Final Fantasy XIII

 Xbox 360
User Score
6.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 692 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 312 out of 692
  2. Mixed: 174 out of 692
  3. Negative: 206 out of 692
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  1. DanielK
    Mar 10, 2010
    10
    This game is amazing.... I bought the 360 version because I use my 360 far more and yes there are a few minor blemishes graphically, but overall it's a technical marvel. Besides I like having a smoother framerate and to think they accomplished this on 360 in less than half the time of the dev time of the PS3 is more than impressive. I was a little iffy on the battle system at first This game is amazing.... I bought the 360 version because I use my 360 far more and yes there are a few minor blemishes graphically, but overall it's a technical marvel. Besides I like having a smoother framerate and to think they accomplished this on 360 in less than half the time of the dev time of the PS3 is more than impressive. I was a little iffy on the battle system at first but once you get a couple hours in, the options really open up. I cannot stress enough that the game is amazing and owners of either system should go pick it up; I may still buy the PS3 version just to have both since I'm such an FF nut (I have every single main series Final Fantasy).… Expand
  2. MaxS
    Mar 9, 2010
    10
    I have no idea why this game has been given a 3.6 so far. There are obviously some trolls voting, because although I could understand a rating in the low B range, there is no way this game is in any way deserving of a fail. Even for the graphics alone, the game would be worth playing, but when you factor in the enjoyable story and gameplay, I have to give this game a score it rightly I have no idea why this game has been given a 3.6 so far. There are obviously some trolls voting, because although I could understand a rating in the low B range, there is no way this game is in any way deserving of a fail. Even for the graphics alone, the game would be worth playing, but when you factor in the enjoyable story and gameplay, I have to give this game a score it rightly deserves. Eat it, haters.… Expand
  3. KarlaM
    Mar 13, 2010
    10
    I've only been playing for 4 days, and I can honestly say the perfection of this game has surprised me. I have been a fan of the series since Mystic Quest, and I have played all the installments, I expect nothing but the best from the saga, but I did not expect something like this! The gameplay is awesome and the graphics are mouth-watering in a colorful and detailed sense. A I've only been playing for 4 days, and I can honestly say the perfection of this game has surprised me. I have been a fan of the series since Mystic Quest, and I have played all the installments, I expect nothing but the best from the saga, but I did not expect something like this! The gameplay is awesome and the graphics are mouth-watering in a colorful and detailed sense. A downfall for me in the game is the soundtrack. I have been used to Nobuo Uematsu's awesome composing and since the game is directed by Tetsuya Nomura, I expected the WHOLE team to be the same. The music doesn't take me inside the game like other soundtracks did. The story isn't really interesting to me to the point where I can't stop playing it to see what happens next, but the battle system is SO FUN I keep playing anyway. I think it has proven itself in the few days I've played that it will be a game to remember because it is THE FIRST OF ITS KIND.… Expand
  4. GregS
    Mar 22, 2010
    10
    The best Final Fantasy since X. The story is one of the better ones in the series, and has one of the most likable casts in any Final Fantasy game (except Sazh). The combat system is the most fast paced in the series yet, with an emphasis on the ability to adapt. The removal of MP may seem like a bad thing, but it allows for random battles to actually take some effort, instead of the The best Final Fantasy since X. The story is one of the better ones in the series, and has one of the most likable casts in any Final Fantasy game (except Sazh). The combat system is the most fast paced in the series yet, with an emphasis on the ability to adapt. The removal of MP may seem like a bad thing, but it allows for random battles to actually take some effort, instead of the normal attack, then heal after battle. The lack of having to manage MP does not make it any easier either, as the mechanics are in place to prevent outlasting strategies on bosses. There is also some great music, even without Nobuo Uematsu. The final boss theme Born Anew, in particular, stands with the best final boss themes in the series. Oh, and the graphics are the best I've ever seen (though I have yet to play Crysis).… Expand
  5. Shinigami
    Feb 14, 2011
    10
    For most of you, you think this game sucks. Well guess what... it DOESN'T! Final Fantasy games have never been mainly about focusing on in game play, it was just a side thing that was awesome. Anyway, the main thing is the story line, and if you actually pay attention it's really good! I admit that some of the characters I didn't like at first (Snow and Lightning to be exact) but then IFor most of you, you think this game sucks. Well guess what... it DOESN'T! Final Fantasy games have never been mainly about focusing on in game play, it was just a side thing that was awesome. Anyway, the main thing is the story line, and if you actually pay attention it's really good! I admit that some of the characters I didn't like at first (Snow and Lightning to be exact) but then I started to like them after a while, it's an amazing game if you give it a chance but most of you haven't. If you have a problem with this game, then the problems with yourself.… Expand
  6. Xenrathe
    Aug 24, 2011
    10
    I've been playing RPGs for a very long time, and the Final Fantasy series, like many other old-school RPGers, comes close to beloved status for me. FF3 (6), FF7, FF10, these have a special place in my RPG shrine, also known as a dusty corner in my closet.

