Role Playing Regality- Final Fantasy XIII Review

Photo of Robert Allen Robert AllenMarch 13, 2010
302 3,199 3 minutes read

After years of eager anticipation by series fans, Final Fantasy XIII has arrived, with a wealth of undeniable charms. From the title’s opening cinematic- with its sweeping shots of picturesque landscapes and nearly photorealistic characters, to a requisite epic final boss showdown, the game is overflowing with high-definition sumptuousness. Yet, the lauded Crystal Tools engine permits for more than just posh polygon pushing- it allows each of the title’s protagonists to convey emotions through the subtlest of motions. From the widening of an eye in amazement to a mouth taunt with restrained sneer, Final Fantasy XIII’s ability to convey the understated nuances of interaction are nothing less than incredible.

Equally adept is the game’s narrative construction, which lives up to the expectations set by the franchise. As a testament to the Final Fantasy XIII’s storytelling capabilities, I was affected by a character with only two lines of dialog in the title’s commencement. Although some players might scoff at the game’s propensity to drift into the melodramatic, Japanese role-playing aficionados will recognize the traditional tenors exhibited by the title. Like more recent entries in the Final Fantasy series, even seasoned players by be initially overwhelmed by the game’s argot. Fortunately, players can access an in-game databank, while returning players are given a helpful synopsis of proceeding events as the title loads.

Variety is constructed by Final Fantasy XIII’s shifting control of characters. Evoking FFVI’s mechanic, control varies across the title’s roster of six protagonists, which helps maintain the title’s brisk pace through its forty hour plus campaign. Sporadically, plotlines intersect and even flashback, displaying the game’s carefully crafted trajectory and exhibiting new facets of each character. While each of the title’s heroes are familiar archetypes- ranging from the dashing hero with the heart of gold to the young woman bursting with optimistic innocence, the game’s narrative tapestry focuses on the interaction between characters, rather than each individual’s timeworn personality.

Yet, arguably Final Fantasy XIII’s paramount aptitude is the title’s multifaceted battle system. At first, combat is woefully simple, requiring a strategy no deeper than selecting an ‘auto battle’ option to robotically strike foes, as the game’s Active Time Battle gauge fills. Soon, layers of new elements are added, each with an optional tutorial. Within a few hours, players are introduced to Paradigms, which are preset (and customizable) classes for each member of the party. By shifting paradigms mid-battle, teams can be given different goals, from maintaining a defensive stance and maintaining each characters’ HP, to all-out aggressive attack. Players are encouraged to be actively involved in each enemy encounter- not only will the survival of boss battles require a healthy amount of Paradigm changes, but the speed and ferocity of each clash is used in calculating the game’s distribution of post-skirmish loot.

Final Fantasy XIII‘s cutscenes might represent the contemporary pinnacle of CG craftsmanship. Each is gorgeously rendered, and often eerily lifelike. Players that gaze into the eyes of each of the game’s heroes will not see the conventional empty mannequins that permeate most now-gen titles, but rather actors that appear consistently genuine. Close-up shots between characters feel extraordinarily intimate, not just from the rendering of each facial hair and curling eyelash, but from each scene’s polished staging and sense of movement.  Almost as confident are Final Fantasy XIII’s in-game graphics, which except for infrequent drops in framerate and the occasional sporadic flat texture, look stunning.  Aural purists will revel in both the game’s voice-overs and soundtrack, especially when the later swells into mounting orchestral pieces that frame the on-screen action expertly.

Despite an extensive array of virtues, some players might find a single significant impediment in Final Fantasy XIII’s expedition- the game’s linear nature. Those expecting familiar franchise rudiments such as speaking to townsfolk, minigames, and supplementary discovery will be dismayed to know that the first ten chapters of the game push players down preset pathways. During this extended duration, there are small alcoves for exploration, but they are limited to impasses that hold an item or a bit of currency. Once players are about twenty-five hours in, the game allows adventures to venture on a multitude of side-quests, and familiar exploratory elements surface. For some, these opportunities will arrive inexplicably late; others may be too wrapped up in the game’s other potencies to be concerned.

There’s little doubt that Final Fantasy XIII is a milestone; the game’s lavish visuals and captivating battle system look to remain unsurpassed for the foreseeable future. While some will admonish the game’s linearity, there are enough triumphant components for role-playing aficionados to relish in for weeks. After years of frenzied expectation, Final Fantasy XIII has arrived; players will be pleased to know that the title meets the expectations set by every minute of its protracted anticipation.

