Final Fantasy XIII Official Thread (56k, Reviews are in!)

Well, I played a few hours of FFXIII and here's what I think so far:

Pros:

• Graphics are great. The 360 version looks fantastic, although FMV cut-scenes do look low-res. SE still did a fantastic job in porting it to the 360. I'm sure the PS3 version kicks this bucket to the curb, but it's still mightily strong enough to hold water.
• I like the battle system. It's fast, doesn't drag, and the animation is great! But it is feeling like a one-button masher right now. I'm sure it'll open up and get better later on.
• Sazh is pretty funny and him and Lightning are my favorite characters in the game so far. The voice actor for Sazh is the best and I like his personality and one-liners.
• The animation and character models are excellent! Dragon-Age pales in comparison to Square-Enix's subtle touches in these characters in the way they move, speak, gestures, and interactions. Dragon-Age animation looks like Legos stop-motion animated by a five year old compared to FFXIII's masterful animation. Harsh words, but it's true! :P Fable 2 on the other hand does have good animation and the imagination of a good fantasy.

Cons:

• The game is very linear, but it's like FFX, so I'm used to it.
• The writing is pretty terrible, to be honest. Snow's lines are just cringe-worthy. Who says things like, "I'm the hero," in this day and age!? This isn't a 80's Saturday morning cartoon for crying out loud!
• People say Vanille is annoying, but she's not that bad. Snow is worse, IMO. I mean, is this SE's idea of a cool character? Whatever! At least he doesn't look metro and looks like a dude! :P
• This is where Dragon-Age is stronger in that the open-ended world, writing, and being a true RPG. Although which game one would prefer obviously is based on personal preference. Luckily I'm enjoying both for the different experiences they bring.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, the game is enjoyable but I already know that it won't end up being my favorite FF in the series. But it's definitely not the worst *cough* FFVIII *cough*. The character of Lightning makes the game worth playing because she's a refreshing change to the bleach-blond male characters in recent FF games. FFVI will always be my personal favorite and it's the first FF with a female lead. So seeing Lightning as another female lead is what captured my interest the most.

The game is very accessible and I can't say whether that's a bad thing or a good thing. Why? Because the game is relaxing to play. You don't have to deal with the complicated mess in WRPGs for instance. It's one of those games where you just want to play it because you want to kick-back on a weekend or a sleepless night. After hours of playing Battlefield Bad Company 2, throwing a angry fit because of sniper spammers, cheap deaths, and getting kicked by EA's crappy servers, playing FFXIII afterwards is a nice change of pace to cool down. It's kind of a good feeling and therapeutic.

It kind of is like watching a movie. And I know I criticized the game of being as such, but playing it through, it's not as bad as I thought.

I will say this. Although the game could've been better, especially after 4 years in development, it's still worth playing as a FF and JRPG fan. Even though I won't take back or eat my words of concern or criticism toward Square-Enix, I do admit that the game does enough to keep me interested to play it through. That may sound like a contradiction, and I'm not hating on the game. But it's good, not great, but still a game I'm glad I bought, let's just say.

I think the game is a 9/10 just because the art, graphics, visuals, presentation, animation, character models are top-notch, and perhaps the most beautiful game I've played this gen. But when I brake it down as a JRPG...it's about a 7 to me, because it's not a game but more like a...I hate to say this again...a movie...but a good one, in a anime sort of way.

So a 9 because it's a FF game, but a 7 because it's really not...if that makes sense!

But at the end, because it's still a game I'm enjoying...I see myself giving it a 9. 8)

I played some more last night, it took 3 hours to finally get past the press X all the time and win phase of the battle system. At that point there was still no exp, no magic, no leveling up. The game was beautiful and the story is somewhat interesting even with the over-exaggerated acting, which I guess is common for Japanese stuff. I finally got to the point where I opened up the paradigm shift gameplay.

As it stands now, what you do is change your parties classes on the fly to match the situation. So when the fight starts have your attack classes out, when you get damaged switch to healing and defense. Then back to offense. You still only control the main character. Here is the problem I have with this, I don't feel in control of anything, I still feel like the fights are fighting themselves and I am no longer in direct command of the team, instead I am like a general giving out basic squad commands and they do the rest. The fights move so quickly, half the time all I am doing is staring at the life bars to make sure everyone's health is ok as all these actions go whizzing by. For your main character you can kind of get by with just hitting the auto attack button which chooses the best attacks for you. Sometimes I like to choose myself but I notice all the choices I make are basically the same ones the auto one makes, so why am I wasting my time doing it manually. Teammates all chose the correct spells or attacks to use based on enemy weaknesses (which you can cast a technique libra to learn the weaknesses).