    So when I saw that FF13 was shortly due to be released, I decided to borrow my buddy's stormtrooper costume and go out for the midnight    I've been playing RPGs for a very long time, and the Final Fantasy series, like many other old-school RPGers, comes close to beloved status for me. FF3 (6), FF7, FF10, these have a special place in my RPG shrine, also known as a dusty corner in my closet.

    So when I saw that FF13 was shortly due to be released, I decided to borrow my buddy's stormtrooper costume and go out for the midnight release. He opted to go as Voldemort. Much fun was had, and I returned excited to play.

    Upon popping that disc in and loading up the intro movie, I experienced what I consider the major positive of this game: the graphics. Let me just state that plainly: from a technical stand-point, the graphics are gorgeous. The characters are modeled with exceptional detail. It really is a pleasure just to watch them. On the other hand, I found the stylistic side of the graphics to be something of a let-down. There's a lot of recycled corridors and monster models. Nothing ever really popped out at me; I never encountered any memorable sort of artistic moments.

    So going from the intro screen, I had high hopes. And then I played the game.

    The gameplay is both exceptionally linear and exceptionally easy, especially in the first parts of the game. Basically you can control only one person and even then your options are limited. Essentially the entire strategy of the game comes from switching roles. Sadly there are very few fights that require even that. During some of the early dungeons I literally held up on the joystick and pressed A over and over and beat them, while I was outside grilling salmon (wireless controllers ftw?) An entire dungeon, without looking, except for the boss. Which is unfortunate because I was also randomly using items and libra and other such things, but I still managed to win the day!

    Let me elaborate further upon my claims of this being the most linear game ever: the game's dungeons are essentially corridors running in one direction, there are never any towns to explore, there are no extra townspeople to talk to, and your character development is more or less entirely linear. There are no choices to make because you can choose them all.

    Simply put, the gameplay is boring. It's a game made for over-achieving zombies.

    Now then let me move on to the story. A big letdown, for several reasons. For one, the dialogue is abysmal. The voice-acting is great, that's not my complaint: the script is terrible. Perhaps I was spoiled, coming from Dragon Age, but I found most of the conversations painfully formulaic. I understand that this game is made to be understood even by little kids, yet Pixar movies somehow manage to be entertaining and approachable for all ages so why couldn't FF13?

    Starting from a poor script, the story can really only go down hill. The villains (like in FF12) are somewhat vague and/or absent. It's not really very clear until later, and even then only just so, why exactly I'm running through corridors, killing everything that moves.

    As we say in the creative writing biz, the game never managed to "draw me in"; it never captured me and consequentially I couldn't careless about the fates of anyone involved.

    The characters are, like everything else in the game, one dimensional. Snow is the cardboard cutout of a "hero" oblivious to reality; Lightning is the cardboard cutout of the gritty tough soldier, even though as a Guardian soldier, she's the equivalent of a national guard soldier in a completely peaceful country; Hope is the cardboard cutout of a weak unguided boy who has "great potential" or some other BS; etc, etc, etc. I actually found Vanille, which Gamespot's reviewer thought was annoying, to be the only character with any real depth. Unfortunately, the game feels the need to constantly blungeon you over the head with this: I HAVE A SECRET, I HAVE A SECRET. Yet, if you are at all cognizant of how Square localizes their FF games, her Australian accent (as opposed to the accents of everyone else) is a dead give-away what her secret is.

