from Southwest Michigan

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).

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.

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

I would recommend this to a friend!

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Customer Rating

AMAZING BATTLE SYSTEM

on September 19, 2010

Posted by: Daveak47

from San Diego, CA

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.

What's great about it: battle system, length, sidequests, bosses

What's not so great: whiny characters

I would recommend this to a friend!

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Customer Rating

Amazing game, great addition to the series

on June 12, 2011

Posted by: BrandonB_BBYSTAFF

from Grand Rapids, MI

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.

What's great about it: Graphics, Story, Characters, Music

What's not so great: I wish it didn't have to end.

I would recommend this to a friend!

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Customer Rating

Improvement of precedent set forth in FF X

on November 1, 2010

Posted by: CompSciGuy9

from Austin, TX

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.

What's great about it: Graphics, Character Development, Storyline

What's not so great: Fairly linear storyline

I would recommend this to a friend!

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Customer Rating

Love the FF game! Love it!

on May 25, 2008

Posted by: gokuss4

from Myrtle Beach, South Caraliona

If you have seen the trailers to this game then you know how great it looks. This installment of the game seems to fully use the ps3's horsepower as much as it can. The graphics are amazingly detailed. With so much space on the disk, Square-enix developed a new fighting style on the game which catches every single movement that the character makes. The pink haired character from the other final fantasy installment seems to look like Yuna from Final Fantasy X and X-2 but she could be someone else. If you loved the others Final Fantasy games; then you will love this game.

What's great about it: Amazing use of the ps3's horsepower, new fighting system, 1 of 2 final fantasy games to come out in the same month

What's not so great: not much i can say right now

I would recommend this to a friend!

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Customer Rating

Good Game

on August 7, 2010

Posted by: jmb001

from Oklahoma City, OK

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.

What's not so great: price

I would recommend this to a friend!

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Customer Rating

Another average FF installment

on March 24, 2010

Posted by: Brian78

from Des Moines, IA

I am a huge fan of the Final Fanasy series, but I am not impressed with this game at all. The story line is so boring that I would actually get up and do chores around the house while the long cut scenes were going on. The music during most of the chapters was bad. The game was extremely linear, and after 25 hours when we finally get to an open-field area, we are only there for an hour then we have to go back where we came from. What was the point of that? You will see what I mean when you get there.

I was able to win 90% of all battles by just pressing the X button repeatedly. Oh, and get this, there are only 2 stats in this game: Strength and Magic. It's like they gave up on the defense idea entirely besides some accessories you can wear.

I was anticipating the arrival of this game for years. Maybe I set my expectations too high, but this game did not live up to the Final Fantasy name.

What's great about it: Graphics

What's not so great: Music, linear story line, battle system

No, I would not recommend this to a friend.

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Customer Rating

Great Game

on April 2, 2010

Posted by: jayIT

from Columbia, SC

It's the same Final Fantasy games we know and love, and at the same time it's not. As a fan of the series, I rank 13 among the best. While there is certainly room for improvement, if this is what FF fans have to look forward to, the future is bright! While there are some people who refuse to enjoy the game, I feel that the vast majority of all gamers will be able to walk away satisfied.

Graphics: 5/5 - Nothing else needs to be said about this. On a 1080 TV, you will see what a truly beautiful game is supposed to look like. Flaws are few and far between. Cut scenes and "in-game" blend nearly perfectly. The level of detail is on an enormous scale. It's the purest form of eye candy.

Gameplay & Story: 4/5 - The game feels almost like a sci-fi more than a fantasy at times. Flying robots wiz around, and superior technology is common place in this world. But yet there is magic and mystical areas that are the heart and soul of all FF games. It's also different in that this is a darker game. This story is not "cute" like some of the other games. There are no mini-games. It's no more confusing than any other JRPG, so don't buy into the hype that it is so confusing that it's not enjoyable. If you can't keep up with the dialog, there is a journal in the Datalog that details every event in writing. It reads like a book.

The story line is considered by some to be "linear," but I feel like it's really no more so than any other FF game. In all other FF games, the story is driven by completing a certain task, or going to a certain place in order to continue the story. True, there is no world map, so general exploration is impossible, and I believe that is what people complain about. However, some reviews make it sound like have to grind away on some asphalt road for 10 hours. That is simply not true. In fact, about 1.5 hours into the game, you are off the "road" and in the Pulse l'Cie temple. I compare this style of play to FF X. You always are driven in the direction of the story with little chance to deviate, but it's not boring, and there are many fresh sites and events along the way. The exploration is more on the micro level as you run around, rather than going to some distant island on the world map. It's not a treasure hunt, and there aren't many "secret" locations or hidden items, but it is fun. The focus of this game is on combat, not exploration. That's the bottom line.

Battle System: 4/5 - Unlike turn based style RPGs, the ATB system means the enemy is attacking you even while you're selecting your next move (and even while attacking an enemy!). You must think fast and choose wisely. You control only your lead character, but with many options to choose from and a furious battle raging around you, it would be nearly impossible to successfully control each character. It doesn't get boring controlling just one since you are indirectly telling your teammates generally what to do by placing them in "roles." In one role, they may have a certain ability, but in another role they have an entirely different ability. You change these roles, called paradigms, constantly during battle usually to heal, attack, defend, etc. A wrong choice at the wrong time will definitely get your party killed.

While this frenzy is entertaining, I feel it lacks the punch that other FFs bring. Attacks are quick, and the camera is constantly moving. It's almost dizzying sometimes as numbers and lights whirl around. I often found myself watching the HP bars or selecting my next moves instead of enjoying the battle before my eyes. For this reason I give it 4/5.

Music & Sound: 4/5 - It's hard to knock the music for any FF game, but I do feel like there is room for improvement in 13. While the music is good, it's often forgettable. It's hard to describe other than it lacks the emotion found in some of the other games. Sometimes it reminded me of elevator music... just something I hear in the background while I slay monsters. Still, overall it's quite good, but maybe not as epic as I hoped.

The game sounds are pretty much on par with the rest of the series. My only complaint here is that most of the game there is a lack of bass in the sounds. It's usually clicks and clinks as sword meets armor. At times a craved a deep explosion or something like that to break the clink cycle. It's not going to be like listening to a movie, but still pretty good.

Overall: 4/5 - My two favorite FF games were 7 and 10. I rank 13 right alongside 10. FF 7 still has the best story by far, and since that's what RPGs are all about, I'm biased toward 7. This story and gameplay remind me of FF X in that some things I liked, and some things I thought were lame, but in the end, I came away very satisfied. There is a vast amount of customization, so don't be worried that you just grind monsters the whole time. The story gets better as it goes, and is worth the time to play the game.

Every fan of the series should own this game.

What's great about it: Graphics, it's quite long, interesting story, very fast load times

What's not so great: Some things are lacking which prevents FFXIII from being epic

I would recommend this to a friend!

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