FFXIII = disappointment of the year?

I'm really disappointed with what I'm hearing about this game. It's like they took everything I loved about the other games a flushed it down the crapper, an embellished on the stuff that I hate. I didn't like Final Fantasy X because I thought it was too linear, and I loved Final Fantasy XII because it felt very customizeable, even though the story wasn't as good as some of the other games. FFXIII pretty much plays itself, and it is more of a linear turn-based action game than a real RPG. For now, I'm sticking with Fallout 3 for my RPG needs (I've scarcely begun tapping into the new quests in the GOTY edition). Maybe I'll check out DAO once I'm done tapping out FO3.

It's sad that in the same year as Dragon Age Origins and Mass Effect 2, Square was unable to put out an RPG that reminds us that Japan can make good RPGs too. Maybe if I find FFXIII in a bargain bin I'll buy it, but it's looking more like a rental than anything else. Seriously Square, WTF? Sometiimes I think you are too Japanese for your own good. It's like they forgot the game part in Role Playing Game, and there's not a whole lot of role playing either.

You based this thread off of the complaints of others?

Rent it, see what you think. That's all I can say, then come back an address that, I suppose.:P

this year's Resident Evil 5 maybe?

dunno i haven't played it

so far it's my game of the year ....

You based this thread off of the complaints of others?

zarshack

so far it's my game of the year ....

da_illest101

One quote I see floating arouind that I agree with is: "running in a straigt line never looked so pretty."
That pretty well sums up this game imo.

I think you should definitely give it a chance and play it yourself, don't let others dissuade you.

My brother has had it pre-ordered since who knows how long, yet it is gathering dust on a shelf because he's more excited about the Dragon Age expansion.

I think he bought it just out of habit, getting new FFs as they come out.

I suppose Cows are happy it did go cross platform. If this was a exclusive, and people were underwhelmed, SW would have a field day.

i liked it.

I think it's a fantastic game. Does it go in a different direction that other FF's? Definately. Is that a disappointment? Certainly is to a few people, however i'm loving it.

Personally? No way. I'm having a lot of fun with the game so far. I don't really get all the complaining, myself. :?Skittles_McGee

Agreed. Even the confusing story at the beginning is rendered moot with the inclusion of the datalog. People obviously feel they know what's best :P

Its not a dissapointment at all to me. In fact its better then I expected.

Its the best Final Fantasy game since FF8 imo.

This game not "play for itself", people saing that you need to press only X on battle, but:

1. You always did that in other FF games, pressing exact same commands all over, FFXIII simply makes this easier

2. Battle still need your thinking you need to know what to pick (set abilities as defult battle command if you don't like auto) and where to switch roles or else you will die quick

My brother has had it pre-ordered since who knows how long, yet it is gathering dust on a shelf because he's more excited about the Dragon Age expansion.

I think he bought it just out of habit, getting new FFs as they come out.

I suppose Cows are happy it did go cross platform. If this was a exclusive, and people were underwhelmed, SW would have a field day.

AnnoyedDragon

The new Dragon Age Expasion is fantastic btw ;)

You should probably try and play it before marking it off as a dissapointment.

My brother has had it pre-ordered since who knows how long, yet it is gathering dust on a shelf because he's more excited about the Dragon Age expansion.

I think he bought it just out of habit, getting new FFs as they come out.

I suppose Cows are happy it did go cross platform. If this was a exclusive, and people were underwhelmed, SW would have a field day.

AnnoyedDragon

I grew tired of it 15 hours in, but I wouldn't say it was terrible. But playing it does involve a high tolerance of tedium. but there is some brilliance in there somewhere.