    In short, this game has wonderful graphics and decent voice-acting and not much else. It'd be like if you gathered a bunch of beautiful actors, gave them a crappy studio with no props or tools or anything else, handed them a Danielle Steele novel to serve as a script, and told them: "Go at it." Then you'd have FF13.    … Expand
  7. diddykong63
    Oct 12, 2011
    10
    I have played this game 3 times from start to finish. The game is visually insane and shows how much square's engine can dish out compared to unreal engine. The combat is a mix of turn based combat combined with real time. You select your characters actions and watch them move around the battlefield although you cannot directly control your character, although the arenas are so small itsI have played this game 3 times from start to finish. The game is visually insane and shows how much square's engine can dish out compared to unreal engine. The combat is a mix of turn based combat combined with real time. You select your characters actions and watch them move around the battlefield although you cannot directly control your character, although the arenas are so small its doubtful it would have any different impact if you were able to do otherwise. Going through the bosses on my first playthrough, I thought each one was perfectly oriented for a person with that much experience in the game. The end bosses were very hard and tested my mettle even with optimal strategies. Going though the game the second time, the beginning bosses were significantly easier because of my experience but the end bosses were as hard as ever. If there is anything I could complain about, it is how *possible spoilers* all the postgame content is developing your characters and weapons to the max and all sidequests are just monster hunting missions, although it is a small gripe as the endgame is optional and really only for achievement hunters *end possible spoilers* The characters are very believable and the only ones i thought were really annoying were sazh and snow with a dash of hope. the game challenges you to think about the best role configurations to defeat monsters. The story is epic in the highest sense as the story is not very outlandish (for a fantasy game). While the chapter and the linear progression are also minor gripes, it is acceptable because of the story.I could not recommend this game enough to anyone. All that is left for me now is to wait for 13-2 and versus 13… Expand
  8. MadCustomer
    Nov 10, 2011
    10
    I really thought this game was quite fun, and it takes a long time to finish (around about 45-55 hours).
    I can see why some people don't like it, but i don't agree. One of my favourites, personally.
  9. CloudStrifeVII
    Dec 15, 2011
    10
    Best Rol game of this generation.
    Square did a masterpiece.
  10. You-Know-Who
    Feb 4, 2012
    10
    Despite being a polarized Final Fantasy, especially for letting many elements of previous titles aside, there is much to enjoy in Final Fantasy XIII. With a fast and functional battle system, flawless artistic direction, great narrative and a high quality soundtrack, Square-Enix proves that traditions are not necessary to forge an excellent game in the series.
  11. TJ_Kragt
    Aug 2, 2012
    10
    Before I write the review I just have to say FFXIII trolls give this game way too much crap. This game is a great game, the linearity was not a huge issue. It's just westerners have gotten used to these WRPGs where you have a wide open world that you can easily get lost in (literally), not to mention the story is usually lacking. So the bad reviews is just westerners complaining that theBefore I write the review I just have to say FFXIII trolls give this game way too much crap. This game is a great game, the linearity was not a huge issue. It's just westerners have gotten used to these WRPGs where you have a wide open world that you can easily get lost in (literally), not to mention the story is usually lacking. So the bad reviews is just westerners complaining that the JRPG is a different type of RPG. Also, the FF fanbase is very split and conflicted. If Square does one thing then half are going to be pleased and half not pleased. Honestly, I think you can't ever please more than 60% of the fanbase at one time anymore because we all want different things. Now on to the review.......Final Fantasy XIII is another great addition to the franchise. The story is a compelling tale and the characters play well off of eachother. The only short coming is Vanille's high pitched voice, but thats the voice coach's fault for wanting it that way. The characters are well developed and you see the main protagonist mature through the course of the game. The combat is fantastic, very flashy and fun, as well as fast-paced. It offers a refreshing change up for the series. The music is good also, but not quite up to what Nobuo Uematsu has offered for previous installments. That doesn't stop the soundtrack from being good, though. There are also over 60 sidequests to indulge in when you get the chance which offer plenty of post-story play. Final Fantasy XIII's more streamlined nature pays off in this epic tale of heroism.… Expand
  12. Merr
    Dec 28, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the best games of this generation of consoles. Beautiful graphics, interesting story, great world, deep characters, nice battle system.

