Am I the only one who LIKED FFXIII?

[DMKA]

I loved FFXIII. Loved it. I enjoyed the story, I liked the characters, I found the battle system fun, enjoyed the soundtrack, and aside of the lack of minigames/sidequests, I can't think of anything I really disliked about it.

Yet this seems to be the "cool to hate" FF title. Like everyone here hates it it seems. It's like the new FFX.

Am I the only one who really enjoyed FFXIII at all?

[VeloZer0]

Lots of people did. Unfortunately I'm not one of them so I can't make you feel better. :p

I do think it is typically treated unfairly by most. Over all it delivered an experience that fell short of what a lot of people expected, but I think they put together a decent game. As a whole I rate it as a mediocre experience, and in comparison to a FF title I find it severely lacking. Though not for most of the reasons other people do.

[benchfordeath]

IMO Squeenix is like a primitive organism with a very poor feedback mechanism. Square Co. used to provide games with a solid amount of side quests, customization, etc.. as well as a great varying game mechanics compelling story that drew fans in. Then Squeenix came out with FFXII which I personally loved that was very open ended and had tons of side quests and hidden thangs. Some fans complained that it was too open ended and the story wasn't compelling enough and then Squeenix releases FFXIII which, although it has a decent story and an excellent theme, is completely linear to the point where there's no time to "settle in" with the characters and no room to get a feel for the game itself. Playing FFXIII was just not fun past a certain point. I actually thought FFX was amazing even though it was linear, the only really annoying thing was the camera. The characters and story drew me in and the music was really well done. It also had some similarities to FFVIII which is my all time favorite.

[Del Murder]

A lot of people liked it. I certainly enjoyed my play through it, though there were many things that disappointed/bothered me. The people who didn't like it are just more vocal, like with anything.

[Laddy]

I certainly liked it.

[Wolf Kanno]

Yes, yes you are. ;)

I think this is a case of FFVIII/FFXII and it has a minority of very vocal people who love/hate it and then the bulk of the fanbase thought it was "okay" and are waiting for the next game. Hell, even some of the people on this forum who did like it felt the game failed to live up to the standards of FF series, it barely lived up to the hype surrounding it. It doesn't help that most fans were more interested in Versus XIII.

[TrollHunter]

I really enjoyed my first playthrough, though when I lost my save and attempted to restart... it was just too painful so I stopped. It severely lacks in replay value but I enjoyed it. I wouldn't say it's that good of a game but I had fun playing it.

[Jiro]

A lot of people liked it. I certainly enjoyed my play through it, though there were many things that disappointed/bothered me. The people who didn't like it are just more vocal, like with anything.

[Carl the Llama]

Well this is the first time I have ever heard of X being disliked, in fact I heard it was one of the greatest FF's out there but anyways, I don't get some people, some say they hate it, others say they love it, I don't fall into either category, I liked the game, I got all the achievements for it (most of which I got twice as I have played it on both the PS3 and the 360) but getting so worked up over a game seems ridiculous if you ask me, there are plenty more pressing things in the world out there today.

[ReloadPsi]

Well this is the first time I have ever heard of X being disliked, in fact I heard it was one of the greatest FF's out there but anyways, I don't get some people, some say they hate it, others say they love it, I don't fall into either category, I liked the game, I got all the achievements for it (most of which I got twice as I have played it on both the PS3 and the 360) but getting so worked up over a game seems ridiculous if you ask me, there are plenty more pressing things in the world out there today.

I never liked X, but people accused me of not giving it a chance so I played it anyway just so I could continue saying I didn't like it.

FFXIII lasted me an hour. I thought the Datalog was the cheekiest way to get out of making any effort to involve the player in the story, and the main characters seriously got on my nerves. Considering my expectations of FF were extremely low by this point (Spirits Within, X, Tactics Advance, Crystal Chronicles, Advent Children, XI, Dirge of Cerberus, XII, Before Crisis... I didn't like a single one of those) FFXIII still managed to annoy me more than any of the previous entries.

[choco-chocobo]

I actually thought FF13 was a really good game, one of my favourites actually. I liked 10 as well, unless i'm just an outcast of the fandom..

[Reaca]

I do like XIII, but it's definitely one of my least favorite FF games. In fact, the only Final Fantasy game that I think is worse than XIII is X.

