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
  31. spi280
    Dec 31, 2014
    3
    bland characters, a crap story that requires you to read through tons of flavour text to even understand it and of course you probably already know that every level is very linear. the only positive thing this game has going for it are its great music and how the cutscenes are very well animated.
  32. vahn
    Jan 23, 2020
    1
    I don't know what crazy thought went through my head after new year's eve, but I decided to try this game again after 10 years it came out - or close to 10 years - and only today I managed to finally finish it and get over it and I'm glad to say It doesn't disappoint in disappointing.

    It's not a surprise if this game was THE game that made Square Enix become the laughing stock they are    I don't know what crazy thought went through my head after new year's eve, but I decided to try this game again after 10 years it came out - or close to 10 years - and only today I managed to finally finish it and get over it and I'm glad to say It doesn't disappoint in disappointing.

    It's not a surprise if this game was THE game that made Square Enix become the laughing stock they are in current year and for good reasons: plot is non-sensical, has glaring plot-holes that eventually keep stacking up, there's barely any explanation for anything, characters are unlikable, combat is a chore, game is so linear it makes Call of duty look open world in comparison, and many MANY more issues.

    Let's start with the plot: Lightning and the gang are humans who turn into l'cie, which are essentially tools for beings called fal'Cie, and are given a focus to complete. If they manage to complete said focus they will be turning into crystal but if they lose they'll be turned into crystal zombies. What's the focus? We don't know because the writers didn't know how to make it any more idiotic and instead actually telling us "we have to figure it out ourselves" they relied on images and dreams because "deep".
    The main cast is also abhorrent to say the least: Lightning is a totally unlikable B, Hope is your whiny teen boy who cries for half the game, Vanille is your generic japanese school girl if she was australian and a dressed like a native american, Snow is an idiot and Fang is a man but turned into a woman at the last minute but without changing her dialogue or even how she behaves. Sazh is probably the only good character but because Square wanted to make him a comedy relief they tried to make him that, resulting in a mishmash of ideas.
    In addition a lot of plot details aren't explained ingame, which is a role given to the datalog...yeah, if you don't know what a l'cie is check the datalog. What's the PSICOM? check the datalog. Don't you love having to do homework for following a plot? I don't!

    There's more I could say about the plot but bottom line it's borderline boring and insipid: there's no flow, there's no pacing, characters keep repeating the same thing all the time and the deus ex machina at the end is so **** it would make anyone lose credibility this plot had any potential. I played bad stories before but this one isn't even that bad, it's just boring and uninspired.

    But let's step into the main part of a game, the gameplay, and oh my Lord this game is terrible: for starters the game is extremely linear and for at least 20-30 hours you will have long hallways of fights to do in order to complete the game, which aren't funny nor are exciting. Secondly, when the game opens up you are required to grind a lot of in order to be "acceptable" later in the game, as enemies in Pulse hit like trucks. And third the combat is so unfun, so repetitive that at the end fo the game I couldn't bother fight anymore and went straight to the end boss.

    Infact let's put the focus - HAHAHA - on the combat: the combat is turn based and you'll be controlling one character per time, and if the leader dies it's game over. That's a good start isn't it?
    Secondly, the game is based around "classes" such as dps tank, healer and buffer and shifting paradigms to change formation each time required to kill the enemies. However there's one major fact in the game which is the "stagger" system", which after a certain amount of damage your enemy will be staggered, turn orange, and for a short time will take X more amount of damage shown in the stagger bar, and after the bar ends you fill it again.

    That's the entire combat for the rest of the game: you quite literally do this over, and over, and OVER again, for 50-60 hours, non-stop. Bosses cannot be killed normally - I mean last boss has 6 million hp! - so you NEED stagger to kill any enemy with more than regular hp, which is all of them, and this makes combat not only redundant but also not fun or exciting. There's no variety, no real tactics or anything: all you do is stagger and kill. Close to death? Heal, buff, then stagger again, until they die.
    Of course unless the enemy will suddenly decide to insta-kill your leader and make your entire 10-15 minute boss fight go to waste...which is so nice and totally didn't make me wanna rage quit one single bit!

    So, bottom line, do I recommend this? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Stay away as far as possible from this abomination!. There is a reason Square Enix - not Square SOFT - has been going downhill for a while and this game is the proof of all that: it has no "focus", it has no passion, it has no love, it has no sense, it literally has nothing going for it. It's simply a shallow game with a famous brand name on top of it which meant it sold a lot, even had 2 sequels, but no quality into it.

    I just wished I finished it 10 years ago so I would return it but alas, this game will stain my collection forever and ever...    … Expand
  33. Darkleliel
    Apr 12, 2014
    1
    This game was absolutely horrible. It took me a year to get through because the first time I played it, I had to put it down for MONTHS on end because it was so bad. The dialogue is predictable and boring, the story, while it HAD potential, feels like it's nothing more than something a sixth-grader might come up with in their creative writing class. By the end of the game, the entire thingThis game was absolutely horrible. It took me a year to get through because the first time I played it, I had to put it down for MONTHS on end because it was so bad. The dialogue is predictable and boring, the story, while it HAD potential, feels like it's nothing more than something a sixth-grader might come up with in their creative writing class. By the end of the game, the entire thing devolves into one big cliche, each character boiling down to nothing more than the few idioms they seem to know. It's also very tunnel-visioned; there's no room to roam around, the game just feels like one long corridor where you go from one cinematic to the next, with little to nothing in between. The battles are endless, and while it is definitely a pretty game, that seems to be all that it has going for it.… Expand
  34. dman4380
    Oct 27, 2012
    5
    Final Fantasy XIII was one of the first games I played on my PS3. I'd never played a Final Fantasy game before, although I'd heard that the series in general is very good, so I decided I would give this game a go. And I must say, I was impressed... sometimes. There was very little to do other than to follow the plot line, and the level design was extremely linear for most of the game. TheFinal Fantasy XIII was one of the first games I played on my PS3. I'd never played a Final Fantasy game before, although I'd heard that the series in general is very good, so I decided I would give this game a go. And I must say, I was impressed... sometimes. There was very little to do other than to follow the plot line, and the level design was extremely linear for most of the game. The story, although interesting, confused the hell out of me quite a lot, tutorials kept throwing themselves at me, and the game bored me frequently during the opening chapters. Still, if you can get past the negatives, there's a lot of fun to be had with this. The playable characters were interesting as people and felt unique to play as - though Vanille will tick you off majorly. The musical score and visual quality of the game were both excellent. The Paradigm Shift and the ATB gauge made combat lively and kept me thinking on my toes, leading to an engaging, strategy-based battle system. All-in-all, I think this game is worth a play, as long as you don't keep you expectations too high.… Expand
  35. Anebriate
    Jan 15, 2014
    2
    This is one of the worst games I have ever played. How in God's name it has a 7.7 user score on this site is completely beyond me.

    I've heard it said that it gets better towards the end, but something this bad can't be redeemed, regardless of how it ends. Every character is a pathetic cliche. The battle system is rigid, formulaic, tedious and repetitive. In fact, that describes the    This is one of the worst games I have ever played. How in God's name it has a 7.7 user score on this site is completely beyond me.

