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7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 2976 Ratings

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  1. TonyA
    Mar 12, 2010
    10
    Lets be honest, anyone who gives this game a bad score, has done so because it is a new direction for Final Fantasy. People expected something different. To me, the battle system has the feel of the old turn based FFs but faster, much faster., and the reason you control one character only is purely to keep the intense pace of the action running. It is a masterpiece of graphical art, the Lets be honest, anyone who gives this game a bad score, has done so because it is a new direction for Final Fantasy. People expected something different. To me, the battle system has the feel of the old turn based FFs but faster, much faster., and the reason you control one character only is purely to keep the intense pace of the action running. It is a masterpiece of graphical art, the loading times are virtually none existant, and the story, fighting and cutscenes blend so well. There are many linear games out there that get top scores, this one is a frantic, beautiful, incredible piece of software in its own right, and is unmistakebly, still, a Final Fantasy game. Expand
  2. KnucklestheEchidna
    Mar 9, 2010
    10
    Very few games I've played can match up to the quality gaming Final Fantasy XIII. The linear complaints ae all empty, as the linearty helps you understand the plot and gameplay. The battle system is by far the best and most ineractive in a Final Fantasy. The plot will suck you in, and, by the time you've beaten the game, you'll want to do it all over again. The characters Very few games I've played can match up to the quality gaming Final Fantasy XIII. The linear complaints ae all empty, as the linearty helps you understand the plot and gameplay. The battle system is by far the best and most ineractive in a Final Fantasy. The plot will suck you in, and, by the time you've beaten the game, you'll want to do it all over again. The characters are, with a few exceptions, are well-explained and interesting, though maybe not the best. the graphics? This game is a techinical milestone for the entire gaming industry, as teh environment, character, and enemies are so beautiful you WILL try to walk into the TV due to the realism. Hands down, this is the best Final fantasy ever. If you're an RPG fan, or a fan of action games, or a gamer in general, try out Final Fantasy XIII. You may be disappointed due to the linearty in the first half, but other than that, you'll love it. Expand
  3. DustinW
    Mar 9, 2010
    10
    Ok, I am getting sick and tired of the prototype critic out there nowadays. This game is a classic, it has all the same elements that previous Final Fantasy games had, with beefed up graphics, how this can get rated worse then a 9/10 makes no sense to me. Everyone needs to get out of there blood spilling first person shooter/action game mode, and remember what a good RPG is.
  4. MarkR
    Apr 5, 2010
    10
    Absolute perfection by Square Enix. Bucking the trend of recent games: Boring, 6 hour long games which aren't worth the money you paid, Final Fantasy XIII gives you a 45 hour blockbuster of a game, a brilliant story, brilliant gameplay, brilliant graphics like Gaming Age said, the best graphics out on a video console right now. Character development is brilliant, getting to choose Absolute perfection by Square Enix. Bucking the trend of recent games: Boring, 6 hour long games which aren't worth the money you paid, Final Fantasy XIII gives you a 45 hour blockbuster of a game, a brilliant story, brilliant gameplay, brilliant graphics like Gaming Age said, the best graphics out on a video console right now. Character development is brilliant, getting to choose what class you want them to specialize in, out of 3 'primary' classes, which vary per character, and 3 'secondary' classes later on in the game. The paradigm system, while pretty simple, has an huge amount of depth, and mastering the paradigm system really will turn the tides of any challenging battle, changing to the right set-up, at the right time changes everything. Expand
  5. Wang
    Apr 7, 2010
    10
    The one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable. As the most well known RPG series on the market, the last thing FF needs now is another look-alike game that will add nothing to the series' future. FFXIII is a step to the right direction. Not only will it not be a total break from the good traditions of the series, it will mark the new beginning of FF by The one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable. As the most well known RPG series on the market, the last thing FF needs now is another look-alike game that will add nothing to the series' future. FFXIII is a step to the right direction. Not only will it not be a total break from the good traditions of the series, it will mark the new beginning of FF by opening FF up to new possibilities while still keeping its most memorable traditions. FF isn't Pokemon, fans will complain even more if they made another FFVII or FFX. FF shouldn't be limited by what it was, it should be defined by what it will be. As a fan of FF series, I feel obligated to write this because we are fortunate to have a developing team that understands this. As for the game itself, FFXIII is a master piece. While it was potentially limited by the multiplatform design (Blue-ray, where are you?), the game is nearly perfect in every way. Sure, it is not the God of All Games, it has flaws, but it is still a memorable