Also, another thing that's of concern to me-- sites like Gamespot can't afford to give the game less than an 8 without Square threatening to pull their advertising, and they're the ones that the game is gathering the most praise from. Smaller websites like Screw Attack and Kotaku are speaking negatively about the game, and we haven't gotten a review from Giantbomb yet. Also, the positive reviews tend to praise the game from a technical standpoint while avoiding discussing the gameplay, but Craig at Screw Attack pretty much tore the game a new one when he said that there's nothing there in terms of eithe gameplay or story. The story part is obviously up for debate, but I was not happy when I head that he was able to chat on facebook during battles because all he was doing was pressing one button over and over again.

Possibly. Friends of mine who are long time FF fans said they were massively disappointed in almost everything, it's why I opted to get WKC over it for the time being, I probably won't pick it up until late in the summer.

Also, another thing that's of concern to me-- right now, all the good reviews are coming from the websites that can't afford to give the game less than an 8 without Square threatening to pull their advertising. Smaller websites like Screw Attack and Kotaku are speaking negatively about the game, and we haven't gotten a review from Giantbomb yet. Also, the positive reviews tend to praise the game from a technical standpoint while avoiding discussing the gameplay, but Craig at Screw Attack pretty much tore the game a new one when he said that there's nothing there in terms of eithe gameplay or story. The story part is obviously up for debate, but I was not happy when I head that he was able to chat on facebook during battles because all he was doing was pressing one button over and over again.

Timstuff

Also, another thing that's of concern to me-- sites like Gamespot can't afford to give the game less than an 8 without Square threatening to pull their advertising, and they're the ones that the game is gathering the most praise from. Smaller websites like Screw Attack and Kotaku are speaking negatively about the game, and we haven't gotten a review from Giantbomb yet. Also, the positive reviews tend to praise the game from a technical standpoint while avoiding discussing the gameplay, but Craig at Screw Attack pretty much tore the game a new one when he said that there's nothing there in terms of eithe gameplay or story. The story part is obviously up for debate, but I was not happy when I head that he was able to chat on facebook during battles because all he was doing was pressing one button over and over again.

Timstuff

Also, another thing that's of concern to me-- sites like Gamespot can't afford to give the game less than an 8 without Square threatening to pull their advertising, and they're the ones that the game is gathering the most praise from. Smaller websites like Screw Attack and Kotaku are speaking negatively about the game, and we haven't gotten a review from Giantbomb yet. Also, the positive reviews tend to praise the game from a technical standpoint while avoiding discussing the gameplay, but Craig at Screw Attack pretty much tore the game a new one when he said that there's nothing there in terms of eithe gameplay or story. The story part is obviously up for debate, but I was not happy when I head that he was able to chat on facebook during battles because all he was doing was pressing one button over and over again.

Timstuff

Link to Square threatening to pull advertising. Seriously, don't postulate on such absurdities.

[QUOTE="Timstuff"]

Also, another thing that's of concern to me-- right now, all the good reviews are coming from the websites that can't afford to give the game less than an 8 without Square threatening to pull their advertising. Smaller websites like Screw Attack and Kotaku are speaking negatively about the game, and we haven't gotten a review from Giantbomb yet. Also, the positive reviews tend to praise the game from a technical standpoint while avoiding discussing the gameplay, but Craig at Screw Attack pretty much tore the game a new one when he said that there's nothing there in terms of eithe gameplay or story. The story part is obviously up for debate, but I was not happy when I head that he was able to chat on facebook during battles because all he was doing was pressing one button over and over again.

Tiefster

... lol too linear.. We can sum that up with the vast majority of Final Fantasy games.. sSubZerOo

[QUOTE="Timstuff"]

Also, another thing that's of concern to me-- sites like Gamespot can't afford to give the game less than an 8 without Square threatening to pull their advertising, and they're the ones that the game is gathering the most praise from. Smaller websites like Screw Attack and Kotaku are speaking negatively about the game, and we haven't gotten a review from Giantbomb yet. Also, the positive reviews tend to praise the game from a technical standpoint while avoiding discussing the gameplay, but Craig at Screw Attack pretty much tore the game a new one when he said that there's nothing there in terms of eithe gameplay or story. The story part is obviously up for debate, but I was not happy when I head that he was able to chat on facebook during battles because all he was doing was pressing one button over and over again.

lundy86_4

Link to Square threatening to pull advertising. Seriously, don't postulate on such absurdities.

one of the best games of the year imo...

so far of the 2010 games i've played.

