Final Fantasy XIII
With the sequel now released in Japan and will arrive on European shores in Spring 2012, I decided that it was time to return to the world of Final Fantasy XIII and write a review of it before returning in the new year with a review of XIII-2.
And before anyone becomes all sarky on me and says "wait, this is the thirteenth sequel to Final Fantasy?" No, every number is different. X is different to VI, II is not the sequel to I. That said, X-2 is the direct sequel to X. Have I made it clear? Brilliant, let us proceed.
The Story
To set the scene without dropping the spoiler bomb here, the story follows a group of people who become enemies of their own world, with each of them having a different goal, whether that be to save a loved one or to change the world for the better. Although the story has its moments filled with Wensleydale (it is a JRPG, after all), it is possibly one of the best stories in the series. If you can handle your cheddar, you will be rewarded with the crackers of an amazing story.
The Gameplay
This would not be a Final Fantasy title without its fighting system, and Square Enix have created one of the most tactical fighting systems in Final Fantasy. Yes, I know all of them have a hint of tactical awareness about them, but the Paradigm system that XIII wields makes you think more than other games.
There are six roles to experiment with in the game, from the damage dealing commando to the ally supporting synergist. Each character has their own specialities and weaknesses, so not everyone's party will be the same.
While the Paradigm system is fantastic, the only negative that people could have with it is that you can only control one character at a time, and that is the leader. Also, you cannot change your party leader. Meaning that if your party leader dies, the game is over. While most people find a problem with that, I rather like this feature, though it does feel like a punch to the stomach when you fight a boss for ten minutes and suddenly the boss deals out an instant death attack at your leader and they fall instantly meaning you'll have to restart the battle. And believe me, it will happen. It still happens to me on occasion, and I've completed the story at least five times.
Another thing that is a shame is the fact that the summons in this game (known as Eidolins in XIII) are rather weak compared to summons of other games. Yes, they have some rather wicked abilities and animations, but you feel that their damage dealing potential greatly decreases the longer you play the game.
Another complaint I hear from critics is that the game is too linear, which I find hilarious. Yes, it's not as open as the first generation of Final Fantasy games, but the linearity is no different from the tenth instalment of the series. Personally, I rather like the way the game is structured, even if it is classed as linear.
The Graphics
The Final Fantasy series is well known for its graphics and XIII is no exception. Square Enix have pushed the boat out with this game, rivalling games like Uncharted 3 which has been released later than Final Fantasy XIII. It's rather scary how amazing the environments are, like the location of the first chapter called The Hanging Edge, which is first seen in the introductory scene of the game.
While comparing the game on the Xbox 360 and the PS3, there is no real difference between the two. Both consoles run the game beautifully. That said, I have found that the 360 version sometimes slows down when there are loads of subjects in the screen at the same time, while the PS3 version has no problems. That said, if you do go with the 360 version, that one minute of slow down will not deteriorate from the overall experience.
The Characters
There are six main characters in the story, and each of them are different. With that said, it is clear to see that the ladies dominate this game, as they both drive the game and far more superior with regards to character development. Well, all apart from Sazh, he has a chocobo living in his hair, you cannot deny that is something worthy of funkytown, no?
But apart from Sazh, the other two male characters were rather a letdown. While one is an egotistical person who claims to be the hero (which somewhat references Balthier's claim of "being the leading man" of XII), the other is a whining pre-pubescent boy who resembles more an emo cat than a brave lion.
And that's where the ladies dominate the game. The leader of the group is so hardcore she even has a nickname for her nickname. That, along with her gunblade, just oozes epicosity.
The Soundtrack
While talking about the soundtrack, it's definitely a departure from the norm. Gone are the standards of the game like the victory fanfare and in come possibly one of the best soundtracks of its gaming year. Honestly, Lightning's Theme is possibly one of the most beautiful themes for a character ever to have been created, while the main battle theme is an epic combination of orchestral and rock music.
And the best thing is, no matter how often you hear them, they never get old. Believe me on that, I've spent well over 100 hours on the game and I still rock out every time I hear the main battle theme.
The Verdict
It's true, not every game is perfect, but by heck Final Fantasy XIII is close when it comes to RPGs. Sure, if you're not a fan of role playing games in general, it might not interest you. But if you put in the hours into the game and withstand some of the more cheesy moments, you'll be rewarded with possibly one of the best games to be released in 2010.
And with Final Fantasy XIII-2 getting full marks from a leading Japanese gaming magazine, it's clear to see that this period in the world of Final Fantasy is a good one.
3 Comments – Post a comment
CLICdan
Commented 5 months ago - 24th December 2011 - 17:19pm
Not only a fantastic review, but brilliant creative writing too! I thought this review was awesome from start to finish.
My favourite bits were undisputedly:
"Although the story has its moments filled with Wensleydale"
"resembles more an emo cat than a brave lion"
and (my favourite):
"The leader of the group is so hardcore she even has a nickname for her nickname."
lolaCLIC
Commented 4 months ago - 11th January 2012 - 12:31pm
This is an awesome review.
I'm a massive Final Fantasy fan and in all honesty I was pretty dissapointed with FF13 after waiting patiently for it for a bout 4 years.
However after reading this review I'm very tempted to give it another go.
Great work.
Look forward to reading your review of FF13-2 :D
Ragnarok
Commented 4 months ago - 11th January 2012 - 12:44pm
Thanks CLICdan! This was my first review or any game, so I wasn't sure how it'll turn out...
I have a few more games to review, but they are mainly other Final Fantasy titles. Is that fine or is one FF review on CLIC too much? (is that even possible?!)