    I've heard it said that it gets better towards the end, but something this bad can't be redeemed, regardless of how it ends.

    Every character is a pathetic cliche. The battle system is rigid, formulaic, tedious and repetitive. In fact, that describes the entire game--a 10-20 minute jaunt through poorly-balanced, often unavoidable encounters against a handful of boring enemies followed by a cut-scene, ad infinitum, all in one giant straight line from point A to point B. I was bored after 30 minutes of this.

    The graphics earn it 2 points, even though the hand all look like turds. The fact that they released this game to the public as it is means they aren't even trying anymore. The fact that they are making this cesspool a trilogy means something is horribly wrong with the world.    … Expand
  36. Genelegasse
    Sep 21, 2014
    6
    Loseing their touch. They could have been alot better... Feels like a twilight video game... perhaps good for girls? Lost their classic feel and the free-roam came much later and just didnt make up a good final fantasy in the end.
  37. Dyscordia
    Mar 25, 2014
    5
    Completely linear, with no choice character in the group, some charismatic characters, lightning is the only one who is saved, but I think a cheap clone cloud, engaging story but then bored.
    only positive is the system combat.
  38. orsonriven
    Mar 3, 2014
    1
    its crap, this is not a true final fantasy, its a movie that make believes its a game, if you are looking for a great game go and pull up the PS network and grab some on the older games in the series.
  39. PandaWhisperer
    May 5, 2014
    2
    Final Fantasy XIII felt like a punch to the face for some old school Final Fantasy fans like myself. Final Fantasy characters, although fantasy, used to be relatable. Sorry to get sidetracked; in FF7, Cloud never achieved his dream and coped with this throughout the game. He stole someone else's identity, he broke down, and eventually accepted this and recovered. Cloud was a complexFinal Fantasy XIII felt like a punch to the face for some old school Final Fantasy fans like myself. Final Fantasy characters, although fantasy, used to be relatable. Sorry to get sidetracked; in FF7, Cloud never achieved his dream and coped with this throughout the game. He stole someone else's identity, he broke down, and eventually accepted this and recovered. Cloud was a complex character with flaws; I believe that is a huge reason FF7 was so successful and critically acclaimed. The majority of characters in XIII were shallow and one note. Everyone seemed like they had one singular reason to carry on with the story. This story became bland very fast. There is very little exploration, meaning that the story was critical to pull off; sadly this was not the case. The main reason I am writing the negative review is that this was the first Final Fantasy game that was released that just didn't seem very much like a Final Fantasy game to me at all. Sure, FF12 was a huge departure from where the series started, at least I could understand these changes (although, I felt like FF12 was a way to shift the console fan-base to their MMO's for more profit). Many of the decisions in XIII simply confuse me. There was very little redeeming value here. Lost Odyssey felt more like a Final Fantasy game than this one.… Expand
  40. semperfi1503
    Oct 14, 2014
    6
    I'm a newcomer to Final Fantasy and generally speaking, I'm caught with mixed emotions towards this entry "XIII". Beautiful graphics and environment, polished character models, and... that's all I could say to the pros of this game. Rather than that, the linear environment is almost unbearable to me, and it gets worse after I find out that some previous installments of the series didI'm a newcomer to Final Fantasy and generally speaking, I'm caught with mixed emotions towards this entry "XIII". Beautiful graphics and environment, polished character models, and... that's all I could say to the pros of this game. Rather than that, the linear environment is almost unbearable to me, and it gets worse after I find out that some previous installments of the series did indeed feature open-world environment. And the first few moments of the story feel like a drag, I couldn't figure out whatever it is going on in the game world, only after spending some time on the datalog did I understand some parts of the events going on in the game. The combat, even if your characters acquire new skills, would get repetitive over time, which combines with the usual pace of running around in confined spaces, engaging some groups of enemies, with no sidequests available would render the total experience repetitive. The only thing that keeps me going is to finish the story, and perhaps to maintain the hope that the game would get better overtime. It has a lot of potential, but could've been executed way better than this.… Expand
  41. Reaperplot
    May 30, 2014
    2
    Final Fantasy XIII can summed up with two words; pretentious and lack-luster.

    Graphics were technically good, but mechanical, failing to produce an atmosphere. The game play was incredibly linear, driven along by a story which acted more like a train headed to Auschwitz, than an adventure. The combat in the game was the most disappoint aspect of this game for me, there was no skill    Final Fantasy XIII can summed up with two words; pretentious and lack-luster.

    Graphics were technically good, but mechanical, failing to produce an atmosphere. The game play was incredibly linear, driven along by a story which acted more like a train headed to Auschwitz, than an adventure.

    The combat in the game was the most disappoint aspect of this game for me, there was no skill involved, it was as though the developer thought their audience had lost all ability to play video games, and that they were starting with a group wholly unfamiliar with the concept of gaming.

    I hope that this game goes down in history as one of the worst games ever made.    … Expand
  42. Nioji
    Jun 2, 2014
    2
    I think FFXIII is the worst RPG I ever played. Why ? Well, the story-telling is AWFUL. Not a single character explains anything about the universe, and the reason why the Big Bad want to destroy the world (no spoilers, it's a JRPG) is only explained in a sub-entry inside the game's Codex. The Paradigm Shift system destroys all the preparation of a job-based RPG, since you can change jobsI think FFXIII is the worst RPG I ever played. Why ? Well, the story-telling is AWFUL. Not a single character explains anything about the universe, and the reason why the Big Bad want to destroy the world (no spoilers, it's a JRPG) is only explained in a sub-entry inside the game's Codex. The Paradigm Shift system destroys all the preparation of a job-based RPG, since you can change jobs during a fight. The characters are all annoying. don't buy this game. Seriously.… Expand
  43. walzero
    May 25, 2015
    6
    Its a good game, nice grafics and all but it is more a linear movie then a role playing game, very linear gameplay. Battle scenes are back(some people like it, i dont, i rather the ffxii system of open maps with enemies) but other than it, its a good game.
  44. TornadoCreator
    Jul 16, 2014
    2
    This games gets a 2 for being technically functional, that's the best I can say about it. Final Fantasy XIII Is an insult to the franchises heritage and an obvious lazy cash-in by Square Enix who've clearly given up long ago.

    Gameplay wise, there really isn't any. The game isn't just linear, it's a straight f*cking line. You walk down a corridor for about 80 hours, that's it. There are    This games gets a 2 for being technically functional, that's the best I can say about it. Final Fantasy XIII Is an insult to the franchises heritage and an obvious lazy cash-in by Square Enix who've clearly given up long ago.

