones I tried to play) turn based. So I might actually end up picking up this game in a month or two for the long summer haul of that's that case.

 

[Meilow]

For me, Final Fantasy XIII signals the end of the Final Fantasy series as the seminal JRPG title. It represents a decision to attempt to maintain the deep rich story we've come to expect from Jrpgs, but with the most linear and off-putting gameplay imaginable. Sure, the new fast-paced action-packed combat system is bound to pull in those who otherwise would have just lumped JRPGS into a minority of gamers and otaku.

The combat system SEEMS fast paced and fun... but one can quickly see how after 20 hours, this combat system will have lost it's luster. Which brings up a problem for me..

It seems that JRPGs have more J and less RPG as time goes on. To be quite honest, If i wanted to play a fast-paced hack and slash game with exotic anime-inspired characters and a convoluted nigh incomprehensibly philosophical storyline I'd play Devil May Cry or Bayonetta. When I play JRPGS i enjoy not only the strategic process of turn-based combat, but the selection of my party, the exploration of dungeons, management of resources, and the sweet sweet reward of grinding your way to the final battle or fighting difficult/special bosses.

In Final Fantasy XIII, you have virtually none of that. Sure the story is there, but you are led LITERALLY by the hand through it, as if FInal Fantasy XIII was going to be a Square Enix animated film before someone got the bright idea that they could make even more money if they slapped a game onto it somewhere.

Bottomline: everyone has different tastes, but for me, this game is a step in the wrong direction.

I couldn't agree more. Everything I love about the other FF games is completely missing from this game. But you mentioned that "the story was there." It took me about 6 Goddamn hours to figure out what the fuck was going on in the game. With the Cocoon, and the fal'Cie and the L'Cie, and the Cie'th. I was literally going out of my mind trying to figure out what the whole point of the game was. And what the shit is with Vanille grunting, and "oohing" and "aahing" at every goddamn thing? "Hnnf, aah! Oooh! Haha, I'm gonna explore!" Wtf?

Final Fantasy (and Square-Enix in general) lost its spark with me after playing FF12. I thought the company might redeem itself with "Infinite Undiscovery." Holy shit was I wrong. Maybe "Last Remnant" will be better? Oh-ho, you sly fuckers, fooled me again!

I'm not saying FF13 is a bad game. Its just lacking everything that makes Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy (including the outrageous, ridiculous, and often times retarded hair cuts).

 

[SovietSecrets]

Hell I love it and I have played mostly every FF here and there. Linear sure, but it the combat system makes up for it. About 5 hours in and I haven't gotten bored yet with all the different classes and combos you can come up with. Anyways the world does open up eventually so thats not so bad. Great game, give it a go for sure man.

 

[pixiejedi]

Personally I like it a lot so far. The story is extremely linear, which I don't see as a bad thing. The fights are fast paced, I can't just put down the controller and leave it there for eight hours like I would with FFX(my favorite by the way).

My big complaint is with weapon upgrading. Its rather complicated and regular leveling up is really easy. I don't want to have to check 3 different charts to know one sword is better. Otherwise I feel parts of the plot are unnecessarily emotionally manipulative.

 

[fogmike]

First of all, actually very few of the later FF games were actually properly turn-based. Since VII, X has been the only properly turn-based one, with XII being completely different. Secondly, you have to bear through the first four hours or so. Like XII did, things you can do in battle are gradually added on, with the first few battles being simply 'Auto-Battle' hammering, and admiring the graphics. Pretty soon you might need to consider using potions. Then your main characters might get an extra ability (E.g. Snow's hand grenade) to do splash damage, although if it's a good idea Auto-Battle will do that for you as well. But after about four hours, you will have many more abilities, the Crystarium levelling system, Paradigms, (the attack formation and roles for both you and your allies), both default and customizable ones, Paradigm Shift, Optima Change, the kick-ass Eidolon summons, etc. If you can bear the linear structure (It gets much more free near the centre of the game), and the first few hours, this game is a must-buy. Epic doesn't even describe it.

