Don't listen to the bad reviews by critics.

User Rating: 9 | MagnaCarta II X360
This game is great, I have not played a good jrpg like this since Lost Odyssey. I have found myself addicted to it for the past few days... Even when I played Uncharted 2 and when I needed a break from it I went straight to this game. It has a really fun battle system, I find myself going out of the way to battle everything I see. Bosses are diverse and are always fun to look at and battle. The way they set up the combat allows you for quite a bit of customization on each character. I do admit the game has been a little too easy for my taste, but in a way it helps set the pacing of the game which I was surprised at how great it was. Even the side quests are fun yet flow with the story line because usually take place where you are already going, so make sure you always get the side quests. The quests are easy to obtain, they show up on your map as exclamation marks, and when you complete you objective of the mission the quest giver shows up as a check mark on the mini map, all while being able to keep track of which side quests you are on in your info journal it all works very well together.

I even like all the characters I have come across so far. I just wish you could use more then 3 people at once because there are so many characters that I would like to use. Sure the story line isn't the most original but the characters carry the story for me (although i have to say Igton is one of the most annoying game characters i have ever come across...) there have been moments where the game made me laugh, be sad, be angry, and shocked. The story is carried out in two ways first (which the is the majority of the time.) through the traditional style of the characters in a 2d plain talking to one another, the characters are completely 3d rendered in this and move and express things through hand movements or facial expressions. The 2nd way is through actual cut scenes. Which brings me to the graphics and art direction, the art is amazing every character catches your eye and is beautifully designed. The graphics are perfect for depicting the different terrain and cities you come across. Although once in awhile a texture does not load for a few seconds which is mildly annoying.) Even with the great graphic the load times are quick and painless which is a nice surprise. All in all this game has one of the best artistic views in gaming, if you get this game at gamestop they give you a art book with the game it contains some amazing character concept art.
Give this game a shot it is a lot of fun, if you are a fan of rpgs pick this one up to satisfy you till Dragon Age.

I have not finished the game as of yet and will continue to update my review as i continue. Over half way so far.