[ljkkjlcm9]

I hated X. I enjoyed XIII because I enjoyed the battle system. Some people may not have, but I felt the paradigm shifts added a lot of strategy to the game, and I love strategy. Most FF games in the past you could literally just get by with attacking. Attacking was often the strongest thing you could do! So yeah, maybe in this game you would "spam" fire if the enemy was weak to fire... but against the tough enemies you literally had to change paradigms instantly, and often change right to another to have the most success. I enjoyed the fact that I felt constantly on my toes in the more difficult battles. As much as I love previous FF games, it typically became a matter of one character heals everyone, one attacks, one uses their strongest magic, every round, just hitting A if you had it on memory. People complained that you could "auto-attack" but it was rarely the best choices if you did. I enjoyed FFXII as well for the strategy, even if it was mostly preset strategy for the different situations you would encounter.

THE JACKEL

[Wolf Kanno]

I do like XIII, but it's definitely one of my least favorite FF games. In fact, the only Final Fantasy game that I think is worse than XIII is X.

You are my favorite new member. :love:

[Lone Wolf Leonhart]

All you haters can hate.

I love every Final Fantasy game I've ever played.

[Loony BoB]

I liked it. I rate it somewhere in the middle of all the FF's, notably ahead of FFI, FFII and of course FFX. I put it on par with V, VIII and XII, in the "I really liked this game, but it's not as good as VII" category. I still feel that the entire group of playable characters is probably the best group of characters from any Final Fantasy game. There are stronger characters out there, sure, but if you go by the amount of time they spent on each character and picking out the "weakest link" in all the FF's... this one tops the lot, for me. And they actually had decent voice acting, which was a pleasant surprise (I rarely enjoy voice acting).

[Bolivar]

I put it on par with V, VIII and XII, in the "I really liked this game, but it's not as good as VII" category.

You are my favorite old member!

I really liked the game a lot. I thought the characterization was great, the music was fantastic, and it was that great "entertainment experience" you get on HD consoles. I know a lot of people point to the gameplay as something they liked in order to get more credibility, but that was the one part that probably angered me the most. I can deal with linearity if it's a fun roller coaster ride, but past a certain point late in the game the battle system didn't do it for me anymore. Especially when you realize the crystarium is just as linear as the progression, and it's just a far less thought out version of the sphere grid.

[Jessweeee♪]

I loved FFXIII! For a while I felt like it was my favorite in the series, but it doesn't have the best replay value. As far as first-time runs go, it was definitely my favorite, though. And the soundtrack is amazing!

[Vincent, Thunder God]

I haven't finished it, but I actually liked it. Some of the dialog (especially in the beginning) was so cheesy that I cringed, but getting past that, I enjoyed the Paradigm Shift system and Crystarium. The storyline is actually quite original and though I agree that the characters are largely based on characters from previous installments, some of their interactions were entertaining. Certainly it's the most visually impressive game in the series so far, and I thought that the soundtrack was OK. I can understand why some people would dislike it, but overall I thought it was a pretty good experience.

[Shaibana]

I certainly enjoyed the story, characters and the enviroment.
but the batteling system sometimes just takes to long. and the running between cutscenes are too long.

i looooooved the game but i wouldnt quickly choose to play it again. becaus its a long long long long long game :3
maybe ill try again next year....

aww man.. i still have 1 boss to go (i think)
last time i tried it took me half an hour to defeat him.. after that he transformed and i had to battle him for another half hour.... and than i died -.-
i hope you understand when i say that im not going to try it again...

[Shlup]

It's my second favorite FF. Like I've said before, I've come to expect FF games to have an "interactive movie" feel, and that's why I like them. I enjoyed the story, found it visually appealing, and really enjoyed the battle and leveling systems.

[Bolivar]

i hope you understand when i say that im not going to try it again...

absolutely unacceptable.

[Shaibana]

i hope you understand when i say that im not going to try it again...

absolutely unacceptable.

than you come here and defeat him freaking for me!! D: bcaus i sure aint gonna do it!!!

[Shlup]

It certainly took me at least two tries to beat him. I enjoyed it though! It dragged a little, sure, but it was still fun.

[Bolivar]

It took me two tries, too, and it pretty much came down to luck that second time. I hate RPG boss battles like that!




i hope you understand when i say that im not going to try it again...

absolutely unacceptable.

than you come here and defeat him freaking for me!! D: bcaus i sure aint gonna do it!!!

Already on my way. You better have some Party Cake ice cream.

[DMKA]

Well this is the first time I have ever heard of X being disliked, in fact I heard it was one of the greatest FF's out there

Haha
Hahahaha
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Seriously? Look through the X forum here or browse some random FF forums.

X was widely hated. It amazes me that someone can honestly say they've never heard of it being hated, much less being considered among the greatest FF titles. Unless you're very young. Hell you should have been around when FFX was new. It was basically the same reaction as FFXIII, without the console wars edge.