    Gameplay wise, there really isn't any. The game isn't just linear, it's a straight f*cking line. You walk down a corridor for about 80 hours, that's it. There are no towns, no NPCs, no side quests, no exploration, no collectibles, no intrigue... nothing. Crash Bandicoot is less linear than this game. Add in that character customisation is a joke, and combat is so convoluted that you can win everything without even paying attention and you have the most boring game ever. The first 40 hours is a tutorial explaining how the game plays itself, which you can ignore as you can win all the combat by just mashing the X button for the most part. Some people claim the combat opens up in the late game but that's simply not true, it's still just as broken then and once Lightning learns the move 'Army Of One' you can pretty much kill anything through a combination of poisoning and using that one move. There's more tactical decision-making in tic-tac-toe.

    So what about the story? What story?! What passes for a narrative is only explained through hidden away data longs that you're not prompted to read, and even with this mountain of poorly written exposition, the story is still an incomprehensible mess with plot holes you could drive a plane through, inconsistencies as standard, character motivations that make no sense, and a world setting that's not explained or explored in any way; mainly because you never actually go there because you never leave the damn corridor.

    This is a painfully bad game, don't waste your time on it.    … Expand
  45. Kai82
    Mar 14, 2020
    5
    It is a visual and stylish impressive game with lacks in storytelling and variety. The graphics are still impressive and the soundtrack is also good but I miss the Final Fantasy and Winning theme. The main story is a different thing. The plot holes are impressive. It looks like the story was rewritten a lot by different people because former parts of the story, lore and facts were ignoredIt is a visual and stylish impressive game with lacks in storytelling and variety. The graphics are still impressive and the soundtrack is also good but I miss the Final Fantasy and Winning theme. The main story is a different thing. The plot holes are impressive. It looks like the story was rewritten a lot by different people because former parts of the story, lore and facts were ignored or were a later addition / afterthought. Because of this some character development and decisions are strange up to idiotic. I will point out that I like the characters and their struggles. Especially Lightning, Hope, Serah and Sazh. Also the themes or reasons of their struggles are praiseworthy and could be a highlight. My first main critique is that there are no side activities in the game and the world opens up only after 20-25 hours. There is the statement that the game gets good after 20 hours. I disagree (it got a bit better). There is no exploration. At most each branch from the main path is at max 3-5 minutes long without battles. There is no side activity except more battles / monster hunting. You have even a Chocobo theme park with no races or anything else. The older games had much more. My other main critique is the battle system. While I found it interesting it is also unrewarding. Many said that it feels like you get an automated system and with a few tweaks you can avoid manual input at all. While this is wrong or lets say hyperbolism the point itself is valid. I must also mention the level up system. This game blocks you from leveling up until you reach certain points. I find this to be a friction pad. Also for some bosses you must defeat them in a certain way or you get instant death. This is not like in previous games were you enjoyed puzzling this out (Yunalesca from FF10 for example). More in the way: Oh you are winning this battle and we cant prevent you, lets just add an instant death timer. I like challenges but not in a way that the boss is no treat or even a challenge. Maybe I sound to negative. I enjoyed the game but it got boring after a while. I am not sure if I could finish it when it would be 5 hours longer. Overall it is a misstep but not a terrible game. They were too long in the development phase without actually developing the game.… Expand
  46. AndyClimax
    Nov 6, 2014
    6
    When it takes a good dozen hours of gameplay for a game to "get good" then you know you've got a problem. The graphics are excellent, and score is typically good, but the irritating characters and insane plot dumbfound you for most of the playthrough.
  47. sacredbear
    Sep 10, 2014
    7
    Final Fantasy XIII commits some sins for sure. The game has large stretches of extremely linear level design, and does not attempt much to hide the fact. The cast is likely the most uninteresting, unlikeable cast I have seen in a Final Fantasy game. Those facts (at the very least, well informed opinions) out of the way, this is still an enjoyable game with many qualities to like. TheFinal Fantasy XIII commits some sins for sure. The game has large stretches of extremely linear level design, and does not attempt much to hide the fact. The cast is likely the most uninteresting, unlikeable cast I have seen in a Final Fantasy game. Those facts (at the very least, well informed opinions) out of the way, this is still an enjoyable game with many qualities to like. The visuals and the music are easily the most polished in the series (again, well informed opinions...). With a few tweaks (no auto battle, less obvious linearity) this could be up there with the best of the Final Fantasy games. Is it the worst Final Fantasy? Probably. Is it still a good game, worth playing? Yes, definitely. Ignore the overblown criticism and try it out.… Expand
  48. chris_1_s
    Sep 19, 2014
    4
    I can honestly say this is the worst Final Fantasy game I've ever played.
    - The story was completely broken and made little sense.
    - I personally found the characters to be dull, uninspired and had very little back story.
    - Pacing in the game wasn't very good.
    - You had to go searching the datalogs for any kind of exposition.
    - Visuals were nice though.
  49. Cleanshooter
    Oct 17, 2014
    2
    This is one of the worst games in the series. If you enjoy running through endless tunnels (this game coined the phrase "ultra-linear"), a combat system that requires next to no user interaction, characters with little depth and a story line you won't care about because you just want the entire affair to end... and STUNNING VISUALS then get the game.

    Otherwise don't waste your time or    This is one of the worst games in the series. If you enjoy running through endless tunnels (this game coined the phrase "ultra-linear"), a combat system that requires next to no user interaction, characters with little depth and a story line you won't care about because you just want the entire affair to end... and STUNNING VISUALS then get the game.

    Otherwise don't waste your time or money... the only reason I played it is because I'm a fan of the franchise.    … Expand
  50. Noin007
    Jan 4, 2015
    4
    The CGI was absolutely amazing.
    The musical score was straight up beautiful.
    There's nothing else good I have to say about Final Fantasy XIII. The characters' personalities are bland as can be. The character designs are bland and yet completely over-produced at the same time that just scream that they're trying so hard to look like they're not trying too hard. The story is told quite    The CGI was absolutely amazing.
    The musical score was straight up beautiful.
    There's nothing else good I have to say about Final Fantasy XIII.
    The characters' personalities are bland as can be.
    The character designs are bland and yet completely over-produced at the same time that just scream that they're trying so hard to look like they're not trying too hard.
    The story is told quite possibly worse than any I've ever seen in a video game, and the story itself isn't even good. Basic story telling elements are completely left out and you're given an in-menu encyclopedia to read if you want to know what things are.
    I recommend this game to only the hardest of hardcore fans.    … Expand
  51. Dionysus777
    Feb 6, 2015
    5
    1 of my biggest disapointments in gaming history. What is this the spam sketch from monty python? Spam and eggs, Spam x spam attack spam x spam and look at ur map Spam x spam attack spam and spam bacon and Spam . I will never buy another ff w/o aprehension and any other in this Spam shoot Lightning Spam series.
  52. HopelessVoice
    Feb 1, 2015
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. FFXIII has no gameplay elements to serve a place in the series, or as a RPG game at all. Although taste is subjective, there are several facts that just show how thin the game is. If one likes the game for being a limited storydriven CGI movie, then there's no arguing. But here's some facts:

    - Character customization & building? = Nope, just mash the X button on Crystarium. The stat growth in the tree should be automatic, as there are no choices anyway. The paradigm system is a joke compared to the likes of FFV job system, FFVII materia system and even FFVIII junction system (at least you could build your characters freely on that one)
    - Exploration & item hunting? = Nope, just run the hallway and loot the flying boxes. The game opens up a bit much later on but by that time its too late and too minor to have any impact. There's nothing even close to the sidequests of 1-12. No open world to explore, no hidden caverns beneath the ocean to reveal hidden weapons, no hidden islands behind the map that you only reach with a golden chocobo. There's only the endless hallway. Remember the optional mansion in VII where you needed to unlock the hidden door to reveal a hidden playable character? Well there's no optional places so there can't be optional characters to play with either. Remember the optional battle arenas that when conquered gave you endgame skills and items? There's nothing even close to that.
    - Special attacks, skills, limit breaks or any other form of unique combat? = Nope, there's a "stagger" bar that goes up when you mash the X button long enough, which only makes the characters do more damage, and then you mash X some more. No epic Omnislash, Lionheart or Blitz Ace to save for a difficult boss battle.
    - Unique weapon models? = Nope, they all share the same skin on one charachter. No Masamune, Excalibur, Ultima Weapon and so forth here.
    - Optional bosses that require various strategy to defeat = Not really, although there are optional bosses. However, as they only require you to max grind your characters and then mash the X button there's really no purpose. No Ruby where you have to figure out to have two characthers dead when entering the battle, No Emerald where you need to figure out how to surivive his final attack, No Penance where you need just the correct characters to even have a chance, No dark aeons, No Omega Weapon etc.

    There's so little RPG-elements in this game to even call it RPG. It is an interactive (debatable) movie, and whether one likes the story or not is a matter of taste. The graphics and CGI of the game is high quality, but so is the quality of the CGI in the Hobbit movies. No-one is calling those movies RPG-games though.

    I'll give the 1 point for the game having no apparent or gamebreaking bugs.    … Expand
  53. tsakiym
    May 21, 2015
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I do not have to say anything. But i need to write one hundred and fifty characters. i think my score can describe it.................................… Expand
  54. Signas501
    Mar 22, 2015
    3
    Final fantasy XIII introduces the newcomer lightning, as she and several other characters attempt to raid the city of cocoon. After destroying the cities core, (and several flashbacks and future insights) you are able to freely roam the world, meeting new members to the group along the way.
  55. Imaobob
    Mar 28, 2015
    6
    This game defines the word "polarizing". On the one hand, the combat system, while incredibly different from anything a Final Fantasy game has ever seen before, is very exciting and exhilarating, although it can become repetitive(what rpg isn't though?) On the other hand, the story is such a mess that by the time you get to the cutscenes, you legitimately cannot care. In previous FinalThis game defines the word "polarizing". On the one hand, the combat system, while incredibly different from anything a Final Fantasy game has ever seen before, is very exciting and exhilarating, although it can become repetitive(what rpg isn't though?) On the other hand, the story is such a mess that by the time you get to the cutscenes, you legitimately cannot care. In previous Final Fantasy games, the cutscenes were a "reward". In this one, you find your self hoping characters just shut up already, because everything they say just seems uninteresting or even annoying.

    On a personal note- I prefer less linear rpgs, and this one is EXTREMELY disappointing in that regard. By the time you can "mess around", its almost over. And I think this game would have done itself a huge favor by using terms for its alien crystal magicky plot that were easier to follow. The fact that you NEED the glossary to get what everyone is talking about, even 30+ hours in, is a mistake.

    That said, the gameplay kept me going, and I was always having fun PLAYING it, especially when I was able to get to the "endgame" options. But aggravating characters, and annoying/confusing story elements drags this down.    … Expand
  56. Lion7
    May 7, 2015
    2
    This game lacks depth or engagement. Even the earlier Final Fantasy games--where you are generic heroes gathering crystals--have more to them than this week long movie. You don't even get the pleasure of hearing Nobuo Uematsu's work.

    I played this game as a part of the Playstation Now service, and I still feel like I was ripped off for playing a "free" game. I would not pay for this    This game lacks depth or engagement. Even the earlier Final Fantasy games--where you are generic heroes gathering crystals--have more to them than this week long movie. You don't even get the pleasure of hearing Nobuo Uematsu's work.

    I played this game as a part of the Playstation Now service, and I still feel like I was ripped off for playing a "free" game. I would not pay for this game.

    STORY: That's all there is, and it's not even very good at that. Hours of watching the characters interact through various rendered cutscenes and FMVs. They don't even do a good job with that. Out of your six main characters, only one really has an interesting personal story. The rest waver between deciding if they want to fight back against their overlords, or buckling from the pressure of being mankind's hated enemy by doing it. Their personalities are about as generic as their names (Snow, Hope, Lightning...) and the buildup to fighting one of the major antagonists... I honestly forgot who he was and why we were fighting him at that point.

    GAMEPLAY: What little there is, is rather boring. The formula for the first half of the game boils down to this: Cutscene, maneuver down a small hallway-like map, reach a save point, enter a "boss battle". To switch it up, your party is broken down into 2-3 sub-parties who repeat the formula. 10 hours into the game (I still hadn't unlocked the ability to make your own party yet) I was actively trying to avoid fights, because they weren't entertaining at all.

    There was a joke that this game should be called Final Hallway 13. I definitely agree. 20 hours into the game I gave up. I couldn't remember any of the areas I had been through, and they're one-path treks through a generic forest, junkyard, or ice land. Even the cities set you down one track and your characters can't interact with them at all.

    BATTLE: The battle system is a neat interpretation of the ATB System, but the problem is, aside from a handful of tough battle here and there requiring a MED character, you can get through the game with little trouble using just COM/RAV/RAV and a small stack of Potions. Because of the role-shifting nature of the class, the lack of control over your party members, and that everyone can do just about anything, the genericness of the characters is further compounded. Everyone can be a warrior, a black mage, and a subset of a white mage.

    MUSIC: One of the few Final Fantasy games not composed by Nobou Uematsu. The battle theme is catchy, and variations of the main theme are done nice. There are some annoying pieces throughout the game, but overall... it's alright. Blinded by Light (Lightning's theme, main battle theme) is the earworm of the game, and after hours of hearing it, I still like it.    … Expand
  57. LaiusBunansa
    Jul 11, 2015
    2
    I have played every single FF main installment and I daresay that this could provide an alienating feeling to new comers. I barely finished this game due to boredom. This is blasphemy to the great FF legacy and another proof that Graphics cannot lift the game wholly. I cannot even freakin imagine why did this had its own saga.
  58. Markkykung17
    May 8, 2016
    7
    Great Game-play But Worse Story. The worse thing in this game is Leader death. The Most Annoying character in final fantasy games in in XIII. The paradigm was so great. just like when you change job on other FF
  59. supermalik987
    Jun 26, 2020
    6
    So i decide to give this a chance since 2010 when i was a dumb teenager . And what did think i fought the game was okay . It does have problems and this review is going to based on the pc and Japanese dub . combat isnt the best leveling up takes a long time . reading a lot of story log to understand the game wasn't the best idea . And its something to remember the the six gen game hadSo i decide to give this a chance since 2010 when i was a dumb teenager . And what did think i fought the game was okay . It does have problems and this review is going to based on the pc and Japanese dub . combat isnt the best leveling up takes a long time . reading a lot of story log to understand the game wasn't the best idea . And its something to remember the the six gen game had the struggle to make games and a lot had to be cut out . But i do say give it second chance . Make in the future we could have remake of the game .… Expand
  60. dr9188
    Jan 11, 2017
    5
    The most beautiful game of the seventh generation of game consoles. Not only the most beautiful, but the most beautiful game that consistently pushed graphics quality as far as it would go on each console- a testament to their development teams and their game engine at a time when the PS3 was notoriously difficult to program for.

