Final Fantasy XIII

 PlayStation 3
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 2976 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,797 out of 2976
  2. Mixed: 513 out of 2976
  3. Negative: 666 out of 2976
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  1. BrettS
    Mar 18, 2010
    10
    Within the first 5 hours of playing this game, I was upset knowing that Gamestop would only five me 47% value back....I was greatly dissappointed. I am so glad I decided to give it a chance because the game REALLY picks up. I thought the story was great, good to see SE stepping away from the love triangle stories and focusing in on groups and teamwork. Most people bash the linear Within the first 5 hours of playing this game, I was upset knowing that Gamestop would only five me 47% value back....I was greatly dissappointed. I am so glad I decided to give it a chance because the game REALLY picks up. I thought the story was great, good to see SE stepping away from the love triangle stories and focusing in on groups and teamwork. Most people bash the linear gameplay, but it didnt bug me at all, wouldnt even notice a diffence from ffX in that respect unless you look at the map. As for no towns......they WOULD BE POINTLESS!!!! The whole story has them trying to avoid people because they are seen as the enemies. The music is good, not mindblowing. The visuals are GREAT......definately not the best i've ever seen. Combat is traditional, only disguised to make it look faster. I didnt care much for controlling one character at a time, however the strategy of the system and the fast past nature of combat make it necassary. Lots of people complain about the auto combat making it so the just have to press the X' button. I on the other hand welcome it just as I enjoyed the auto combat in the ffiv ds remake. Lets be honest, most of us only focus or need to try on boss battles in FF games anyway....same here.… Expand
  2. GregN
    Mar 21, 2010
    9
    Fantastic! Much better looking than even MGS4. I put that game in my console just to compare and couldn't believe how drab and washed out it looked next to FF13 and I loved MGS4. In fact, I still think it is the greatest single player game ever! It just isn't the best looking anymore. As great as the Heavy Rain people did with there awesome attempt at realism this game still is Fantastic! Much better looking than even MGS4. I put that game in my console just to compare and couldn't believe how drab and washed out it looked next to FF13 and I loved MGS4. In fact, I still think it is the greatest single player game ever! It just isn't the best looking anymore. As great as the Heavy Rain people did with there awesome attempt at realism this game still is the most visually engaging video game experience yet. The gameplay is also leaps and bounds beyond it's predecessors and explains why so many so-called FF fans are upset. They are like your Grandfather who is afraid of change, even if it's good change. No having to heal between battles? Great! No pointless annoying mini-games? Awesome! Being able to buy, sell and upgrade from all save stations which are placed generously? Hear Hear! I did find the end to be a little unnecessarily torturous. I actually found Hope to be a much more annoying character than Vanille but by the end the great storytelling had me caring about all the characters. Not perfect but a great effort in a great new direction where RPG's are less of a chore and more fun for your valuble time.… Expand
  3. RM
    Apr 1, 2010
    10
    On each of the two previous generations of Playstation consoles the first Final Fantasy game was an awesome and groundbreaking experience. Nothing has changed in that regard here. This game is a solid and engrossing experience in no way simplified or dumbed down for modern gamers (e.g Wii owners). Graphics are awesome we can all agree. Story is good enough but it's the actual On each of the two previous generations of Playstation consoles the first Final Fantasy game was an awesome and groundbreaking experience. Nothing has changed in that regard here. This game is a solid and engrossing experience in no way simplified or dumbed down for modern gamers (e.g Wii owners). Graphics are awesome we can all agree. Story is good enough but it's the actual gameplay that shines through. The battles are fast and action packed and to someone watching may look like they are totally hectic and random but iare actually fully controlled and the player knows exactly whats going on. With a battle system this sophisticated theres no wonder it's all introduced so slowly. People seem to be complaining about trivial things like the fact that there are no towns or shops and that you only control one character. Regarding towns all i can say is they were the most boring part of every RPG i've ever played and i couldn't get out quick enough and i doubt anyone found running from one shop to the next to purchase weapons and armour particularly fun. As for controlling one character it was exactly the same in FFXII and that didn't stop it getting rave reviews by the same hypocrites complaining about it now. In conclusion FFXIII has taken out all of the boring and unnecessary RPG elements and kept what matters as well as adding some innovative additions e.g when you die you can retry from right where you were before the fight. Who hasn't died unexpectedly in a game and wished they had saved their game? Final Fantasy will never get a fair break from certain people (see Edge magazine and Teletext Gamecentral reviews) it seems that when FF7 defected to the PS they felt personally injured Square had betrayed THEM not Nintendo THEM. That decision has made Sqaure their enemy for life. These two also gave Super Mario Galaxy 100% score even with it's flaws e.g camera problems when backtracking. Hardly impartial are they? My advice is to check this game out for yourself and dont let biased opinions deter you. If you are an RPG fan you can't get better.… Expand