    Only - is closed-corridors levels.    … Expand
  13. LelouchR2
    Jul 23, 2012
    10
    Final Fantasy XIII is a game that has garnered quite a bit of backlash for largely misunderstood reasons. The game is linear yes, is that a negative aspect of the game? no it is not. Is the plot really that convoluted? no it isn't, you aren't even required to read the datalog that so many people dislike. The story of Final Fantasy XIII is it's strong point. The main character of the gameFinal Fantasy XIII is a game that has garnered quite a bit of backlash for largely misunderstood reasons. The game is linear yes, is that a negative aspect of the game? no it is not. Is the plot really that convoluted? no it isn't, you aren't even required to read the datalog that so many people dislike. The story of Final Fantasy XIII is it's strong point. The main character of the game is a young woman named Lightning. The story begins with her attempt to rescue her younger sister from the clutches of a god like being known as a fal'Cie. From there Lightning and her friends are put on the path of an adventure that will test both their battle prowess and who they are as human beings, calling into questions their morals. The battle system is a fresh take on the ATB system. Being able to que up to six consecutive attacks is something that the series has needed for a long time. The system revolves around two things, first is the paradigm shift system, which is the roles that you assign to your characters, second is the stagger meter, a bar that once full staggers said opponent and lowers their defence allowing you to inflict massive damage. The battle system has been criticized by "fans" of the series saying that it only consists of pressing X. That is not true but even if it were, what series have they been playing for all these years? Every FF game requires an over abundance of the use of X, that is just selective whining. XIII will require you to use the L1, directional pad and X in battle, not just one, unless you want to lose that is. The biggest bright points among Final Fantasy XIII when compared to the rest of the series is the protagonist of the game, Lightning, the character development of the party and their interactions of a group. Lightning has been compared to Cloud on a lot of message boards, but that isn't an apt comparison, there is a world of difference between the two. The development and characterization that Lightning undergoes through the game is a lot more human than anything Cloud has to offer. She is a very strong female lead that is so relatable that almost any player should be able to relate to her. The character development of the party as a whole is done a lot better than in previous iterations. Each character will come to realizations throughout the quest that will change who they are and how they view the world. The chemistry of the group also makes their interactions that much more meaningful. Another criticism is just how linear the game is. It's true that the game is indeed linear but it is done for a purpose. Final Fantasy XIII is a story driven game, moreso than it's predecessors. The linearity of the game is used as a story telling tool to help put you into Lightning and co's shoes. They are on the run and have no where to go but forward, they cannot stop to shop and lolly gag in towns because they are fugitives. The game is simply being realistic in it's plot and should be commended for taking such an effective approach to telling the story of Lightning so that you could relate to her situation and how she would be feeling. The soundtrack is also top notch, including beautiful orchestral pieces that fit perfectly with each scene. It adds another layer to the storytelling. Overall Final Fantasy XIII deserves a ten out of ten for it's epic plot, memorable protagonist and addicting battle system. There is not a better release in the series than this one. Definitely worth playing through.… Expand
  14. Gold458
    Jul 31, 2014
    10
    Ah Final Fantasy XIII a game that is hated and loved by many at the same time. I love this game. This game is gorgeous, the battle system was pretty cool, and the story was simple at least for me to follow. I love the character development this game has. Overall I love this game a lot. I recommend you try it.
  15. 22446688Bb
    Aug 5, 2019
    10
    Trio 13 is excellent in all respects, offering an excellent story with very famous characters. Turns out to be like the old parts.
  16. Evolvedsoul
    Sep 14, 2021
    10
    My favorite Final Fantasy…I’m very sorry that I love this game so much, I’m sure that I love everything that some people hate . I grew up in Hawaii, I different tastes , I like beautiful characters, not ugly sjw ones f of go make your own wile games that nobody will play
  17. KjoDevilHunterS
    Jul 1, 2018
    10
    This game is great.
    It's an roller-coaster of an experience.
    The Main-Story is good
    Lightning is one of the most badass characters of all time.
    Soundtrack is one of the best.
    Graphics has aged well.
  18. SolarConker
    Jan 21, 2019
    10
    I don't care what anyone says about this game, this game has an amazing story, characters and such a deep lore that most people get lost into and just say the game is full of plot holes all these reasons and much more is why this isn't just my favourite Final Fantasy but also my favourite game of all time
  19. Doke
    Feb 17, 2022
    10
    [ J'écris cette critique et je met la note de 10 pour compenser les autres notes que je considère excessivement basses ]