1. Mass Effect 2

2. God of War 3 (very very close second)

3. Bad Company 2

4. Final Fantasy XIII

5. Heavy Rain

6. Bioshock 2

7. Dante's Inferno (worst game....)

[QUOTE="lundy86_4"]

[QUOTE="Timstuff"]

Also, another thing that's of concern to me-- sites like Gamespot can't afford to give the game less than an 8 without Square threatening to pull their advertising, and they're the ones that the game is gathering the most praise from. Smaller websites like Screw Attack and Kotaku are speaking negatively about the game, and we haven't gotten a review from Giantbomb yet. Also, the positive reviews tend to praise the game from a technical standpoint while avoiding discussing the gameplay, but Craig at Screw Attack pretty much tore the game a new one when he said that there's nothing there in terms of eithe gameplay or story. The story part is obviously up for debate, but I was not happy when I head that he was able to chat on facebook during battles because all he was doing was pressing one button over and over again.

Timstuff

Link to Square threatening to pull advertising. Seriously, don't postulate on such absurdities.

It is an absurdity unless proven. Advertisement is advertisement, and will no doubt pull in more sales. Seems more like you are into conspiracy theories than dealing with facts.

I'm really disappointed with what I'm hearing about this game.

Timstuff

I find that the preconceived notions of what a JRPG and what an FF game should be have barred real discussion on the quality and merit of the game. The design choices that the game makes are often times in fact very progressive for the series and JRPGs, but elements of the design choice (The constricted layout of dungeons for example) has been rather unpopular, often because they differ from perceptions based on the 3 games released over a decade ago on the playstation.

Reviews don't know what to make of this game, mostly because of different priorities. Some reviews value the changes to the battle system and say FFXIII is "great for what it is." Other reviews can't get over the fact that towns don't operate as shopping hubs the same as they used to.

If anything, it's telling of expecations and the "mind" of the industry. When RE4 completely throws the Survival Horror gameplay of previous titles out the window and provides a FAR more linear experience it's met with praise and the "greatest RE game ever." When FFXIII slightly changes the formula, it's suddenly the worst FF to date - especially because it's so "linear" (although it is no more linear than FFX which was met with praise).

---

As for my opinion, it's easily my favorite game this gen - but I own 4 PS3 games total so that can be taken with a grain of salt. That being said, I do have problems with it's cutscene direction, story direction, and English translation. Replaying it, my opnion changed regarding the linearity; I find that the game had opportunities to build less linear maps and provide more downtime, but just didn't take it. Although I wouldn't suggest this be done in the form of "towns" or a "world map."

[QUOTE="lundy86_4"]

[QUOTE="Timstuff"]

Also, another thing that's of concern to me-- sites like Gamespot can't afford to give the game less than an 8 without Square threatening to pull their advertising, and they're the ones that the game is gathering the most praise from. Smaller websites like Screw Attack and Kotaku are speaking negatively about the game, and we haven't gotten a review from Giantbomb yet. Also, the positive reviews tend to praise the game from a technical standpoint while avoiding discussing the gameplay, but Craig at Screw Attack pretty much tore the game a new one when he said that there's nothing there in terms of eithe gameplay or story. The story part is obviously up for debate, but I was not happy when I head that he was able to chat on facebook during battles because all he was doing was pressing one button over and over again.

Timstuff

Link to Square threatening to pull advertising. Seriously, don't postulate on such absurdities.

[QUOTE="Timstuff"]

[QUOTE="lundy86_4"]

Link to Square threatening to pull advertising. Seriously, don't postulate on such absurdities.

lundy86_4

It is an absurdity unless proven. Advertisement is advertisement, and will no doubt pull in more sales. Seems more like you are into conspiracy theories than dealing with facts.