  4. AdamJ.
    Mar 12, 2010
    10
    Anyone who rates this less than a nine obviously hasn't played for more than few hours. All the rubbish about it being too linear has to stop, every Final Fantasy game has been linear, they just had the illusion of not being so because of the world map. Also, bashing it because it doesn't have towns is stupid. The whole concept of going from town to town just wouldn't work Anyone who rates this less than a nine obviously hasn't played for more than few hours. All the rubbish about it being too linear has to stop, every Final Fantasy game has been linear, they just had the illusion of not being so because of the world map. Also, bashing it because it doesn't have towns is stupid. The whole concept of going from town to town just wouldn't work with this game.… Expand
  5. JonA
    Mar 13, 2010
    9
    I give this game an 8.5, but round it off to 9 instead because of the people who give it less than 7. I thought I would be disappointed in this game after seeing a few reviews, but I was wrong. The most defining thing about every final fantasy game is its graphics. I have to say that this doesn't disappoint. The graphics are just gonna amaze you and it is one of the best this gen of I give this game an 8.5, but round it off to 9 instead because of the people who give it less than 7. I thought I would be disappointed in this game after seeing a few reviews, but I was wrong. The most defining thing about every final fantasy game is its graphics. I have to say that this doesn't disappoint. The graphics are just gonna amaze you and it is one of the best this gen of gaming. The cutscenes are rendered in 1080p and it is sweet! The game itself runs at 720p (for PS3), but it still looks great. Another good thing about the game is the battle system. In my opinion, the battle system is the best out of any Final Fantasy game I've played. It's more traditional ATB than one would think and I thank Square Enix for drifting away from the FFXII battle system. You get to play in roles: Commando (the traditional melee/warrior-type class), Ravager (the mage/magic-user), Medic (the healer), Synergist (the party buffer), Saboteur (the enemy enfeebler), and the Sentinel (the defender role). All of these can be arranged withing your party and it is called a Paradigm. In-battle you can switch paradigms to take advantage of a situation/enemy weakness. For example, if you find your attacks to be insignificant, make a paradigm shift that has a saboteur and allow them to cast Deprotect and Deshell, then quickly swap to attack-specific paradigm to chain attacks and stagger an enemy making them even more vulnerable. This allows great room for strategy and it is executed well. Yet another great thing in this game is the abscence of random encounters as well as healing to full life immediately after battle allowing for less healing on the main menu as it was in previous FF games. The characters are generally likeable and the story picks up later on in the game. These things make the game great, however, there are also flaws that need to be adressed. First is the very linear nature of the game. The game forces players to follow very linear dungeon type maps. It's basically get from point A to point B. There's also a clear lack of town and world map. I miss these things because it allowed the player to rest in between story sequences. The game does, however, turn less linear when you reach a certain point in the game, but it is way too late in the story. Overall though, this game is a very good addition to the FF series as it has one of the most exciting battle system in any JRPG game. I hope this helps!… Expand
  6. ReddE
    Mar 13, 2010
    10
    absolutely stunning game, much better than i anticipated, when it was first announced i thought it would have been like Final Fantasy XII which was a major disspointment, but it wasn't it went back to a Final Fantasy X style of battles and stat increasing which IMO was the best way to do it, so you could choose your experience and what to focus on. The Paradigm Shift system gives for absolutely stunning game, much better than i anticipated, when it was first announced i thought it would have been like Final Fantasy XII which was a major disspointment, but it wasn't it went back to a Final Fantasy X style of battles and stat increasing which IMO was the best way to do it, so you could choose your experience and what to focus on. The Paradigm Shift system gives for alot of variations on battles, with many different ways of approaching them, of course there is always the best and worst way but that doesnt mean the worst way will lead to a Game Over screen, and with them easy to sue and switch you can easily change the tide of a battle in just a few buttons. The story is deep with massive backstorys for all characters and with regular flashbacks of what led to the current situation that you play through. The game itself is broke down into a chapter system which