    La critique comportera quatres grand axes : en premier les musiques, en deuxième les décors, en troisième les personnages, en quatrième les graphismes et en cinquième le gameplay [ Je ne traiterai pas l'histoire car j'estime que c'est à l'appréciation de chacun ] Avant    [ J'écris cette critique et je met la note de 10 pour compenser les autres notes que je considère excessivement basses ]

    La critique comportera quatres grand axes : en premier les musiques, en deuxième les décors, en troisième les personnages, en quatrième les graphismes et en cinquième le gameplay [ Je ne traiterai pas l'histoire car j'estime que c'est à l'appréciation de chacun ]

    Avant propos : Je n'ai pas vraiment l'habitude de donner mon avis sur les jeux vidéos et encore moins sur un opus de la saga "Final Fantasy" car je dois l'avouer qu'avant l'achat de ce jeu je ne portai pas vraiment cette série dans mon cœur. Je trouvai leurs systèmes de combat dépassé et je ne comprenais pas l'engouement autour, mais mon avis a changer depuis la découverte de ce jeux : Final Fantasy 13 ; et j'ai beaucoup apprécié, malgré quelques défaut.
    Néanmoins je trouve certains reproches fait au jeux excessifs Première partie : I) Les musiques Ce sera probablement l'un des points qui a provoquer le moins de débats au sein de la communauté. La presse et les joueurs ( y compris moi ) sont unanimes pour dires que les musiques de ce jeux sont excellentes, et c'est VRAI ! Les musiques sont nombreuses variées et s'adaptent particulièrement bien au différentes situations. Le seul petit reproche que j'aurai à faire serai au niveau de la musique des combat qui est à mon goût un peut trop répétitive, des musiques différentes pour les combats auraient été le mieux.

    II) Les décors Encore un fois, l'un des points où la presse et les joueurs étaient unanimes, les décors sont - tout comme les musiques - très beau et riches en détail mais par la même occasion assez frustrant car nous ne pouvons pas les explorer à cause de linéarité du jeu.

    III ) Les personnages Je ne voulais pas traiter ce point à la base car à l'instar du scénario, je pense que cela relève des goûts de chacun mais je le fais quand même car je fais ce que je veux. Je trouve les personnages globalement bon malgré que certains soient légèrement énervants comme Vanille ou Hope ( mais pas autant que certains le prétendent ). C'est aussi assez frustrant de voir Lightning rester aussi froide avec ses coéquipiers tout au long du jeu.

    IV) Les graphismes J'aurais très bien pu réunir les graphismes et les décors en un point mais encore une fois je fait ce que je veux. Je vais être très simple, ils sont super superbes et la qualité des grandes cinématiques sont même au dessus de ce que l'on a parfois en 2022.

    V) Le gameplay Ce point ce sera divisé en deux sous parties : la partie "a" traitera le gameplay hors combat et la partie "b" traitera les phases de combats a) C'est peut être le plus gros défauts du jeux : la linéarité du jeu, ont doit se contenter de se balader dans des longs couloirs ce qui limite l'exploration et est donc un peu frustrant. Ce sentiment est renforcé par les décors. Mais côté je le dis que ça évite au jeu de tomber dans le piège de monde ouvert vide et ennuyeux.
    Les personnages dont agréables à contrôler et les menus sont ergonomiques b) Les combats font une grande partie de l'intérêt du jeu. Même si dans 2 premières heures il peuvent paraître répétitif, tout change quand vous débloquez les stratégies qui rendent les combats beaucoup plus stratégiques. Malheureusement le jeux est globalement facile même si les boss vont vous donner du fil à retordre.

