Hello all.

I'm reviewing FF13 for a local uni magazine that I write for, so I have the game and started playing it yesterday [360 version]. I know there's already tons of reviews of the game and videos and trailers and info and whatnot. But this is just a quick thread to say if you have any questions or whatever I will be happy to answer them at some point.

First impressions are that yeah, there is a lot of cutscenes/interludes BUT why should this be a bad thing? FF is a story based game.

I've noted that there are a lot of complaints from critics with regards to the linearity of the game, again, it seems that may be the case with a) inability to revisit locations and b) lack of sidequests but again, surely this can be seen as just a focused game? RPG's don't need to have side-quests and extras, RPG's don't need to have replay value. I don't see how games nowadays need to be open-ended, free-roaming, sandbox style games like Oblivion. One of the complains I had about Dragon Age: Origins was just the huge mass of side-quests that I felt I had to do; when a game goes off on too many tangents it can just lose focus.

Anyways, yeah, let me know if you have any questions!

Umm is it good? game play and story wise?

I think the best way I can put this question is, does FFXIII live up to the standards of those which came before it? I've heard enough to make me despise the game without even playing it. I don't want to think it's just another 'all bark, no bite' type of game. I don't want to think SE has truly lost their touch. I LOVE every FF game. Each one is great differently, but equally. Does FFXIII 'feel' like a FF game? Or is it too different?

Also, is there much in the way of sidequests? I'm personally one who goes more for the main content, but there are those times when I like to veer off my path and do something else that the game has to offer. You know, the same drill with other FF's.

Overall . . . could you compare it to any other FF title?

Simply: Are the characters deep? Is the story good? Is the gameplay good? How would you compare it to other FF games?

What's the battle system like? Similarities to XII or X? Can you control more than 1 character?

What's the battle system like? Similarities to XII or X? Can you control more than 1 character?

Emphasis on the third question.

I know the answer is no to the third question.

That's fucked. I SOOO hoped I misunderstood what the dude in that interview said...

Umm is it good? game play and story wise?

So far, yes. It's quite an involving story so far, a fairly simple idea but executed well. The main story arc seems to have begun now, after a few hours [what I mean by that is that point where you know sort of where the game might go].

Gameplay is different. The camera is kind of awkward at times to be honest, but it's not a huge deal. At the moment, it seems to be very much a case of walk, cutscene, fight. The areas seem to be just dressed up tunnels with lots of battles. It's rather linear at the moment. Whether it stays that way remains to me seen.

Battle system is fast paced, very very fast paced. I'd liken it to FFX-2, but amplified. It's ATB, but practically real time [you are just unable to move the characters]. Also, don't know if anyone knows but at the moment I'm only able to control one character [the commander]. I like it though. It's Final Fantasy, but it is different. It's very stylish. The paradigm system is good, basically allows you to switch between battle tactics in battle.. so if you are in trouble you can change your party members to take a defensive/strategic stance, and then when you're healed/protected, you can switch back to offensive.

Graphics are beatiful, as can be expected. Cinematic sequences [even in game] are amazing. Music is pretty breathtaking so far as well.

Sorry I can't be of much more help yet, but will know more in a few hours.


I think the best way I can put this question is, does FFXIII live up to the standards of those which came before it? I've heard enough to make me despise the game without even playing it. I don't want to think it's just another 'all bark, no bite' type of game. I don't want to think SE has truly lost their touch. I LOVE every FF game. Each one is great differently, but equally. Does FFXIII 'feel' like a FF game? Or is it too different?

Also, is there much in the way of sidequests? I'm personally one who goes more for the main content, but there are those times when I like to veer off my path and do something else that the game has to offer. You know, the same drill with other FF's.

Overall . . . could you compare it to any other FF title?

My favourite Final Fantasy is FF8. Then FF10. I don't think that will ever change. The problem I think a lot of us do, is let nostalgia get in the way. I don't think I'll ever love a Final Fantasy game more than I did those two. That said, the similarities are fairly striking: Colourful, well developed characters [so far], cheesy dialogue, magificently fantastical locations, heavily stylized and cinematic cutscenes, emotional storyline. In terms of battle, the system can be likened to X-2 as I've said. I'm also actually really loving the characters so far. Particularly Lightning [she's quite serious, but I'd say she's basically a more likeable Paine] and Sazh [a less stereotypical Barret, seems like quite a warm-hearted guy].

I know what you're saying about the bark/bite. I can tell even around ten-ish hours in [I think the game is about fourty to fifty hours long], that it's very stylized. It's heavily reliant on spectacle. This might not go down well with FF fans who perhaps want a bit more substance to the game itself. But the story is focused, solid, interesting and involving. And that is something that FF has always held. It's a solidly played game, exciting and involving, as are the majority of other FF games. By and large, it does feel like an FF. But it is very different in many ways, some of which I've touched upon. Exploration is different, the path is very linear [so far].