is just nice, doesn't enhance the story of make it worse, just interesting. The actual in-game graphics them selves vary from absolutely amazing to mediocre, but most are amazing especially the CGI cut-scenes which are better than anything i have seen. Music, if your are a true Final Fantasy fan, you will be dissapointed to hear its not from Nobuo Uematsu as he is doing the music for FFXIV at this moment in time and thus doesnt have the same feel, but the composer they brought in, Masashi Haumazu was co-composer on Final Fantasy X so its still up to scratch and definately works, but there is one or two annoying tracks. The game is as linear as Final Fantasy X was until you got the Airship so i don't see the problem people have with that, in Final Fantasy XIII it opens up once you get down to Pulse which is also were you can tell there has been care taken to make the graphics the best they can be, with skylines and such looking completely realistic. A must buy for any Final Fantasy fan.… Expand
  7. JoeyS
    Mar 13, 2010
    10
    This game is as close to a masterpiece any JRPG has come for a long time. The battle system is absolute genius, you've never experienced anything like it. The story is intriguing, the characters lovable, the world enthralling, everything is polished to perfection. It does have flaws; early in the game the battles are too simple, the maps are too linear and the pace can seem one This game is as close to a masterpiece any JRPG has come for a long time. The battle system is absolute genius, you've never experienced anything like it. The story is intriguing, the characters lovable, the world enthralling, everything is polished to perfection. It does have flaws; early in the game the battles are too simple, the maps are too linear and the pace can seem one sided. Towns never really materialize, which certainly removes something from the experience. Trust me though, you'll hardly notice. Don't pay attention to the people rating this game lowly. I doubt any of them have actually touched FF13; they're all so caught up in "tradition" they can't see when a masterpiece comes along. If you're at all a fan of RPGs, fantasy and drama, epic journeys, tactical bouts or artistic genius, buy FF13 right now.… Expand
  8. MattS
    Mar 13, 2010
    10
    FFXIII uses a streamlined approach to JRPGs, the graphics are stunning, the music is great, and so far the story has me wanting to play every second I can. I've read a lot of people/critics complaining about the lack of towns, but if they have ever played a Final Fantasy title, they should know that FF towns only serve a few purposes: 1) Heal/Rest your team 2) Has the NPC that will FFXIII uses a streamlined approach to JRPGs, the graphics are stunning, the music is great, and so far the story has me wanting to play every second I can. I've read a lot of people/critics complaining about the lack of towns, but if they have ever played a Final Fantasy title, they should know that FF towns only serve a few purposes: 1) Heal/Rest your team 2) Has the NPC that will trigger the next series of events in the story 3) Has shops to purchase weapons and items FFXIII takes care of all three of these, just in a little bit different of a way than past FF titles. 1) If you survive a battle, your team will be completely healed. And I'm not sure if this can be unacceptable in the critics eyes as their concesus has Mass Effect 2 at a 96 and it handles team healing the same exact way. 2) This is where it gets a little shaky for traditional FF fans. The game is very focused, and doesn't allow much exploration (at first) so there isn't really a need for this as you are mostly on the story path anyways. This comes down to player preference, though I will say that if you are a Final Fantasy and are dismissing it for this reason, you are probably missing out. I'm not saying it will be for everyone, but I bet a lot of players would enjoy this kind of approach. 3) This one is probably the best IMO, FFXIII has save points which also serve as an access point for online shopping. Instead of going to a weapon store in a town, you have to acquire a login for a weapon store online and gain access to the store through the save station. Overall the game feels very polished and has an extraordinary battle system. If this game came out and wasn't a Final Fantasy title and wasn't put out by Square, the critics would be hailing it as RPG of the year, but unfortunately for FFXIII, it carries the legacy of Final Fantasy and with that comes unmeetable expectations in the eyes of critics, fans, and all gamers. For those of you that are unsure wether you should pick up this game I'll say this, go in without any expectations of what it should be like and you will most likely come away with a great gaming experience that ranks up there with the best of all time.… Expand
  9. NJB
    Mar 14, 2010
    10