I don't feel like I have the controls of past FF games. What happened to creating a strategy to win battles. Having someone cast haste on the strongest character, dispelling any buffs the enemy has, putting the right enemies to sleep, mixing and matching spells and attacks to your advantage. Now it seems like the computer will do all of that for you, all you need to do is say you want a dispeller guy, or a buffer character, or a healer, or a defender and it seems like the computer does the rest of the work for you. Everything is fast paced but at the cost of me actually being in control of the battles. I'll see how this works latter as more actions get added on but my first impression is not a good one.

dvader654

I'm about 10 hours in, and I can see where your concerns lie. The battle system is just totally different from Final Fantasy's in the past, but you still have a good amount of control. Most of the strategy in this game lies in knowing when to switch Paradigms, and what roles to assign to certain characters for best results. At first I was frustrated because I couldn't control the other characters' actions during combat, but powering them up, for instance, as Synergists and unlocking the offensive/defensive boosting spells will put those powers into play, very quickly, once you change your paradigm for that. Then you can switch them back to healers for support, or Ravagers for Magical support. I switch Paradigms sometimes 10 times in an encounter, which would be the equivalent of me going into the character screen, picking a healing spell, putting the cursor on the character that needed to be healed, and pressing X. Instead, changing paradigms the characters instantly go into their roles and perform these actions (healing, support, magical attacks). Changing paradigms is one of those actions that doesn't require ATB and you can do as many times and as quickly as you'd like.

Also try editing the paradigms as you see fit, according to how you're leveling up your characters and what they're good at. It's completely open-ended, and it helped me alot.

@SteveTabernacle (or anyone else who played both versions) I just picked it up for the 360. Can anyone enlighten me on what the differences between these two are? My only real concern are character models. Are they nearly identical or is the PS3 version still better? Also, I'm hearing some weird things in forums that the 360 version has some faulty glitches when you install the disks to the hard drive, especially disk 2 & 3. What's this all about? And to anyone who completed the 360 versions yet or is on disk 3, have you guys experienced anything faulty, glitchy, etc., or is it fine? Thanks.ASK_Story

I haven't played the 360 version, and got the game on PS3 because I heard everything was smoother, and all of the content was on one disc.

The cinematics look flawless, I've had no technical issues whatsoever. The loadtimes are even very short. Plus it just feels right to play a FF game on a Sony controller IMO. :lol:

@SteveTabernacle (or anyone else who played both versions) I just picked it up for the 360. Can anyone enlighten me on what the differences between these two are? My only real concern are character models. Are they nearly identical or is the PS3 version still better? Also, I'm hearing some weird things in forums that the 360 version has some faulty glitches when you install the disks to the hard drive, especially disk 2 & 3. What's this all about? And to anyone who completed the 360 versions yet or is on disk 3, have you guys experienced anything faulty, glitchy, etc., or is it fine? Thanks.ASK_Story

Digital Foundary did a comparison of the two, and while the 360 version runs at 576p, it runs pretty smooth. Aside from some compressed CGi (due to lack of disc space), there are no performance issues to speak of. The game is EXTREMELY linear so there are no screen tearing or framerate issues to speak of. I wouldnt worry about the game runnning sub HD either. Some of the best looking games this gen run sub HD (MW2, MGS4, Tekken 6 and now FFXIII), it's really not a bad port or anything.

Edge gave this game a 5

out of 10.

Edge gave this game a 5

out of 10.

S0lidSnake

Edge is also desperately struggling for cultural relevance.

That freakin Bulbasaur looking boss is giving me a lot of trouble.

Edge gave this game a 5

out of 10.

S0lidSnake

Yeah. We all know that notorious review. They also gave Dragon-Age a 5 which is also a crap review.

Both game are certainly not 5 games.

Just wanted to say that it's funny because I think FFXIII for the 360 is the first game of this gen where the in-game graphics are better than the CG cut-scenes, LOL! :P

I'm liking the game although I'm still in the "crappy" beginning areas where you are still learning the ropes through tutorials. My main issue with combat is that it isn't really turn based in that you will get attacked more if you are slower.