experience unparalleled by another game. Many complained about how horribly linear the game is. But, what they think a JRPG is? The story is the dominate factor in the making of the game. It is the soul, the backbone of all FF games. If Square screwed up the story, then FF will truly be doomed. And to those who cry about how empty and broken the plot is, either you never played this game or you simply glanced at the story and declared it incompetent. Did you ever tried to dive under the seemingly linear plot to explore the personality and motivation of the characters by simply reading a handy tool called the Data Log? Probably not. Yet I must confess that Square could of done better with character development and dialogue writing. Never the less, this game has one of the absolute best graphics on the market and a brilliant and innovative combat system that is not found in any other game. Some argued that FFXIII should learn BIoware, I agree that FF can take good lessons from them. But the point is, FFXIII is FFXIII, nothing else. It is not Mass Effect XIII or Dragon Age XIII, it IS FFXIII. It is different and it should be. It is different from others before it, for example, there aren't any towns or inns, who said there must be town to explore? Dictated by its plot, many of FF's traditions didn't appear or appeared in the different forms. But what the heck, so what they changed. World didn't end, we are still alive. As long as we change for the better, what is wrong with it? Let us not kill a true mater piece with of our prejudice. Expand
  6. BobbyS
    Mar 11, 2010
    10
    Final Fantasy XIII has long been on my radar of anticipated games. Far too often when I anticipate a game in this manner, the end result is many times disappointing in comparison to the hype. In the case of Final Fantasy XIII, this is not true. Final Fantasy XIII is a stunning game with extremely high production values. The battle system while at first sounds awkward is extremely fluid Final Fantasy XIII has long been on my radar of anticipated games. Far too often when I anticipate a game in this manner, the end result is many times disappointing in comparison to the hype. In the case of Final Fantasy XIII, this is not true. Final Fantasy XIII is a stunning game with extremely high production values. The battle system while at first sounds awkward is extremely fluid and entertaining. Expand
  7. SidMan
    Mar 11, 2010
    10
    Its an amazing game period. It has questionably one of the best graphics ever made. The story is ok, the battle system is fun and challenging. Many people don't appreciate the game due to their expectations from previous games, but IMO, it exceeded it. I also like the linear gameplay, but sometimes you do feel like you want more freedom. Aside from that, this game will keep you Its an amazing game period. It has questionably one of the best graphics ever made. The story is ok, the battle system is fun and challenging. Many people don't appreciate the game due to their expectations from previous games, but IMO, it exceeded it. I also like the linear gameplay, but sometimes you do feel like you want more freedom. Aside from that, this game will keep you occupied for 60 hours +. In other words, you pay 1 $ for an hour of gameplay. Expand
  8. PC
    Mar 10, 2010
    10
    Gorgeous, of course -- most polished production I've seen. Fantastic soundtrack. Battle system is tactical and fun w/ plenty of difficult fights (later in game) to challenge the player. Characters and story are engaging. It's got that "Final Fantasy" feel, for whatever that's worth. For all those complaining it's "too easy" at the beginning, I recommend going back and Gorgeous, of course -- most polished production I've seen. Fantastic soundtrack. Battle system is tactical and fun w/ plenty of difficult fights (later in game) to challenge the player. Characters and story are engaging. It's got that "Final Fantasy" feel, for whatever that's worth. For all those complaining it's "too easy" at the beginning, I recommend going back and playing any FF game's first few hours. At least this one actually ratchets up the difficulty at some point. And for those who "don't know what's going on," I suggest reading the datalog. Expand
  9. DanJ
    Mar 10, 2010
    10
    Idk why this game is getting dogged for no towns and being linear. I'm about 30 hrs in and have loved every min of it. With the story and how it works out from the start towns are not needed and its very clear. Yes its linear and some people might not like this but most will forget that Final Fanatasy X was the same way. With X you only had a very few towns and you really got nothing Idk why this game is getting dogged for no towns and being linear. I'm about 30 hrs in and have loved every min of it. With the story and how it works out from the start towns are not needed and its very clear. Yes its linear and some people might not like this but most will forget that Final Fanatasy X was the same way. With X you only had a very few towns and you really got nothing from them so Im not missing them at all in 13. But what really shines is the battle system I would say one of the best in ages. It truly grows and has loads of option come mid-game making for a fun fight every time. Expand
  10. AzureB
    Mar 10, 2010
    10
    I think it's great, personally. Keeps me going, battles are fun, nice to be a little difficult, pluse the restart option is there which basically encourages you to experiment, just think you could control all the characters at once, just don't see it happening with the way they designed it, that's why you can't.