    @Brett J You provide no factual evidence supporting your claim. Everything you've said about XIII's graphics being inferior to KZ2 and MGS4 are utter bullshit. Factually speaking, XIII is technically superior to those games in nearly every single way. I think everyone here would benefit from not having you troll the comments section. About the game: This game is wonderful. @Brett J You provide no factual evidence supporting your claim. Everything you've said about XIII's graphics being inferior to KZ2 and MGS4 are utter bullshit. Factually speaking, XIII is technically superior to those games in nearly every single way. I think everyone here would benefit from not having you troll the comments section. About the game: This game is wonderful. I've played other final fantasy titles before, but this one takes it to a whole new level. The battle system is easily the game's best feature, as it's taken a leave of micromanaging individual attacks, and has you focusing on micromanaging your Paradigms. It's a wonderful strategy that has you changing classes on the fly with accordance to how the battle plays out.… Expand
  10. DreS
    Mar 14, 2010
    10
    This game is an outstanding blend of Final Fantasy VII and X. The characters and overall story are more reminiscent of VII while the setting, music, and aesthetic remind me more of X. The battle system is tremendously fast, fun, and flexible. After four years of waiting, Final Fantasy XIII is even better than I'd hoped.
  11. JordanF
    Mar 14, 2010
    9
    Great game. Music is fantastic, graphics are DECENT (they are not as great as everyone says, but hey, who cares), great animation, fun and exciting new battle system which is both frantic AND tactical, and an intersting storyline. Im guessing that people will either love or hate this game. If you LOVED FFXII, I'm betting you won't like this so much. However, if your like me and Great game. Music is fantastic, graphics are DECENT (they are not as great as everyone says, but hey, who cares), great animation, fun and exciting new battle system which is both frantic AND tactical, and an intersting storyline. Im guessing that people will either love or hate this game. If you LOVED FFXII, I'm betting you won't like this so much. However, if your like me and found XII to be dull and uninspiring, this is probably the FF game for you.… Expand
  12. AnonYmous
    Mar 15, 2010
    10
    I don't see how this game was reviewed as poorly as it was, does it give people happiness to know they bashed a great game? Exploration isn't what it used to be, but it's still there. The new atb battle system works wonderfully as a cross breed between real time and turn-based fights. Square also doesn't dissapoint in graphics or sound (unless you have to listen to one I don't see how this game was reviewed as poorly as it was, does it give people happiness to know they bashed a great game? Exploration isn't what it used to be, but it's still there. The new atb battle system works wonderfully as a cross breed between real time and turn-based fights. Square also doesn't dissapoint in graphics or sound (unless you have to listen to one of the few Vanille-themed tracks, which are pretty much high-pitched japenesse pop music) and make this game friendly to the senses.… Expand
  13. JamesW
    Mar 15, 2010
    9
    I really don't understand all the criticism of this game. First of all yes there aren't any little villages to wonder around, get over it! Why do you want to have to walk to separate shops to buy weapons, armour, potions etc...? Yes it's linear, just like all the others, it just doesn't try as hard to disguise that fact. I am pretty certain from reading the review by I really don't understand all the criticism of this game. First of all yes there aren't any little villages to wonder around, get over it! Why do you want to have to walk to separate shops to buy weapons, armour, potions etc...? Yes it's linear, just like all the others, it just doesn't try as hard to disguise that fact. I am pretty certain from reading the review by Edge magazine that they have now become totally corrupted by bribes from publishers! Bayonetta got 10/10, a totally linear game with terrible screen tearing, dodgy voice acting and an overly complex plot. Then they give Final Fantasy 5/10?! Final Fantasy 13 is an epic, huge and beautiful game, totally absorbing with an incredible story, great characters and one of the greatest battle systems I have ever come across. Stop nit picking about the lack of Japanese soundtrack(!?!) lack off little villages with silly shops and lack of attempts to disguise the linear story and just enjoy this fabulous games, You won't find another game that provides this many hours of solid entertainment for your money until the next one!… Expand
  14. DaneelO
    Mar 16, 2010
    10
    Awesome game. Don't get discouraged by some of the bad reviews. This is one of the best, and the most beautiful, final fantasy games ever made. The battle system, one you get into it, is arguably the best the series has ever seen.
