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Customer Reviews for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
Model: UPDATE
SKU: 7917472
UPC: 662248910017
SynopsisEmbark on a journey through the cityworld of Cocoon and the outerworld of Pulse. Along the path to discovering your destiny, you will encounter diverse allies who will fight beside you. You will have to summon all of your expertise with weapons and magic, as well as all your courage, to determine your fate in the latest action-packed installment in the renowned Final Fantasy video game series. Face your destiny as you travel through the worlds of Cocoon and Pulse in Final Fantasy XIII. Discover diverse allies who will join you in your fight, and execute punishing attacks with powerful weapons and magic. Summon the enigmatic Eidolons with the evolved Active Time Battle system. With seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and in-game cinematics, Final Fantasy XIII draws you into the mystery and the magic of the series like never before.
Average Customer Rating:
4.5
out of 5
(94 Reviews) 94
Rating Snapshot 94 reviews
5 stars
65
4 stars
20
3 stars
4
2 stars
1
1 star
4
91% of customers would recommend this product to a friend
(
86 out of
94)
Customer Reviews for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
Review 1 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
Posted by: Wills83
from Southwest Michigan
on 03/31/2010
Challenge
4.0
Length
4.0
Graphics & Sound
5.0
Fun
4.0
What's great about it: It's one of the best looking games this generation
What's not so great: Some people may not like the fact that it's pretty linear
As of this review, I'm only a little over 8 hours into this game, but I feel I can submit a quality review based on what I've experienced so far.
I am pleased with this game. Even on my 720P tv, the game looks amazing. I also have to give Square Enix props for hiring competent voice actors. For the most part, the voice acting is good (especially main character Lightning's VA).
I am pleased with this game. Even on my 720P tv, the game looks amazing. I also have to give Square Enix props for hiring competent voice actors. For the most part, the voice acting is good (especially main character Lightning's VA).
The nitty gritty of any RPG is it's battle system and FFXIII has a twist on the typical JRPG. Yes, it still uses the classic active time battle system, but now there is an "auto battle" feature. You can only control the party leader during battle and they will automatically pick the best actions for battle, be it attacks or abilitys. Once all the availible gauges fill up, they will execute their selected actions. For the first few hours, it is like this, but once you learn magic, (paradigms) the battles becomes far more interesting. You eventually will learn rparadigms which grants roles to the characters and they vary. Not every character has access to the same role, so you have to switch paradigms according to your situation. Some will learn roles that are based on physical attacks, magic attacks, healing or buffing attributes. The cool part about this is that you can change paradigms on the fly which is critical for some of the more challenging enemies that await. You can't expect to win all the battles by sticking to the same paradigm and changing thiings up makes for varitey. You get graded (1 to 5 stars) on how quickly you win battles. For every won battle, you get crystal points which you can use to upgrade your stats and learn more powerful spells and attacks.
I really have nothing to complain about at this time, but I know some peole will hate the fact that it's so linear. You essientally go from point A to points B, C, D etc. There is little chance to explore because you go down a set pathway. Whenever the paths do break off, it usally leads to a dead end with an item orb and an enemy patrol. All the previous FF's have had huge worlds to explore, but this time they took that away. Personally, I don't really mind, but this is after i've played several rpg's over the years with massive worlds to explore. The whole game seems like Square Enix wanted to make it more mainstream by putting emphasis on quick battles and getting rid of the exploration aspects. Essentially, this FF feels a more action focused due to the changes. Like I said, some peole will hate this and others (like me) will not mind one bit.
Based on what I've seen so far, Final Fantasy XIII is a good game. Any JRPG fan owes it to him or herself to check it out. It looks wonderful, sounds good and has a solid battle system.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+28points
30out of 32found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
Oldie but goodie
Customer Rating
4.0
Storyline
4.0
Challenging gameplay
4.0
Graphics
4.0
Audio
2.0
What's great about it: graphics
What's not so great: linear gameplay
Good fun. Linear gameplay several chapters in but it helps keep the story consistent and you don't get sidetracked.