  11. Dewayne
    Mar 12, 2010
    10
    Cmon. This may not be the best final fantasy but it is great. The graphics are phenomenal. Yes the game starts out linear but cmon really could you go anywhere in final fantasy x until a certain point, yeah there were npc's but most npc's usually offer nothing more than an illusion of depth. This is the best combination of a action game and an rpg i have seen, and it works very Cmon. This may not be the best final fantasy but it is great. The graphics are phenomenal. Yes the game starts out linear but cmon really could you go anywhere in final fantasy x until a certain point, yeah there were npc's but most npc's usually offer nothing more than an illusion of depth. This is the best combination of a action game and an rpg i have seen, and it works very well, everyone who is crying out there is complaining cause it doesn't feel like final fantasy, news flash they can't keep making the same game over and over again, every game has to evolve or it will get boring. anyways this game rules so buy it. Expand
  12. JakeH.
    Mar 12, 2010
    10
    Awesome game! My second favorite after IV :). The linearity is a tad bit tedious but does not distract from the game seeing as the entire story (outside of the first 13 non-playable days) takes place in only a few days. Exploration isn't a must, surviving to the end is! The battle system is the best IMO, fun, exciting and very fast paced. You can get screwed if you don't set Awesome game! My second favorite after IV :). The linearity is a tad bit tedious but does not distract from the game seeing as the entire story (outside of the first 13 non-playable days) takes place in only a few days. Exploration isn't a must, surviving to the end is! The battle system is the best IMO, fun, exciting and very fast paced. You can get screwed if you don't set your Paradigms up right! The Crystarium is a nice touch, but a little too linear compared to the Sphere Grid until the last few unlocked levels. Gran Pulse is amazing and really makes the game shine with everything that goes on! I understand why the devs didn't include towns and cities. If they made them to scale with everything else in the game they would be GINORMOUS and would be a complete wast of time/resources/disc space that only a minute amount of people would enjoy anyways. It's not like you don't go to some awesome locales inside each city (you do visit a couple!). A+, now only to wait until FFXIV and another MMO to get addicted to :D PS - Amazing voice work this time around. Expand
  13. Michael
    Mar 10, 2010
    10
    I honestly don't understand how great games like this get torn apart by some reviewers, when FFXII scored huge in reviews and I just felt no life in it. The characters were boring and I didn't feel any reason to continue the quest. FFXIII on the other hand has a fantastic character and world driven story, that really drives me to continuing the adventure. I'm loving the I honestly don't understand how great games like this get torn apart by some reviewers, when FFXII scored huge in reviews and I just felt no life in it. The characters were boring and I didn't feel any reason to continue the quest. FFXIII on the other hand has a fantastic character and world driven story, that really drives me to continuing the adventure. I'm loving the fast paced combat really keeps you on your toes and interested. The characters are very cool, although I can tell some people will find some of them annoying. All in all this game is great and I hope it sells well because it deserves it. Expand
  14. RockmanX20
    Mar 15, 2010
    10
    I am a old school Final Fantasy Player. I have played the original on the NES and have continued on all of the American Versions. I have retired on Final Fantasy and haven't played seriously since Final Fantasy 7. After about 13 years, I decided to play this one and I am extremely happy with it so far. I am about 10 hrs into the game and I recognize this highly as being Final I am a old school Final Fantasy Player. I have played the original on the NES and have continued on all of the American Versions. I have retired on Final Fantasy and haven't played seriously since Final Fantasy 7. After about 13 years, I decided to play this one and I am extremely happy with it so far. I am about 10 hrs into the game and I recognize this highly as being Final Fantasy. People say that this game is linear, but this must be the new generation of kids talking. Every Final Fantasy has been linear(at least what I played so far) and I have no problem with them telling me the story. The real treat is in the fighting system. The fighting system is AWESOME! I love the Paradigm system and how it requires you to switch between different Paradigms to beat your enemies. It's all so fast pace, yet it's still turn based. Music so far is wonderful and the graphics are very detailed, not quite Uncharted level, but it's great. Expand
  15. KennyM
    Mar 17, 2010
    10