  15. A203D
    Mar 17, 2010
    9
    Although not perfect and dissappointing is some ways. Having actully finished the game I can say I really enjoyed the story, characters, new battle system & the dense atmosphere. I hope people take the time to get at least halfway before making their verdict. I think the reason its get so badly judged is because the story in the first few chapters has been exposed so much on game sites Although not perfect and dissappointing is some ways. Having actully finished the game I can say I really enjoyed the story, characters, new battle system & the dense atmosphere. I hope people take the time to get at least halfway before making their verdict. I think the reason its get so badly judged is because the story in the first few chapters has been exposed so much on game sites etc, its not enough to carry the game at first because we already know a lot of what will happen at the beginning. I think there shouldve also been a bit more depth into the fal'cie origin in the main story not just the datalog. But of course this is planned as the first in a complication of games. So I'm looking foward to seeing how this series pans out. Definitly an intense & exciting game.… Expand
  16. JohnP.
    Mar 21, 2010
    10
    Never before have i been compelled to write a user review until this game. but after experiencing this masterpiece i felt obligated to share my opinion of it. never before have i seen visuals on par with this game. now im a huge gamer and have played through all the recent graphical masterpieces such as uncharted 2, killzone 2, and am currently playing gow 3 when im not plating this Never before have i been compelled to write a user review until this game. but after experiencing this masterpiece i felt obligated to share my opinion of it. never before have i seen visuals on par with this game. now im a huge gamer and have played through all the recent graphical masterpieces such as uncharted 2, killzone 2, and am currently playing gow 3 when im not plating this title. i got both gow3 and ff13 at the same time and began playing gow 3 first. at that time i thought there was no way a current gen game could look any better. then i began ff13 and was absolutely blown away. the in game graphics are like playing a cg movie. nothing out there can compare. as far as it being to linear, that is actually a plus for me as i enjoy a focused game experience over wandering around lost all the time in a game. The truth is that its a shame this game didnt score over a 90 just because so many fans of the series felt like they know the direction the game should have took as opposed to what square decided to do with it. i have played ff10 and ff3 on the snes so i cant consider myself i hardcore ff fan. that works out to my advantage because i can just enjoy the game rather than wishing it was more like ff games in the past. don't let bad review scores stop you from playing this game because you'd be missing one of the biggest moments in gaming history.… Expand
  17. AdelbertS
    Mar 23, 2010
    10
    In my opinion, the best game ever. Final Fantasy IX is very different thematically to FFVII and FFVIII since it returns to its roots. Instead of a modern world with mobiles and emails, the setting is pretty simple (although there are airships). It truly feels like a fantasy game and one that is done extremely well. The characters are all unique and are brought to life by a beautifully In my opinion, the best game ever. Final Fantasy IX is very different thematically to FFVII and FFVIII since it returns to its roots. Instead of a modern world with mobiles and emails, the setting is pretty simple (although there are airships). It truly feels like a fantasy game and one that is done extremely well. The characters are all unique and are brought to life by a beautifully written script. Nobuo Uematsu returns for his last solo FF sound track and the results are spectacular. From the beginning piece 'The Place I'll Return to Someday' to the emotionally powerful 'You're not alone', the music never fails to pull at those heart strings. The gameplay is solid, deep and enjoyable despite its lack of uniqueness. The familiarity of FFIX works well as the game is in many ways a throwback to earlier Final Fantasys, taking elements from each which were fun and satisfying whilst eliminating any annoying quirks. The plot, characters and setting too are not ground breaking but all these aspects are done so damn well that Sakaguchi, the series founder, called it the best Final Fantasy yet. Uematsu said the same. In conclusion, FFIX is a magnificent game containing a vibrant world filled with exciting events and deep characters. Unfortunately it failed to make the impact that many FF fans (such as me) feel it deserved. So, for those of you who haven't played it, now is your chance to experience this classic. And remember, it is more than just a fun game; the experience and memories may well last you a lifetime.… Expand