This product has... Appropriate for your kids
About me... Frequent player, Multiplayer fan, parent
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
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Review 3 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
Good but not awesome
Customer Rating
4.0
Storyline
3.0
Challenging gameplay
3.0
Graphics
5.0
Audio
4.0
What's great about it: Graphics and content (counting end game)
What's not so great: Story, character development, repetition
Its a decent FF, but the plot is not that good neither the gameplay. The system is not fairly exploited unless you plan to play the end game, which has a lot of farming involved.
This product has... Family friendly
About me... Hardcore gamer
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
-1point
0out of 1found this review helpful.
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Review 4 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
Great Final Fantasy Game
Customer Rating
4.0
Storyline
4.0
Challenging gameplay
4.0
Graphics
4.0
Audio
4.0
Can't ask for more. It is hard to find a good RPG nowadays.
This product has... Family friendly, Like to replay, Appropriate for your kids
About me... Multiplayer fan, Hardcore gamer
I would recommend this to a friend!
-1point
0out of 1found this review helpful.
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Review 5 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
Amazing game, great addition to the series
Customer Rating
5.0
Challenge
4.0
Length
5.0
Graphics & Sound
5.0
Fun
5.0
What's great about it: Graphics, Story, Characters, Music
What's not so great: I wish it didn't have to end.
I went into this game expecting to be decently pleased as I am with all Final Fantasy games, however it turned out to be much more then I could have hoped for. The graphics are absolutely amazing, the game runs extremely smooth and is always a pleasure to look at. All of the characters are interesting in their own ways and I enjoy their interactions. As to be expected with any Final Fantasy, the story is great, and creative, I find myself always wanting to know what will happen next. This game is a great choice not only for Final Fantasy Fans, but anyone who enjoys RPGs.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+7points
7out of 7found this review helpful.
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Review 6 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
great battle system
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: SinXer0
from Victorville,CA
on 01/22/2011
Challenge
4.0
Length
4.0
Graphics & Sound
5.0
Fun
4.0
What's great about it: Graphics and battle system
What's not so great: too linear
FFXIII is a great game, the battle system is one of the best in the series, but the game is mostly linear unlike previous FF's. I am about halfway through and can say the graphics are amazing. A little more exploring freedom early on would of been nice. Nonetheless still a great Final Fantasy.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
my daughter loves it. a great gift
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: katiej1921
from springville
on 01/20/2011
Challenge
5.0
Length
4.0
Graphics & Sound
4.0
Fun
5.0
What's great about it: She loves it
What's not so great: The fighting and violence
I got this as a christmas gift. My daughter was very excited and has gotton alot of playing time out of it and has been challenged. It is a game that involves fighting which I wasn't sure I was happy about but the graphics are beautiful and she loves it!!
I would recommend this to a friend!
-2points
0out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 8 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
Improvement of precedent set forth in FF X
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: CompSciGuy9
from Austin, TX
on 11/01/2010
Challenge
4.0
Length
4.0
Graphics & Sound
5.0
Fun
5.0
What's great about it: Graphics, Character Development, Storyline
What's not so great: Fairly linear storyline
I wasn't sure how I was going to enjoy the game, considering how painful FFX-2 was (to the point I did not finish), but it turned out to be a remarkably good game.
I've been playing the series since the original for the NES, and the only complaint I have is how linear the game is. There are two points where you can branch off and do 'your own thing'; the first time you reach grand pulse and before the last boss.
Overall the storyline was good, the cg was amazing -- glad I waited for a PS3 1080p -- and the characters and their development were well done. The sphere grid has been replaced by something much more simplistic, yet it's still a 'sphere grid' and don't expect to earn gil from killing things. Item drops are based on how well you do, how well you do is based on a 'par time' calculated into a formula, regardless you farm gil in specific areas and in others (should you chose to fight) you earn CP used for character development.