    Also, the "Fabula Nova" mythos is a beautiful and tragic    The most beautiful game of the seventh generation of game consoles. Not only the most beautiful, but the most beautiful game that consistently pushed graphics quality as far as it would go on each console- a testament to their development teams and their game engine at a time when the PS3 was notoriously difficult to program for.

    Also, the "Fabula Nova" mythos is a beautiful and tragic story of wars between Gods and their slaves. The saddest thing about it is it ended up being wasted on the XIII saga, with other previously linked games (Agito, Versus) very quickly cutting ties with the XIII branding and being renamed (to Type-0 and XV respectively).

    Now I have got the positive out of the way... I don't think I could say a lot that hasn't been said before. It feels like a glorious 3D recreation of the tongue-in-cheek ProgressQuest. There is some depth with the Paradigm System, but largely you feel out of control even of your primary character. It is almost literally a stroll from A to B, with a reward of an uninteresting cut scene among characters you have little sympathy for... Not because they're bad or evil... But just because you don't care about them.

    Although Snow is probably the worst character I've seen the talented Troy Baker play, he does actually show a huge amount of depth and darkness in Lightning Returns... 4 years too late.

    If you are new to the series and considering XIII, I'd recommend you skip it and go to XV.    … Expand
  61. Necroatoan
    Jul 10, 2017
    4
    The linear level design, and boring combat made this game very hard to play. The characters were unique, but none of the resonated with me. The graphics were amazing, but that loses its effect once you realize that the environment cannot be explored. This was the only Final Fantasy I ever struggled to finish. Even the Final Fantasy MMO's had better story lines.
  62. OraNGEMiST
    Feb 7, 2018
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Final Fantasy XIII is a fun experience when your characters are under-levelled. I say this because grinding on this game makes it ridiculously passive and boring, the auto-battle feature is good when you're just trying to get through the game to see the story, but i don't believe that the story is worth it, the majority of the characters are awful and the conflict between them is often meaningless. The story itself is well thought out up until a certain part, but like most of the Final Fantasy games, they begin to turn into confusing, hard to follow nightmares. The characters are labelled as terrorists because of their mark from a Gran Pulse fal'Cie, they become l'Cie and must fulfil their purpose based on glimmers, they gather from their glimmers that they have been assigned the same task all the while being hunted by PSICOM, in spite of this, the characters decide to split up based on their interpretations of the purpose they are to carry out. After a short while, two of the characters end up being captured, the rest of the party are to rescue them, when their plan fails, the captured characters escape from their holding cell, the full party meets up to confront the game's main antagonist who turns out to be a fal'Cie. I'm not going to go through any further than that but i already know you're thinking what the f-. However, this does not mean that Final Fantasy XIII is a bad game, the strength of Final Fantasy games is generally in the music and this game lives up to the musical expectations everyone had for it. The combat in this game is very interesting and fantastic but was not utilised as well as it could have been, the paradigm system (basically a job system) and the staggering mechanic were excellent, but underutilised in my opinion and at a certain point in the game, all characters have access to all paradigms, essentially sacrificing the individuality of each of the characters, who in the beginning were clearly assigned a certain role (e.g. Lightning - Ravager, Snow - Sentinel, etc.), of course these characters were stronger at their assigned roles and had perks based on them but this made the game less enjoyable as a tactical game (deciding which characters to use in a boss fight, etc.).
    Overall, the game had great potential and was clearly well thought out, however, nearing the end, it was clear that this game was definitely not what it had players expecting, i enjoyed this game when i played it under-levelled and i noticed that the only major challenges i had with it were the end game activities, however these were repetitive and attempting to achieve the platinum trophy would be an impossible task for me because of how boring it becomes end-game. Because of the points I've listed and my personal experience with the game, i have decided to give Final Fantasy XIII a 6/10.    … Expand
  63. BlitZeR_95
    Apr 29, 2018
    7
    I'm a HUGE Final Fantasy fan! I love this new combat style and the cutscenes are amazing just what you expect from a Final Fantasy game but that's about it for the good part of this game.
    The characters are weak, none of them you can relate to as they're very unrealistic. Story is very confusing unless you play it multiple time but not many people have time to play a Final Fantasy game    I'm a HUGE Final Fantasy fan! I love this new combat style and the cutscenes are amazing just what you expect from a Final Fantasy game but that's about it for the good part of this game.
    The characters are weak, none of them you can relate to as they're very unrealistic. Story is very confusing unless you play it multiple time but not many people have time to play a Final Fantasy game multiple of times. Very disappointing    … Expand
  64. Moriquendi
    Feb 21, 2022
    7
    Lo estoy volviendo a jugar después de 12 años sabiendo que es una kk de juego pero sin esperar grandes cosas y la verdad es que me esta sorprendiendo gráficamente y lo estoy disfrutando mas, debido a que posiblemente fuera el primer final fantasy de ps3 esperábamos mucho ya que Sony vendió muchísimo humo nos creímos que volveríamos a ver otro FF7 FF8 FF9 y nos encontramos algo muy distintoLo estoy volviendo a jugar después de 12 años sabiendo que es una kk de juego pero sin esperar grandes cosas y la verdad es que me esta sorprendiendo gráficamente y lo estoy disfrutando mas, debido a que posiblemente fuera el primer final fantasy de ps3 esperábamos mucho ya que Sony vendió muchísimo humo nos creímos que volveríamos a ver otro FF7 FF8 FF9 y nos encontramos algo muy distinto con visión propia.
    Repito si lo juegas sabiendo que no tienes que buscar ninguna referencia a sus títulos anteriores se puede disfumar como un titulo independiente de la saga con algún que otro altibajo.    … Expand
  65. Vexyy
    Nov 27, 2018
    7
    Yes it's good.
    But if you do not have the patience to play RPG in turn, DO NOT PLAY THAT GAME.
    He is slow, with a very realistic gameplay, but he has a problem, which in another point of view, can be considered ART.
    Its complexity.
    It is very complex, with paradigms, crystarium, among others.
    But it is still another game of the consecrated Final Fantasy franchise
  66. WhiteEagle
    Apr 27, 2022
    7
    I love some of the characters, namely Vanille and Fang, but the battle system is just too underwhelming. So often I find normal roadside encounters developing into long, tiring and excruciating ones and I've died more times than in any other Final Fantasy game even at normal difficulty. To me the battle system in FF 13 is just unenjoyable at all, in comparison, the polished version of thisI love some of the characters, namely Vanille and Fang, but the battle system is just too underwhelming. So often I find normal roadside encounters developing into long, tiring and excruciating ones and I've died more times than in any other Final Fantasy game even at normal difficulty. To me the battle system in FF 13 is just unenjoyable at all, in comparison, the polished version of this battle system in FF 13-2 proved to be much more entertaining and also reasonable. The battle system aside, the extreme linearity of the first 10 chapters(the game has 13 chapters) is also a big problem.… Expand
  67. sakubo
    Jan 28, 2019
    5
    I just could not relate to the story and it's characters. Battles and music were good though.
  68. BarelyLewd
    Mar 15, 2019
    2
    The second worst FF game I have ever played only eclipsed by ffx-2, stay far away from this game, this game suffers from the linear story, the awful characters, the below average voice acting, and the terrible terrible battle system, stay far away from this **** sandwich, trust me you don't want it.
  69. vanvejar1
    Dec 16, 2019
    1
    El peor final fantasy de la saga, pasillero el 100% del juego, no tiene personalizacion alguna, la protagonista bipolar es odiosa, los personajes terriblemente elegidos, las graficas son un engaño ya que el entorno parace de nintendo 64, tocan por 40 horas las mismas 2 canciones, me recuerda a the order 1886 asi de malo es el juego, solo causa pasar un mal rato
  70. Th3StartButton
    Jun 4, 2019
    7
    I honestly enjoyed Maybe its cause I was pretty new to Final Fantasy it was fine man just try it
  71. ArcCoat
    Jun 12, 2019
    3
    Boooooorrrrriiiinnngggg.