  18. N.S.
    Mar 26, 2010
    10
    This is an epic game. 1. graphics are awesome. 2. Good RPG elements are still there (upgrading, equipment) 3. Great action in battle (for everybody out there who doesn't does it yet: Switch to ABILITIES as standard) 4. Whatever everybody saying the story is really good 5. It's not repetitive 6. saying this game has no side missions is a lie! There are 64 7. The game has 60+ This is an epic game. 1. graphics are awesome. 2. Good RPG elements are still there (upgrading, equipment) 3. Great action in battle (for everybody out there who doesn't does it yet: Switch to ABILITIES as standard) 4. Whatever everybody saying the story is really good 5. It's not repetitive 6. saying this game has no side missions is a lie! There are 64 7. The game has 60+ hours of gameplay I'm going to stop here cause I'm going to play it some more, but I could go on for days with good sides.… Expand
  19. MichaelS
    Mar 9, 2010
    10
    After almost 10 hours of mediocre Gameplay and Story, Final Fantasy XIII really takes the player to an unforgettable Journey. Once youre into the System, you'll be able to enjoy this Game more than everything else available on Current-Gen Systems. worth a try!
  20. Wes
    Apr 3, 2010
    9
    There has been a lot of talk about the linearity of this game, and yes... this game does force you down a narrow corridor for the first 20 or so hours. That being said, this game is a lot of fun, and the story is very immersive (I actually think this is the first game that I have watched all of the cut-scenes while playing). I didn't really mind the linearity or the actual levels, There has been a lot of talk about the linearity of this game, and yes... this game does force you down a narrow corridor for the first 20 or so hours. That being said, this game is a lot of fun, and the story is very immersive (I actually think this is the first game that I have watched all of the cut-scenes while playing). I didn't really mind the linearity or the actual levels, however the fact that the leveling system is somewhat linear drops this game from a 10 to a 9. I also would have liked to have the ability to pause combat to select actions.… Expand
  21. brentl
    Apr 4, 2010
    8
    First of all the negative, liner, and you gota remember that a liner ff game is perhaps one of the worst things you can do to a franchise. the battles, you only get to control the leader. a very slow start. if it wasn't for these three problems (in reality the first two cause im ok with a slow start), this game would be a 10 and my personal game of the year. I love gow 3, im lookinFirst of all the negative, liner, and you gota remember that a liner ff game is perhaps one of the worst things you can do to a franchise. the battles, you only get to control the leader. a very slow start. if it wasn't for these three problems (in reality the first two cause im ok with a slow start), this game would be a 10 and my personal game of the year. I love gow 3, im lookin foward to red dead, and a new mario, metroid and zelda game are always amazing. but this could've been the best ff game ever, and easily the best of the year. perhaps the best of the last ten years. everything else tho is amazing, thats really the only positive thing im gona say, cause after years and years of being pushed back i expected more. to me this is like re5, still a great game in it of it self, but when compared to what i expected, its a 1 out of 10.… Expand
  22. David
    Apr 7, 2010
    9
    Although this is the first FF game I've played thoroughly (Played 7 for a little bit), I really liked it because the stories were for the most part completely seperate. There are a couple similarities, but they don't cause major confusions. I would have given this game a 10, but there were two problems that become apparent later in the game. The earleir of which is the Although this is the first FF game I've played thoroughly (Played 7 for a little bit), I really liked it because the stories were for the most part completely seperate. There are a couple similarities, but they don't cause major confusions. I would have given this game a 10, but there were two problems that become apparent later in the game. The earleir of which is the difficulty spikes. Sometimes, you'll play 2 or 3 easy bosses (yes, bosses, not just big monsters) that you can knock down on your first try. But then, you come to one that will murder you the first 15 minutes you play him. This occasionally happens with the monster encounters, but that's not that big of a spike. The second problem I have, is that sometimes, the AI can make you want to throw your remote through your TV. You can be fighting something and have two members take hits from it. One will be a huge hit, the other will be a glancing blow. Your designated healer will sometimes heal the one with more health, causing the dying one to take another hit and die. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING!!! Especially on bosses. All-in-all, a very fun game I highly reccomend, despite its occasional shortcomings.… Expand
  23. LauroN
    Mar 11, 2010
    10
    As great as, say, Valkyria Chronicles and Demon's Souls, but still an excellent Rpg, despite being linear, the plot and characters compensate the abscence of side quests, and the graphics are second to none when it comes to rpgs! 4-year-wait was worthy!
