I'm really on the fence about giving this one a go. I'm a real retro-RPG player (Phantasy Star IV...FF7 8 9 etc etc) & I was wondering if I should give this game a go? Opinions?

Watch this review :

Zero Punctuation Reviews Final Fantasy XIII (http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/1569-Final-Fantasy-XIII)

Hate to say it, but I agree 100% with this review. Others will disagree here, of that I know for a fact... however, it's up to you to decide. In which case I'd suggest renting i first and then decide yourself...

I'll take a look now...thanks!

I would say don't bother. I think it's one of the worst games ever made (yes, I know some people will disagree with me here, but fuck it).

Honestly, you're better served watching all the cutscenes in a row on YouTube than you are playing it (as in this: Final Fantasy XIII - The Movie - Marathon Edition (HD) - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxMcuzOgVrU)). It makes for a MUCH better movie than a game. Below are some other good reviews of the game (the ZeroPunctuation is accurate as well). Don't spend your money on it.

Socksmakepeoplesexy.Net - We're A Fighting Game Community Website! (http://socksmakepeoplesexy.net/index.php?a=ff13)
Final Hallway XIII - JonTron - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47YPs-qwNQU)
http://spoonyexperiment.com/category/game-reviews/final-fantasy-xiii/

It a good play at least. Opening's rather rough though, but the game's okay. Not something you should go out of your way for, but if you're interested you should hit it up at least.