 

[Axzarious]

I love it. Square enix tried something new. And for those who complain about linearity... well, aside from dwarf fortress, all games are linear, some just do a better job of hiding it than others.... All final fantasies were linear, they just had the illusion of an open world. Heck, even GTA is linear, and for its supposed sandboxness, you needed to to 'story missions' to unlock more of that sandbox... dont know if that changed with GTA 4 though. NEver bought it, and I live too far from a rental place to rent it... so...

When playing final fantasy, play for the story, not the gameplay. Sure it has its merits, but it takes second seat to the story. Want awsome gameplay? Play DMC, Tekken, or Soulcalibur or somesuch game that is not an RPG.

Edit: The battle music is addicting. Never thought Violins could sound so awsome... its an ear-worm. be wary.

 

[doctorwhofan]

For me, Final Fantasy XIII signals the end of the Final Fantasy series as the seminal JRPG title. It represents a decision to attempt to maintain the deep rich story we've come to expect from Jrpgs, but with the most linear and off-putting gameplay imaginable. Sure, the new fast-paced action-packed combat system is bound to pull in those who otherwise would have just lumped JRPGS into a minority of gamers and otaku.

The combat system SEEMS fast paced and fun... but one can quickly see how after 20 hours, this combat system will have lost it's luster. Which brings up a problem for me..

It seems that JRPGs have more J and less RPG as time goes on. To be quite honest, If i wanted to play a fast-paced hack and slash game with exotic anime-inspired characters and a convoluted nigh incomprehensibly philosophical storyline I'd play Devil May Cry or Bayonetta. When I play JRPGS i enjoy not only the strategic process of turn-based combat, but the selection of my party, the exploration of dungeons, management of resources, and the sweet sweet reward of grinding your way to the final battle or fighting difficult/special bosses.

In Final Fantasy XIII, you have virtually none of that. Sure the story is there, but you are led LITERALLY by the hand through it, as if FInal Fantasy XIII was going to be a Square Enix animated film before someone got the bright idea that they could make even more money if they slapped a game onto it somewhere.

Bottomline: everyone has different tastes, but for me, this game is a step in the wrong direction.

I couldn't agree more. Everything I love about the other FF games is completely missing from this game. But you mentioned that "the story was there." It took me about 6 Goddamn hours to figure out what the fuck was going on in the game. With the Cocoon, and the fal'Cie and the L'Cie, and the Cie'th. I was literally going out of my mind trying to figure out what the whole point of the game was. And what the shit is with Vanille grunting, and "oohing" and "aahing" at every goddamn thing? "Hnnf, aah! Oooh! Haha, I'm gonna explore!" Wtf?

Final Fantasy (and Square-Enix in general) lost its spark with me after playing FF12. I thought the company might redeem itself with "Infinite Undiscovery." Holy shit was I wrong. Maybe "Last Remnant" will be better? Oh-ho, you sly fuckers, fooled me again!

I'm not saying FF13 is a bad game. Its just lacking everything that makes Final Fantasy, Final Fantasy (including the outrageous, ridiculous, and often times retarded hair cuts).

Good...it seems to be a bit dull here. I thought my hubby and I were the only ones thinking that. We are so fed up right now, that even if FFVII was released with bells and updated graphics, we wouldn't be interested.

On a related note, we are glad it was on the 360, cuz right now, we cannot play any PS3 games due to the fact we have an original PS3 and it doesn't have trophies. THat's ok, it's out blue ray player and a door stop.

 

[kawaiiamethist]

This is absolutely the toughest JRPG I have ever played.

I wouldn't say this is a good one for new comers at all. The combat is simple enough at first, but pretty soon there'll be a lot of rage quits thanks to extremely tough bosses and getting the staggering system down.

And for those also playing through, I am in Gran Pulse. Jeebus, that place is ENORMOUS!