    [ C'était ma première critique donc soyez indulgent ]    … Expand
  20. Risolu
    Aug 2, 2023
    10
    Still one of the best FFs in the series. Probably the best music among all FFs. Every chapter is a different and beautiful world. I dont care about how linear it is. FF7R was linear too and still loved. Also the endgame content is incredible. There is no FF with that many challenging bosses or things to do post game. The mythology is extremely deep. Probably the most complex world among all FFs
  21. neomoonsevin
    Jan 21, 2023
    10
    Took me years to understand where squarenix was going in terms of the mechanics and class switching I had play this years ago but back then I didn't like this but I endured and understood only afew weeks ago now I am keen to see the end now great game great franchise
  22. TheGreatNikakis
    Aug 4, 2022
    10
    A very late review, but i had to write it. Being the first game i've played in a major console i'm probably biased while scoring this game. The good parts of the game are the battle systems, the visual effects and the it's music, with all three being incredible. I also loved it's liner nature. However, the characters, besides Lightning and maybe Snow are not memorable and the story is kindA very late review, but i had to write it. Being the first game i've played in a major console i'm probably biased while scoring this game. The good parts of the game are the battle systems, the visual effects and the it's music, with all three being incredible. I also loved it's liner nature. However, the characters, besides Lightning and maybe Snow are not memorable and the story is kind of convoluted. A more objective rating should be a 7.… Expand
  23. wmurphy011
    Sep 27, 2022
    10
    While the Xbox version is inferior to Playstation (as all cross platform Games are) it's still and amazing game. The magic here is not lost.

    Be aware of a massive number of falsely posted negative reviews for this game for each console. This was one of the first video games to be review bombed by people who have never played it. I have spoken to countless people over the years who try to    While the Xbox version is inferior to Playstation (as all cross platform Games are) it's still and amazing game. The magic here is not lost.

