Final Fantasy XIII

[The Mike]

Remember this from E3?

Final Fantasy XIII is headed to the Xbox 360 as well as the PS3.

Trailer here: http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/19936

Well check this out:

SQUARE ENIX
"Don't Think About Final Fantasy XIII Xbox 360 Right Now"
During this past weekend's Square Enix event, Final Fantasy XIII director and scenario writer Motomu Toriyama reassured the fans that the game's development hasn't changed. What's more, he continued:

We're making the PS3 version first, and then porting to the 360 later.... I'm telling [the development team] to not think about the Xbox 360 right now. We can think about it after the development kits arrive... Right now, we're fully concentrating on the PS3 version.

Well that's good. The bad news is that, as GameSpot notes, the PS3 version will mostly likely be held back for that simultaneous platform release in North America and Europe. Wonder if the same will be true for Japan, where the Xbox 360 hasn't been announced. Boy, multi-platform is tricky!

Square Enix: 360 FFXIII development hasn't begun [GameSpot via EDGE]

[Jesseawilson]

I have played every Final Fantasy game released in the US since the first one and was extremely disappointed with XII. The stupid line that arched from the character to the enemy, the play control, the AI, the battle mode. I think I played it for maybe 30 minutes and it has been sitting in my cabinet ever since. I really hope they go back to the style of FF that I loved FF7-F10.

Anyone know anything about 13?

[Sick Boy 82]

Well, I wouldn't get this for the 360 even if it came out first. This will be a PS3 only for me!!! God I can't wait for 2009 or 2010, whenever this game comes out!!!!!

[Havok]

Well I only have a 360 and don't have a PS3, although I want to get one sometime down the line. I was looking forward to this releasing on the 360 and PS3 at the same time, as I thought that's what the original announcement meant. Oh well, maybe I'll be able to get a PS3 before this comes out, if not I guess it'll be an even longer wait.

[Darth Waller]

From GameSpot:
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6203284.html?tag=latestheadlines;title;1

Final Fantasy XIII exclusive to Japan in 2009

At this year's Tokyo Game Show, Square Enix debuted a new trailer for Final Fantasy XIII, its highly anticipated role-playing game slated to arrive for both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Aside from the eye candy, Square Enix's trailer also offered the tantalizing promise of a 2009 launch date.

Unfortunately, that promise of a 2009 release apparently applies only to Japan, given that the game isn't going to make it to the US or Europe until the second quarter of 2010 at the very earliest. The news emerged as Square Enix, the game's developer, delivered projections for the remainder of its current fiscal year, which ends March 31.

Square Enix president Yoichi Wada told Reuters that the game was on track for a 2009 PS3-exclusive launch in Japan, with international launches for the Xbox 360 and PS3 coming "in the business year from April 2010 or later."

[Bardoon]

FFVII was the last good one to me.

I didn't care for the style, story and characters of FFVIII, FFIX, FFX and I completely skipped FFs after that. The stupid colorful "punk-Japanese" boy styles are crap and repetitive...this used to be a series that would INNOVATE every time it came around...now it's more of the same.

[Roc74]

looks like another trailer.... has a little more footage of gameplay:

http://www.finalfantasy13game.com/

[MooMooEgg]

FFVII was the last good one to me.

I didn't care for the style, story and characters of FFVIII, FFIX, FFX and I completely skipped FFs after that. The stupid colorful "punk-Japanese" boy styles are crap and repetitive...this used to be a series that would INNOVATE every time it came around...now it's more of the same.

Well, don't forget that the FF games are made primarily for the Japanese audience and everywhere else in the world just gets the resulting translation. I've heard a lot of complaints about the art style of the newer FF games ("It's too Japanese"), but what do you expect?

So you played FF I-VI in the original release order? I'd think most non-Japanese players grew up with I, IV, VI, then VII. Yes, II (IV) was a huge jump in quality compared with I, but honestly, FFIII (VI) wasnt revolutionary compared with II (aside from graphics and story). IMO, I think people just find VII really outstanding because of the jump to 3D graphics.. it really helped people better connect with the characters.

Square did tinker with the formula radically after VII (GFs for VIII, a throwback to classic FF with IX, the sphere system for X, a DIRECT sequel and the dressphere system for X-2, MMORPG for XI, and a 1-player pseudo-MMORPG system for XII. I'd say that's a little bit of innovation there...

[Eternal_D]

what the hell...don't hold it back...who cares about the ppl who own a 360...give me my FF13 first for the ps3!!
damn, I coulda swore I read somehwere this game was due out in march...guess not anymore.

[Eternal_D]

I''m probably one of the few ppl who dislikes ff7...i mean really, just because it's 3d makes it good? come on...that made it worse for me cuz everything looked like ****! I honestly like ff8 more than ff7 just because of the graphics.

[Havok]

So this isn't gonna be coming out till 2010 in the U.S. now? I wonder if it'll be for PS3 and 360 simultaneously when it does release, or are they still holding firm to the don't worry about 360 until it's out for PS3?

[darthviper107]

It will be released on PS3 in Japan by the end of this year. The U.S. version will be released simultaniously on Xbox 360 and PS3 (probably next year) no matter which one gets done first. That's part of the deal with Microsoft, the Xbox 360 version is coming out the same time as the PS3 version.