I've finished the game in terms of storyline completion, but there is a ridiculous amount of extraneous content that could have been factored in throughout the storyline allowing for the game to be less linear. Whether I'll go back and progress my characters to the point of doing everything, unlikely due to time constraints, but only time will tell.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
3out of 3found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
Too much video early on in the game
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: Kev1
from Ohio
on 10/21/2010
Challenge
4.0
Length
4.0
Graphics & Sound
5.0
Fun
5.0
What's great about it: Great graphics
What's not so great: Too much time watching and not playing
I always enjoy the series, but way too much video early on.
I would recommend this to a friend!
-4points
1out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
WONDERFUL GAME. Highly recommend!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: petricko
from Michigan
on 10/01/2010
Challenge
5.0
Length
5.0
Graphics & Sound
5.0
Fun
5.0
Final Fantasy XIII is an in-depth, challenging, entertaining game that delivers. Graphics and Sound are simply amazing. You will have your breath taken away at some of the photogenic backrounds and character detail. Character developement is great each with a personal story that contributes to one another and the overall story. The battle system is fast paced with lots of strategy to master the "Paradigm Shift". If you enjoyed FFX this is the game for you. Many people seem to love or hate this game. Haters cannot stand the linearity of the story and leveling up. But I find it a nice change of pace that was different from the previous FF. Lack of towns, NPCs, true, while I to did miss, it's traded for a lot more in my opinion.
Pros: graphics are incredible, complicated and in-depth story, fast paced and strategic battle system to master, 60+ hours of entertainment, fun and entertaining
Cons: people could be turned off from the linearity
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
2out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
AMAZING BATTLE SYSTEM
Customer Rating
5.0
Challenge
5.0
Length
5.0
Graphics & Sound
5.0
Fun
5.0
What's great about it: battle system, length, sidequests, bosses
What's not so great: whiny characters
So far I have played Final Fantasy 7, 10 and 12 and have liked all of them. With all of the hype going on around Final Fantasy 13, I decided to give this one a try and here is what I thought.
PROS.
PARADIGM COMBAT SYSTEM: This game utilizes unique turn based combat system. To me, this combat system was the BEST ASPECT of the game. In Final fantasy games so far (other than 12), you have to do each action such as attack, healing, magic one by one by one. This game gives you option to do that or you can have "auto battle" mode where things are taken care for you. So the enemies you want to deal with "personally" you can combat them yourselves, but then you are not stuck hitting same command again and again for each fight you do in the game. Think of it this way, in other final fantasies, you are acting as individual soldiers while in this game you are mainly acting as commander. So instead of controlling each of the party member's action individually, you can set up a "paradigm" where you can focus more on physical or magical or healing or combination of these actions. At first you will find it a bit puzzling but once you get it, you will most likely love it.
STAGGERING ENEMIES: To win a battle, you have to punish an enemy (or enemies) up to the point that they "stagger". At this point, the enemy will take a lot more damage and is less likely to attack. While it is not necessary to stagger an enemy to defeat it, for most game, you will find it difficult to defeat enemies without staggering them. So what is so special about staggering enemies? In order to stagger them in most cases you will have to use variety of paradigms and will have to come up with different strategies. Again, in the beginning you may find this difficult to understand, but once you get it, it gets to be quite fun.
VARIETY OF BOSSES AND ENEMIES: Yup, there is great variety of enemies and different bosses in this game (as expected of "final fantasy"). Before you finish the game, you will have defeat quite a few different enemies and bosses and to defeat them you will have to use different strategies. While most enemies you may find it pretty straightforward to beat (especially in the beginning of the game), many later on enemies and bosses will be quite difficult until you figure out the right strategy. But don't worry there are ways to defeat them and you will find these challenges fun rather than frustrating.
CRYSTAL LEVELING UP SYSTEM: This game has similar leveling up system as Final Fantasy 10. Defeating each enemies gives you points and then you use these points to level up different characters. The difference is you can level up a character in different direction (i.e. you can make a character better at magic, physical attacks, healing, sabotaging enemies, etc.) Each character will have 3 specialty areas and later on you can develop the character in all 6 different classes. Pretty addicting if you ask me.