I think I actually like FFXIII better than FFX, but I love both. :love:

[Del Murder]

I don't think X got the same reaction as XIII.

[Shlup]

Well yeesh, DMKA, you've really been practicing your obnoxious reactions.

I never got the vibe X was hated. Sure, you get the occasional "It's no FFVI/VII, herf de dur (http://i.imgur.com/4YSEy.gif)," but I almost never hear anything good about XIII.

[Wolf Kanno]

Actually FFX is debatably the second most popular FF in terms of fan reaction and sales. In Japan its considered to be the best FF game. I personally didn't feel like FFX lived up to the FF moniker but I'll take dry wall Yuna, and whiny Tidus over FFXIII any day of the week. :p

[Loony BoB]

I'll take dry wall Yuna, and whiny Tidus over FFXIII any day of the week. :p
I think I just vomited. :(

[Shaibana]

wy are ppl always so hatefull about games? D:

[Bolivar]

I think the only place the hate for FFX was apparent was on the internet, by people who play games for the sake of researching factual support for why they don't like a game.

All my duns loved it in real life. We didn't necessarily say it was the best FF or compare it to other games in the series, but it was well liked.

And the sole reason FFXIII turned out the way it did is completely and inarguably attributed to it being ported for the Gaybox Fag60.

[Shaibana]

and wy do the 2 consoles always have to b!tch about eachother?
THAT i think is retarded....
both great consoles, both ups and downs and both have good games blablabla...

.... i just dont understand WHY this war is going on!! D:

[Del Murder]

People are bored and don't like the sun, so they bitch about games. People love to bitch.

[Wolf Kanno]

The console war shenanigans have been going on for years, at least since the days of Atari 2600 and Intellavision. All the kids who group up during the great Nintendo vs. Sega war just blew the rest out of proportion. As for game hating, some people just find it unfathomable that such a crappy experience actually is considered good by some people. I wouldn't worry about it, this is the internet and when has opinion on the internet actually ever mattered?

[Del Murder]

ColecoVision > Atari 2600

[Wolf Kanno]

I'll take dry wall Yuna, and whiny Tidus over FFXIII any day of the week. :p
I think I just vomited. :(

You heard me right, I don't care what anyone says, Hope and Vanille are a thousand times more obnoxious than Tidus and Rikku could ever hope to be. I feel FFXIII will do for FFX what FFX did for me in regards with FFVII, which is basically make me appreciate them for not being as bad as this game.

[Loony BoB]

Auuuuuuuugh. God dammit, man, one more post like that and you're cleaning up the carpet instead of me. :(

[Jessweeee♪]

FFX is the best, though.

[Loony BoB]

*suicide*

[Sword]

I'm playing it right now. Yeah I do love this game, haters gonna hate.

[Wolf Kanno]

FFX is the best, though.

I wouldn't go that far. Its definetly a better overall experience than XIII is, but then I also feel banging my head repeatably into a wall until I suffer wild hallucinations due to brain hemorrhaging is an overall better gaming experience than XIII.

While I felt X was a weak follow up to FFIX, I can at least explain away some of its faults by pointing out it barely had a 3 year development cycle, was built for a brand new console most people didn't have real specs for, and it is still a visually better RPG than Shadow Hearts and Suikoden III. Not like XIII which had close to 6 years of development, was well into the PS3's life cycle and has much less to show for it, that FFXII didn't do better.

[Primus Inter Pares]

XIII is the only full Final Fantasy I never finished within a month of getting it. There just isn't anything satisfying about XIII. I didn't get any joy from Equipping new items or improving items, hell that was a giant mess. I didn't get any joy from collecting CP and spending it. I certainly didn't get any joy from the battle system. The only thing I liked about XIII were the first few hours of enjoying the visuals, thinking that like all the other FF's once you get out of the terrible start it becomes fun to play.

Final Fantasy XIII compares to playing FFX but never leaving Zanarkand, spending the rest of the game fighting sin spawn. Or Final Fantays XII but never getting to the part where the King is killed, just wandering through the palace. It never kicked off, or it has certainly yet to do so, I'm on chapter 13 or 14, can't remember which. If that's near the end I am sorely disappointed.

FFXIII is the only FF that I have actually felt any kind of hate towards. I mean I even enjoyed X-2 for fucks sake.

[Dreddz]

It's like the new FFX.
More like VIII. Both X and VIII are leagues above XIII though. I stand by saying that XIII is the first truly poor FF title. It had a good battle system and soundtrack but everything else was poorly handled. It also had very little resonance compared to previous games. I have forgotten most of what the game was about now and I have no intention to go back either.

