I say its Destructoid....shouldn't be taken seriously ever.
Final Fantasy XIII [PS3, X360]
- Thread starter Need 2 Know
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Personally Renegade, it is the best RPG I've played in a while - and that includes the much lauded Dragon Age Origins. I started with a short answer, but ended with a full blown review so I hope you'll forgive me 
.
I think the problem reviewers are having with Final Fantasy is that they want it to be everything for everyone. Final Fantasy has such a big name that people tend to be a bit unrealistic when they evaluate it. For example, one major complaint I have heard is that it is too linear. The interesting thing to me is that Final Fantasy has always been linear - even the first ones. Sure, there comes a point in all the games where you get a ship or something and can roam around doing what you want for a bit - but the story elements are pretty fixed. On the other hand, recent western RPGs like Dragon Age Origins and Elder Scrolls: Oblivion have tried to take the opposite approach where you are free to do as you like in the world and the story follows you.
Which is better? For me it depends on the mood I'm in. Final Fantasy XIII so far plays a lot like an interactive movie. The creators are telling you a story. Right now, that is actually the type of game I was looking for. To be frank, many of the other more western RPGs have started to feel a bit more like the "Choose your own adventure" books from the 80s. The stories are sometimes a bit contrived because they have to fit your actions, and the characters end up being a bit shallow. Don't get me wrong - there are some that do very well with stories and characters. But many recently have just not felt right. With Final Fantasy XIII, you don't get to choose your story. But on the flip side, the story seems more self consistent to me because of that.
For actual gameplay:
I like the combat system for the most part. I am generally more a fan of the turn based system like Final Fantasy VII used, and at least so far I haven't been able to find that ultimate piece of equipment or summon that can utterly destroy your opponent for a price - but the sysetm is well done. It gives you enough control to make you feel like you are involved in the fighting, without making you take care of so many little details that you feel overwhelmed. I have heard a few complaints that this makes it too easy - and I must admit that it is not the most difficult game. In my case though, I am playing for fun, not to be an uber bad ass gamer, and the combat system is fun for me.
I think the summons could have been done a bit better. I know they don't want to give you a game breaker. However, when you are using something you only get to use every 10ish fights I expect it to make a massive difference. Instead, you really kinda have to micro-manage the timing and actions of the summon to make any difference at all.
The leveling system is a bit simplistic for me right now - mainly because I've never been forced to choose. I end up filling out my entire level tree long before the end of each level - so right now I basically just have to remember to open up the screen and hold down x every now and again. I would have liked the choices I made to be more meaningful. On the flip side, it is impossible to get broken characters like were the norm in Elder Scrolls: Oblivion. I remember having a spreadsheet that I had to update every time I wanted to spend a point so my character wouldn't end up useless by level 50 there. Here, I'm pretty sure my characters will always be good. Basically, far more "World of Warcraft" than "Elder Scrolls: Oblivion".
Equipment upgrading turns out to be your main character development. You don't need to do it to get through anything I've done so far, but it can make the game easier.
Unlike that reviewer, I actually like the story. This isn't your typical fantasy novel though - think more a mystery. You start out with several pieces of information and do get a lot thrown at you at once. Then pieces reveal themselves one by one. I do have to say that nothing actually surprised me to this point - I've expected the developments that have happened. If I had one complaint, it is that the story is a bit too ambitious. They try to fill in the backstory for all 6 of the main characters, so there is a lot of switching back and forth between them. This style has become more popular in fantasy books lately as well, and I have never liked it. It seems just when you really start to care about what is happening to one character you jump to the next. For me, I played through large chunks at a time though so this was tolerable.
The graphics and sounds are really well done. I particularly like the music. I recently played through Bayonetta. There is a song in that game that I really liked the first time I heard it. By the end of the game, I dreaded going into a fight because I knew the same song would be playing. That has not been an issue so far with Final Fantasy. The music really is background music - but it is well done and helps set the mood of the game well. It is just really well done, and something I think other games could take lessons from. The graphics are pretty stunning. But at the same time, they have never made me stop and say "Well, you can tell that was thrown in there as eye candy". Things seem to mesh together really well.
If I had to give number scores out of 10 to each category they would probably be something like:
Graphics/Music: 9
Character Developement: 4
Combat System: 7
General Gameplay: 7
Story: 7
Overall: 8
The game is not perfect, but when I say it is the best I've played in a while that rests generally on the shoulders of one question. I always ask myself "Am I having enough fun that I look forward to playing the game when I get a chance?". With Final Fantasy, the answer is a resounding yes - so to me the game is a real success. Too many games lately I've felt like I'm forcing myself through so I can meet someone elses standard for a gamer. Maybe I'm just getting old and like things to be a bit more relaxing than hardcore - but so far, Final Fantasy has been great.