TONS OF SIDEQUEST BOSSES: So it takes a while to get up to this point, but once the open world portion of the game begins, there are tons of (>60) mini and major bosses to beat in the game. There is this portion called TITAN CHALLENGE (won't spoil much) which is very interesting. Here you will have to defeat a series of enemies in certain way. I liked it.
SPECTACULAR SUMMONS: In this game each character gets a cool summon. While you don't have control over when you can obtain it, in order obtain them you have to beat them. LOVED IT. Once you obtain them you get to use their awesome powers and most importantly limit breaks. This has been my favorite part in many of the final fantasy game and just like previous final fantasies, this game has delivered them nicely.
BEAUTIFUL AND ELEGANT FANTASY WORLD: The creation of Cocoon and Pulse are just mind blowing. Everything in these worlds is very elegantly designed. If you look carefully designers have truly given attention to details. Loved just loved each and every level.
WEIRD BUT UNDERSTANDABLE STORY: Really can't tell you much without spoiling it, but like in many Japanese games, this one also has a very strange, but unique story with a great underlying theme.
WEAPON AND ARMAMENT LEVELING UP: I am happy in addition to character they also have weapon leveling up in this game. To level up your weapon though you have to collect and use different items in a unique manner. For example, certain weapons can only be leveled up to level 11; however, if you obtain these unique item you can break that limit and level it up even further turning it into a completely different weapon. If you like this type of stuff the game will keep you occupy for a LONG TIME.
CONS
LACK OF CONTROL OVER BATTLE TEAM: As described in pros, you have to design specific paradims and you can use them in the battle to your liking. However, these combination are not limitless. In other words, you won't be able to control all three of the party members in the exact manner you want to. For example, with characters A,B, and C, I want both characters A and B to attack the same enemies with physical attacks, I don't have that option. Also if I want to revive character B before healing character C that is also not an option (unless the character I control is the healer). While it seems like a major issue, it really is not. There is not a single enemy you won't be able to beat due to this problem.
WHINY CHARACTERS: Ever since Final Fantasy 10, they have been having so many whiny characters in these games. Hate it, just hate it. Good thing is whiny character in this game will only whine for first quarter of the game. Also, what Japanese people and Westerners find "awesome" and "funny" are quite different. Some dialogues that Japanese may find awesome will simply sound lame to us. So that is also a problem in this game.
CONCLUSION
Contrary to the cons I described, this is a great game. Battle System, leveling up and hunt for different bosses and items will keep you busy and entertained for a long time. With side quests, it has taken me about 84 hours and I am still not quite done. With lowered prices, I would say this is a MUST OWN game.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+11points
11out of 11found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
Don't buy this game
Customer Rating
1.0
Posted by: knuck5150
from California
on 09/06/2010
Challenge
1.0
Length
3.0
Graphics & Sound
5.0
Fun
1.0
What's great about it: Graphics are great
What's not so great: Linear. No leveling up. Annoying characters
If you like traditional role-play games, this is not for you. Unlike most RPG's, there's no leveling up. If you get to an enemy or boss and you can't beat it, you're stuck. You can't just go and level up to get stronger. The game forces you to follow a set path. This supposedly changes at chapter 11. Good luck getting to that point. It's tedious and boring. The characters have annoying personalities. The bottom line is: the game's just not fun. This was wasted money. I wound up selling the game after a few days and throwing away the guide.
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
-9points
5out of 19found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
Good Game
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: jmb001
from Oklahoma City, OK
on 08/07/2010
Challenge
5.0
Length
5.0
Fun
5.0
What's not so great: price
Good game. Great if you're already into the Final Fantasy franchise
The graphics are great. The music/ sounds are beutiful. The gameplay and storyline are intriguing so far. I've only just started playing but it is bound to get better. Most in the FF series do.
I highly recommend this game.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+3points
4out of 5found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
Fantastic game!!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: bboynicku
from Gaithersburg, MD
on 06/23/2010
Challenge
4.0
Length
5.0
Graphics & Sound
5.0
Fun
5.0
Final Fantasy games are always amazing and this one is as well. It takes a little while to get going, but it gets good.
I would recommend this to a friend!
-2points
2out of 6found this review helpful.