    Be aware of a massive number of falsely posted negative reviews for this game for each console. This was one of the first video games to be review bombed by people who have never played it. I have spoken to countless people over the years who try to tall me it's not a good game. Every single time, these people prove that they've never even played the game. I always ask them about a certain, major, plot point that happens early in the game and they never have any idea as to what I'm talking about.    … Expand
  24. LastResource
    Jan 14, 2023
    10
    worth it and glad to play this game again. so much memories and nostalgia within this thirteenth game in the series.
  25. ZRHILDE
    Apr 6, 2023
    10
    Un gioco davvero bello sottovalutatissimo all uscita e rivalutato con l uscita xbox
  26. AllenC
    Mar 9, 2010
    9
    This game needs to be enjoyed for what it is, not despised for what it isn't. On its own merits, I found this game to be incredibly enjoyable. The story was good and surprisingly character-driven when you think about it. The battle system, as has been noted, is great. The battles are the best of any FF game yet. I'm not going to complain about the lack of exploration in this This game needs to be enjoyed for what it is, not despised for what it isn't. On its own merits, I found this game to be incredibly enjoyable. The story was good and surprisingly character-driven when you think about it. The battle system, as has been noted, is great. The battles are the best of any FF game yet. I'm not going to complain about the lack of exploration in this game because that isn't what the game is about. The first five hours or so really stink. I felt that I was being treated like a bit of an idiot. The end makes up for that. Great game... though all-in-all not as compelling as X or XII.… Expand
  27. AnonymousMC
    Mar 14, 2010
    9
    Well worth its money. The graphics are stunning to say the least. The battlesystem is by far the best I've ever used. It's never boring, and it combines fast-paced action with tactic. I've a hard time seeing some "noob" being able to finish some bosses (without grinding for X hours), since it requires a deep understanding of the game mechanics. It's true that the game Well worth its money. The graphics are stunning to say the least. The battlesystem is by far the best I've ever used. It's never boring, and it combines fast-paced action with tactic. I've a hard time seeing some "noob" being able to finish some bosses (without grinding for X hours), since it requires a deep understanding of the game mechanics. It's true that the game is alot of cinematics and fighting, and little else. Personally I don't have any problems with this, and neither should any true RPG-lover. The characters are good, and the story tight. However, for the first 25hrs (50-60% of the game), you don't really get alot of freedom in anything. This will change as you arrive at Gran Pulse, where you'll be able to take up a great deal of sidequests (even if they all are about "kill this mob for me"), which rewards you with nice stuff. All in all, it's a great game if you enjoy long stories with engaging characters and some j-grinding! … Expand
  28. JamesK
    Mar 10, 2010
    9
    A truly excellent title with the feel of Final Fantasy 10 in terms of camera or graphics, with the classic sensibilities from Final Fantasy 7, 8, and 10 that is most obvious in the characters or environments that I found to be immensely entertaining and likable. Each character has a complex background story to them as well which pushes the epic, lore-rich story further along. The only A truly excellent title with the feel of Final Fantasy 10 in terms of camera or graphics, with the classic sensibilities from Final Fantasy 7, 8, and 10 that is most obvious in the characters or environments that I found to be immensely entertaining and likable. Each character has a complex background story to them as well which pushes the epic, lore-rich story further along. The only problems are the quite often insanely hard battles, mostly the boss battles, but this finally makes strategy an important option by finally forcing you to use Elemental Resistance accessories you'd never use in other RPG's; even buffs such as Protect or Shell which you'd never use in some Final Fantasy games. Another problem is the slow starting point to the game, where the game follows a linear path for the first 15 hours or so, but it slowly opens up and gets better as you gain more abilities at your disposal and the beautiful world opens up to you. It is understandable for some to not like this game, but many Final Fantasy fans and veterans such as me will love this game! For newcomers, a lore rich world and intense combat system awaits!… Expand
  29. robynk
    Mar 13, 2010
    9
    Quite good overall. I expect a lot of traditional fans will not like it as much as previous titles due to the gameplay changes (honestly it almost handles more like a recent-gen Shin Megami Tensei title). That said, it is - of course - very pretty, and the characters are engaging and likable. Those saying the plot and map are too linear must have chronic amnesia, as 13 is really no more Quite good overall. I expect a lot of traditional fans will not like it as much as previous titles due to the gameplay changes (honestly it almost handles more like a recent-gen Shin Megami Tensei title). That said, it is - of course - very pretty, and the characters are engaging and likable. Those saying the plot and map are too linear must have chronic amnesia, as 13 is really no more linear a plot or map than 10 was and it does nothing to detract from the story - which is the whole idea. Kudos, Square, I liked this one and will be replaying it.… Expand
  30. JeremyN
    Mar 14, 2010
    9
    I must be missing something. This, to me, is the best RPG to come out in a long time. Possible dislikes: Battle system due to it being rather new, and the linearity. I'll start with the battle system. Generally speaking, you're not choosing each character's actions, since the auto select is intelligent enough and you want to keep the chain level high. But really, I must be missing something. This, to me, is the best RPG to come out in a long time. Possible dislikes: Battle system due to it being rather new, and the linearity. I'll start with the battle system. Generally speaking, you're not choosing each character's actions, since the auto select is intelligent enough and you want to keep the chain level high. But really, you're avoiding grunt work, and making higher level decisions about the way you want your party to work together. And, strange as it may seem, I found this to be the most strategic and engaging battle system that I've ever seen in an RPG. The linearity thing... well, I haven't gotten all the way through yet, though I'm sure that at some point soon I'll be getting an airship or something. I don't stress linearity in RPGs - they're all going to the same ending. They've been programmed in advance, people. Actually, I'd rather have an RPG that revels in its linearity, making one very strong core story (FFXIII is the most mature/followable story in the franchise as far as I can tell), as opposed to giving the illusion of control at the expense of real quality story telling. Anyway, I think that FFXIII is the best RPG I've played in over 10 years. I just get the feeling that square/enix paid the wrong people to write reviews, or didn't pay the right people. I truly don't understand how reviewers can have such high praise for anything Bioware, and then turn around and spit on this amazing game.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

45
#45 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2010
12
#12 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2010
22
#22 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 54 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 43 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 54
  3. Negative: 2 out of 54
  1. GamesRadar+
    100
    The streamlined, focused structure eliminates potential tedium without dumbing anything down, and the battle system strikes an elegant balance between strategy and fast-paced action. Stunningly beautiful graphics and a pervasively meticulous level of polish throughout only add to the experience.
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  2. Vandal
    92
    We can't assure it is a turning point in the series, but it manages to make fights fun and it's no doubt an outstanding game.
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  3. Official Xbox Magazine
    90
    While the game's first 10 hours still give me pause, the 60 magnificent hours after those initial steps onto Cocoon make up for the tunnel-vision tutorial. [Apr 2010, p.68]
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