I know that there is one main side-quest, which is monster hunting. But I've not reached a stage where it is mentioned yet.


Simply: Are the characters deep? Is the story good? Is the gameplay good? How would you compare it to other FF games?

I think I've tried to answer a lot of this already. Sorry if it's confusing! Just a lot of info to try and get out.

So far, I can say it's like a FF. It's cinematic and story-driven. But the linear nature of the game might put some fans off. Will be able to move on to specifics soon.

Could you give a little more detailed description of the Paradigms? Considering that you can only control one character, that makes them vital to the entire game and I'm curious to see as to how they've developed them in this particular battle system.

Basically, you are allowed three members in your party at any one time. Each member can have a class. So far I have been able to control Lightning, Snow and Vanille. By default, Lightning is a "Commander", which means she is uses agressive attacks against either one or more enemies with strength bonuses. "Ravagers" support the Commander on an offensive level i.e. they will attack the same enemy the Commander is. So a good paradigm for general battles is one Commander and two Ravagers because it's a system which disposes of individual enemies quickly.

Different combinations of classes form different types of paradigm. I forget all their names now. But other types of class are "Sentinel" who basically take damage for their allies and have an increase in defense, "Synergist" [by default is Hope] who supports allies with spells like Protect and other enchancements. Then there's a "Medic" [Vanille starts off as this], naturally, they focus on restoring HP and curing status effects. You can customize and create your own paradigms from the menu, and then shift between them as you see fit in battle.

The way the Paradigm system works with only controlling one character is pretty decent. It's kind of like a fixed automatic gambit style system. If you are finding yourself in huge amounts of trouble, switch to a defensive or restorative paradigm, get yourself sorted, then switch back into a very aggressive paradigm and try to finish the battle quickly, and so on. The characters you don't control as the game describes "support you as necessary". While I haven't been able to fully experiment with combinations of paradigms, they seem to just automatically act in accordance with the battle situation. Medics will cure you if you're nearly KO'd, Sentinels draw enemy attacks to them like a tank would, and so on. But I'm going to find out how Synergists work later on.

Sorry if not clear, let me know if I can clarify anything else.

Nope, I got it. I can't say I like the fact that I can only control one character, but judging from your descripption I'd say that they made it pretty decent. Thanks! :D

Basically, you are allowed three members in your party at any one time. Each member can have a class. So far I have been able to control Lightning, Snow and Vanille. By default, Lightning is a "Commander", which means she is uses agressive attacks against either one or more enemies with strength bonuses. "Ravagers" support the Commander on an offensive level i.e. they will attack the same enemy the Commander is. So a good paradigm for general battles is one Commander and two Ravagers because it's a system which disposes of individual enemies quickly.

Different combinations of classes form different types of paradigm. I forget all their names now. But other types of class are "Sentinel" who basically take damage for their allies and have an increase in defense, "Synergist" [by default is Hope] who supports allies with spells like Protect and other enchancements. Then there's a "Medic" [Vanille starts off as this], naturally, they focus on restoring HP and curing status effects. You can customize and create your own paradigms from the menu, and then shift between them as you see fit in battle.

The way the Paradigm system works with only controlling one character is pretty decent. It's kind of like a fixed automatic gambit style system. If you are finding yourself in huge amounts of trouble, switch to a defensive or restorative paradigm, get yourself sorted, then switch back into a very aggressive paradigm and try to finish the battle quickly, and so on. The characters you don't control as the game describes "support you as necessary". While I haven't been able to fully experiment with combinations of paradigms, they seem to just automatically act in accordance with the battle situation. Medics will cure you if you're nearly KO'd, Sentinels draw enemy attacks to them like a tank would, and so on. But I'm going to find out how Synergists work later on.

Sorry if not clear, let me know if I can clarify anything else.

Sounds like a cross between a Job system, X-2 Dress Spheres, and XII's Gambit System. Sounds interesting, can't wait to play it, assuming I can afford a PS3 in the near weeks.

I've been rumaging youtube for the FFXIII soundtrack and man! If I didn't listen to any of those songs, I don't think that I would've pre-ordered the game.

Yeah, I'm really loving the soundtrack. It's diverse and moving.

Another word on the story; be aware that a lot of complaints have been in regards to the linearity of the game. Without revealing too much, the story's basis is being on the run. So the idea of the game moving forward without many stops/time for sidequests is actually kinda feasible.

I have a couple of questions regarding the FFXIII game manual.

I know that you have the X360 version of the game and I'm getting it for the PS3 - but I'll assume that the manuals will be the same (except for controller maps, button indicators and such).


I'm one of those people who really likes to dive into a game's manual before finally playing the game, and read everything from cover to cover. Besides learning about what can be important gameplay-related things, it kind of acts like a last hype-builder before the big show. Because of this, I really like instruction manuals to have plenty of detailed, high-quality and very informative pages - the more the marrier!