 

[Meilow]

And for those who complain about linearity... well, aside from dwarf fortress, all games are linear, some just do a better job of hiding it than others.... All final fantasies were linear, they just had the illusion of an open world. Heck, even GTA is linear, and for its supposed sandboxness, you needed to to 'story missions' to unlock more of that sandbox... dont know if that changed with GTA 4 though. NEver bought it, and I live too far from a rental place to rent it... so...

When playing final fantasy, play for the story, not the gameplay. Sure it has its merits, but it takes second seat to the story.

Story? The story in this game is utterly terrible. There's so much shit there to wrap your head around, you have to read the datalog just to understand the first 3 hours of the game.

The other FF games had more open world than this. I'm not wanting a sandbox style RPG, I'm wanting what Final Fantasy used to offer. Yes, they all eventually lead to "this place, to take down this bad guy" so that you can advance in your quest in saving the world. The only option this game gives you is "do you want to take the left path, with a treasure sphere at the end of it that contains 30gil, the middle path that ventures through where the enemies are, or the far right path, that cuts through and gets this game over with faster?"

I never thought I'd say this, but I actually miss the grind. I hated grinding for hours, just to beat one of the secret bosses, but when you did beat it, it was worth it. This game spoon feeds you the entire goddamn story, and the only real challenge is how fast you can press the "A" button to auto attack and kill everything in your wake. I'm sorry, but Square-Enix really dropped the ball on this game.

Edit: I do have to admit though, I am loving the hell out of the Fro-cobo.

 

[Axzarious]

And for those who complain about linearity... well, aside from dwarf fortress, all games are linear, some just do a better job of hiding it than others.... All final fantasies were linear, they just had the illusion of an open world. Heck, even GTA is linear, and for its supposed sandboxness, you needed to to 'story missions' to unlock more of that sandbox... dont know if that changed with GTA 4 though. NEver bought it, and I live too far from a rental place to rent it... so...

When playing final fantasy, play for the story, not the gameplay. Sure it has its merits, but it takes second seat to the story.

Story? The story in this game is utterly terrible. There's so much shit there to wrap your head around, you have to read the datalog just to understand the first 3 hours of the game.

The other FF games had more open world than this. I'm not wanting a sandbox style RPG, I'm wanting what Final Fantasy used to offer. Yes, they all eventually lead to "this place, to take down this bad guy" so that you can advance in your quest in saving the world. The only option this game gives you is "do you want to take the left path, with a treasure sphere at the end of it that contains 30gil, the middle path that ventures through where the enemies are, or the far right path, that cuts through and gets this game over with faster?"

I never thought I'd say this, but I actually miss the grind. I hated grinding for hours, just to beat one of the secret bosses, but when you did beat it, it was worth it. This game spoon feeds you the entire goddamn story, and the only real challenge is how fast you can press the "A" button to auto attack and kill everything in your wake. I'm sorry, but Square-Enix really dropped the ball on this game.

Edit: I do have to admit though, I am loving the hell out of the Fro-cobo.

Yeah, Fro-Cobo is awsome. Also, I never had to grind in any final fantasy. I could blaze through the game without it. I dont know if I am gifted at strategy such as this or not.

It didnt take me long to grasp the plot, about 30 minutes. I did not need to read the datalog. Everything was fairly self explanitory if you know what is what. Sure, the datalog may reveal what is happening earlier... but if you play till the 'crystallized lake' without reading the datalog, and still have no idea what is going on.... well... I dont think I can put it politely

 

[elricik]

I would buy it, its probable the easiest and most streamlined in the series. I'm about twelve hours into it, and have only fought about two battles that really required me to plan my every move, or else I would die. Also the story is pretty great, so far.

 

[King of the Sandbox]

For me, Final Fantasy XIII signals the end of the Final Fantasy series as the seminal JRPG title. It represents a decision to attempt to maintain the deep rich story we've come to expect from Jrpgs, but with the most linear and off-putting gameplay imaginable. Sure, the new fast-paced action-packed combat system is bound to pull in those who otherwise would have just lumped JRPGS into a minority of gamers and otaku.

