The Hate Thread

[Flying Arrow]

what happened in FFXIII was a classic example on how to do it wrong.

I wonder if SE (Square) has really changed their style. For example, why was VII acclaimed for its story bits, but XIII gets trashed for the same thing? Does it have to do with interactivity, or maybe the fact that while VII is story-driven, it's still not quite cinematic and hands-off? Or is it? Or maybe it's just a case of SE using the same tricks its been using since 1997. Story-driven games worked then (if you agree that they worked, that is) because they showed that games could provide intrigue past the pure mechanics. But now? Cut-scenes are completely old hat and really should have been a stepping-stone towards new styles of game storytelling - that is, a means to an end rather than an end in itself.

[Crowseye]

I think one of the disappointing things is that despite the advances in technology, we're not seeing a departure from the formula. Budgets are bigger and graphics better, so certainly we're getting more, and better-looking cinematics than ever before, but it makes one seriously wonder, "Is this all there is?"

One of the things I pondered roaming about the Archelyte Steppe:

Games nowadays really have no excuse to not include more dynamic party interaction that reflects the player's actions during gameplay.

Why are we not seeing, say, party members complaining about wandering Pulse for five hours hunting Marks in Chapter 11 when we could have already been at Oerba? Why are so few gameplay tips worked into the party commentary? When we're exploring, why aren't the characters debating which way to go? Why don't they make comments over loot? Why are they not carrying on discussions about, say, how gunblades or elemental magic work as they explore?

Even the very few bits of commentary we got from party members as we walked around the game world were often more clever and immersive than the cinematics. Furthermore, they prove that we have reached the point where, technologically, spoken party interactions can be incorporated directly into the gameplay. I'd have traded half the man-hours spent on the cinematics in FXIII for more of that style of interaction.

[Rinoabella]

I really like the battle system in FFXIII. I think it is a lot of fun changing Paradigms to suit what you need your party to do. At first I felt pathetic using the 'Auto-Chain' over and over again but then I realised it's significantly more efficient overall than choosing individual attacks like in previous FF's. I also love the fact that you can see an enemy in front of you before you fight it.

I dislike the linearity of the game. I miss having an airship and visiting different towns, raiding people's houses, stealing their treasure and undergarments etc This game really seems like it's all about running around fighting the whole time.

As for characters, I really like some of them and I really dislike some of them. They are in no way as interesting as the ones in FFVII (my fav FF). I do see a resemblance between Cloud and Lighting. I wish there was some kind of love triangle/action going on! Of course there's Snow and Serah, but I just keep hoping that because Serah isn't around, Lightning and Snow get it on haha

Storywise, I think the plot so far is pretty average and typical of an FF.

[VeloZer0]

I wish there was some kind of love triangle/action going on!

Oh good lord no.