Review: Final Fantasy 13 - The Long Awaited Sequel Hits Japan
Although Final Fantasy XIII has yet to be released in North America (we'll have to
wait until March 9 for that), the reviews coming in from Japan have already been fantastic. Critics are citing unprecedented graphics, a wonderful combination of linear and free-form game play, a moving story, and some of the best music ever heard in a video game as the main reasons why you should be so excited by the latest installment in the Final Fantasy franchise.
Platform: PS3, Xbox 360
Publisher: Square Enix
Genre: RPG (Action)
ESRB Rating: Teen
Release Date: 03/09/2010
Graphics: 10.0 / 10.0
The graphics in Final Fantasy XIII are phenomenal. Square Enix has done everything in their power (and if you've played other recent FF games, you'll have some idea of their power) to ensure that the player will be immersed in a world that is colorful, beautiful, and convincing, despite the game's sci-fi flourishes. The eye candy is compounded by several high definition cut scenes that advance the story while showing off the true graphical potential of the latest-gen systems.
Gameplay 9.0 / 10.0
The game play in Final Fantasy XIII encompasses all of the elements that RPG lovers, and Final Fantasy fans in particular, enjoy. The game starts with several hours of linear game play that serve to familiarize the player with the game world and the basic story line. Following this, the game allows free-form exploration of an enormous world that feels akin to a massively multiplayer game. You'll spend a lot of time in between battles simply traveling around on your Chocobo and exploring, which is a visual treat in itself.
Much of the game play is centered around a unique, fast-paced battle system called the Optima system. You can assign roles to your party members during a battle, including Healer, Attacker, Defender, Blaster (caster magic), Jammer (debuffer) and Enhancer (buffer). Enemies have weaknesses that you'll have to learn and exploit if you want to succeed. The boss battles are grandiose, epic, and extremely challenging, especially in the later stages of the game.
View article Images hereStory 8.5 / 10.0
The story in Final Fantasy XIII is what you'd expect from a typical Final Fantasy game; vast, sprawling, and intricate. That isn't to say that there aren't any fresh ideas that will keep even the most jaded RPG fans thinking. The game focuses on the stories of a few central characters, and players will find themselves heavily invested in these characters over the course of their 60+ hours of play. There are also plenty of throwbacks to previous FF games that will have veterans of the franchise feeling nostalgic.
Music 10.0 / 10.0
Masashi Hamauzu has done an amazing job of composing a score that adds to the game's sense of immersion without getting in the way of story or action. The score includes an enormous range of musical styles, each of which is appropriate to your surroundings as you progress through the game. Some of the pieces feature subtle vocal accents, something that might scare some gamers off from a game's musical score. In Final Fantasy XIII, the vocals are tastefully sparse and only enhance the game as a whole. Simply put, this is one of the finest soundtracks ever included in a Final Fantasy game.
Replay Value 10.0 / 10.0
Final Fantasy XIII includes over 60 optional missions that players can take on while they're completing the main storyline or after they've "finished" the game. Including exploration, these missions account for at least 30 hours of extra game play for the typical player. As you progress through the game, you'll encounter plenty of challenges that are seemingly impossible. After you level up and increase your powers, you'll be able to return to earlier parts of the game to complete these challenges. Although the overall replay value of FFXIII might not be quite as high as an online FPS, it's leagues better than a typical RPG where you finish it and forget it.
Overall Score: 9.5 / 10.0
Final Fantasy XIII is sure to bring many Final Fantasy fans back to franchise, and will certainly serve as a great introduction for players who have never played a Final Fantasy game, or even and RPG, in the past. The phenomenal graphics, music, and exploration alone will attract gamers of all stripes.
Review: Final Fantasy 13 - The Long Awaited Sequel Hits Japan
By: gamepodunk
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