You can call it absurd as much as you want, but I suggest you look the term up in the dictionary, because my suspicions are not unreasonable (IMO, of course). Smaller publications are saying the game disappoints, and bigger ones are praising it for technical achievement without talking much about gameplay. The small publications don't have to worry about having advertising pulled if they give the game less than an 8, but the big ones do. I am not making an accusation, I am merely saying that I'm suspicious about how unbiased the scores from the big sites are are.

Again, I am not saying that Square bought and paid for their reviews. If the game were getting 10's from the big sites, then I'd be suspicious of that. What I am suspicious of is the possibility that big sites like Gamespot are scared of having their advertising pulled, so they don't want to give the game a score that would offend Square. Companies tend to complain when their game gets lower than an 8.0, and if it's a huge release from a big company, that means that the big site has a lot more to worry about since the publisher controls a lot more advertising space. It's not about bribing, it's about the site not wanting to have the rug pulled out from under them if the publisher gets mad.

[QUOTE="sSubZerOo"]... lol too linear.. We can sum that up with the vast majority of Final Fantasy games.. Tiefster

From what you're hearing. But really, the design in FFXIII is no less linear than the design in FFX. FFXIII actually offers more player freedom in regard to exploring the world and providing opportunities to explore maps. The minimap and the fact that FFXIII locations are self contained within a single map can make things seem less linear when other games separated them into separate maps and didn't show you how linear the path you were following was.

I don't think we can call FFXIII "casualized" when it's easily the most difficult FF game since FFV.

No, not for me and other fans that actually like the game :? You haven't even played the game, so that doesn't exactly make this the truth (but you probably weren't stating it as truth, so I won't complain any about that). I really like the game, I think it has a fantastic battle system, great music, good story (yes, I actually really like it) and gorgeous graphics. So far, it's competing with BS2 for GotY.

Just to show how diverse opinion is, I don't think FO3 is that brilliant, personally. Actually, I find it a bit boring. I also personally think the Japanese are far better at making RPGs then Western folks. Opinion, yes?

[QUOTE="Timstuff"]

Also, another thing that's of concern to me-- right now, all the good reviews are coming from the websites that can't afford to give the game less than an 8 without Square threatening to pull their advertising. Smaller websites like Screw Attack and Kotaku are speaking negatively about the game, and we haven't gotten a review from Giantbomb yet. Also, the positive reviews tend to praise the game from a technical standpoint while avoiding discussing the gameplay, but Craig at Screw Attack pretty much tore the game a new one when he said that there's nothing there in terms of eithe gameplay or story. The story part is obviously up for debate, but I was not happy when I head that he was able to chat on facebook during battles because all he was doing was pressing one button over and over again.

Tiefster

FFXIII arguably requires the most player attention and input in the series. At least since the older games. Most FF games can be beat by pressing "x" over and over through the majority of the battles and healing occaisonally. In FFXIII, if you don't use the paradigm shifts (L1) often, chances are you will die very quickly or take an inordinate amount of time to finish battles. When people complain about "x" mashing in FFXIII, they complain about an auto-battle feature that was added in after the demo was released, probably to speed up testing and provide players who complained about having to select 4 commands in one turn an oportunity to just rely on paradigm shifts and the AI. People who complain about "x" mashing in FFXIII are probably 1. disingenuous and 2. unwilling to turn the "auto" battle feature off.

Micromanagement was always a falsehood designed to promote grinding. Because it's not possible to play the game "better" in order to use less resources (you're going to get hit no matter what, unlike a Resident Evil game where micromanaging make sense), it's just an excuse to force the player to grind more in order to have the gil to fund the potions and ethers that the player needs. It also encourages holding back and the very "x mashing" (because magic is too precious to waste) that FFXIII is being unfairly accused of.

