I think Gamespot was reviewing a different game than this!
Graphics!
I am not going to lie, I don't really like the design of the characters in this game for some reason. I don't find they look right, Of course that all goes out the window when you transform into your white knight. Honestly, this guy looks amazing, it's one of the reasons why I picked this game up. Besides the character design, the game is solid. The environments look amazing and colorful, and the cut scenes themselves are nicely done. I don't think this game will beat FF13 at all, but which games do? lol
Game Play!
This is what I really enjoy in the game. The controls are easy to use. Anyone could play this game. The one aspect I love is the combat system. I love the learning process of each weapon type. With each level up, you acquire points. These points are for your learning abilities for shortswords, bows, magic, etc... when you go to unlock new attacks, more open, and trust me there are a lot. With these attacks, you put them into your action bar when you are in fights to do different attacks, and each attack inflicts different damage depending on the monster. A cool thing with this is your ability to create custom combo's, which you can use to inflict massive damage to enemies. Right now I am currently able to do a 5 combo hit, which deals massive damage. So if you want to learn all attacks, skills and support, I am sure it will take awhile. For those trophy lovers, you will be disappointed because there are few in this game, which I love. I like how they kept it basic, probably acquiring a trophy for every major boss battle. Which is alright with me. One more aspect to the game, you can go online to a place called "Georama" you can recruit people from your game to go live in this town, which can make you money, and acquire new weapons as well. This is also the hub for your online play, and people around the world can join you and look around, which is always a bonus add on when online is involved. Finally, throughout your storyline you will create a avatar at the beginning of the game, and with this, he will join you throughout the quest, and will be usable when you are online doing online quests with others.
Story!
You are a protagonist called Leonard, and you work at a winery. You start off by understanding that the princess Cisna, is having a coming out banquet in the land of Balandor. When you show up to the castle with the wine, you sneak in to see her and the party. From there a group called the "Magi" break into the castle with partied with an unknown monster. Cisna's father dies, and Leonard saves her. They end up taking a secret tunnel, which leads them underneath the castle where you come across a magic armor, which you touch, and now have the power of the White Knight. From there you will have to figure out for yourself.
It's a pretty good story, better than what gamespot says.
Sound!
Another part of the game I don't really like. Gamespot got this right, their voices are emotionless. It's too bad because if they were filled with emotion, the game would be that much greater. On the other hand, the music is well done in my opinion, and the boss battles are well done.
Overall!
I think Gamespot was to harsh on their rating scheme. Majority of the people who love JRPG's will love this game no matter what. Especially since there are few rpg's for the ps3. For those of you who love these types of games, go get it, it's a lot better than you think.