    This game is extremely linear, the battle system is uninteresting, the story is an incomprehensible boring mess, the characters are some of the worst cast that I've seen in video game history. The only good thing about this game are the graphics, but I would rather play a low graphic game with great content than a high graphic game with bad content. The game    Boooooorrrrriiiinnngggg.

    This game is extremely linear, the battle system is uninteresting, the story is an incomprehensible boring mess, the characters are some of the worst cast that I've seen in video game history.
    The only good thing about this game are the graphics, but I would rather play a low graphic game with great content than a high graphic game with bad content.

    The game starts to open up eventually, but only towards the very end of the game and the sound track is not too bad.

    Conclusion: 1 point for effort, 1 points for graphics and 1 point for good soundtrack.    … Expand
  72. MazrimTaim14
    Nov 3, 2019
    3
    What. A. Mess. Of. A. Game

    Main Character was offputting which showed the emo type characters of Cloud and Squall are better off in text based dialogues and cutscenes. The archetype suffered in the current cutscenes where can see nuances of their facial and body expressions. Story went needlessly convoluted halfway thru and this time the linear progression is more damning since we    What. A. Mess. Of. A. Game

    Main Character was offputting which showed the emo type characters of Cloud and Squall are better off in text based dialogues and cutscenes. The archetype suffered in the current cutscenes where can see nuances of their facial and body expressions.

    Story went needlessly convoluted halfway thru and this time the linear progression is more damning since we keep on changing perspectives over and over with the characters leaving no impression in me since we just go from pt a to pt b then change characters.

    Battle system was refreshing and challenging which is one of the positives i get from this game.

    Making a bad entry into the final fantasy series is understandable since we can't get all hits but not only doubling down but TRIPLING down on this mess of a title really breaks the momentum of the series. Relegating it from the top of the echelon of great series.    … Expand
  73. SporadicDeviant
    Dec 6, 2019
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is not a troll review. This is me explaining why I hate this game.
    The game is linear, that's not a surprise. Linearity is not a bad thing, in and of itself. The problem is the tedium that comes with FFXIII's linearity. The main thing you do in this game is walk forward, fight, walk forward, fight, watch cutscene, walk forward, fight, walk forward, watch cutscene, walk forward, fight, walk forward, watch cutscene, fight, walk forward, and on and on. It gets tiresome. Even after the game "opens up", 25 hours into the game, the gameplay loop is still the same. Just replace "walk forward" with "walk around".
    The battle system is laughably bad. Square tries to make combat strategic with the paradigm system, but with the autobattle function and the Diversity paradigm, you can make it through 95% of the enemy encounters in the game with no trouble. The fact that combat boils down to "press x" multiple times doesn't help FFXIII's tedium issue.
    The story is a mess. The game expects you to read paragraph upon paragraph of lore found in the pause menu instead of properly telling the story in game. Character motivations change on the spot, and the characters themselves are either annoying or forgettable.
    There is one exception, Sazh Katzroy. He's is without a doubt the best thing about FFXIII. He's charming, his motivations are clear and never change, he's the only character in the game that acts like a real person, and he's just a relatable, sympathetic character. I also have to give the writers credit for holding off on revealing that Sazh has a family until after the player can get to know him as a character. Other stories would just shove a character's family into the player's face and expect the player to get automatically invested in the character, but they showed restraint, and that's commendable. Sazh might just be in my Top 5 favorite Final Fantasy characters ever, he's that good. Aside from the good visuals and great music, Sazh is the lone bright spot of the game.
    If you genuinely like this game, that's fine. There's nothing wrong with liking this game or any game that most (or half) of the people don't like. Understand that there is a reason why FFXIII gets a mixed reception. Like Far Cry 2 and The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword, FFXIII decided to try to experiment with its mechanics. Unlike Far Cry 2 and Skyward Sword, in my opinion, FFXIII did not succeed in doing so.    … Expand
  74. mynameiscalled
    Sep 4, 2021
    6
    First off - I am a HUGE Final Fantasy fan. Been loving this series ever since I played the FF7 back when I was a little kid... so, here goes...

    The game isn't that great. Don't get me wrong - there is a lot to enjoy here, but the previous FF bar is set pretty high and the XIII doesn't deliver. I sank 53 hours into this game, finished it, went back and grinded abit more for the role    First off - I am a HUGE Final Fantasy fan. Been loving this series ever since I played the FF7 back when I was a little kid... so, here goes...

    The game isn't that great. Don't get me wrong - there is a lot to enjoy here, but the previous FF bar is set pretty high and the XIII doesn't deliver.

    I sank 53 hours into this game, finished it, went back and grinded abit more for the role trophies and that is it.