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Review 15 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
One of the top of the franchise
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Impartial
from NY
on 06/13/2010
What's great about it: Gameplay, Storyline, Graphics, Sound.
What's not so great: Linear
What can I say, that has not already been said. This game is fantastic on all levels. The gameplay, the story, the graphics. It really immerses you like a true final fantasy game should. True, you don't have to 'freedom' to roam like in previous titles, but this installment makes up for that in other ways. Any final fantasy fan would appreciate the length and depth of time and ingenuity that went into creating this game. Expect at least 60 hours of solid gameplay.Well done Square Enix. Can't wait for the next chapter.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
3out of 4found this review helpful.
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Review 16 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
Great graphics
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Rezanate
from Honolulu
on 06/09/2010
Challenge
5.0
Length
5.0
Graphics & Sound
5.0
Fun
4.0
What's great about it: amazing 1080p graphics, best for a animated game yet
What's not so great: same old final fantasy storyline,... but not a bad one.
its a typical rpg, but being that its a final fantasy game, its a good one. Very good graphics though.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
Stunning visuals!
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: Nintenboy
from FL
on 04/23/2010
Challenge
2.0
Length
5.0
Graphics & Sound
5.0
Fun
5.0
What's great about it: Beautiful Visuals make this game and Character development is amazing!
What's not so great: New Battle gameplay is Fun but not very difficult
Besides the lack of being very difficult who can complain? FF13 delivers a engaging, stunning HD experience with new characters and a interesting story. A MUST for any RPG fan this is probably one of the best looking RPGs in a long time.
I would recommend this to a friend!
0points
0out of 0found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
FFXIII Good and Bad
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: RPGGuy
on 04/17/2010
Challenge
2.0
Length
3.0
Graphics & Sound
5.0
Fun
5.0
What's great about it: Stunning, life-like graphics
What's not so great: Challenge and length of game
FF13 had a lot of build up. The game lived up to some of that build up. You will not find better graphics. The character look real and the cutscenes look like movies. The main plot was a disappointment because it was short and easy. Hardest part of the game is earning 5-star ratings on fights. The missions are fairly easy, yet I still need to beat the last 7. In all the past Final Fantasy games, gil(currency) was important from start to finish. It only become important near the end. The weapon and armor was very limited and disappointing. I played FFXI for 5 years, this part of the game was a serious step back in the armor and weapons department. No EXP and no leveling was major change. When you think of RPG you think of levling and growing more powerful. That aspect just wasn't in this game. I did enjoy the game and graphics. If you are waiting for FFIV to come out this will hold you over but it will not provide the addiction that FFXI had. Now that SE has improved its graphics, time to go back to the challenging gameplay that made FF series famous.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
this is a must buy
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: G6cruiser
from Maricopa, Az
on 04/16/2010
Challenge
5.0
Length
5.0
Graphics & Sound
5.0
Fun
5.0
What's great about it: graphics, gameplay once you get used to it
What's not so great: getting used to the gameplay compared to previous FF
I had a hard time getting used to playing this game, but with the help of the strategy guide i was able to pick it up fairly easy afterwards. It does have some very nice graphics and it is one of the best looking games of all time.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+2points
2out of 2found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for Final Fantasy XIII - PlayStation 3
RPGguy111
Customer Rating
4.0
Posted by: drunner111
from NJ
on 04/05/2010
Challenge
3.0
Length
4.0
Graphics & Sound
5.0
Fun
4.0
What's great about it: More active combat system. Customizable paradigms. Beautiful graphics.
What's not so great: Too linear in the beginning.
The game begins with some stunning visuals and a bunch of cut scenes. Then the game looks a lot like FFXII with real-time enemies to engage as you follow the linear gameplay. The minimap system is nice and informative. The crystal-leveling system is a throw back to both FFX and FFXII: you accumulate points and spend them to upgrade attributes and abilities instead of the traditional level-ups. All in all, the game has amazing visuals. However, the game is very linear and you are basically without choices. The characters are querky but keep you engaged.
I would recommend this to a friend!
+1point
1out of 1found this review helpful.
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