    FINAL FANTASY XIII is equal or much better than FINAL FANTASY VII, The cutscenes are spectacular and the characters are super detailed and involving, the story is marvelous and perfect, everything is perfect, I love it. Some people criticize this game because is 'too linear' but this is the only way to tell the amazing story of the characters and the society of FFXIII. Others FINAL FANTASY XIII is equal or much better than FINAL FANTASY VII, The cutscenes are spectacular and the characters are super detailed and involving, the story is marvelous and perfect, everything is perfect, I love it. Some people criticize this game because is 'too linear' but this is the only way to tell the amazing story of the characters and the society of FFXIII. Others say this genre needs to stop recycling the same tale of old JRPGs and make new games with new ideas, but they also say that FFXIII has left the main features of a FF game off. In other worlds, they want CHANGE and NEW IDEAS... but if Square-Enix changes the Battle system or makes a more linear game and new completely different worlds... then, they DON'T LIKE IT and now they want a FF game like the old classics. I don't understand.... first they say one thing but then they want another. FINAL FANTASY XIII is one of the best in the series, the cinematic, the 'heroes' the linear thing, the story, the worlds, everything is perfect! I love it and will love it for ever, excellent work from Square-Enix, really... BEAUTIFUL. I give 10 out of 10 for FINAL FANTASY XIII. Expand
  16. 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
  17. ColinS
    Mar 10, 2010
    10
    This is by far my favorite Final Fantasy game yet. It is fast paced, there are no frills and the characters have some energy to them. The entire game is epic and the story is great. The combat is the best in the series and the monster design is top notch. The music may not be as memorable as the good-ol
  18. JohnnyD
    Mar 24, 2010
    10
    I thought that the idea of sticking with traditions probably would be silly when it comes to making attempts to inject a completely new life into the Final Fantasy series. Especially when the series that is nearly two decades old already. I felt that the latest installment should show us that Square-Enix has indeed made a dramatic escape from their somewhat crystallized philosophy in I thought that the idea of sticking with traditions probably would be silly when it comes to making attempts to inject a completely new life into the Final Fantasy series. Especially when the series that is nearly two decades old already. I felt that the latest installment should show us that Square-Enix has indeed made a dramatic escape from their somewhat crystallized philosophy in terms of game design Expand
  19. 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
  20. RandyB
    Mar 11, 2010
    10
    Final fantasy XIII is everything I expected and more! After what seemed like forever, the greatest fantasy of them all arrives and man does it deliver. In the cold winter months leading up to the release, there where alot of nay sayers about final fantasies most recent installment and some reviews that rated the game as low as 4/10, after playing I can reassure you that this game deserves Final fantasy XIII is everything I expected and more! After what seemed like forever, the greatest fantasy of them all arrives and man does it deliver. In the cold winter months leading up to the release, there where alot of nay sayers about final fantasies most recent installment and some reviews that rated the game as low as 4/10, after playing I can reassure you that this game deserves nothing less then a full 10. Alot of series traditions(I.e. towns, exploration) have been cast aside in favor of a more combat focused adventure as well as a very well told and very human storyline. The fact that you cant really edit or change tho configuration of your party until relativly late doesnt aid the game, in its defense this is really a favorable allternative to losing story elements because your controling the wrong party member. Now lets talk about what everybody seems to be most bothered by, the linaerity, yes final fantasy 13 is very linear, but why is that bad? FFX was linear and it is one of the highest reviewed games in its generation, I understand fans have certain expectations but change is not always a bad thing and in this case its a phenomenal accomplishment. If your a fan of the series dont be turned away by misplaced judgements and do yourself a favor, play what is likely to be one of your favorite games from the series. Final fantasy 13 is a work of brillant innovation, if I could give an 11 i would. Expand
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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.
  29. 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
  30. 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
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 83 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 73 out of 83
  2. Negative: 1 out of 83
  1. 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.
  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. 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.