Game: Final Fantasy XIII
Genre: RPG
Developer: Squareenix
System: Playstation 3
Total Score: 88/100
Value Score: 8.8/10
• Story: 8/10
o Final Fantasy XIII's storyline is more simple than most FF games. Everything changes in the world of Cocoon, a world that is afloat in the sky in a earth like world shielded by a shell from outside interference. The main cast of characters includes Lightning and Snow who have a disagreement with each other over a certain loved one named Serah, this leads to Serah being branded as a L'cie which is a being who is gifted with magical powers and a task to complete otherwise they would turn into a monster named a Cieth. Eventually the two meet Hope who gets involved during a War named the Purge which was roused up to eliminate people who have gotten near a certain Pulse Fal'Cie, Fal'Cie are god like beings who watch over humanity and change the world with their powers, however anything from Pulse is considered evil in the world of Cocoon. Sazh who was on a trip with his son was caught in a infamous disaster in which his son was branded as a Sanctum (Concoon's own) Fal'Cie in accordance to fight some intruders who end up being Vanille and Fang whom are two other characters. Eventually the main characters group up together to save Cocoon from the Fal'Cie who threaten to destroy their existence amongst everyone in the world.
• Characters: 8/10
o Final Fantasy XIII has a huge collection of different characters that represent different cultures. The game includes many nostalgic Final Fantasy series enemies and even has chocobos. The game also has some noticeable summons such as Ifrit (unfortunately not playable), Alexander, Shiva and Bahamut, but a few new summons as well. Though some of the summon characters are side characters throughout the storyline and make a minor appearance. In terms of supporting characters, Final Fantasy XIII has to have the least amount of supporting characters, but they themselves make a big impact upon the loved ones who are fated to venture through the storyline of the game. As for enemies, Final Fantasy XIII's enemy/villain list seems pretty weak compared to other FF games, as you dont necessarily fight every single enemy character you meet, infact half of them are killed through other means.
• GamePlay: 8/10
o Probably one of the best aspects depending on what you are looking for, if you are looking for the classic Final Fantasy game for exploration and town visits, look elsewhere. Final Fantasy XIII has no actual towns nor interactive NPCs, infact you buy all your items at each save station which are plentiful throughout the game. In terms of the battle system, it is well designed, and features MMORPG style of fighting, you actually have to use strategies to defeat enemies. You have multiple roles you can place characters in: Commando (offensive fighter), Ravager (magic attacker), Medic (healer), Sentinel (Tank), Synergist (Buffer) and Saboteur (De-Buffer). You can create team roles depending on what each person's main role is during a fight and the way their acting during a battle can change depending on the team role. Leveling up system is exactly like Final Fantasy X, where you gain points each battle and you use the points to level up characters on a grid like system increasing stats individually and learning abilities, there is no level up system. You can equip a Weapon and up to 4 sets of accessories (the number changes as the game continues). You can power up items via a upgrade system and using items you get as drops from enemies. The game is so linear you barely have choices to make on traveling as each and every direction leads to the same exit except in Chapter 11 which you can travel for the purpose of grinding. Another down side to the game you recover full hp after each battle and each battle can be too long especially a boss fight which can range up to 10 minutes to 30 minutes depending on who you are fighting and how well geared/stat you are.
• Graphics: 10/10
o Every Final Fantasy in existence lived up to the graphics standards of whatever generation it came out and this game is no exception. Not much to say about this.
• Sound: 10/10
o Voice acting in Final Fantasy XIII was well made, in the same ranks as Final Fantasy XII, though there are a few sentimental lines in the game, the voice acting is still brilliant. As for sound effects, there are no sounds that keep repeating, each hit and attack sound different from each other.
• Music: 10/10
o Possibly one of the best aspects in the entire FF series. FFXIII's OST has everything though, regardless of the fact that the old composer wasnt the one who made the music, FFXIII's music still stands out as it has music from different genres, pop, rock, and even jazz! Some theme songs you might want to check out and if you ever get the OST are: Snow's Theme, Cant Catch A Break, Saber's Edge, Sunleth Waterscape, Serah's Theme, Dust to Dust and Fighting Fate.
• Length: 9/10
o When you play Final Fantasy XIII at first, it might seem like a pretty short game because of the first 10 chapters of the game, you can easily go through in less than 20 hours. When you hit Chapter 11, exploration comes into gameplay and that can change dramatically, 20 hours of gameplay can turn into 40 hours of gameplay just in Chapter 11. There are a total of 13 chapters overall in the game and at chapter 13, the game allows you to go back to the area you were in Chapter 11 to further explore and to do hunting missions (which some can only be done after the game's main storyline is finished).
• Replay Value: 5/10
o Not much in terms of actual replay value, the game gives you a chance to save and use a expanded Crystarium (which is the grid you use to level up characters) to make them stronger and to be able to fight some of the hunting missions and monsters in the Chapter 11 area. Other than that, everything else is dependent on getting trophies on the Playstation 3 via certain accomplishments.
• Player Value: 10/10
o For the typical Final Fantasy fan, you will love this game, but to those who are hardcore FF fans might find this game a bit displeasing due to the changes made into the overall game compared to other games in the series. Regardless, Final Fantasy XIII brings in a breath of Fresh air when it comes to Character Design, Battle System, Music and overall story telling. You will enjoy this game and it is worth every penny!