[cat121212]

I really enjoyed it, for all its flaws, I think it is a solid FF game:D
(buuuut, then again, it was the first FF game I played, maybe thats why I have such a baised opinion :kakapo: )

[Jessweeee♪]

I really enjoyed it, for all its flaws, I think it is a solid FF game:D
(buuuut, then again, it was the first FF game I played, maybe thats why I have such a baised opinion :kakapo: )

See! I knew FFXIII was a game that could reign in some new fans :spin:

[Pheesh]

It's my second favorite FF. Like I've said before, I've come to expect FF games to have an "interactive movie" feel, and that's why I like them. I enjoyed the story, found it visually appealing, and really enjoyed the battle and leveling systems.

This; word for word actually. I'll also add that Lightning is my favourite main character in any of the Final Fantasy games, the brooding hero comes off so badly when it's a guy, because they just seem like whiny emos, but when it was a girl it actually made her seem like a bamf.

[Silent Warrior]

AFFIRMATION.

[demondude]

rofl

I'm going to be bold and say that I think people's visions are way too clouded by nostalgia. Most of the games everyone seems to love like VI and VII have fucking shoddy characterisation and are just generally written badly, and their combat systems, which I'm sure were good for their time, basically suck now. Terrible music quality and graphics on top of that pretty much means it's hard for me to extract enjoyment from them anymore.

Sooooo I would attest that FFXIII is in fact a great game and my favourite of the series. :monster: In fifteen years time I will probably be playing something else as well, it's how it works.

So yeah I do really like it.

[black orb]

>>> Why people still comparing a great game like FFX with crap like XIII?
I just dont get it..:luca:

[Jessweeee♪]

Because they are both really awesome :confused:

[Shlup]

It's my second favorite FF. Like I've said before, I've come to expect FF games to have an "interactive movie" feel, and that's why I like them. I enjoyed the story, found it visually appealing, and really enjoyed the battle and leveling systems.

This; word for word actually. I'll also add that Lightning is my favourite main character in any of the Final Fantasy games, the brooding hero comes off so badly when it's a guy, because they just seem like whiny emos, but when it was a girl it actually made her seem like a bamf.
I agree with your additional point as well. *hi5*


>>> Why people still comparing a great game like FFX with crap like XIII?
I just dont get it..:luca:
Because FFXI and FFXII don't actually exist so we can't compare them with anything.

Also, FFX and FFXIII are the two that got sequels.

Also, your face is crap like crap.

[Tigmafuzz]

I do like XIII, but it's definitely one of my least favorite FF games. In fact, the only Final Fantasy game that I think is worse than XIII is X.
Welcome to the forums! :D

wy are ppl always so hatefull about games? D:
Because X and XIII sucked.

Aside from the music being alright and the fact that it was acceptable to play through most of it the first time, I feel that this game doesn't deserve to be called a Final Fantasy. It's too... different. Granted, XII was a little off as well, but it was pleasantly refreshing. XIII is just weird and it feels awkward. And the characters just felt so unoriginal. If it weren't called Final Fantasy, it would be alright. But I could never bring myself to play it again. I couldn't even force myself to beat it. Which is really saying something with my insane OCD about beating games.

>>> Why people still comparing a great game like FFX with crap like XIII?
I just dont get it..:luca:
...Really? Oy.




It's my second favorite FF. Like I've said before, I've come to expect FF games to have an "interactive movie" feel, and that's why I like them. I enjoyed the story, found it visually appealing, and really enjoyed the battle and leveling systems.

This; word for word actually. I'll also add that Lightning is my favourite main character in any of the Final Fantasy games, the brooding hero comes off so badly when it's a guy, because they just seem like whiny emos, but when it was a girl it actually made her seem like a bamf.
I agree with your additional point as well. *hi5*


>>> Why people still comparing a great game like FFX with crap like XIII?
I just dont get it..:luca:
Because FFXI and FFXII don't actually exist so we can't compare them with anything.

Also, FFX and FFXIII are the two that got sequels.

Also, your face is crap like crap.
I don't understand this. I completely disagree with everything you just said (aside from XI being non-existent) yet somehow I've fallen madly in love with you. SQ, are you a wizard?

[Bolivar]

alright yo the love levels for XIII are getting a little freaky-high right now, we need to bring this back down to "like" or "begrudgingly accept" before it starts getting a little too crazy up in here.

[Shaibana]

So now you say ppl cant like it more than YOU want it?