    The game consists of tubes that you can run through, up to chapter 11, then it opens up abit, and I mean abit. The game has almost no free-roam-do-whatever-the-hell-you-want aspect in it. It's just running, killing enemies, watching cutscene and repeat. The cutscenes are beautiful tho, the story is kinda classic "final fantasy'ish" story, nothing to say about that. Characters are likeable (Except Hope, I dont like the brat lol)

    The main reason I gave this game a 6 is cause I'm a loyal die hard FF player, so abit biased here. In reality though, I would have hard time recommending this to a person who doesen't know much about FF. I would most definitely not recommend playing this as anyones first FF game. With that being said - I still had fun and am not regretting playing it. It will be a one-time gig though. Not gonna replay this game.    … Expand
  75. Sitheral
    Jun 14, 2020
    6
    Incredibly linear game with an interesting battle system, story that does a very bad job of telling itself and so-so characters. It does open up later on, but really, we are talking about like 30+ hours, for many it might be too late and the Grand Pulse isnt that fascinating anyway. This game couldnt even bother to have a trade npcs, you just buy stuff from the menu. None of this really isIncredibly linear game with an interesting battle system, story that does a very bad job of telling itself and so-so characters. It does open up later on, but really, we are talking about like 30+ hours, for many it might be too late and the Grand Pulse isnt that fascinating anyway. This game couldnt even bother to have a trade npcs, you just buy stuff from the menu. None of this really is that terrible on its own, but when you combine it all, FF13 offers a world you just can't believe in.… Expand
  76. INU4SH4
    Jul 13, 2020
    6
    I never got to finish this game because the story and gameplay just took forever to develop and most characters are annoying. The gameplay wasn't good, although the graphics were quite ahead of its time. That was the only truly praise-worthy aspect of this game.

    I might get to finish this one day, but I highly doubt it. It's just too slow and uninteresting.
  77. lukidior
    Jul 20, 2020
    5
    The story telling part is not good. The direct unforked road is boring. The HP of the enemies are setting too high which cause taking too much time for each battle.
  78. Addposer
    Jun 23, 2020
    5
    Boring, unlike FF it is so linear that it feels like an old sonic game that you can only go foward and thats it.
  79. caiomachi
    Jul 5, 2020
    3
    Pros:
    • Characters
    • Story
    • Graphics
    • Innovative battle system
    • Bosses

    Cons:
    • Too linear
    • Too long
    • Too many boring and repetitive mob battles
  80. DarkwingSchmuck
    Mar 3, 2022
    4
    The worst single-player game in the mainline Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy XIII is a misfire in nearly every way. From its immense lack of self-awareness, to its bland cast and sterilized story, Final Fantasy XIII feels like it was manufactured by machines into a heavily focus tested, cynical corporate product. The one area with any sort of promise is its battle system, which isThe worst single-player game in the mainline Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy XIII is a misfire in nearly every way. From its immense lack of self-awareness, to its bland cast and sterilized story, Final Fantasy XIII feels like it was manufactured by machines into a heavily focus tested, cynical corporate product. The one area with any sort of promise is its battle system, which is completely ruined as the system's are drip fed to you through 20-hours worth of tutorials. Final Fantasy XIII is a bore.… Expand
  81. Yucuvu
    Oct 2, 2022
    0
    One of the worst games I've ever had the misfortune to play. And essentially the worst Final Fantasy game ever made.

    - 0 city - 0 NPCs to talk to - 0 minigames - 0 exploration (because there are only corridor maps for 95% of the game, literally) - 0 plot (since it is an incomprehensible mess and without any logic or sense) - 0 gameplay (since every battle is actomatic, literally)    One of the worst games I've ever had the misfortune to play. And essentially the worst Final Fantasy game ever made.

    - 0 city
    - 0 NPCs to talk to
    - 0 minigames
    - 0 exploration (because there are only corridor maps for 95% of the game, literally)
    - 0 plot (since it is an incomprehensible mess and without any logic or sense)
    - 0 gameplay (since every battle is actomatic, literally)

    In short, avoid this horrible trash game
    Because it's a tedious disaster    … Expand
  82. Tidu
    May 23, 2022
    7
    If FF12 was "just ok" game for me, XIII doesn't even top that. I don't like the setting that much and the characters are not that likeable(except for a few). Hope was especially annoying for me.
    Game is also too much of a tube run, and even through FFX was it kind of also, this one doesn't work as well.
    Still somehow we got couple sequels which worked a bit better, but it felt like that    If FF12 was "just ok" game for me, XIII doesn't even top that. I don't like the setting that much and the characters are not that likeable(except for a few). Hope was especially annoying for me.
    Game is also too much of a tube run, and even through FFX was it kind of also, this one doesn't work as well.
    Still somehow we got couple sequels which worked a bit better, but it felt like that Final Fantasy magic was lost for me.    … Expand
  83. XenobladeFan007
    Jun 10, 2022
    0
    I discovered the series with this FF 13 is the magic and very present, The graphics are simply sumptuous, the charm of the game is partly due to its magical environments and wonderfully
    and has an extremely successful scenario with endearing characters with a crazy back ground all right away I think of (sazh, noel, lightning, hope and vanilla) this game is only good memories: heart: I    I discovered the series with this FF 13 is the magic and very present, The graphics are simply sumptuous, the charm of the game is partly due to its magical environments and wonderfully
    and has an extremely successful scenario with endearing characters with a crazy back ground all right away I think of (sazh, noel, lightning, hope and vanilla) this game is only good memories: heart: I would like if he released the trilogy on switch/ps4 that would be cool.    … Expand
  84. Sequn
    Aug 2, 2022
    1
    This is the worst piece of crap game I've ever played.
    A disastrously and aggressive waste of my time.
    Since this sh#t game it plays itself for the most of the time.
    Oh, and there's isn't literally nothing to discover, since it's a tremendous corridor simulator, with a trash "story".
    I suggest you to stay far away from this piece of crap
  85. sapphicvalkyrja
    Jul 7, 2023
    10
    One of the few Final Fantasy games I consider S-Tier. Strong characters, laser-focused writing, and a deceptively deep battle system make for my ideal Final Fantasy game.
  86. Fitzz
    Jul 21, 2023
    10
    L'un des meilleurs final fantasy au quelle j'ai pû jouer deplus la nostalgie d'y rejoué sur next gen est incroyable je recommande à 10000%
  87. AJCk19
    Nov 18, 2022
    7
    Game is all round beautiful from the score, and graphics during it's time. However, the game doesn't really open up until 50 hours in. Yet I still enjoyed myself because not all JRPGs have to be open/sandbox, a linear story driven experience can have its own benefits.

    But my biggest problem was being forced to be stuck with whiny characters like Hope, there was no new game plus (but to    Game is all round beautiful from the score, and graphics during it's time. However, the game doesn't really open up until 50 hours in. Yet I still enjoyed myself because not all JRPGs have to be open/sandbox, a linear story driven experience can have its own benefits.

    But my biggest problem was being forced to be stuck with whiny characters like Hope, there was no new game plus (but to be fair, if it is with hope, just nvm then), and it was kind or rpg lite.    … Expand
  88. Toxsick
    Aug 4, 2023
    1
    Incredibly boring corridor guided jrpg with action elements. By far the worst and least engaging FF, took a lot of steps back compared to even the now almost 30 years old entries for the sake of simplifying the gameplay. Another example of publisher trading creativity and innovation for marketing driven goals.
  89. ZXSth
    Feb 4, 2023
    4
    To see such a legendary franchise create such a pretty-looking yet abysmal game was shocking. I recall playing this game for about 30 minutes before recognizing my own immense boredom and frustration. This was one of the first games I played that I would have truly considered to be "bad," and was taken aback by my own boredom.

