Am epic solo RPG in a market limited...
Gameplay: The game is split really into 3 parts. The linear, the open and the post-game. The main story line is incredibly linear until chapter 11 when you hit the open area part. If you just want to finish the game you don't even have to wait here long but move on to more linear play to the end. The open area is composed of multiple missions that guide you through new areas and stronger foes. Lastly, the post-game consists mainly of the chapter 11 content and 60+ missions.
The main action is usually with 2 to 3 in a group but you only control one. It makes for less hectic action, especially since its real time so if youre slow youre going to get beat up faster. The big innovation is paradigms. Each player has 6 specialities like commando or medic. As you level your way through the skills you can switch quicly among them to come up with killer combos. This is the best part of the game that adds its only real challenge. The later bosses (actually post game are the hardest) require significant trial and errror with different paradigms and characters to reach optimum awesomeness. Really enjoyed this element.
Pros:
1) If you like RPGs this ones a must for any xbox 360, there are very few epic rpgs for this console that arent some hybrid.
2) At least 50 hours of game content and 50+ post game content if you want to do all the achievements.
3) Paradigms make combat interesting and add a lot of customization to tactics.
4) Epic storyline with 3 discs, it feels like youre playing out a massive movie
Cons:
1) Significant amount of game is linear until chapter 11 (which takes hours of play to get to).
2) If youre not an rpg fan, well move on
3) Gameplay is sparse at time due to extensive movielike scenes until late game
4) Overall challenge really isnt up there for main questline. I barely had to upgrade any of my weapons/armor.
Final thoughts: While some linearity is likely the main drawback, I was so into the story that I hardly noticed. By later in the game you get much more action and paradigm shifting which adds some challenge. I wish they made the open world element more part of the main line and not post game. But post game theres lots of item hunting, weapon upgrading and killing of VERY large enemies. For the rpg fan this is a must as we have so few pure rpgs. Get your copy now and continue the fantasy (lol, nothing final about it.)