  24. JonathanR
    Mar 14, 2010
    9
    Its a new, fun take of the Final Fantasy franchise, but lacks the old Final Fantasy feel. Its a very good game, but after growing up playing most of the Final Fantasy out their, it doesn't give you that nostalgic feeling that others might give you. The plot is great, even though it extremely hard to understand in the first 10-12 hours. The graphics are amazing and the combat is great Its a new, fun take of the Final Fantasy franchise, but lacks the old Final Fantasy feel. Its a very good game, but after growing up playing most of the Final Fantasy out their, it doesn't give you that nostalgic feeling that others might give you. The plot is great, even though it extremely hard to understand in the first 10-12 hours. The graphics are amazing and the combat is great (although with some fights it does get repetitive). But in the end, its a great addition to the franchise (especially since the last 2 were really weak) and hope we come to see many more Final Fantasy in our future.… Expand
  25. RinduriC
    Mar 14, 2010
    9
    8 seems too low and 9 just a bit high, so I'll round up. First few hours (Chap 1-3): good storyline, boring combat. Next few hours (Chap 4-6): boring storyline, repeatative combat. From there on out (Chap 7+): FANTASTIC gameplay and where the game really does show it's colors. By the way, once you get past Chapter 11 it opens up and throws away the linear-ness to a point where 8 seems too low and 9 just a bit high, so I'll round up. First few hours (Chap 1-3): good storyline, boring combat. Next few hours (Chap 4-6): boring storyline, repeatative combat. From there on out (Chap 7+): FANTASTIC gameplay and where the game really does show it's colors. By the way, once you get past Chapter 11 it opens up and throws away the linear-ness to a point where you will hate yourself for ever doubting the game. In my opinion, this game is amazing, just give it a bit and don't judge a book by it's cover. Oh, and the story is pretty freaking awesome.… Expand
  26. JavidK.
    Mar 15, 2010
    10
    People need to stop bashing on it just because it doesn't follow the trend of Final Fantasy games - the developers tried something new, and in my opinion it worked great. I'm almost done the game and I can safely say, it isn't always linear (but then again this wouldn't be the first FF game that was linear, right?) and even though it is, that doesn't hinder the People need to stop bashing on it just because it doesn't follow the trend of Final Fantasy games - the developers tried something new, and in my opinion it worked great. I'm almost done the game and I can safely say, it isn't always linear (but then again this wouldn't be the first FF game that was linear, right?) and even though it is, that doesn't hinder the game. I do miss limit breaks, but with the fast paced action in the new one, having limit breaks wouldn't work. The stagger system and paradigm shifts work great and by the end of the game the fights are very frantic (if you are still getting 5 stars, that is).… Expand
  27. DustinL
    Mar 16, 2010
    9
    I'm 27, and have ben playing since FF 1. The series has changed things once again, but if I really think about it, they haven't changed at all. Any complaints are usually about something that FF has had before. Hatres, and nostalgia goggles are the only reason for low scores. I'm 42 hours in and loving every minute.