Photo of Robert Allen Robert AllenMarch 13, 2010
302 3,199 3 minutes read
Photo of Robert Allen

Robert Allen

Since being a toddler, Robert Allen has been immersed in video games, anime, and tokusatsu. Currently, his days are spent teaching at two southern California colleges. But his evenings and weekends are filled with STGs, RPGs, and action titles and well at writing for Tech-Gaming since 2007.

302 Comments

  2. You love you some RPG’s dont cha?

    Good review. Nice and not too long. I don’t want to read three pages.

  5. When I first say the characters I thought I was going to hate this. A guys with a baby chocobo in his fro? Groan!

    It’s not nearly as bad as I thought.

  6. I was playing this last night. I’m on disk 2 on the 360 version when my hardware gives me the three red rings.

    I HATE YOU MICROSOFT!!!

    Ok, thanks for letting me get that off my chest.

  7. I’m hearing too many people complain about the linear hallways. Glad to hear another opinion!

  8. Good review. I really wish I had the money to get this. Since I’m broke, I’m replaying FFVIII 🙁

  10. I hear the orange-haired girl is really annoying. Seems like there’s always one in every FF game.

  12. So is all the dialog voiced or do you read text? IS there an option for Japanese voice with English subtitles.

  13. It’s good to know that the game gets less linear after the 25 hour mark; I tend to like RPGs that have some initial direction but “open up” later on.

  15. I’m glad you gave this a good review. I remember listing to Chris Kolher complain about this in his squeeky-voiced tirades, and losing hope on it.

  16. Kohler knows hit shit about about old games, but new stuff he’s ignorant.

    Great review, guys!

  18. I was hoping to grab it this weekend. Any deals at major retailers? I want at least a $10 GC with it.

  20. Great review. I’ll probably get this for the PS3 so I don’t have to switch disks.

  24. My only complaint is that we can’t have the japanese voices with subtitles… English voice overs in FF games make me cringe.

  25. I heard the gameplay is basically identical, but the cutscenes are way better looking on the ps3.

  26. FF XIII has definitely took a turn within the Rpg world. Watching the CG spots on this is like watching a movie. How the game is explained is definitely a hit or miss. For some1 to play 25hrs into the game feels a bit rough, however i dont think something as the FF series will disappoint any gamer.

  27. I agree with the non spoilers business, I’ve read a couple of reviews where idiots reveal important plot points. Can’t wait to play this.

  28. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this game. It’s definitely on my must-play list.

  30. This is definitely one game JRPG fans don’t want to miss. From what I’ve seen, it’s a blockbuster.

  37. for me, most of the flaws in the game only make me more interested in playing it. Usually I get lost or I lose interest in a title when the game gets too open ended.

  39. Really can’t wait for this game. It looks intense and I applaud SE for trying to shake up the game.

  40. Been wanting to give this one a shake. I always think my interest is done with FF’s then the next one comes out and proves me wrong.

  41. I don’t understand why people complain about the linearity, I actually like it.

  43. Good review seems like a solid game. First time thinking about buying a FF game it seems good so far.

  47. Thanks for giving a no-spoiler review. That should be a rule with story-based games.

  49. How come your buddy Shipwreck isn’t into this? I heard him and Cheapy talking shit about the game during the last Cagcast.

  51. I’m super excited about this game, I haven’t had a chance to play it yet, and it’d be my first FF on anything but a PSP/PS2.

  53. Fantastic review…lists pros, cons, and doesn’t dawdle into the unnecessary. As to the game itself…I haven’t played a FF game since XI, and now with other events, the likelihood of me getting this is small (even though I REALLY want to play).

  55. I am not sure about this game… it looks fun but it doesn’t seem like you “play” much.

  56. One of the better games I’ve played. Good review; the haters can jerk off to their boring FPSes all they want. 🙂

  59. I’ve been wanting this but somehow debating to get it or not still. I’ll eventually get it though i’ll know that for sure. Can’t miss out on Final Fantasy!

  61. Wish this had a more open world like FF12, seems like this may be a bit more like FFX-2.

  64. I wish they would make this more like the originals and less futuristic city nonsense. No more glass walkways. Especially since this is rumored to be the final Final Fantasy.

  67. Good to see that even a linear, “townless” Final Fantasy can still be good.

  68. I’m about 10 hours in and am liking it so far. I’m surprised that I’m enjoying it.

  69. Good non-spoilery review.

    I’m pretty tolerant of all game genres and most gameplay mechanics (the only genre I can really say I dislike is tower defense and similar games), but I was definitely hesitant on pulling the trigger with this. Good of you to give a copy away.