Keep in mind your milage may vary. If you thought character development was done right in Elder Scrolls: Oblivion for instance, you will probably find this game frustratingly easy. On the other hand, if you find advancement in World of Warcraft hard, you are going to hate the upgrade system. Most of us will probably fall somewhere in the middle. If you get the game and go in with the expectation that it is just a fun game you will probably enjoy it. If you are expecting a genre altering mind blowing experience, this probably isn't the game for you.
.I think the problem reviewers are having with Final Fantasy is that they want it to be everything for everyone. Final Fantasy has such a big name that people tend to be a bit unrealistic when they evaluate it. For example, one major complaint I have heard is that it is too linear. The interesting thing to me is that Final Fantasy has always been linear - even the first ones. Sure, there comes a point in all the games where you get a ship or something and can roam around doing what you want for a bit - but the story elements are pretty fixed. On the other hand, recent western RPGs like Dragon Age Origins and Elder Scrolls: Oblivion have tried to take the opposite approach where you are free to do as you like in the world and the story follows you.
Which is better? For me it depends on the mood I'm in. Final Fantasy XIII so far plays a lot like an interactive movie. The creators are telling you a story. Right now, that is actually the type of game I was looking for. To be frank, many of the other more western RPGs have started to feel a bit more like the "Choose your own adventure" books from the 80s. The stories are sometimes a bit contrived because they have to fit your actions, and the characters end up being a bit shallow. Don't get me wrong - there are some that do very well with stories and characters. But many recently have just not felt right. With Final Fantasy XIII, you don't get to choose your story. But on the flip side, the story seems more self consistent to me because of that.
For actual gameplay:
I like the combat system for the most part. I am generally more a fan of the turn based system like Final Fantasy VII used, and at least so far I haven't been able to find that ultimate piece of equipment or summon that can utterly destroy your opponent for a price - but the sysetm is well done. It gives you enough control to make you feel like you are involved in the fighting, without making you take care of so many little details that you feel overwhelmed. I have heard a few complaints that this makes it too easy - and I must admit that it is not the most difficult game. In my case though, I am playing for fun, not to be an uber bad ass gamer, and the combat system is fun for me.
I think the summons could have been done a bit better. I know they don't want to give you a game breaker. However, when you are using something you only get to use every 10ish fights I expect it to make a massive difference. Instead, you really kinda have to micro-manage the timing and actions of the summon to make any difference at all.
The leveling system is a bit simplistic for me right now - mainly because I've never been forced to choose. I end up filling out my entire level tree long before the end of each level - so right now I basically just have to remember to open up the screen and hold down x every now and again. I would have liked the choices I made to be more meaningful. On the flip side, it is impossible to get broken characters like were the norm in Elder Scrolls: Oblivion. I remember having a spreadsheet that I had to update every time I wanted to spend a point so my character wouldn't end up useless by level 50 there. Here, I'm pretty sure my characters will always be good. Basically, far more "World of Warcraft" than "Elder Scrolls: Oblivion".
Equipment upgrading turns out to be your main character development. You don't need to do it to get through anything I've done so far, but it can make the game easier.
Unlike that reviewer, I actually like the story. This isn't your typical fantasy novel though - think more a mystery. You start out with several pieces of information and do get a lot thrown at you at once. Then pieces reveal themselves one by one. I do have to say that nothing actually surprised me to this point - I've expected the developments that have happened. If I had one complaint, it is that the story is a bit too ambitious. They try to fill in the backstory for all 6 of the main characters, so there is a lot of switching back and forth between them. This style has become more popular in fantasy books lately as well, and I have never liked it. It seems just when you really start to care about what is happening to one character you jump to the next. For me, I played through large chunks at a time though so this was tolerable.
The graphics and sounds are really well done. I particularly like the music. I recently played through Bayonetta. There is a song in that game that I really liked the first time I heard it. By the end of the game, I dreaded going into a fight because I knew the same song would be playing. That has not been an issue so far with Final Fantasy. The music really is background music - but it is well done and helps set the mood of the game well. It is just really well done, and something I think other games could take lessons from. The graphics are pretty stunning. But at the same time, they have never made me stop and say "Well, you can tell that was thrown in there as eye candy". Things seem to mesh together really well.