Although Im extremely limited in jrpg battle systems, I greatly prefer something like Legend of Dragoon where there is some skill to it aside from a tactical standpoint. I doubt anything will touch Chrono Cross though in terms of enjoyement, the towns were so great, the battles were more methodical and the camera wasn't so bad lol.

vader, I know I am no authority when it comes to RPGS, but I never ever used the auto battle option. From the beginning, I went into the manual attacks option, and picked the one that did the most damage. Of course that explains why i kept dying at that boss battle, but if you dont choose the auto battle, the game becomes very challenging.

Am really enjoying the game! =] Posted my impressions here

[QUOTE="S0lidSnake"]

vader, I know I am no authority when it comes to RPGS, but I never ever used the auto battle option. From the beginning, I went into the manual attacks option, and picked the one that did the most damage. Of course that explains why i kept dying at that boss battle, but if you dont choose the auto battle, the game becomes very challenging.

dvader654

But if it's disappointing you, then stop using it. It seems like you're not enjoying the gameplay as much because you're not making the most of it.

[QUOTE="F1Lengend"]I think I am going to enable slower battles, see if its more traditional.dvader654

No, it doesn't adjust. You will get no stars for battles if you go slow because the game wasn't menat to be played that way. The game was meant to be fast paced and require your judgement ability to survive.

Dvader, if you turned auto battle off it would probably be a much richer experience for you. For example, I was just fighting a flying creature in the Sunleth Waterscape (2nd playthrough). If I use individual fire spells it builds up the exponential build up much faster during staggering. So I use it for build up for a Fira spell that is stronger during staggering. Just an example of how if you turn auto battle off, you can enjoy the gameplay more.

FFXIII is meant to be played by taking risks and playing close to the edge. If you don't play it that way, then you're probably not going to enjoy it as much.

[QUOTE="dvader654"][QUOTE="F1Lengend"]I think I am going to enable slower battles, see if its more traditional.hakanakumono

No, it doesn't adjust. You will get no stars for battles if you go slow because the game wasn't menat to be played that way. The game was meant to be fast paced and require your judgement ability to survive.

Dvader, if you turned auto battle off it would probably be a much richer experience for you. For example, I was just fighting a flying creature in the Sunleth Waterscape (2nd playthrough). If I use individual fire spells it builds up the exponential build up much faster during staggering. So I use it for build up for a Fira spell that is stronger during staggering. Just an example of how if you turn auto battle off, you can enjoy the gameplay more.

FFXIII is meant to be played by taking risks and playing close to the edge. If you don't play it that way, then you're probably not going to enjoy it as much.

Whoa whoa whoa, wait...so you reach staggered faster with Auto-battle turned off??? YES thats the incentive I've been waiting for. Im turning it off instantly. (So the same three spells chosen during none auto battle will generate more than if it was on right?)

I have a question though. How does Ravanger build up chain combos more than other roles? I haven't seen it in practice yet. (7 hours in)

So what do you guys think? Lightning = best FF character ever? Also, Lightning > Cloud! ASK_Story

I wish Lightning would have taken a more significant role int he game towards the end.

Yay! I finally haz Final Fantasy XIII. :D

Well I played for about 2 hours and I'm really enjoying this game. It's definitely a gorgeous looking game and the music is excellent as well. While I'm not yet into the deeper aspects of the combat I can see where it's going and I really like it. I'm not doing the auto-battle option. The fighting seems pretty quick and very enjoyable. I'm pretty tolerable when it comes to characters so none of them are annoying to me yet. Now if it didn't have that damn ugly spine. :P

I use auto attack cause it could choose the attacks i am probably going to choose a hell of a lot faster than I can, it saves time. Saving time gets me more 5 stars which gets me more rewards.dvader654

Ok i like the game much more now, now I have a bunch of battle options. I'll talk about it more later. dvader654

Woo!

Damn you, Bulbasaur!

You will pay!

Mark my words!

YOU. WILL. PAY!