  70. Damn man Final Fantasy always is the game i buy when they come out though this time around im a little low on money so i can only dream this time around

  71. I always get a FF game. You know there’s going to be quality with Square’s games.

  72. Great Review and site! I now have another outlet source for concise gaming review!

    Thanks!

  73. Really curious about this game, the opinions are all over the place. Might wait to get it when it gets much cheaper though, or until I can find a good sale. God of War III next week is my “must have”

  79. I’ve been in love with the Final Fantasy series for the longest, and I love every single one of them. I’m positive Final Fantasy XIII won’t disappoint me.

  82. I loved this series back in the days of VI and VII, but I’ve been lukewarm since VIII. Maybe this one will bring me back into the fold.

    Thanks very much for the review!

  84. The linearity argument is probably the dumbest argument ever. Most all recent RPGs are linear. Eternal Sonata for example is a straight line, as is FFXIII, but that one received high marks overall. I apologize for the rant. Great review, far better than those on other sites.

  88. Nice review, really wanted to play this it but I’ll probably wait for it to be on sale first.

  89. Man,you got me all excited for this game again. I was losing hope but you guys made me want it..! I dunno whether to thank you or hate you for it, haha

  90. Outside of Vanille (DESU KAWAII ~uguu), the game is fine. I don’t care for linear gameplay but with Biowares hold on the non-linear (true to the D&D roots) gameplay with Western RPGS, it is kind of nice to see Japanese RPGs NOT try to outclass them (I don’t think they could) and put priority and character development over freedom.

  91. Game takes about 5 hours before it gets good in terms of gameplay. Then it just gets better from here.

  93. Great job on being spoiler free. My brother has been playing this and really enjoys it I may have to get this for myself.

  95. I actually prefer the combat is simpler at first. Sometimes games make it too complex and harder to get into at first. This way FFXIII slowly brings you up to speed like you said.

  98. Awesome review. Glad to see someone not making comparisons between the two versions and just commenting on how fun the game is.

  99. I thought it was a well written review. Too bad I have to wait to pick it up, running low on money.

  100. nice review, still on the fence as far as getting it now or waiting a while for a price drop

  101. heyyy i just rented this
    thinkin of pickin it up later sometime when money is right.
    great review thanks.

  102. Never could get into the FF games. After reading your review, I might give this one a rental to try it out.

  104. Great review, this really just helped me to make my decision on whether to buy or not. Looking forward to playing when I get some money for it. 😀

  108. I lost contact with the final fantasy series after IX, maybe this one can help me become reacquainted.

  113. I’ve never played a FF game. Never had a system that’d play one. Now, I do.

  115. I’ve been waiting a really long time to play this and while my current financial situation won’t allow me to do so, I will play this game eventually. The review just hyped up my anticipation.

  116. Was a bit skeptical about this one at first but after reading a couple of reviews and hearing about the game from friends looks like I’ll be getting this one sooner than later.

  117. Nice. Linearity isn’t the first thing I’d expect from a FF game, but it sounds like fun

  119. Very nice score. I can’t wait to finally play this game. Linearity isn’t a problem for me. FFX is my favorite game of all-time!

  121. Thanks for the review! I’m probably going to pick God of War 3 before picking this up though.

  123. This game is so very pretty, but I’ve seen a friend play FFXIII and the first 10 or so hours so far do seem very linear. Battle system is kinda neat though.

  124. This game is beautiful. Playing it again, even though ive already beat the import version back in january.

  125. I’m so happy that a review of FF13 finally came out that didn’t have any sort of undercurrent of console fanboyism. Great review!

  132. I’ve never played a Final Fantasy before.. perhaps this will be the first! After reading the review.. I’m pretty pumped to give it a try. 😀

  133. Great review! I hate it when people spoil the game in reviews, so it’s awesome that you did it without giving the story away. I really want this game, especially after reading this. Too bad I can’t afford it.

  135. I’ll give it a go eventually. It wont compare to other western RPGs that have come out in the last couple of years since XII’s release but I’ll still give it a try.

  136. I’m at the Odin battle and I don’t see how I’m going to win when I die in two attacks. Will try again tomorrow.

  139. The power of next-gen consoles has really done wonders for the Final Fantasy environments. I’m impressed! 🙂

  140. Great review as always!.I love the battle system in 13 and hope they use it for 15 with some tweaks.The bashing of this game for it’s linearity is stupid to me,cause FFX is my all-time favorite game and it was linear as well.

  141. Well, at least it must be long if it doesn’t even pick up speed until 10-20 hours in

  142. Great review as always!.I love the battle system in 13 and hope they use it for 15 with some tweaks.The bashing of this game for it’s linearity is stupid to me,cause FFX is my all-time favorite game and it was linear as well.