[Havok]

Well that's good news that they'll be releasing simultaneously, as it'll probably be the 360 version that I end up playing.

[Serpentor]

Them being released at the same time is probably the cause of the massive wait for North America (Square has said April 2010) The 360 version is only going to begin development once they have started localization of the NA version of the game. Which only starts when the Japanese version of the game is finished. Square Enix have a bizarre way of doing things.

[Karma]

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[MooMooEgg]

I love the way the black guy shoots his guns :rotfl:rotfl:rotfl

The game looks fantastic so far. I have a feeling I'm going to be getting the PS3 version since the game was actually designed for that system.

[plasmid303]

I love the way the black guy shoots his guns :rotfl:rotfl:rotfl

The game looks fantastic so far. I have a feeling I'm going to be getting the PS3 version since the game was actually designed for that system.

Either you get the PS3 version or wait an extended amount of time for the 360 version. The game isn't being simultaneously developed for both systems. The PS3 version comes first.

[kobayashi93]

:drool Karma's post...:drool

[THX-182]

This game looks pretty good so far. I'm not usually one for games that take such a long time but this one is beautiful.

[darthviper107]

Either you get the PS3 version or wait an extended amount of time for the 360 version. The game isn't being simultaneously developed for both systems. The PS3 version comes first.

It's not but the PS3 release will be delayed so that both versions can be released at the same time. But in Japan it's only coming out on PS3 and will probably be out before the end of the year.

[plasmid303]

It's not but the PS3 release will be delayed so that both versions can be released at the same time. But in Japan it's only coming out on PS3 and will probably be out before the end of the year.

Yeah I just double checked that.

This is all your fault, Xbox 360 owners, you cockblockers.

[Yodee]

Yeah I just double checked that.

This is all your fault, Xbox 360 owners, you cockblockers.

i reckon!! they should just keep the final fantasy games on ps3s like MGS...tho i own both consoles but i cant wait to play this game omg :peace:peace

[Cloud]

I''m probably one of the few ppl who dislikes ff7...i mean really, just because it's 3d makes it good? come on...that made it worse for me cuz everything looked like ****! I honestly like ff8 more than ff7 just because of the graphics.

I hadn't played any Final Fantasy games before I played VII. I didn't like it for the graphics, which were amazing at the time. I liked it for the storyline. It's the only RPG that I saw through to the end just because I had to see how the story went. Usually I don't have the patience for RPGs, which was true in the case of FFVIII, FFVI, and FFX-2, all of which I started and couldn't get very far into because the tediousness overshadowed the stories.

[darthviper107]

This will be my first FF game, really if it weren't coming out on Xbox 360 then I probably wouldn't play it.

[plasmid303]

Release date confirmed for U.S. and other territories - March 9th, 2010.

Announcement trailer complete with cheesy informercial salesman guy:
<div style="width: 480px;"><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="gtembed" width="480" height="392"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.gametrailers.com/remote_wrap.php?mid=58996"/><param name="quality" value="high" /> <embed src="http://www.gametrailers.com/remote_wrap.php?mid=58996" swLiveConnect="true" name="gtembed" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" allowFullScreen="true" quality="high" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="392"></embed> </object><div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana; text-align: center; width: 480px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; background-color: black; height: 32px;"><div><a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://www.gametrailers.com" title="GameTrailers.com">Video Games</a> | <a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://www.gametrailers.com/game/final-fantasy-xiii/2649" title="Final Fantasy XIII">Final Fantasy XIII</a> | <a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://www.gametrailers.com/video/dynasty-doc-final-fantasy/58996" title="Dynasty Doc">Dynasty Doc</a></div><div style="padding-top: 3px;"><a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://xbox360.gametrailers.com/" title="XBox 360">XBox 360</a> | <a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://ps3.gametrailers.com/" title="PS3">Playstation 3</a> | <a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://wii.gametrailers.com/" title="Wii">Nintendo Wii</a></div></div></div>

Also, this is a minor detail but could be significant for some fans: Some of the songs in the Japanese game will be replaced with tracks from U.K. singer Leona Lewis for the U.S. and international release.

[daikkenaurora]

Hopefully XIII is better than XII... what a disappointment.

[kobayashi93]

Kick ***. I can't wait. I wish it could have hit before the end of the year. I need a game I can put 50+ hours into... I'll be getting the super duper decked out collector's edition on release day.

[MooMooEgg]

Kick ***. I can't wait. I wish it could have hit before the end of the year. I need a game I can put 50+ hours into... I'll be getting the super duper decked out collector's edition on release day.

Oh god, I know what you mean. I'm so tired of playing games that I can beat in 5 hours.

[Cloud]

Damn. You guys have a lot of free time!

[plasmid303]

Oh god, I know what you mean. I'm so tired of playing games that I can beat in 5 hours.

I actually prefer shorter games nowadays. I mean, 5 hours is still too short, but 10-15 is just right.

I can't sit in one place and sink 40+ hours in one game like I used to be able to. Thank goodness for mobile gaming.

However, for Final Fantasy XIII, I'll give it my best shot to avoid daily priorities like friends and work and hygiene.

