Final Fantasy XIII No Spoilers Review
Naturally being a Final Fantasy Game the graphics are brilliant and really shine on the PS3. The Graphics were done twice one for the PS3 and another for the 360 to realise both their potential.
Story is always a strong point through out the series and this is no different. With no spoilers here is the basic outline of the story; You play as several L'cie a type of cursed human who must preform a Focus (mission) for the Fal'cie their supposed gods. The L'ce are hated on Cocoon a Paradise space station that hovers above the world of Gran Pulse a world feared by the Cocoon residents.
Gameplay is Linea until you reach The Central Expanse and you are granted many cool new missions and mini games. While I like open world games like Final Fantasy VII this game's Linea structure suits it and brings about a great action experience. This is not your typical J-RPG it is an action adventure.
Speaking to other characters is rare but still present in very small amounts and summons of old return including some of my favs I thought I might not see in a Final Fantasy game since IX.
Battles are different with chaining combos together. At the star it might seem like your typical turn-based RPG but soon after you get to grips with it it grants you a new combat slot and then another, and another till your a multi-hit killing machine! You can train with different classes and switch them in combat and the menu system for setting it up is thorough and streamlined for easy use.
Sound is wonderful from the orchestral scores to the different sounding footsteps and ambiant sounds and if you are deaf or hard of hearing there are three subtitle options.
As this is a no spoiler review I'm not going into the characters but I will say that if you take care to learn where they are coming from you'll understand and like them more. Oh and I love the Afro surprise.... I'll say nothing more.
Graphics 10-10
Sound 10-10
Story 9.9-10 it needed a where are they now.
Gameplay 9-10
Total 9.5-10 A wonderful experience that shouldn't be missed!