[Jessweeee♪]

I think it's only fair that we fangirl all over a game we like when everyone's constantly shitting on it :p

[Tigmafuzz]

when everyone's constantly titting on it :p
What you don't seem to understand is that there's a good reason why everyone is shitting on it.

[Shaibana]

tastes abd opinions differ.
i havent played that many FF´s so i cant really compair it to others..
but though the game took to long i enjoyed it

[Jessweeee♪]

when everyone's constantly titting on it :p
What you don't seem to understand is that there's a good reason why everyone is shitting on it.

What you don't seem to understand is your face is stupid.

[Tigmafuzz]

Good god. I've been burned!

[Vincent, Thunder God]

Good god. I've been burned! Now you're a burn victim. Maybe you can make a career out of being on Dancing with the Stars. xD

[Bolivar]

Now you're a burn victim. Maybe you can make a career out of being on Dancing with the Stars. xD

:onoes:

[Vincent, Thunder God]

Now you're a burn victim. Maybe you can make a career out of being on Dancing with the Stars. xD

:onoes:

LMAO

[chionos]

It's linear. Most long-time SE/FF fans remember the many open-ended FF games that Square gave us and miss that. I'm sure that it would be much easier to appreciate the game's linear nature if the majority of us weren't anticipating (from instinct or habit) a huge explorable world. Sidequests, hidden treasures and hidden characters. Mystery. Fantasy. I'm an old-school FF fan, but it's not just nostalgia that makes me disappointed in the game. I mean, I enjoyed playing it, but in the end it fell flat compared to other FF's and compared to modern games in the genre. When someone says it's the worst FF that's not really much of an insult.

[Vincent, Thunder God]

Yeah, I agree that the linearity of it is a detriment to its reputation, but a lot of games are pretty damn linear and people don't whine about those. The expectation of a ridiculously long game with a multitude of side quests is almost unheard of outside Bethesda's offerings. But I agree, they could make the next entry shorter but less linear, and with more exploration/deviation from the path.

[dambaz]

final fantasy 13 was a brilliant game the only thing that i can say i had a problem with was the lack of towns and places other than that yeah i enjoyed it

[DMKA]

FFXIII was awesome. It really trimmed the fat and kept the only things that were good about FF to begin with.

The people whining are faggots who need to remove their nostalgia goggles. I'm laughing at them right now.
While I have no issue with you expressing your bewilderment with people who don't hold the same opinion as you, I suggest you pick your words more carefully in the future. ~ WK

[Hollycat]

I will never get to finish this game. bought it from gamestop new. played it once. 2 months later, took it out of its case, put it in the ps3. it shattered. stupid ffxiii

[Giga Guess]

I enjoyed it. I found it a little slow to start, and a few things like irksome (Or leader fell, how will we go on?!) but stuck with it because...well, it was pretty, and I was intrigued by the battle system. But a few chapters in, a feeling struck me, one I hadn't felt since FFX-2 (Yeah, yeah, grab the torches and pitchforks, I liked that one too.) I *CARED.* I cared that there was clearly more to Vanille's smiles and giggles that met the eye, I cared Snow and Lightning were both tirelessly working to save the presumably unsavable Serah, I cared that Hope was trying to reconcile his grief of losing his mother, and his own crappy fate. FFXII, five hours in, rocks could have fallen, the entire cast could have died...well, I would have missed Basch and Balthier a bit, but frankly...I don't think I would have cared. Not so here.

I dunno, others may disagree, but I thought it was an improvement after FFXII.

[Hollycat]

I enjoyed it. I found it a little slow to start, and a few things like irksome (Or leader fell, how will we go on?!) but stuck with it because...well, it was pretty, and I was intrigued by the battle system. But a few chapters in, a feeling struck me, one I hadn't felt since FFX-2 (Yeah, yeah, grab the torches and pitchforks, I liked that one too.) I *CARED.* I cared that there was clearly more to Vanille's smiles and giggles that met the eye, I cared Snow and Lightning were both tirelessly working to save the presumably unsavable Serah, I cared that Hope was trying to reconcile his grief of losing his mother, and his own crappy fate. FFXII, five hours in, rocks could have fallen, the entire cast could have died...well, I would have missed Basch and Balthier a bit, but frankly...I don't think I would have cared. Not so here.

I dunno, others may disagree, but I thought it was an improvement after FFXII.

I dunno, others may disagree, but I thought it was an improvement after FFXII.
improvement after FFXII.