[kobayashi93]

Damn. You guys have a lot of free time!
I'm still a student, so yeah. I do.:lol Chipping away an hour or so between classes adds up quick. I think I put 90+ into FF XII...

[plasmid303]

This is out tomorrow in Japan. It's been a long time since I've been envious of Japanese gamers who've gotten a game months before their neighbors on other shores. I think that's because western gaming has risen to significance in the last few years and there hasn't been a Japanese-produced game that has had as much attention and demand. The big ones, like Metal Gear Solid 4, had worldwide simultaneous launch dates.

As I read launch day impressions and watched videos of Square-Enix's Japanese launch events, I've been reminded of how special Final Fantasy is to a lot of people, and that it can still invoke raw excitement in me that I haven't felt for the franchise in a long, long time. I've also realized how long it's been since I've played and loved a Final Fantasy game (FFX was the last one I completely sunk myself into).

Launch day lines for FFXIII:
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Kotaku's launch day impressions:
http://kotaku.com/5428278/final-fantasy-xiii-launch-day-with-our-man-in-tokyo

March is a long time away, it feels.

[action-Jon]

Hey guys, I wrote a post on FFXIII figures, Snow Villiers, Oerba Dia Vanille and Lightning arrived to Europe, let me know if I have any errors with the info: Final Fantasy XIII action figures (http://actionfiguresbuff-jon.com/final-fantasy-xiii-action-figures/)

[SOLIDSNAKE]

I got my limited eddition preo at eb games.
I cant wait to play this game.

[MooMooEgg]

I got my limited eddition preo at eb games.
I cant wait to play this game.

theres a LE version?

[Raikirik]

I thought that the LE was only announced for EU so far?

[hairlesswookiee]

Isn't it a national holiday when there's a FF release??

[ink]

I got my limited eddition preo at eb games.
I cant wait to play this game.

what's the LE have in it?

[Raikirik]

I went to EB today and they don't even have the LE in their system :confused:

[ink]

I am gonna do the smart thing & buy the guide book :lol

[Starkiller]

I really want this game but I'm scarred of all the mixed reviews.

[plasmid303]

I went to EB today and they don't even have the LE in their system :confused:

You should go check now. The thing is, Square-Enix is only releasing solid info about the game on the 13th of every month leading up its release, so you should contact your game store now to see if they have a pre-order available for the LE now.

I really want this game but I'm scarred of all the mixed reviews.

I think if you keep your expectations in check then FFXIII will be fulfilling. Sadly, the world has moved on from JRPGS, which is a genre that hasn't seen a lot of growth or innovation in almost a decade. Western RPGs have become so popular now, and a lot of the reviews reflect that preference.

[Starkiller]

Yeah I dunno, I'll wait and see full reviews.

[beerninja]

People have been playing this live on justinTV since last year if you guys want to check it out (link below). Some of the broadcasters even broadcast in very high quality, somewhere just below 720p I would say. Just look at all the pictures on the list and see if you can spot a FF13 one. If you don't see anything then check back around midnight through 3AM because that's primetime and there's lots of broadcasts.

I'm still wondering what the theme song is going to be like now that they've gotten rid of the original japanese one and replaced it with Leona Lewis's "My Hands" which by itself sounds ok but it's not written at all for the game...

http://zh-tw.justin.tv/directory?order=hot&lang=ja

[kobayashi93]

Apparently these are PS3 vs 360 pics. PS3 looks a lot smother in the original size imo.

360
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w55/kobayashi93/ffxiii_event03_02.jpg

PS3
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w55/kobayashi93/ffxiii_event01.jpg

[Raikirik]

Less than two weeks left!

[Auron_X]

According to The Magicbox (who got their info from Gamespark), the PS3 version will be nearly two times the size as the 360 version. 360 will take up about 18 GB, while the PS3 will take up 38...

So take that for whatever it's worth.

[Starkiller]

PS3 for the win! Better on PS like it should be, always should be.

[SwedishHeat]

Squenix confirmed 3 discs for 360, so that's 8GB x3 = 24 GB. Assuming all those discs are full. FF7's last disc was pretty much just the last boss battle, so who knows??

All I know is, I wasn't enthralled with FF12, so I might just sit this one out, unless this one gets rave reviews. But then again, every time a FF game comes out it gets rave reviews, it's not till a year or two later, when people start saying "Yeah, that one sucked."

I kinda hope this one has LESS stuff to do. FF12 still taunts me with all those ridiculous beast hunts. It's like I feel like I should complete it, because I want to get everything out of it, but all that grinding is just lame.

[Starkiller]

There is no excuse for more than one disc this gen.

So wait the 360 needs 3 discs because it's on DVD, but the PS3 has one disc due to blu-ray storage space?

[SwedishHeat]

Yup, that's pretty much how it is.

It's pretty funny, it reminds me of the FF7 ad with the 2-page spread of the Junon Cannon and the tagline, "You Can't Fit This on a Cartridge".

[plasmid303]

Apparently these are PS3 vs 360 pics. PS3 looks a lot smother in the original size imo.

