Interesting insight into the FFXIII's development.

[VeloZer0]

Just because you (and many others) didn't like the extremely linear nature of the game doesn't mean they didn't do it intentionally.

It's like saying an on rails FPS is just an unintentionally botched attempt at a regular FPS. They may not be as good, but it isn't in doubt what kind of game they were trying to make.

[AntagonistGB]

They very well may have done it on purpose, and probably did in favor of spending more time on the graphics. That being said, the way they're trying to justify it by saying it was intentional is still BS. Rather than admit they made a terrible design choice, they're about one step away from saying "You didn't like it because you just don't get it, you simpletons."

[Flying Arrow]

^ I think that actually was said at some point.

[DMKA]

They very well may have done it on purpose, and probably did in favor of spending more time on the graphics. That being said, the way they're trying to justify it by saying it was intentional is still BS. Rather than admit they made a terrible design choice, they're about one step away from saying "You didn't like it because you just don't get it, you simpletons."

Actually they said it was getting negative reception because us silly Americans were looking at it from "a western point of view". So in so many words, they did say what you just said.

I would prefer a different team to work on XV. Assuming there's going to be an FFXV.

[AntagonistGB]

Actually they said it was getting negative reception because us silly Americans were looking at it from "a western point of view". So in so many words, they did say what you just said.

That's a really bad attitude for them to have, considering the western world is over half their market... And correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't it get a lukewarm reception in Japan as well?

EDIT:

Square-Enix president Yoichi Wada, when asked by Gamasutra about his thoughts on fan reactions to the game, said that some valued the game highly while admitting that others were not very happy with it. Nevertheless, he felt it met expectations for "those who know Final Fantasy," and, possibly alluding to the game's controversial action-driven approach, explained that the company continues to struggle with the direction Final Fantasy should take.

Nevertheless, he felt it met expectations for "those who know Final Fantasy,"

"those who know Final Fantasy,"

People who know Final Fantasy. As in not you.

Also?

possibly alluding to the game's controversial action-driven approach, explained that the company continues to struggle with the direction Final Fantasy should take.

If they honestly think that's the problem with this game, then they're dumber than advertised.

[BG-57]

I've heard theories that it was made this way to address complaints about FFXII being too open. If that's true, boy did they overcompensate. My impression is with the popularity of sandbox games that open ended world design is the current trend which strikes me as odd that they're fighting this hard against it. An it looks like FFIV whipsaws in the other direction again.

Personally, I'll take an open world, a lot of choices and a big database. I can do a little background reading.