Rating

B-

Specific Ratings

GraphicsA+
SoundA
GameplayB+
Replay ValueC+
Learning CurveA-

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Amazing graphics
  • Great new battle system
Cons
  • Somewhat linear with little exploration
  • Inability to "customize" characters

Final Fantasy XIII (PlayStation 3)

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Summary

The first Final Fantasy installment on the PS3! But can it live up to its siblings?

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Description

Final Fantasy... a name that has captivated fans for over 25 years. With the addition of Final Fantasy XIII, is this another RPG that fans will enjoy as they have up to this point, or perhaps one that strays too far off the beaten path and sadly falls short of what devoted audiences were looking for?

Final Fantasy XIII has received mixed reviews from diehards the world over and when it really comes down to it, this game does change many aspects of known and proven RPG elements that make it one of a kind, but does it deserve the Final Fantasy namesake - or would it have been better accepted under another title? Surely a large part of its criticism is the fact that too much had changed to give it the same Final Fantasy "feel" so lets look at these changes a little more in-depth.

BATTLE
Starting with the game's battle system seems the most appropriate when you consider that Final Fantasy has made a mark in its own right as far as RPGs go. Contrary to the popular battle style of older Final Fantasies; XIII worked very similar to Final Fantasy XII's battle system (which introduced gambits) where-in the player controls the actions of only one character at a time while the others acted according to a predetermined class given them by the player. This sort of system was fast-paced and allowed you to think creatively and strategically when assigning roles to various party members. Another unique feature was the "Paradigm Shift" in which the player could instantaneously change the roles of party members in the middle of battle to adapt to his/her needs. In the end, the battle system is well designed and rather fun - but altogether different than that of previous Final Fantasy titles. It's uniqueness, however, was well taken by myself, offering a new way to tackle tough bosses and easy prey.

CHARACTER ADVANCEMENT
As many players will recall, older Final Fantasies worked under a level-up system that over time, and with the help of earning experience points, increased a character's attributes and in most games was almost necessary to advance in the game. XIII, however, abolished the level up system and instead replaced it with the "Crystarium" what some would call a knock off of Final Fantasy X's sphere grid. The Crystarium was a place for players to advance a character's roles rather than actual attributes, although certain roles did contain nodes for increasing strength, health, etc. Abilities are bought here and in the end they effectively make your characters stronger throughout the game. The problem that arises with fans however, is that once all the roles are available to all the characters, advancement in the Crystarium is linear and ultimately every character will have unlocked every node that every other character has unlocked as well. With previous Final Fantasy titles, characters were customizable either by equipping them with various magic and abilities, or increasing one attribute over another. Late into Final Fantasy XIII this is no longer possible and sadly, the characters are almost all equally the same on the battlefield with a few minor inherent strengths and weaknesses between them.

EXPLORATION
Final Fantasy; worlds plummeting into death and adventure. Caves, dungeons, and ancient cities forgotten and lost. Surely XIII would have its share of exploration and mystery as well? Well this has been one the games greatest downfalls, the thing that every fan will complain about first if asked "What did you like least about this game?" It's too linear. Granted: there are a few places where exploration is achievable, where secrets are hidden and paths twist and confuse and delight. Yet for the first 90% of the game you will be depressed to continually find yourself facing the same choice again and again. "Do I go forward..... or forward?" Truly the exploration in this game is minimal and the path to the story's advancement is almost always directly ahead. While this has become the greatest issue among fans, at least we can take solace in knowing that further down the road - somewhere near the end of the game, there does exist a place where exploration is possible, little though it may be. I for one miss the world maps of old like we had in Final Fantasy VII, but that now seems a thing of the past.

STORYLINE
XIII does not disappoint in this regard. Final Fantasy is known for its captivating tales of danger and plight. We have all fallen in love with the heroes and felt remorse for the villains. XIII is no less enchanting and inspiring. I suppose as a manner to give the player a feel for all the characters and to give them a little background and make the characters more human, the first half of the game you will bounce between characters as they all take different paths throughout the game and experience different hardships and emotions. You will be given a chance to face each and every one of them, understand them, love them. When you think you know it all, the characters all come together in a tale that ignites with powerful resolve and dedication, enhancing the stories wonder. Final Fantasy XIII plays like a remarkable book that you cannot stop reading.

CONCLUSION
While Final Fantasy XIII has fallen short in the Final Fantasy popularity contest, ultimately it is a game that excites and introduces a new feel to the way we play RPGs. At first it seems unfamiliar, even foreign, but in the end its pros outweigh its cons and make this game a fun and fantastic addition. After reviewing the different aspects that make this title come together - I think everyone can agree that even with its differences, it certainly does deserve the title of "Final Fantasy".

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