  28. BrianG
    Mar 22, 2010
    10
    This game is really good, and unbelievably underrated. Let me explain why. This game is only linear for the first half, I know thats a lot but you have to understand the only reason it was made like that so that it could explain the story really clearly. This game is much better in my opinion than final fantasy XII, even though I liked it, the characters in that could have been better This game is really good, and unbelievably underrated. Let me explain why. This game is only linear for the first half, I know thats a lot but you have to understand the only reason it was made like that so that it could explain the story really clearly. This game is much better in my opinion than final fantasy XII, even though I liked it, the characters in that could have been better portrayed. Whereas final fantasy XIII depicts a tale that is amazing, I loved every bit of it. The gameplay may turn you off, when you hear about it but you play it for awhile it is simply just fun.… Expand
  29. FrankG
    Mar 27, 2010
    9
    All the negative reviews I'm seeing seemed to be purely stemming from hate. People complaining about the fact that there are no towns/world map to explore is because all the characters are on BORROWED TIME. They don't have the time to be flying around a world exploring every nook and cranny. Did you pay attention to what being a l'Cie means? Probably not. Why don't you All the negative reviews I'm seeing seemed to be purely stemming from hate. People complaining about the fact that there are no towns/world map to explore is because all the characters are on BORROWED TIME. They don't have the time to be flying around a world exploring every nook and cranny. Did you pay attention to what being a l'Cie means? Probably not. Why don't you go and read the datalog for once, it's there for a reason, it explains everything for you. The characters do have some depth to their personalities, Vanille and Sazh being the most noteworthy. Graphics are absolutely killer on an HDTV. Would like to point out to Brett J that most people don't "get outside to play another game", plus your only comparisons are action/shooter games, have you tried a JRPG? Everyone's going to bash this game MORE because it's a Final Fantasy, if this game had another name made by some unheard of company, its reviews would have been unmatched. Key point is, if you sit through the first few chapters of the game, which are admittedly slow to get through, the abilities and choices present with the paradigm/battle system open up tremendously. Want your healer to double as a tank? Go for it; switch from mage to sword-slashing damage dealer? Choice is yours. The difficulty scales quite well and the challenge never backs down. I love this game, there's plenty to be doing. People need to understand that since the characters are all l'Cie, they cannot go to towns and talk to people, they are outcasts, they do everything on their own, I've accepted that, the game has CLEARLY defined this boundary; get over it. Thank you Square Enix, you've made an awesome game.… Expand
  30. AndrewG
    Apr 11, 2010
    10
    Take a game, add in a great plot, characters that throughout the game will have you guessing who they are and why they are doing what they are doing, give you bits and pieces that will slowly unravel the mystery. Add in a antagonist that you aren't even sure who he is or why he is doing what he is doing. Add in a new and exciting battle system that slowly evolves and picks up to a Take a game, add in a great plot, characters that throughout the game will have you guessing who they are and why they are doing what they are doing, give you bits and pieces that will slowly unravel the mystery. Add in a antagonist that you aren't even sure who he is or why he is doing what he is doing. Add in a new and exciting battle system that slowly evolves and picks up to a exciting conclusion. Add all of that to upgradeable equipment, a world that ends with hunts to do and many things to make a 60-100 hour game that is well worth it. besides the linearity of the beginning of the game there isn't much that can be said bad about it. they hit the most imporatant parts, gameplay and story. The game highly deserves a 9.2-10.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best PS3 Game of 2010
2
#2 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2010
3
#3 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 83 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 83
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 83
  3. Negative: 1 out of 83
  1. RPG Fan
    81
    As an RPG, it is an excellent experience that provides a beautifully crafted world and engaging battle system. However, as a Final Fantasy game, it falls short of expectations somewhat.
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  2. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    90
    Ten hours in you might have doubts, but stay with it and you'll be smitten right through to the frankly unbelievable end. [Apr 2010, p.104]
  3. Everyeye.it
    85
    An unexpected Final Fantasy. The 13th chapter has a great story and some of the most incisive characters of the whole series, and even the battle system works very well, being deep and complex (even if you control only a single character). But on the other side the overwhelming linearity of the plot, the absence of cities to explore, and the small amount of side quest will disappoint fans' expectations.
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