If I had to give number scores out of 10 to each category they would probably be something like:
Graphics/Music: 9
Character Developement: 4
Combat System: 7
General Gameplay: 7
Story: 7
Overall: 8
The game is not perfect, but when I say it is the best I've played in a while that rests generally on the shoulders of one question. I always ask myself "Am I having enough fun that I look forward to playing the game when I get a chance?". With Final Fantasy, the answer is a resounding yes - so to me the game is a real success. Too many games lately I've felt like I'm forcing myself through so I can meet someone elses standard for a gamer. Maybe I'm just getting old and like things to be a bit more relaxing than hardcore - but so far, Final Fantasy has been great.
Keep in mind your milage may vary. If you thought character development was done right in Elder Scrolls: Oblivion for instance, you will probably find this game frustratingly easy. On the other hand, if you find advancement in World of Warcraft hard, you are going to hate the upgrade system. Most of us will probably fall somewhere in the middle. If you get the game and go in with the expectation that it is just a fun game you will probably enjoy it. If you are expecting a genre altering mind blowing experience, this probably isn't the game for you.
Okay played this for a while & I won't play this unless I am finish with GOW3.One thing which I wanna ask is are the visuals in first level impressive enough when compared to later level or does it gets better as time goes on ?
Cause honestly the first level doesn't looks as good as I expected it to be :| , or maybe its due to the fact that I played GOW3 before playing this game lol.
Cause honestly the first level doesn't looks as good as I expected it to be :| , or maybe its due to the fact that I played GOW3 before playing this game lol.
Looks like cordwhateverhisname has got more detective work to do. I look forward to it.
Don't! The guy already has way too much time in his hands without you giving him strange ideas
I agree Square-Enix spent too much time on the story telling without varying the game play. Most of the story driven game has a variety of scenarios or mechanics (e.g., platforming and shooting in U2, SIXAXIS arrow and melee in Heavenly Sword, exploration and trials in Heavy Rain). In FFXIII, it's all about monster encounters. The story felt disconnected to the gameplay. If they want to focus only on the combat mechanics, then they should let people play with a zoo of monsters quickly. Therein lies the tension between the elaborate story and the action.
I have not completed the game yet. The story is reasonably complex and branchy, but it is very Japanese centric (melodrama, teens group hug, world falling apart, etc.). Some people may not take it kindly.
The combat is very engaging. It's the single biggest thing in FFXIII. They should definitely build more games on top and expand the mechanics even more. It's hard to put down sometimes, even though I don't care for the story.
The production value is high as expected, but I am wowed more by other charismatic games like Heavy Rain, Demon's Souls, Valkyria Chronicles and Uncharted 2. In the FFXIII visual department, I am intrigued more by Vanille's pair of legs (I kept trying to remember where I have seen them before. Very distracting !!
).Will write a more complete impression after I have reached Grand Pulse. I heard the game opens up then.
EDIT:
Right now, the game reminds me of a childhood adventure... like I want to practise my chops, or science knowledge on small animals and insects (e.g., flooding an ant hill !). There are a lot of strange components, crystal skills, paradigms, and weapons to toy with.
Sigfried1977
Legend
I love it. I've been running around on Grand Pulse for 15 hours now, trying to kill high level monsters. Certainly one of the most impressive places I ever visited in a game. Would have been nice if the game opened up a little sooner, but there was never a moment I didn't enjoy myself, so there's little reason for me to complain. The characters I thought were rather annoying at the beginning pretty much redeemed themselves as well, albeit in your typical and very cliched jrpg-manner. Most of them really grew on me over time. I think the battle system is absolute ace and addicting as hell by the way.
The story and the rich mythology behind it is also very engrossing. (certainly beats "assemble crew, go through Omega IV relay and destroy collector ship". I bet destructoid loved that one though. Everyone did for reasons that completely elude me)
It's also one of those games that's almost worth experiencing for the sights and sounds alone. Visually I give the game a straight 10. Might not be the most technically accomplished game out there (but it's certainly no slouch in that regard), but when I'm traveling across a sea of glistening crystallized water I really don't give a crap about tech. The design is just so rich, varied (without ever feeling inconsistent) and masterfully executed.
The game is also polished to a high sheen: Runs silky smooth, sports great image quality, requires no installation and still manages very brief loading times. Like MGS4 this will probably remain at version 1.0 for the time being.