  145. Great review. I’ll be getting the PStriple version, as I heard the 360 is under-resed.

  146. Another well-written and easy to read review. I want to give a shout out to the people at Tech-gaming who always give away a copy of a hot game like each month, you guys a awesome. I got linked to your site months ago for Cheapassgamer. I have played all the FFs (except XI) and it always been an awesome time killer.

  149. As always, they don’t disappoint when it comes to graphics. I’m also glad that the story appears to me good. (My only superficial complaint is that Square Enix needs to stop with their insert songs.)

  155. Nice to see a review that’s not just bullet points as so many are these days. FFXIII looks to be a solid game though fans will whine about it for certain. Instead of accepting each release as its own entity, they want more of the same, and the changes in FFXIII are certain to be condemned as flaws by those for who cannot accept the lack of towns and linear structure this time around.

  158. I have seen my friend play this and it looks like a really fun game and graphics look beast!

  159. Still on the fence about this FF. I don’t doubt the quality and polish of the game. I’m just not sure if I’m going to like the setting an characters. I’ll probably get it eventually anyway…

  160. Wow, final fantasy 13. Sounds like an interesting RPG. Great review, thanks for the spoiler-free content!

  164. Seems to be a pretty good game, but I’m still debating whether I have enough time to play this since im always working.

  166. I’m a huge fan of the FF series, and I really cant believe the game is finally out.

    I’m glad you guys think the linear part of the game is a minor problem, some of the other sites act like they’ve never played a JRPG before.

  172. To be honest, I’ve never played through a full game of any Final Fantasy..but now that its on the 360, I think I’ll give it a try. Thanks for not spoiling anything in the review.

  178. Nice review. The more I read about FFXIII the more I’m interested in it. The things many people are dinging it for, I think I’d like.

  180. The review seems pretty solid, but I’ve never been one for just going out to buy a game because of a well written review. I have not played and finished a Final Fantasy game since 9, so I guess it is time to give the series another go.

  182. I was pretty bummed when I saw FFXII wasn’t going to be on the PS2 … then I got a 360 – so I’m happy again. Looking forward to picking this title up! Thanks for the review!

  185. I have this game on my backlog right now. I can’t wait to start into it as soon as I am done with an upcoming school test!

  187. Great review as usual; I haven’t purchased a Square/Enix title since Final Fantasy XII (which I just couldn’t get into), but my interest is piqued with this one.

  188. I love reading your reviews! This game looks so great, I’m very excited about trying it out. Keep up the great work on these reviews!

  191. Thanks! Great review! I appreciate the spoiler free version since I haven’t been able to pick up a copy (waiting for payday unless I win a copy first!)

  192. Too bad Square was lazy with the 360 version. Screams of Sony slipping them some money to make the 360 ver noticeably inferior. Because typically, in head to heds, the 360 spanks the PS3. And I’ve got both consoles so this is not a fanboy troll. Anyway, I’d be happy to have the 360 version just to spite Sony.

  200. 200 means I’m a winner, right?

    I really like the way you don’t have to worry about every part of combat, but just look at the bigger picture.

  202. Do I have to play the first 12 FFs and all their spinoffs to know what’s going on

  204. I most certainly thought this game was undeseving of anything higher than an A-, it’s a new direction taken by Square Enix, and I’m not rlly fond of it, TBH>

  205. It interests me that so many people are bashing the linearity. Most RPGs are linear in some fashion, they just give the illusion of freedom. You ultimately have to go to point B, but frankly you can walk around Area A and accomplish… well nothing besides talking to random people who have nothing to say.

    I’ll be interested to see how this new one holds up.

  206. Skipping this for Resonance of Fate, but I will probably pick it up when it hits $20.

  207. I’ve beaten all of them up to XII (with the exception of XI of course) and I can wait to get this one!

  213. the battle system is rather interesting in this one. It’s much better than the one in XII

  214. I am still on the fence here. I have heard that the battle system is alot better than the one in 12 and I have heard its just as bad. I wish they would release a demo so I could try it out for myself!

  216. Excellent review, I’ve heard lots of great things about this game. Will snag it up when I get the cash… or if I win the contest ;-P

  218. I’m an on-and-off FF fan. Some games I’ve enjoyed, some not. Based on the review, it seems like I’d enjoy it, but then again IDK. lol

    Either way, good review. =D

  221. This game looks amazing, I can’t wait to play it, I love all the music I’ve heard for it so far.

  224. Great review. I’ll probably pick this up when I have the money to shell out on games again.

  228. Good review. I will probably buy this game when I get some extra money to spend unless I win it here which I’m hoping. =)

  229. I can’t wait to get a copy of this and just disappear from the real world and into this one for a while. The gameplay looks amazing. thanks for the Spoiler Free review (which are hard to come by now).