360
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w55/kobayashi93/ffxiii_event03_02.jpg

PS3
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w55/kobayashi93/ffxiii_event01.jpg

That is quite a noticeable difference! Does the 360 not have enough resources to add some Anti-aliasing to the graphics? Looks jagged and blocky. :lol

[darthviper107]

That is quite a noticeable difference! Does the 360 not have enough resources to add some Anti-aliasing to the graphics? Looks jagged and blocky. :lol

Honestly, I think the Xbox 360 has the capability, but considering that it was developed for PS3 I'm guessing they didn't work as hard to make it look as good.

It actually looks like it's running at a lower resolution. Some other shots show it more, and most games render at 720p and this much be less---honestly I wouldn't be surprised if the render resolution for the 360 version was somewhere just a bit north of SD

[plasmid303]

It actually looks like it's running at a lower resolution. Some other shots show it more, and most games render at 720p and this much be less---honestly I wouldn't be surprised if the render resolution for the 360 version was somewhere just a bit north of SD

Wouldn't surprise me if that was the case. If I remember right, there are a number of 360 games that didn't run at actual 720p. One would be Halo 3 and possibly ODST. And this extends to why I don't think the 360 could handle the burden of anti-aliasing if you're right and the 360 port of FFXIII doesn't run at the same res as the ps3 version.

[Raikirik]

I tried to take one of those cardboard stand up thingies that they set up in stores. It didn't happen :(

[Havok]

I tried to take one of those cardboard stand up thingies that they set up in stores. It didn't happen :(
So you just tried to grab one and run out of the store? :lol

[Raikirik]

So you just tried to grab one and run out of the store? :lol

I thought about that at first but then my conscience kicked in :lol

I asked and they said they were going to be needing it for the next month or two.

Will try again!

[Yodee]

im selling my xbox

[ink]

I tried to take one of those cardboard stand up thingies that they set up in stores. It didn't happen :(

chicken :rotfl

[Karma]

ign - 8.3/10

[MooMooEgg]

ign - 8.3/10

Wow, that's low for a major FF game. =(

[plasmid303]

ign - 8.3/10

IGN UK - 8.3/10

Just a bit of clarification. Not that it goes against the current status quo for reviews of this game.

[BadMoon]

ign - 8.3/10

Hmmm where did you see this Karma. I went to check out the review and got this! I wonder if Square made IGN take down there review. I have never seen and FF game get this low of reviews.

March 4, 2010 - Many of you are looking forward to IGN's review of Final Fantasy XIII. It's safe to say this is one of the most highly anticipated games of the year. We're excited for it too. Our original plan was to publish the review Friday, March 5. However, the review will hit early the following week instead.

We were given a PS3 build of Final Fantasy XIII first, which became our primary build to play through for review. Unfortunately, PS3 systems around the world were rendered useless for more than a day. This affected our debugs as well and made it impossible for our reviewer, Ryan Clements, to play the game.

We feel it's important that Ryan finish an entire playthrough and have time to reflect on Final Fantasy XIII before writing a review and deciding on a score. You can expect impressions on the first 30 hours of the game to go live this Friday. The review will be up on Monday, March 8.

Thank you for your understanding.

Editor-in-Chief,

Hilary Goldstein

[Havok]

The main thing I got from the IGN UK review is the game can really restrict you and it takes quite a while to finally open up some. I don't think it'll bother me too much though. Granted I haven't played alot of FF's, with XI being the main one I played, but I've played plenty of linear games before. Technically the review said it's outstanding and the combat system is fantastic, so I'm still looking forward to playing it.

[kobayashi93]

The IGN UK review is not good. You can't win them all I suppose.

I guess we are not getting a collector's edition in the states...I've yet to see and announcement. :confused::mad:

[BadMoon]

The IGN UK review is not good. You can't win them all I suppose.

I guess we are not getting a collector's edition in the states...I've yet to see and announcement. :confused::mad:

I kinda like the idea of no towns. LOL! I hate having to talk to so many people sometimes. hahaha!

[MooMooEgg]

I kinda like the idea of no towns. LOL! I hate having to talk to so many people sometimes. hahaha!

The concept is curious, I'll have to agree. Even with all the negative aspects, I'm hoping that the story will be the main focus.

Sometimes it's frustrating to play a huge RPG and forget what the story is about because you're exploring so much and level grinding all the time. I've played FF Tactics so many times, yet can't remember ANYTHING about the story. I also don't remember anything about FFXII's story or characters.

Yeah, the reviews are saying the story isn't epic, but as long as I remember the major plot points and like the characters, I'll be happy.

And it's good to hear that the battle system is fun. I'm still not sold on the Transformers-style summons though... It seems too out there...

[kobayashi93]

I'm cool with no towns.

The review is rather critical on the character and story development. That's what has me concerned.

I'm just happy that I have a game I can put 60+ hours into.:D

[Karma]

82/100

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/game/final-fantasy-xiii/review/

[BadMoon]

82/100

http://www.xbox360achievements.org/game/final-fantasy-xiii/review/

Man they have been working on this for so long. I expected better.