So, that said, I want to ask you, Rapture, how would you describe the FFXIII game manual? Is it comprehensive, informative and "phat" (in every meaning possible) or is it only a folded page showing you how to insert the CD into your video game system and little else?

What I'm considering is whether or not I should spring for the Final Fantasy XIII game guide as well (although running a little short on money right now). If the game manual gives plenty, then there would be less need for the guide, but, on the contrary, should it be short and lacking, I would really appreciate the game guide to make up for it.

My decision will pretty much be based on your eventual reply.


Thank you very much for your time, attention and eventual help!

My Best;

/ SS

I've watched the first 20 minutes or so on youtube and the dialogue is pretty cheesy (and not the good kind). Vannille also has a really, really awful accent.

Lightning looks like a terrible character (also her name is probably the worst ever).

Soundtrack was good though.

I'll buy it when it's cheap, maybe.

I've watched the first 20 minutes or so on youtube and the dialogue is pretty cheesy (and not the good kind). Vannille also has a really, really awful accent.

Lightning looks like a terrible character (also her name is probably the worst ever).

Soundtrack was good though.

I'll buy it when it's cheap, maybe.

x2

I've watched the first 20 minutes or so on youtube and the dialogue is pretty cheesy (and not the good kind). Vannille also has a really, really awful accent.

Lightning looks like a terrible character (also her name is probably the worst ever).

Soundtrack was good though.

I'll buy it when it's cheap, maybe.

They said they were trying to make Lightning a 'female Cloud'. I think they failed miserably at that, and wound up making her an awesome character from what little I've seen.

They said they were trying to make Lightning a 'female Cloud'. I think they failed miserably at that, and wound up making her an awesome character from what little I've seen.

Someone hates Cloud :D

chewey the soundtrack is bad only a few good tracks honest

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-final-fantasy-xiii-face-off

It turns out the rumours were true and the 360 version really is in a lower resolution. I can't wait for the shit storm that's going to follow this.

If you watch the video, clearly the difference is minimal.

Someone hates Cloud :D

Nah, I don't really hate him; he's just annoying in that he's a whiny little bitch the whole game and I never once empathized with him, like I did every other main character in the series (even the freakin' ever-silent Warriors of Light from FFI are more likable imo). I've never understood peoples' liking for him. But, I'm not turning this into a FFVII debate, so I'll leave it at that.

Either way, Lightning has my vote as one of the coolest lead characters in the series so far :D

I have a couple of questions regarding the FFXIII game manual.

I know that you have the X360 version of the game and I'm getting it for the PS3 - but I'll assume that the manuals will be the same (except for controller maps, button indicators and such).


I'm one of those people who really likes to dive into a game's manual before finally playing the game, and read everything from cover to cover. Besides learning about what can be important gameplay-related things, it kind of acts like a last hype-builder before the big show. Because of this, I really like instruction manuals to have plenty of detailed, high-quality and very informative pages - the more the marrier!

So, that said, I want to ask you, Rapture, how would you describe the FFXIII game manual? Is it comprehensive, informative and "phat" (in every meaning possible) or is it only a folded page showing you how to insert the CD into your video game system and little else?

What I'm considering is whether or not I should spring for the Final Fantasy XIII game guide as well (although running a little short on money right now). If the game manual gives plenty, then there would be less need for the guide, but, on the contrary, should it be short and lacking, I would really appreciate the game guide to make up for it.

My decision will pretty much be based on your eventual reply.


Thank you very much for your time, attention and eventual help!

My Best;

/ SS

I'm afraid I can't be of any assistance, as I had a promotional copy and there wasn't a manual with it.

Yeah, the dialogue is pretty damn cheesy at times, but all the other FF's are. And yeah, Hope and Vanille aren't that great. Vanille's voice is pretty awful. Lightning's pretty good, she's got that Squall type reservedness, but she's better than Squall really. Sazh is pretty neat too, and Snow has a cheesy kind of charm about him.

What's good is that unlike other games where the lead character was obvious and reinforced, FFXIII has Lightning, Snow and Hope that all are like leading characters.

chewey the soundtrack is bad only a few good tracks honest

LOL!!

Silly rabbit

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-final-fantasy-xiii-face-off

It turns out the rumours were true and the 360 version really is in a lower resolution. I can't wait for the shit storm that's going to follow this.

If you watch the video, clearly the difference is minimal.

I honestly can't see a difference... I think the 360 version has some "missing" things (I don't know what else to call them). Notice that in that scene where Snow is spinning on a motorcycle, there's more ice coming out of the ground on the PS3 version than the X360 one. But other than that I honestly couldn't see anything else different...

I want Doomjocky's opinion before I play another minute on my PS3. I may be buying a 360 on the way home from work

chewey the soundtrack is bad only a few good tracks honest

subjective