Final Fantasy 13 Review

For many years now, the entire Final Fantasy series has portrayed itself to be a timeless pillar of Japanese role-playing game. The projection of fantastic characters and complex stories and battle systems has made Final Fantasy one of the most recognizable names in the world of video games. However, with the latest release of Final Fantasy XIII, you will miss the series' traditions and find a more straight-forward approach. You, along with other fans, might be concerned by this, the good news is that the battle system and narration is as strong as always. So, if you have been a devoted follower of the Final Fantasy series, take a look at the latest version's review.

Review of Final Fantasy 13

Ever since its first release in 1987, Final Fantasy has been the world's most popular role-playing games (RPG), but you will be surprised to know that Final Fantasy 13 is not an RPG; it's something less. Since we are focusing more on how the new version fits with the whole RPG theme and the series, the Final Fantasy XIII review may not be what you thought. There are only few basic elements in this version: battles against the mobs of fantastic creatures are based on turns, they are elaborate and have a movie-like story sequence. In the game, the players will take control over 6 different characters, while the sharp-eyed Lightning taking the "lead role" as the primary heroine. What makes this version non-RPG are the elimination of the essential elements: nonlinear adventure, rising and falling action of an open-ended world, and the sense of a grand are nowhere to be seen. The multi-story approach in Final Fantasy 13 along with the intelligent addition of flashbacks makes the new game very enjoyable.

After playing for 20 hours, you will be given permission to decide which 3 characters should stay in your party. And after playing for 25 hours, you will be given permission to decide, how you can develop these characters. To write a good or "not so good" review for Final Fantasy 13, or any other game for that matter, only depends on how much have you played the version. What's the most important element in the plot of Final Fantasy 13 is the themes: the intriguing beyond standard growth of characters and the two worlds, Cocoon and Pulse. Including this, the relationship between the humans and their god-like beings (the fal'Cie) protecting humanity.

As for the characters in the game, a disappointing or satisfying part of it is that you can control only 1 character at one point. However, the actions of all the 3 characters you've picked as your party members are dictated by their respective roles. With 6 roles in the version, all the characters have access to each of the roles by the end of the game (although the characters are gifted in 3 of the 6). These roles are highly priceless and should be used effectively for surviving. All these roles will affect how you play this game and prove to be the reason behind keeping the game fresh and fun.

Now, before you enter the battle, the players need to set up a deck of Paradigms (grouping the roles). For example, the Aggression Paradigm will consist of 2 Commandos and 1 Ravager, and the Combat Clinic Paradigm will consist of 2 Medics and 1 Sentinel. If you haven't played the version yet, let this review tell you an important piece of information. As you prepare various Paradigms outside the battle, you can easily switch your roles on the fly during any combat. To survive in the battle and in Final Fantasy 13, you need to switch Paradigms. Plus, this also adds an element of tension to the otherwise routine battle system.

Even though each battle is rated and has a target time, what you need to focus on is how you can manage to best your opponents (before the allotted time). This way your score will improve, as it affects the sort of spoils, you can earn after each battle is over. Other advantages are that you will add your technical points and make your characters perform summoning and other powerful moves. As the ratings go up, you as a player will be more motivated to perform well in battles and avoid one of the most common issues with RPGs, going through the motion. So, as you collect more points, you can sink them into the Crystarium system, a prettier version of the Sphere Grid from Final Fantasy 10. (If you are unfamiliar with that version, it is a way you can choose specific skills and level up your character in the game.) Although manually leveling up characters can be more rewarding and satisfying.

Next comes the part of problems which hold this version from being as awesome as its renowned predecessors. The initial 25-30 hours in the game are very linear. The dungeons are more like a series of pathways going through different environment, with random detours which hide a floating treasure chest. If you enjoy the story and the battles, the issue with linearity won't bother you. However, I really can't say the same about some Final Fantasy veterans. Plus in Chapter 11 out of 13, the game doesn't open up so much in terms of providing the players some freedom to explore huge environment and attempt side missions. You may get the feeling of "too little, too late", and the reason is that you won't be able to choose your party leader and members before Chapter 10.

As a Final Fantasy veteran, you would also miss the omission of the series' trademark mini-games and New Game + option (a common in RPGs). For a more positive outlook, you can save a cleared game file and then return to play after you've defeated the final boss. The only issue here is that you can't go back and re-experience the initial parts of the game, without beginning from scratch. But don't let these problems stop you from experiencing Final Fantasy 13 for yourself. If you have both PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, go for the PS3 one. Both the versions run well and the content is pretty much the same; just that the Xbox 360 game version has a lower resolution and is more spread out across the 3 discs. So I would suggest to opt the other version, as you definitely don't want to miss the magnificent (visual) environment like the Crystal Forest and beautiful cities.

The final comments of our Final Fantasy 13 review is, the version is a great Japanese role-playing video game which gives you challenges and fast-paced battle system. The only disappointment from this version would be the game's desertion of franchise traditions such as open worlds, exploring the towns, and complex mini-games. The game is worth buying, although lacks the feel of its well-enjoyed predecessors.