ಠ_ಠ
:twak:

I LOVE FF12

[Bolivar]

While I agree SOME things improved on FFXII, XIII just did not have anywhere near the depth of XII's combat and customization system, nor did it have the really challenging encounters that even the main story could provide in that game. Actually, XII had very similar level design to XIII, except there was no transition to battle (you cannot tell me that wasn't a disappointment and a HUGE step back from XII to see enemies on the field and then transition to a battle screen) and the side paths were legitimately interesting to go down and had reasons for doing so. There was so much branching off of everything that if you actually explore (as I think the game designers intended you to) you could rack up a HUGE play time before you've even scratched the surface of the story.

[VeloZer0]

(you cannot tell me that wasn't a disappointment and a HUGE step back from XII to see enemies on the field and then transition to a battle screen)
Can and am.

Of the things I was very pleased with FF13 was the abandonment of what I think is an incredibly foolish idea. When you fight on your dungeon map you are completely confined to creating dungeons that can support encounters in all areas. I though the dungeon layout was terribly uninspired in FF12, every single place you visit is just a huge wide open area. And it 100% has to be this way, there is no room for any variation or choice in this system. Though people wish to get away from random encounters and battle scree transition I think that the are necessary to avoid straight-jacketing yourself into very limited dungeon design parameters.

Though this isn't the place to discus how challenging FF12 was or wasn't I can't help but be boggled when you describe encounters that are seriously more difficult than FF13's fare.

[Del Murder]

I agree with Velo. Having semi-turn-based combat on the field limits the freedom of layout design. Not that FFXIII's corridors weren't also limited.

FFXI's dungeons were also limited in design for that reason. They certainly weren't as cool as some of the layouts in the PS1 FFs.

[Jessweeee♪]

It's hard to say if I enjoyed the battle system more in FFXII or FFXIII!

[Bolivar]

I though the dungeon layout was terribly uninspired in FF12, every single place you visit is just a huge wide open area.

How? The first substantial dungeon you're introduced to, the Waterways, are filled to the brim with stairs, multiple vertical tiers, and side paths. Other than boss battles or areas that are obviously supposed to be plains, I can't think of too many huge wide open areas...

As far as dungeon design, I do agree there's a degree of blandness because it essentially used repetition of simple geometric shapes to create large labyrinths, but I think Wolf once pointed out that those PS1 dungeons weren't really well designed dungeons, they were just areas to make the pre-rendered backgrounds look cool. FFXII kinda brought back that real dungeon design of having a large labyrinth you have to navigate and figure out ways to open up alternate paths (that aren't made obvious by FFXIII's markers of where the next step to solving the "puzzle" is). I think the addition of that old school element really added another layer of substance to FFXII's gameplay, especially when compared to FFXIII's corridors.

[Loony BoB]

From VII onwards, I never considered what is and is not a 'dungeon'. It was just 'area where there are mobs'. Being underground doesn't make it any different aside from the fact that it's less likely to rain. 'Dungeon' to me is a fairly old concept that doesn't fit well into the modern RPG.

[VeloZer0]

I just define dungeon as any area where there are enemy encounters. I consider Lindenblum during the festival of the hunt a dungeon. It works just as well as any other term I have heard.


How? The first substantial dungeon you're introduced to, the Waterways, are filled to the brim with stairs, multiple vertical tiers, and side paths. Other than boss battles or areas that are obviously supposed to be plains, I can't think of too many huge wide open areas...

As far as dungeon design, I do agree there's a degree of blandness because it essentially used repetition of simple geometric shapes to create large labyrinths, but I think Wolf once pointed out that those PS1 dungeons weren't really well designed dungeons, they were just areas to make the pre-rendered backgrounds look cool. FFXII kinda brought back that real dungeon design of having a large labyrinth you have to navigate and figure out ways to open up alternate paths (that aren't made obvious by FFXIII's markers of where the next step to solving the "puzzle" is). I think the addition of that old school element really added another layer of substance to FFXII's gameplay, especially when compared to FFXIII's corridors.
I suppose dungeon 'layout' might not have been the best term I could have used. I wasn't referring to the way areas of the dungeon are placed in relationship to each other, but the physical size you have to make every single area that you traverse. You can't have a tight narrow hallway or staircase, everything has to be a broad wide open plain. This works for some dungeons, but when used exclusively for a whole game it becomes quite bland.

Think of something like the Mako reactors from FF7. Aside from the opening room it would be completely impossible to do al la FF12.

[Bolivar]

I suppose dungeon 'layout' might not have been the best term I could have used. I wasn't referring to the way areas of the dungeon are placed in relationship to each other, but the physical size you have to make every single area that you traverse. You can't have a tight narrow hallway or staircase, everything has to be a broad wide open plain. This works for some dungeons, but when used exclusively for a whole game it becomes quite bland.