[Raikirik]

chicken :rotfl

I know :monkey2

[plasmid303]

1Up.com review (A-): http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3178230


Gametrailers review

<div style="width: 480px;"><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="gtembed" width="480" height="392"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="sameDomain" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.gametrailers.com/remote_wrap.php?mid=62719"/><param name="quality" value="high" /> <embed src="http://www.gametrailers.com/remote_wrap.php?mid=62719" swLiveConnect="true" name="gtembed" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" allowFullScreen="true" quality="high" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="392"></embed> </object><div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: Verdana; text-align: center; width: 480px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px; background-color: black; height: 32px;"><div><a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://www.gametrailers.com" title="GameTrailers.com">Video Games</a> | <a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://www.gametrailers.com/game/final-fantasy-xiii/2649" title="Final Fantasy XIII">Final Fantasy XIII</a> | <a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://www.gametrailers.com/video/review-final-fantasy/62719" title="Review">Review</a></div><div style="padding-top: 3px;"><a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://xbox360.gametrailers.com/" title="XBox 360">XBox 360</a> | <a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://ps3.gametrailers.com/" title="PS3">Playstation 3</a> | <a style="color:#FFFFFF;" href="http://wii.gametrailers.com/" title="Wii">Nintendo Wii</a></div></div></div>

[Solidus]

Honestly, I don't care about the scores for this game. As long as it's Final Fantasy, I must have it! Except for "Crisis Core", I haven't been disappointed with a single game in the series.

Although, I must say, that I am a bit concerned about the linear-based gameplay - added to the fact that there are no side-quests.

[Havok]

Yeah I take all reviews with a grain of salt, it is just one person's opinion after all. They do help me decide on a game sometimes but the reviews for XIII haven't been bad in my opinion, so I'm not worried.

[OSA]

Bring back the old 2D!

[plasmid303]

It's a big deal when a mainline FF game falters in review scores, and in that regard FFXIII is the first one in a long, long time not to get near universal acclaim. As it stands, I think many get the sense that 4-5 years of anticipation won't pay off as highly as it could have. It's a true sign that the Japanese game design aesthetic is dying out.

FFXIII was supposed to be the vanguard of the new-era of JRPGS. Most other Japanese development houses are waiting and seeing how it turns out. If a game like FFXIII stumbles, it's a bad thing for the industry, imo.

Still, I'm very much excited for it next week. I had tried the Japanese version a while back (friend imported it), but I didn't really concentrate enough to fully appreciate it.

[Raikirik]

I just got the game an hour ago! Haven't started playing it yet but will get to it soon!

[Havok]

Gamespot gave it an 8.5

Here's the link to the video review.....

http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/finalfantasy13/video/6252975/final-fantasy-xiii-video-review?hd=1

[Raikirik]

Alright so I've played through the PS3 version for about close to 3 hours now. Some of the dialogue is pretty cheesy in the beginning and you'll probably find some characters annoying since they behave like a stereotypical anime character. It doesn't bother me though, I'm pretty much used to it.

The english cast is great. I'm surprised at the amount of dialogue in this game. The story is barely interrupted by battles and even when you're traversing the land, your party members or other surrounding characters speak in the background.

[plasmid303]

Alright so I've played through the PS3 version for about close to 3 hours now. Some of the dialogue is pretty cheesy in the beginning and you'll probably find some characters annoying since they behave like a stereotypical anime character. It doesn't bother me though, I'm pretty much used to it.

The english cast is great. I'm surprised at the amount of dialogue in this game. The story is barely interrupted by battles and even when you're traversing the land, your party members or other surrounding characters speak in the background.

I bet you're talking about that teenage girl with the pink hair. I hear she has an australian accent but she's obviously a Japanese girl when it comes to mannerisms and gestures.

[Raikirik]

I bet you're talking about that teenage girl with the pink hair. I hear she has an australian accent but she's obviously a Japanese girl when it comes to mannerisms and gestures.

You've pretty much got it there but there's also one with the "Can't do" attitude. I think Sazh is probably the furthest from an anime character. The way his VA carries him out actually had me laughing a few times.

One thing that you guys should know is that the game isn't really 'open' to you during a large part of the beginning. The battles right at the beginning don't count count for anything at all except maybe small amounts of gil or item drops. Every option to enhance characters or battle strategies is limited to a certain point depending on where you're at. Expect to be stuck with the same weapon for a while as well because you barely get any gil to buy weapons from the shop and the items dropped by monsters aren't very sufficient for upgrading (which isn't available until much later as well).

I've actually run into battles in the game where I've had quite some difficulty. Some battles require you to change your strategy frequently via the Paradigm system, which I think is pretty cool because you get to open yourself up to more skills during play.

I'm still pretty 'early' on in the game and I'm enjoying it like crazy.

[BadMoon]

I actually think this game might be tailor made for me. I love RPG's but I hate the exploring part and I hate having to talk to a bunch of random people and get a bunch of useless information from them. So I think Square may have given me the perfect game. LOL! I pre-ordered my copy today and can't wait to play it. My favorite FF game and I know this will be like pissing in the fanboys cheerios but I loved 10. Thought the story was fantastic. Can't wait to play this one on Tuesday. :rock

[ink]

I gotta get a new hard drive to hold all that memory :rotfl

[MooMooEgg]

oh crap, I forgot my PS3 is almost out of HD space. >_<

[BadMoon]

I gotta get a new hard drive to hold all that memory :rotfl

This game is one game not meant to be played on the 360. I'm all PS3 with this one.

