This latest of the Final Fantasy series did not disappoint, bringing something new to enjoy.
This latest installment of the Final Fantasy series took a lot of risks, but it worked out in my point of view. This is a review for players who are still having second thoughts on buying the game.
Story + Graphics - Amazing as always. Stories of each Final Fantasy installments are unique and amazing which makes them enjoyable. This doesn't change in XIII. Great set of characters (something new with the main hero being a female, Lightning, who is hot btw ;) ). Story kinda had a FFX feel to it, which is great for me since I loved FFX.
Getting introduced to the story during the first hours of the game will be a bit confusing but players will get a hold of it as they play. :) Its story and great great graphics (when I say great, I mean one of the best so far) via latest engines (PS3 & XBox) will keep you wanting to go for the next cutscene while grabbing some popcorn :)
Exploration/Sidequests - I think this is the reason why XIII are having not-so-high ratings. The developers didn't focus on exploration that much in this game. You would be able to do exploration and hunting after 15-20 hours of the game (Since the first 20 almost is all scripted to introduce the story of each of your main characters). Personally, the monster hunting missions in the mid part of the game is already keeping me busy so I don't see why a lot of people are complaining over side quests.
I think they made exploration a lot less so that players would really focus on the story, which they did amazingly. I think what they were trying to do was to categorize FFXIII with top games like the Uncharted and MGS series, which are pure linear in gameplay but are still much much enjoyable because of its great story.
Battle System - This was the reason why I decided to write a review. :) In my case, I was in the point of getting tired already of the same battle system implemented since Final Fantasy VII. Where in when your party is already strong enough, you can always do normal battles by sleeping while bashing CIRCLE in 'ATTACK'. (Sometimes I would fall asleep literally because of this :) ) New age and engines calls for innovation of gameplay, and you got it right here. They put up a change that is great enough but is still recognizable as a Final Fantasy game.
Because of the battle features they did in XIII, battles have become less, less boring. You would enjoy them, thinking of strategies to end battles as quickly as possible. Each member of your party will always have a useful role. (via 'Paradigm Shifts') Choose which type of enemy to kill first, or when faced with a strong enemy, the freedom to switch your other party members to buffers/debuffers/healers to turn the tides around. Imagine suddenly seeing 'GAME OVER' on a normal, non-boss battle because you slacked off and tried bashing CIRCLE without thinking (Since in this game, when your leader dies, it's 'GAME OVER') :)
Only downside of this system is you only get to command the leader directly, but you'll already be having your hands full switching to each paradigm while commanding the leader. Besides, the AI is pretty good as they adapt decently to each paradigm. I personally want this kind of battle system to be implemented for all the next series to come.
Overall, I'm giving FFXIII a 9.0/10 rating. It brought something new to the series and I personally enjoyed it. Stop comparing it to its predecessors and you'll see what I mean. Now don't hesitate! Grab it, grab it!!!