Think of something like the Mako reactors from FF7. Aside from the opening room it would be completely impossible to do al la FF12.

But there are a lot of narrow passage ways and staircases! Even in the prologue, you're running through a fortress, fighting soldiers as you climb stairways and go through its halls. And I'll see your FF7 Mako Reactors and raise you a Draklor Laboratories. You fought a lot of enemies in its narrow and twisting paths. And while something like the Dreadnought (FFII reference) Leviathan may be somewhat open and repetitive, it's still a great and memorable contrast to open plains. In fact, because of the awesome art style, monster design, colorful implementation, and engrossing, dynamic soundtrack, I would say FFXII's open plains are a pretty great place to be.

[Giga Guess]

ಠ_ಠ
:twak:

I LOVE FF12

And I thought it was ponderous, with uninteresting characters and a poorly executed battle system, so we will just have to agree to disagree, I suppose. :p

That said, I cannot wait for Squenix to get rid of that thrice damned loot system. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, JUST GIVE ME MONEY FOR BEATING THE SNOT OUT OF THE LOCAL WILDLIFE!

[chionos]

ಠ_ಠ
:twak:

I LOVE FF12

And I thought it was ponderous, with uninteresting characters and a poorly executed battle system, so we will just have to agree to disagree, I suppose. :p

That said, I cannot wait for Squenix to get rid of that thrice damned loot system. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, JUST GIVE ME MONEY FOR BEATING THE SNOT OUT OF THE LOCAL WILDLIFE!

Man I freaking loved the loot system. That was one of the best changes. I'm personally just waiting for SE to bridge the loot system with skinning cut scenes like in Red Dead Redemption.

[Giga Guess]

Well...at least the loot system was intuitive in FFXII (Sell the right items to improve the shop's wares. FFXIII's loot system basically said have crappy equipment, or live in poverty.

[Raistlin]

FFXIII's weapon upgrade system seemed to be quickly tacked on after the rest of the game was finished. It was haphazard, poorly executed, and absolutely pointless until 30+ hours into the game as you don't see any gil until then. At least XII's was somewhat polished and useful throughout the game.

[krissy]

i liked 13!

you didn't need to bother upgrading anything at all to beat the game. the only real reason would be to finish battles quicker or if you wanted to do the extra stuff.

i also like 12!

i dont think they can be easily compared. i think the closest ff that 13 was to was actually ff7, thematically and structurally and via characterizations. but that's how i felt. it was like a more pg rated, less sci fi gumbo made from a lot of those cyberpunk/fantasy elements. but even then, it's difficult to compare games that are over 15 years apart and are still supposed to be in the same series. both 12 and 13 have innovative battle systems, which in turn affect loot and other mechanics.

ff12 was its own creature but i thought it was brilliant while i was playing it.

in terms of environments, i felt ff13 did a great job in developing a level of scale of the worlds you travelled through. ff12 was a HUGE game, but it was difficult to feel that way when your camera was always glued to the leader of the party. ff13 tried to return at certain points to the static, large environment where your tiny character seemed smaller and less significant to the scale of the thing. this is something i've always liked about ff7; it just zoomed out randomly and you felt like there was this huge world out there compared to you.

it's weird, because i had a huge huge issue with the corridor thing when i played rogue galaxy (which is also good), but i didn't feel that way with ff13. the majority of it is an experience that goes 'look, you need to get here and you're running out of time so get to it.' it's not a game where exploration of branching paths or an open world is a main concept; it's the journey through a particularly defined set of problems. yes, it's linear, but it's supposed to be.

i don't wanna be 'that guy', and say that the entire thing was designed to make you feel fenced into a 'single purpose', as if you had to complete a 'focus' or something pseudo analytical like that, but there you go, i just said it. even if you think that's a stupid way of looking at it, there's no storyline moments where the idea of running or speeding towards a goal really stops until the point where you actually DO end up in an open area. before that you're constantly on the run or running towards something in the story sense.

[Rodney]

I'll take dry wall Yuna, and whiny Tidus over FFXIII any day of the week. :p
I think I just vomited. :(

I vomit at anything Wolf Kanno says, so you're not alone.

[Tigmafuzz]

I did enjoy XIII, to an extent. But mostly because of the little extra things, not because of the crappy storyline. It's a pretty decent rpg for being made in this crappy generation :p

http://art.penny-arcade.com/photos/i-t8C4nnx/0/L/i-t8C4nnx-L.jpg

[Melodies_of_life]

I really enjoyed XIII. The main thing that I didn't care too much for was the character development. I play a game for the story. Gameplay comes second for me and lastly is graphics.