[plasmid303]

True, but the PS3 version requires an install too, just not the same kind as on the 360. How big is the 360 install? Must be tremendous, but can't you just install one disc at a time?

I must make some room on my ps3 hard drive. Last I checked, I only had about 3 gigs left.

[darthviper107]

You don't have to install games on the Xbox, in some games it can make things load faster but in some it doesn't, most of the time the decreased loading time isn't worth the trouble.

[plasmid303]

Oh yeah, slipped of the tongue (or I guess the finger), I forgot because I've installed practically every 360 game I own.

Even so, After what I've heard about the game's performance on the 360, I'm sure most would prefer to install FFXIII.

Still, FFXIII is a game that should be played on the PS3. That's the only time I'll ever make such a console-bias statement, I think. Mainline 3D FF games belong on Sony consoles. Call me a traditionalist, but whatever.

[BadMoon]

True, but the PS3 version requires an install too, just not the same kind as on the 360. How big is the 360 install? Must be tremendous, but can't you just install one disc at a time?

I must make some room on my ps3 hard drive. Last I checked, I only had about 3 gigs left.

I hate the playstation. However, I will always play on the system that is going to give me the best experience regardless. This game I am all PS3.

[darthviper107]

Oh yeah, slipped of the tongue (or I guess the finger), I forgot because I've installed practically every 360 game I own.

Even so, After what I've heard about the game's performance on the 360, I'm sure most would prefer to install FFXIII.

Still, FFXIII is a game that should be played on the PS3. That's the only time I'll ever make such a console-bias statement, I think. Mainline 3D FF games belong on Sony consoles. Call me a traditionalist, but whatever.


Actually, the Xbox 360 version has a better framerate than the PS3 version, but it's rendering at a lower resolution (like Halo 3) and the cinematics are much more compressed.

But really, there are some games that run slower when installed to the Xbox hard drive.

[plasmid303]

Actually, the Xbox 360 version has a better framerate than the PS3 version, but it's rendering at a lower resolution (like Halo 3) and the cinematics are much more compressed.

But really, there are some games that run slower when installed to the Xbox hard drive.

In that case I'll take the better looking game over slightly more consistent framerate. But priorities are priorities. I'm sure most will enjoy FFXIII on whatever console they have to get it for.

I've heard that some games run slower installed, but is FFXIII one of those games? If not, and even if FFXIII runs exactly the same installed as from the disc, wouldn't it be recommendable to install it so the disk drive doesn't have to spin?

[Vader AL]

In that case I'll take the better looking game over slightly more consistent framerate. But priorities are priorities. I'm sure most will enjoy FFXIII on whatever console they have to get it for.

I've heard that some games run slower installed, but is FFXIII one of those games? If not, and even if FFXIII runs exactly the same installed as from the disc, wouldn't it be recommendable to install it so the disk drive doesn't have to spin?

I install games on mine for that reason, no spin and less noise and less heat.

[darthviper107]

I bet there's a list somewhere saying which game runs better when installed. I think some people install it so they don't have the disc drive so loud

[BadMoon]

I bet there's a list somewhere saying which game runs better when installed. I think some people install it so they don't have the disc drive so loud

I usually install games on my 360 that has lots of talking. The damn system is so loud! It's my only gripe on the 360. The PS3 is nice and quiet. Lets just say I'm glad the bluray player is in the PS3 and not the 360. :lol

Damn I can't wait for this game. Although I just started Mass Effect 2. So it will be interesting trying to find the time to play them both.

[Raikirik]

The Final Fantasy XIII install is only 500 kb and even then, you don't see it under Game Data.

Like, come on guys, I have the game and questions are allowed :D

[darthviper107]

The Final Fantasy XIII install is only 500 kb and even then, you don't see it under Game Data.

Like, come on guys, I have the game and questions are allowed :D

500kb?

Is it a Flash game?

[BadMoon]

500kb?

Is it a Flash game?

:horror:banana:banana:banana

[bagelsncheesey]

IF i buy this, i'll be buying it for the PS3. even though i love my xbox much more, FF games have always been Sony... so Sony it will stay.

[BadMoon]

IF i buy this, i'll be buying it for the PS3. even though i love my xbox much more, FF games have always been Sony... so Sony it will stay.

You sir have the right idea! :rock:lecture

[Raikirik]

500kb?

Is it a Flash game?

I don't really know why it's so small but it is an indicator of how little is done with it. You're not prompted to install so I'm guessing it's just randomly accessed whenever it's needed. There are still "now loading" screens from time to time.

Or it's probably just a requirement and has nothing to do with installing. I've decided to take a break from playing. I get sooo addicted while I'm in the game sitting straight through 4 hours or more. The cutscenes in particular really draw my attention because of how fluid some of the movements are and for once we have proper mouth movements to fit the english voiceover.

One weird thing to note about the sound is that in some areas or battles, there's a lot of 'echoey' effects when it comes to voices or sound effects where there shouldn't be any.