[QUOTE="ASK_Story"]I'll be honest here, if it wasn't for Lightning as the main character of this game, I wouldn't like it as much. If it was another Tidus, Cloud, Squal, or worse yet, Vaan, I don't think I'd enjoy this game as much. But Lightning is a cool main character, a female lead, which makes it worth playing. Has anyone else ever played a game where one character kept you interested? Also, Sazh is one of the best FF characters ever also. dvader654

Yeah, Snow is the worst character! :twisted:

Also, Sazh is voiced by a veteran actor who's been in the Cosby Show. Who knew! But great voice acting for Sazh. He doesn't have that typical anime melodramatic over acting we always see. It's real, like you said, which is why he's a great character!

I still like Lightning though. Why? Because she's hot...I mean...cool! :P

You mean that thing at the end of the Lighting/Hope section. He was easy.

dvader654

Every Final Fantasy has a boss like him. I know HOW to beat him. For some reason I am just having trouble.

[QUOTE="Phantom_Leo"]

Every Final Fantasy has a boss like him. I know HOW to beat him. For some reason I am just having trouble.

dvader654

I have both their Crystariums maxed (for now). Yeah. I picked up on the elemental switch immediately, I just kept on dying. To be honest, I've been playing all day too, so I wanted to give it a rest anyway. I wasn't trying as hard as I could have. I'll kill 'im tonight.

[QUOTE="hakanakumono"]

[QUOTE="dvader654"] Hmmm, I might try that. I assume it doesn't effect the 5 star rating, that must adjust accordingly right.dvader654

No, it doesn't adjust. You will get no stars for battles if you go slow because the game wasn't menat to be played that way. The game was meant to be fast paced and require your judgement ability to survive.

Dvader, if you turned auto battle off it would probably be a much richer experience for you. For example, I was just fighting a flying creature in the Sunleth Waterscape (2nd playthrough). If I use individual fire spells it builds up the exponential build up much faster during staggering. So I use it for build up for a Fira spell that is stronger during staggering. Just an example of how if you turn auto battle off, you can enjoy the gameplay more.

FFXIII is meant to be played by taking risks and playing close to the edge. If you don't play it that way, then you're probably not going to enjoy it as much.

When you stagger an enemy, every hit you make boosts the amount of damage you do. Well, not exponential but incremental. So you can go from doing 1000 damage to doing 1500 damage each hit. The more hits you do , the more damage you do.

But it's less rewarding for you? ... I don't understand this. Do you just want to hurry up the game and get it done or do you want to enjoy it?

I understand that you're enjoying the game more now, but just for thought. How far are you?

For all intents and purposes Auto-Attack is the 'Attack' of this game. Paradigm Shift + Abilities is the 'Magic' option of this game. Item remains 'Item' and so on...

Even though things happen at a much faster pace, we're still just choosing options from a menu just like every other Final Fantasy out there.

The only difference is instead of choosing 'Fira' from a menu, we're choosing 'Ravager' from another menu and watching as the action unfolds.

Cinematically the game may LOOK different but it's really NOT when you boil it down.

I don't see why people are getting hung up on this. Every RPG has the option to simply Attack. This game just dresses it up with fancy combos.

I have been playing the daylights out of the game, I'm about 20 hours in. Most of my initial impressions stand, but the game has lost a bit of it's luster. It really is incredibly structured, and it seems like I am always fighting 7-10 groups of enemies, fight a boss character, switch characters, rinse and repeat. I'm at the end of Chapter 7, and there is one hell of a boss fight. Fought him once for 15 minutes straight and didn't win. Much tougher than any other boss in the game so far.... I've structered one of my paradigms to have 2 medics and I still consistently die on this boss over and over.

As Leo has said.

[QUOTE="hakanakumono"]

[QUOTE="dvader654"] I don't know what you are talking about with exponential build up. I use auto attack cause it could choose the attacks i am probably going to choose a hell of a lot faster than I can, it saves time. Saving time gets me more 5 stars which gets me more rewards.

dvader654

When you stagger an enemy, every hit you make boosts the amount of damage you do. Well, not exponential but incremental. So you can go from doing 1000 damage to doing 1500 damage each hit. The more hits you do , the more damage you do.

But it's less rewarding for you? ... I don't understand this. Do you just want to hurry up the game and get it done or do you want to enjoy it?

I understand that you're enjoying the game more now, but just for thought. How far are you?

Right, but where your cursor starts is really integral later in the game. Trust me, you can be smarter than the computer and make better use of the battle system than auto battle can. Use auto battle in a pinch, when you're about to die or when you have to throw something at an enemy fast.

That boss you're having trouble on can be defeated by taking out the things on the side.