This is gonna hit a sore spot for some people but in all honesty I think more time should have been spent on the development of the characters. Things should have gone more in depth with the characters themselves and the storyline would have just bloomed into something remarkable. Instead the characters seemed to be a tad emotionless, much like the characters in in the Airbender movie.

I don't mean to start a debate but think about it. In my opinion the only character that truly had development was Hope. Granted, hated him because he cried all the time, but he has a problem, deals with it, and works it out.

Which reminds me... XII was freaking amazing!! Yes I always play a game for the storyline firstly. Even though XII's story was a little lackluster for my taste I still prefer it over XIII mainly because it's so open so early on. I think that's where XII really shined for me. I don't have anything against straight forward games like XIII and X, but I think my ADD side kind of takes over when there's so much you can do so early on. hahah

It just seems that here lately the FF games have gotten less based on story and more about graphics and gameplay. Not that I'm complaining because they're beautiful and fun to play.... I would just like to be able to connect more with the characters. :)

[Shiny]

When I first played this back in March, I didn't like it, but I decided to give it another shot. Of course, it helps that I discovered my favorite voice actor from the Mass Effect series is doing the voice of Lightning. Regardless, on a new play through of it and I actually wanna finish it because it is fun so far. Still not as enjoyable as FFX to me, and I don't get the comparison.

Also great naming of your characters, Square. Squall, Tidus, Cloud, Lightning...what's next Thunder? Storm (X-Men style)? Please no.

[Loony BoB]

Nah, Tropical Cyclone and Cumulonimbus are surely due to be the next stars.

[Rodney]

Also great naming of your characters, Square. Squall, Tidus, Cloud, Lightning...what's next Thunder? Storm (X-Men style)? Please no.
I don't follow with Squall.

[Hollycat]

Also great naming of your characters, Square. Squall, Tidus, Cloud, Lightning...what's next Thunder? Storm (X-Men style)? Please no.
I don't follow with Squall.
A squall is a storm

[Rodney]

Also great naming of your characters, Square. Squall, Tidus, Cloud, Lightning...what's next Thunder? Storm (X-Men style)? Please no.
I don't follow with Squall.
A squall is a storm
Another sky-based name?! Oh, these names are killing me!

[Hollycat]

Also great naming of your characters, Square. Squall, Tidus, Cloud, Lightning...what's next Thunder? Storm (X-Men style)? Please no.
I don't follow with Squall.
A squall is a storm
Another sky-based name?! Oh, these names are killing me!
That was the whole point of Shinies post.

My bet is the next one will be Hail or Jet or Aurora

[Roto13]

Final Fantasy XIII had some pretty serious flaws. It took ages for the battle system to open up, and much the game was stupidly linear and I can totally appreciate why those things would turn people off.

But far too many people act like it has absolutely no redeeming qualities whatsoever and I find it hard to take those people seriously. Sounds like a huge case of butthurtedness and disappointment to me. "Wah, this isn't Final Fantasy (insert favourite here) again! Worst game EVER!" Well, different numbered Final Fantasy games are different. Deal with it.

Take the battle system. It's so good! Easily the best battle system in the series. Fast paced with lots of room for strategy without ever expecting you to micro manage everything. I love setting roles instead of issuing dozens of individual commands. The party AI is usually really good, trying new things against different enemies and finding what works. (There are a few hiccups now and then, like casting En-element spells on party members who don't use physical attacks. :P) The Stagger system is great, too.

Gran Pulse was huge a had lots of places to explore and tons and tons of sidequests to complete, with lots of tough enemies and bosses that gave the battle system a reason to live. The story was no worse than any other JRPG, seriously guys stop pretending Final Fantasy VII a great story, it's embarrassing.

I can't really fault anyone for not wanting to sit through the first 20 hours of the game until the character development system and world open up, and the complaints about the pacing and linearity and limitations on the various systems for the first half of the mandatory story part of the game are certainly valid, but come on. If you seriously can't find a single good thing to say about Final Fantasy XIII, you're clearly missing something.

[Shiny]

Also great naming of your characters, Square. Squall, Tidus, Cloud, Lightning...what's next Thunder? Storm (X-Men style)? Please no.
I don't follow with Squall.
A squall is a storm
Another sky-based name?! Oh, these names are killing me!
That was the whole point of Shinies post.

My bet is the next one will be Hail or Jet or Aurora
We already had Jecht. Hail (or Hale) sounds like it will be it. I don't know what an Aurora is but I eat a pasta named after it.

Introducing your new FF anti-hero, Hale. He's so apathetic it hurts.