I grew tired of it 15 hours in, but I wouldn't say it was terrible. But playing it does involve a high tolerance of tedium. but there is some brilliance in there somewhere.

heretrix

I kind of agree with that statement. Some of the dungeons in the game seem to go on forever; especially in the second half of the game. The only other thing that truly ticked me off was the final boss using an "instant death" ability. Nothing like getting him down to almost no health, all characters at full health and then having that ability used on the lead character. Sloppy.

Besides those issues, I'm enjoying the game.

[QUOTE="lundy86_4"]

[QUOTE="Timstuff"] Absurd, eh? Do you honestly think that with a game this big there's NO possibility that if a big site like Gamespot were to give the game a 6.0, they'd get an angry letter from Square's advertising department? Just look at what happened with Kane & Lynch. The easiest way to make sure that that doesn't happen is to give the game at least an 8, because that way no-one's feelings will get hurt and they don't have to worry about advertisers bailing. Smaller sites are more likely to be honest about a huge release like this, and if they are speaking negatively about it then that tells me something fishy is going on.

Timstuff

It is an absurdity unless proven. Advertisement is advertisement, and will no doubt pull in more sales. Seems more like you are into conspiracy theories than dealing with facts.

You can call it absurd as much as you want, but I suggest you look the term up in the dictionary, because my suspicions are not unreasonable (IMO, of course). Smaller publications are saying the game disappoints, and bigger ones are praising it for technical achievement without talking much about gameplay. The small publications don't have to worry about having advertising pulled if they give the game less than an 8, but the big ones do. I am not making an accusation, I am merely saying that I'm suspicious about how unbiased the scores from the big sites are are.

Again, I am not saying that Square bought and paid for their reviews. If the game were getting 10's from the big sites, then I'd be suspicious of that. What I am suspicious of is the possibility that big sites like Gamespot are scared of having their advertising pulled, so they don't want to give the game a score that would offend Square. Companies tend to complain when their game gets lower than an 8.0, and if it's a huge release from a big company, that means that the big site has a lot more to worry about since the publisher controls a lot more advertising space. It's not about bribing, it's about the site not wanting to have the rug pulled out from under them if the publisher gets mad.

Actually, it seems you do not understand the meaning of the word, as it does not have to be used as an extreme. It can be used in the context of being "unsound", which your statement was.

There was no fact to your statement, it was all simply assumption.

You seem to be looking for conspiracy theories in this instance, so I suggest you play the game and draw your own conclusions.

So far its great but very far from being the best FF and even not the best JRPG this generation guess that title still belongs to Lost odyssey at least for me.

im finding it fun *shrugs* im not dissapointed.The biggest dissapointment of late and possibly this gen was MW2...so much potential with weak gameplay and crammed to the brim with bugs and poorly designed MP.

so far it's my game of the year ....

da_illest101

Well, I'm really enjoying it so far.

this year's Resident Evil 5 maybe?

dunno i haven't played it

88mphSlayer

Im 40 hours into the game. Let me say, its the *BEST* Final Fantasy game yet, words cant describe how much i love this game. If any of you are wondering, ive played all Final Fantasy's except 1-3.djsifer01

I'm warming to it now. In spite of square enix's best efforts to annoy me.

Hope is a whiny, miserable, meek little character. His only motivation so far is yelling at Snow, who he percieves at not saving his Mum. He has had several opportunities to yell at Snow, and has not done it, so sulked his way through about 10 hours so far, saying or doing nothing of interest. Lightening is miserable and unreasonable. They're trying too hard to make her "cool" and "edgy", she has no personality. Just punching people for no reason, acting sullen, abandoning people in the lurch and saying little or nothing of interest. Vanille is a squeaky, yappy nonsense creature. Sazh has no backstory that I know of yet. He does have an afro with a bird in it. No I don't know why. The only character so far with a modicum of interest to me is Snow, and he is no Geralt of Rivera.

Graphics good. Game a slow burner, getting better. I sincerely hope the characters develop SOMETHING in the next few hours.