The combat system SEEMS fast paced and fun... but one can quickly see how after 20 hours, this combat system will have lost it's luster. Which brings up a problem for me..

It seems that JRPGs have more J and less RPG as time goes on. To be quite honest, If i wanted to play a fast-paced hack and slash game with exotic anime-inspired characters and a convoluted nigh incomprehensibly philosophical storyline I'd play Devil May Cry or Bayonetta. When I play JRPGS i enjoy not only the strategic process of turn-based combat, but the selection of my party, the exploration of dungeons, management of resources, and the sweet sweet reward of grinding your way to the final battle or fighting difficult/special bosses.

In Final Fantasy XIII, you have virtually none of that. Sure the story is there, but you are led LITERALLY by the hand through it, as if FInal Fantasy XIII was going to be a Square Enix animated film before someone got the bright idea that they could make even more money if they slapped a game onto it somewhere.

Bottomline: everyone has different tastes, but for me, this game is a step in the wrong direction.

Highfive.

 

[Infinite Betsy]

And for those who complain about linearity... well, aside from dwarf fortress, all games are linear, some just do a better job of hiding it than others.... All final fantasies were linear, they just had the illusion of an open world. Heck, even GTA is linear, and for its supposed sandboxness, you needed to to 'story missions' to unlock more of that sandbox... dont know if that changed with GTA 4 though. NEver bought it, and I live too far from a rental place to rent it... so...

When playing final fantasy, play for the story, not the gameplay. Sure it has its merits, but it takes second seat to the story.

Story? The story in this game is utterly terrible. There's so much shit there to wrap your head around, you have to read the datalog just to understand the first 3 hours of the game.

The other FF games had more open world than this. I'm not wanting a sandbox style RPG, I'm wanting what Final Fantasy used to offer. Yes, they all eventually lead to "this place, to take down this bad guy" so that you can advance in your quest in saving the world. The only option this game gives you is "do you want to take the left path, with a treasure sphere at the end of it that contains 30gil, the middle path that ventures through where the enemies are, or the far right path, that cuts through and gets this game over with faster?"

I never thought I'd say this, but I actually miss the grind. I hated grinding for hours, just to beat one of the secret bosses, but when you did beat it, it was worth it. This game spoon feeds you the entire goddamn story, and the only real challenge is how fast you can press the "A" button to auto attack and kill everything in your wake. I'm sorry, but Square-Enix really dropped the ball on this game.

Edit: I do have to admit though, I am loving the hell out of the Fro-cobo.

I love the fro-cobo too! I actually like the story so far. I have only been playing for 3 hours though, so that may change. I just got the game this afternoon. I am loving it, but I loved every Final Fantasy game when I first started them. I have to get further into it before I can really make a decision.

However, thus far I like the story. The battle system is pretty interesting to me, and of course, the game is beautiful... and the fro-cobo is cute. I would definitely say it is worth a try. If you're still unsure, rent it.

 

[CmdrGoob]

It's excruciatingly linear and repetitive, the battle system takes too much direct control away from the player, it takes hours for the gameplay to be remotely interesting or challenging, and half the characters are completely obnoxious.

 

[AlternatePFG]

I am not an FF fan, so naturally I didn't have much expectations going into this game. After getting past the extremely dull first few hours of the game, I must say it's pretty good. Not amazing, but interesting. I hate how they just through you right into the story though, without you being able to make sense of it.

 

[TheSupremeForce]

I'm not at all bothered by the fact that they stripped away the illusion of nonlinearity. While I haven't completed the game yet (not even close, as far as I can tell), I really do like the combat system, especially once it picks up a bit. The story is even better. I love the way that character development is handled.

13 has the two most important elements of a Final Fantasy: a good story and fun gameplay. What's not to like?

At worst, I expect it will crack my Final Fantasy Top 4 (along with 4, 6, and Tactics).