    If you have enjoyed other Final Fantasy games, you might    To see such a legendary franchise create such a pretty-looking yet abysmal game was shocking. I recall playing this game for about 30 minutes before recognizing my own immense boredom and frustration. This was one of the first games I played that I would have truly considered to be "bad," and was taken aback by my own boredom.

    If you have enjoyed other Final Fantasy games, you might find this marginally tolerable. Otherwise, do yourself a favour and give it a pass.    … Expand
  90. chrisdan23
    Jun 9, 2022
    6
    Final Fantasy war schon immer ein Franchise, das sich von Ableger zu Ableger neu zu erfinden wusste. Dies ist im Laufe seiner Geschichte auch immer wieder durchaus hervorragend gelungen. So waren bereits die PSOne Klassiker, trotz Ähnlichkeiten in ihrem Kampfsystem, vor allem hinsichtlich ihres Settings und des Artdesigns deutlich eigenständig. Der direkte Vorgänger, Final Fantasy XII,Final Fantasy war schon immer ein Franchise, das sich von Ableger zu Ableger neu zu erfinden wusste. Dies ist im Laufe seiner Geschichte auch immer wieder durchaus hervorragend gelungen. So waren bereits die PSOne Klassiker, trotz Ähnlichkeiten in ihrem Kampfsystem, vor allem hinsichtlich ihres Settings und des Artdesigns deutlich eigenständig. Der direkte Vorgänger, Final Fantasy XII, brach dann auch mit den eher rundenbasierten Kämpfen in separierten Arenen und integrierte diese direkt in die Semi-Open World des Spiels. Mit dem Einstieg in die XIIIer Trilogie muss ich allerdings gestehen, dass mich Square, als eigentlichen Fan des Franchisen, nun größtenteils aber abgehängt hat.

    Weiß das Setting des neuen Nova Crystallis Universums durchaus zu faszinieren, und auch das actionreiche, aber trotzdem sehr taktische "Paradigma" Kampfsystem zu überzeugen, sind es vor allem die arg clichehaften Charaktere, aber auch das extrem lineare Gameplay, das einem den Spass an der Freud letztlich deutlich eintrübt. Kann man mit Lightning als Hauptheldin der Spiele vielleicht noch etwas anfangen, brauch ich solch peinliche Figuren wie Snow, oder die unsägliche Serah, nun wirklich nicht. Vor allem aber sind die Areale meist so schlauchig gestaltet, dass man sich eigentlich nur "gerade aus laufend" von Cut Scene zu Cut Scene vorwärts kämpft, was mit der Zeit einfach extrem öde und eintönig wird. Wäre da nicht die hervorragende Präsentation des Titels, ich glaube FFXIII hätte mich kaum bei Laune halten können. Viel zu spät im Spiel finden wir einmal ein größeres Areal vor, in dem wir uns nun frei bewegen, Nebenaufgaben annehmen und uns ein wenig austoben können. Towns und generell NPCs finden sich dort aber auch nicht an, weshalb die plötzliche Freiheit auch eher etwas konstruiert wirkt. Da war SquareEnix mit der konsequent offenen Spielewelt eines Final Fantasy XII bereits völlig wo anders unterwegs.

    In der Quintessenz muss man sagen, dass Final Fantasy XIII aufgrund des spannenden Settings und der überragenden, cineastischen Präsentation ein durchaus ganz gutes Spiel geworden ist, das freilich auch seine starken Momente hat. Als Reboot des hochdekorierten Final Fantasy Franchises hat es viele Fans aber weitgehend enttäuscht. Sicherlich hat SquareEnix mit FFXIII versucht auch jüngere Gamer mit ihrem Langzeitfranchise wieder neu anzusprechen. Doch insgesamt ist Square mit ihrem Einstieg in die XIIIer Trilogie konzeptionell zu schlampig und inkonsistent unterwegs, als dass es gereicht hätte, an die teils wirklich großartigen Vorgängern anzuknüpfen. Schade.    … Expand
  91. bohalaa
    Jul 1, 2023
    10
    I love everything about this game , people complaining because it's liner, it's fine for me and I love it.
  92. Flammie
    Apr 12, 2021
    6
    Final Fantasy XIII is a JRPG in the final fantasy series with new battle mechanics and all. I've really tried to hard to like this game and replayed it three times through, but there are simply not enough positive points to outweigh the negatives. It still is a final fantasy game with kind of captivating story, though it defintely is among the weakest in the franchise. The boredom ofFinal Fantasy XIII is a JRPG in the final fantasy series with new battle mechanics and all. I've really tried to hard to like this game and replayed it three times through, but there are simply not enough positive points to outweigh the negatives. It still is a final fantasy game with kind of captivating story, though it defintely is among the weakest in the franchise. The boredom of tunnelrunning cannot be overstated, there are few more interesting level designs towards the end of the game, but just like with the opening of the side quest system 80 % in the game, it's too little too late. And the new fighting system is kind of innovative but has crucial failures; bad AI and broken tank-class concept make for rather annoying battles. You cannot do much in the battles even though you know by entering specific commands you'd win all battles, the paradigm shift takes too long and battles seem too slow. Music, graphics etc. are great as expected, it really fails in the fun of gameplay section.… Expand
  93. Toshi_inu
    Jun 16, 2023
    0
    muy mal videojuego, lineal, las batalla son malas, o tiene casi nada de rpg, personajes genéricos, lo único bueno es la banda sonora,
  94. THOUSANDEYEKAii
    May 5, 2023
    8
    Though it has it's flaws and was a huge disappointment I actually really enjoyed this game.
  95. Risolu
    Aug 16, 2023
    10
    The best FF in the series. There is no FF with that many challenging bosses and there is no FF with a mythology as deep as this.
  96. basic123
    Oct 16, 2022
    5
    This Final Fantasy never felt right. With a confusing story, shalow gameplay and boring main characters I didnt really enjoy it overall.
  97. IMGODD
    Jun 23, 2023
    9
    Final fantasy xiii was my first in the franchise i went in expecting nothing and came out absolutely loving it this is the game that got me into final fantasy and the jrpg genre
  98. Vhofa
    Dec 31, 2022
    0
    To this day, FF13 remains the worst Final Fantasy game ever created. A tedious and boring atrocity, without any creative inspiration, and with a horrible story from all points of view. And the automated gameplay sucks.
    Don't waste your time in this garbage.
  99. Yased
    Jan 15, 2023
    0
    Atrocious and boring piece of trash.
    Final Fantasy 13 is literally the worst jrpg I've ever played, and also the worst Final Fantasy game. 0 explorable city, 0 NPC, 99% linear maps, transformers trash Summons, ridiculous monsters design, forgettable ost, ecc....
    Pitifully bad in every single way, especially the trash plot and the sh*tty automatic gameplay.
  100. Riplyco
    Jan 28, 2023
    0
    Horrendous game.
    This is Final Fantasy 13, the worst mainline Final Fantasy game.
    One of the worst jrpg I've ever played in my whole life
    Don't waste your time and money in this piece of crap
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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

All reviews »
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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