[darthviper107]

I don't really know why it's so small but it is an indicator of how little is done with it. You're not prompted to install so I'm guessing it's just randomly accessed whenever it's needed. There are still "now loading" screens from time to time.

Or it's probably just a requirement and has nothing to do with installing. I've decided to take a break from playing. I get sooo addicted while I'm in the game sitting straight through 4 hours or more. The cutscenes in particular really draw my attention because of how fluid some of the movements are and for once we have proper mouth movements to fit the english voiceover.

One weird thing to note about the sound is that in some areas or battles, there's a lot of 'echoey' effects when it comes to voices or sound effects where there shouldn't be any.

I guess you don't realize how small 500kb is, it's not even enough space for one music file

[Vader AL]

IF i buy this, i'll be buying it for the PS3. even though i love my xbox much more, FF games have always been Sony... so Sony it will stay.

I may get the FF 360 but if I do I'll probably just sell the game to recoup some of my costs but I'd play it on the 360 because of the achievement points. I'm not an achievement whore but I would feel shorted every time a trophy popped up.

[SOLIDSNAKE]

tomorrow wooot !
cant wait to pick it up first thing in the morning.

[ink]

tomorrow wooot !
cant wait to pick it up first thing in the morning.

mine's comin from amazon. it'll be the 9th or 10th for me

[Raikirik]

I guess you don't realize how small 500kb is, it's not even enough space for one music file

At first I was mistakenly thinking 500 MB as that would make sense for it being used.

One reason that I could think of now is that it could be as you obtain trophies in the game you unlock themes for the PS3 which are automatically saved to the system under theme settings without you actually installing them. These of course, require space but it shouldn't be that much because they are just pretty much simple wallpapers with icons that aren't too flashy.

I do realize how small 500 KB is :D

[plasmid303]

Anyone getting the limited edition strategy guide? Heard it was uber thick.

[iron.jedi83]

Anyone getting the limited edition strategy guide? Heard it was uber thick.

i am, im a sucker for nice looking strategy guides even if i dont use it the first time through

[Havok]

If anyone's interested, IGN gave it an 8.9 It also said that towards the end of the game, there's a pretty massive difficulty spike and the battle system as a whole is pretty complex and challenging.

I haven't played most of the FF games and I know JRPG's can get pretty difficult, so I just hope I don't get too frustrated with it. I'm really looking forward to playing it, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's manageable.

[BadMoon]

i am, im a sucker for nice looking strategy guides even if i dont use it the first time through

I'm tempted to pick this up. Just because every FF game I have played I have had at least one boss battle that I had to cheat and I'm not affraid to admit it. LOL! I don't play many RPG's and I'm not so good with the leveling up part. I tend to just go through the game. So I usually hit a wall by playing this way and need all the help I can get. :monkey3

[Hulksmashed]

So, at first I was worried about linearity for the first 30 hours! I mean...its a FF for god sake! I had to remind myself though that this is the first FF for the next gen consouls! The big thing to keep in mind is that in the past, the game you bought is the game you played. With the new gaming paradigm the game you buy is generally just the beginning with more and more expansion packs hitting later on to keep the games fresh. Hopefully the first 30 hours is linear because they have a TON of expansion crap to add later on and they felt like the first 30 hours is nothing?

[kain4521]

360 achievements


Commando's Seal 15
Mastered the Commando role.

Ravager's Seal 15
Mastered the Ravager role.

Sentinel's Seal 15
Mastered the Sentinel role.

Saboteur's Seal 15
Mastered the Saboteur role.

Synergist's Seal 15
Mastered the Synergist role.

Medic's Seal 15
Mastered the Medic role.

Limit Breaker 30
Dealt 100,000+damage with a single attack.

Adamant Will 30
Felled a heavyweight of the lowerworld wilds.

Master's Seal 30
Fully developed all characters.

Treasure Hunter 80
Held every weapon and accessory.

Loremaster 80
Discerned the full attributes of 100 enemies.

Secret Achievements

Instrument of Fate 15
Took the first steps toward challenging an unjust fate.

Instrument of Dissent 15
Survived the Purge to confront a greater peril.

Instrument of Tragedy 15
Strode into danger's den and paid the consequences.

Instrument of Flight 15
Slipped through the net and lived to fight the day.

Instrument of Vengeance 15
Resolved to be more than a victim of circumstance,

Instrument of Survival 15
Evaded pursuers, though memories of the past still gave chase.

Instrument of Rebellion 15
Made plans to infiltrate enemy-occupied territory.

Instrument of Shame 15
Carried the burden of guilt to the end of the line.

Instrument of Wrath 15
Took the fight to the enemy's door.

Instrument of Truth 15
Recognized the true threat to the world's future.

Instrument of Hope 15
Traveled to the world below, seeking a way to alternate fate.

Instrument of Faith 30
Defied destiny's charge and embarked on a different path.

Instrument of Change 95
Witnessed the dawn of a new crystal legend.

Pulsian Pioneer 15
Took over 10,000 steps on the lowerworld surface

Gysahl Wreath 15
Discovered buried treasure with a little help from a chocobo.

Kelger's Cup 15
Completed all low-level Cie'th Stone missions.

Xezat's Chalice 15
Completed all mid-level Cie'th Stone missions.