The story and the rich mythology behind it is also very engrossing. (certainly beats "assemble crew, go through Omega IV relay and destroy collector ship". I bet destructoid loved that one though. Everyone did for reasons that completely elude me)
It's also one of those games that's almost worth experiencing for the sights and sounds alone. Visually I give the game a straight 10. Might not be the most technically accomplished game out there (but it's certainly no slouch in that regard), but when I'm traveling across a sea of glistening crystallized water I really don't give a crap about tech. The design is just so rich, varied (without ever feeling inconsistent) and masterfully executed.
The game is also polished to a high sheen: Runs silky smooth, sports great image quality, requires no installation and still manages very brief loading times. Like MGS4 this will probably remain at version 1.0 for the time being.
scooby_dooby
Legend
At first I was pretty apprehensive about the new approach, but I'm really likin it. Truth is I don't really have time for a traditional FF, with work, kids wife etc...so this works perfectly for me.
The battle system is awesome, the graphics are great (360)...the story...well the story is freakin brutal so far, but I'm living with it, hopefully it gets better.
I do agree that the story and enemy battles are completely disjointed though...I still don't understand what all these monsters are doing here, or why they are attacking us... (still early in the game, just learnt paradigms)
The battle system is awesome, the graphics are great (360)...the story...well the story is freakin brutal so far, but I'm living with it, hopefully it gets better.
I do agree that the story and enemy battles are completely disjointed though...I still don't understand what all these monsters are doing here, or why they are attacking us... (still early in the game, just learnt paradigms)
Yap, story-wise, you'll go from 4-6 characters' individual encounters to some conspiracy behind their entire world.
Gameplay-wise, you go from a one-click, automated mini-monster parade, to something so complex that I don't know how to use it (Eidolons) effectively. Then add the open exploration later.
So it's "worlds apart". The linear part is extremely/too long nonetheless.
Gameplay-wise, you go from a one-click, automated mini-monster parade, to something so complex that I don't know how to use it (Eidolons) effectively. Then add the open exploration later.
So it's "worlds apart". The linear part is extremely/too long nonetheless.
Okay I am like really liking the voice acting done in this game, its so non-cheesy & non-stereotypical.
For once its good to see a character in a game with an african ethnicity that speaks normally.
For once its good to see a character in a game with an african ethnicity that speaks normally.
My copy still hasn't arrived yet, but I can now finally state with confidence that Cross Edge is awful. And I mean the awful kind of awful.
The only relation to the topic I can offer, besides continuing my own trails, is that if FF XIII made you think "Whew, these JRPGs, kinda interesting after all. I feel like trying more of them", and you start browsing around: act responsibly. Cross Edge? Probably not the kind of game you want to support.
Now carry on please.
The only relation to the topic I can offer, besides continuing my own trails, is that if FF XIII made you think "Whew, these JRPGs, kinda interesting after all. I feel like trying more of them", and you start browsing around: act responsibly. Cross Edge? Probably not the kind of game you want to support.
Now carry on please.
Might want to ask in the framerate thread.
Here's more people watching, and I dont need numbers, I need "it kinda laggy" feelings =) Serching neogaf lended me with chapter 8 and chapter 11, anything else?
Really loving the game so far.
Almost everything about it feels very polished and 'just right' from every angle. The combat is surprisingly addictive, i'd say easily as addictive as it was in 12, and it is also quite deep once you begin to feel comfortable with the paradigms. Some of the bigger battles involve a certain amount of luck, but just in the right quantity for the battle to keep you on the edge of your seat.
The story, the mythology, the production values, the cinematic direction are all excelent and i love the multiple planes & timelines style of narrative. It is shaping up to be one of my favourite games this gen, no doubt about it.
Almost everything about it feels very polished and 'just right' from every angle. The combat is surprisingly addictive, i'd say easily as addictive as it was in 12, and it is also quite deep once you begin to feel comfortable with the paradigms. Some of the bigger battles involve a certain amount of luck, but just in the right quantity for the battle to keep you on the edge of your seat.
The story, the mythology, the production values, the cinematic direction are all excelent and i love the multiple planes & timelines style of narrative. It is shaping up to be one of my favourite games this gen, no doubt about it.
ShadowRunner
Veteran
The part on the Naughtilus with Sahz and Vanille is by far the worst from what i have seen probably sub 20fps in places. I forget which Chapter it is though.
I'm at the Crystal Lake right now & I can confirm that the game has real Volumetric lighting with god rays [not just in cutscenes but while in gameplay during exploration too]. Regardless the game is starting to look amazing now & the story is really gripping me. [so much so that I am not playing GOW3 lol]
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