  231. I think I’ll really miss more of the conventional RPG elements such as exploration and NPC filled towns. I am still interested in XIII and feel weird that I haven’t picked it up (first Final Fantasy I’ve passed up on release day since VII). I just need to find the time and money to get it.

  232. Great review, here’s to hoping I win, as I’ve put off buying it until after I beat God of War 3.

  237. Who would’ve thought such a linear FF game would be so well received. Haven’t played any new FF game since 9. Maybe I’ll give this a whirl.

  238. Another good review, but I still can’t help but be skeptical until I play it myself due to FF12 being such a letdown to me.

  241. I played the first 3 hours on a friends xbox and am looking forward to playing the rest.

  242. Best jrpg on ps3 so far. I’m 20 hours deep in the game, the plot is great, the cg amazing, combat system is good…. too bad I’m playing on an old std tv… ARGH!
    A linear story is perfect as you don’t miss anything important to the plot but the linearity of hallway, cave, forest, etc, has been pushed a little bit too far.

  243. I actually want to play this game so much, unfortunately I only have an Asian XBOX360 that I bought in Indonesia so I can’t play this game due to region lock. After reading your review, it makes me want to buy a PS3 so I can play the game , but I think I can only purchase PS3 in 1 or 2 years, since my salary is very low compared to some other countries. I hope the Final Fantasy hype is still there when I play this game 🙂

  248. Awesome review. Still mixed on this game, seems like everyone has a different view on it, but regardless it looks awesome.

  252. Watched my friend play this for 8 hour straight the day it came out. It looked amazing and I would love to play it.

  259. I haven’t played a FF title since VIII and was looking forward to this release. But, after hearing initial impressions, I decided to hold off on release day purchase.
    Thank you for the very informative review. I enjoyed hearing your take.

  260. Great review! I was on the fence about picking up this game, but it appears that it’s a solid experience. I’ve read a lot about how gimped the 360 version is, but from the videos I’ve watched, it doesn’t really appear to be anything remotely close to a gamebreaker.

    Cheers!

  261. I was gonna try and get this game last week but my 360 rrod on me. thanks M$! oh well at least they’ll still fix it for free.

  262. I know it is linear but I still want to play it because FF is one of my favorite series of all time.

  263. Nice review ! I’m just glad that they went back to an original modern scifi world. I’m still p#ssed about FF12, which should have been titled “Final Vagrant Fantasy Story Offline” !
    Hope to win this for my 360.

  266. Of course I’ve heard great things about FF13 and the other games in the series, but I’ve honestly never played any of them, with the exception of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. Though XIII does sound much better to me than the previous entries in to the series which I find a bit daunting. I think the linearity of XIII would suit me well.

  267. This game is really sounding good. Hope to find the time to play it and delve into the story.

  270. Wow, this game looks great! I’ve been a fan of RPGs since I played the first Pokemon, and I’m surprised that I’ve never played a FF game before. I might just need to start.

  273. I’ve never played a Final Fantasy game before, you might have just sold me on this one though.

  274. I, too, have never played a final fantasy. However, I may have to pick this one up. I had written it off, but enough people have told me to get this game for its awesomeness factor.

  278. Kind of hard to say no to this game after reading so many positive reviews.
    Im a big RPG fan.The only thing that throws me about any FF is the combat system

  283. Good review, I was worried about buying it because I heard some bad comments. With your review, it seems to be a great game.

  284. Great review. I’m noticing a lot of vile hatred for the Final Fantasy series so I’m glad it’s not another one of those.

  287. Nice review, hopefully this contest will help me to play the game for myself!

    ~Simi

  288. I hope this contest makes me able to enjoy this game. This review was very well written.

  290. Word. A- seems about right. The hardest thing about the game is finding the time to play it.

  291. I can’t wait to get this game, although the PS3 version is supposed to be a tiny bit superior, I’m down for whatever

  292. Have seen my roommate playing the PS3 version, and it looks like fun. Thanks for the contest.

  293. I don’t know, I’d play the game, but probably only if it was given to me for free. Wink, wink.

  296. Good review. Despite some glaring flaws, SE has takes the JRPG genre foward in the right direction. My only complaint is the lack of immersion due to bad storytelling; it leaves you scratching your head until when you’re nearing the end.

  299. I’ve also never played a ff game before, but I’m really interested in checking this one out.

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