Dorgann's Trophy 30
Completed all high-level Cie'th Stone missions.

Galuf's Grail 30
Completed all Cie'th Stone missions.

L'Cie Paragon 80
Earned a 5-star ranking for all Cie'th Stone missions.

Exorcist 30
Triumphed over undying lowerworld souls in seven fierce battles.

Floraphobe 30
Toppled a green terror and cut an oversized succulent down to size.

Natural Selector 30
Passed Titan's trials.

Superstar 80
Earned a 5-star ranking in the battle to determine the world's fate.

[kain4521]

PS3 trophies


Commando's Seal Bronze Trophy
Mastered the Commando role.

Ravager's Seal Bronze Trophy
Mastered the Ravager role.

Sentinel's Seal Bronze Trophy
Mastered the Sentinel role.

Saboteur's Seal Bronze Trophy
Mastered the Saboteur role.

Synergist's Seal Bronze Trophy
Mastered the Synergist role.

Medic's Seal Bronze Trophy
Mastered the Medic role.

Limit Breaker Silver Trophy
Dealt 100,000+ damage with a single attack.

Adamant Will Silver Trophy
Felled a heavyweight of the lowerworld wilds.

Master's Seal Silver Trophy
Fully developed all characters.

Treasure Hunter Gold Trophy
Held every weapon and accessory.

Loremaster Gold Trophy
Discerned the full attributes of 100 enemies.

Secret Trophies

Instrument of Fate Bronze Trophy
Took the first steps toward challenging an unjust fate.

Instrument of Dissent Bronze Trophy
Survived the Purge to confront a greater peril.

Instrument of Tragedy Bronze Trophy
Strode into danger's den and paid the consequences.

Instrument of Flight Bronze Trophy
Slipped through the net and lived to fight another day.

Instrument of Vengeance Bronze Trophy
Resolved to be more than a victim of circumstance.

Instrument of Survival Bronze Trophy
Evaded pursuers, though memories of the past still gave chase.

Instrument of Rebellion Bronze Trophy
Made plans to infiltrate enemy-occupied territory.

Instrument of Shame Bronze Trophy
Carried the burden of guilt to the end of the line.

Instrument of Wrath Bronze Trophy
Took the fight to the enemy's door.

Instrument of Truth Bronze Trophy
Recognized the true threat to the world's future.

Instrument of Hope Bronze Trophy
Traveled to the world below, seeking a way to alter fate.

Pulsian Pioneer Bronze Trophy
Took over 10,000 steps on the lowerworld surface.

Gysahl Wreath Bronze Trophy
Discovered buried treasure with a little help from a chocobo.

Kelger's Cup Bronze Trophy
Completed all low-level Cie'th Stone missions.

Xezat's Chalice Bronze Trophy
Completed all mid-level Cie'th Stone missions.

Instrument of Faith Silver Trophy
Defied destiny's charge and embarked on a different path.

Exorcist Silver Trophy
Triumphed over undying lowerworld souls in seven fierce battles.

Floraphobe Silver Trophy
Toppled a green terror and cut an oversized succulent down to size.

Natural Selector Silver Trophy
Passed Titan's trials.

Dorgann's Trophy Silver Trophy
Completed all high-level Cie'th Stone missions.

Galuf's Grail Silver Trophy
Completed all Cie'th Stone missions.

Instrument of Change Gold Trophy
Witnessed the dawn of a new crystal legend.

L'Cie Paragon Gold Trophy
Earned a 5-star ranking for all Cie'th Stone missions.

Superstar Gold Trophy
Earned a 5-star ranking in the battle to determine the world's fate.

Ultimate Hero Platinum Trophy
Acquired all trophies.

[Raikirik]

Anyone getting the limited edition strategy guide? Heard it was uber thick.

I have it on order, mostly for the artwork and its display capability with the game case and OST.

[action-Jon]

Check the review at toy-tma: http://www.toy-tma.com/electronic-toys/video-games/final-fantasy-xiii-review

Even though he didn't really played the game he distills some of the things he read about it.

[BadMoon]

Anyone start playing this yet?

[MooMooEgg]

Anyone getting the limited edition strategy guide? Heard it was uber thick.

I got the LE book, and it's pretty nice. It's about 275 pages thick and very simplistic in its execution (love the plain white cover, and it seems like everything is laid out nicely... I just skimmed through it and haven't really looked at it in depth - That's for the second playthrough).

Anyone start playing this yet?

I did the midnight gamestop pickup and played through a few hours. So far, it's VERY linear, but the battle system is extremely fun. I'm just waiting for some tougher enemies, because battles are pretty easy right now.

It's a VERY different experience compared to other FF games. HP is restored after battles and theres no MP. The leveling up is kind of like the sphere grid from FFX, and I haven't done any tweaking to the weapons yet, but weapon customization seems like the big micromanagement area in the game.

And damn, is the game pretty. at least for the PS3. I don't know how the 360 version compares.

I can't stand the two kids... stupid cutesy Japanese girl and whiney emo boy.

[BadMoon]

I got the LE book, and it's pretty nice. It's about 275 pages thick and very simplistic in its execution (love the plain white cover, and it seems like everything is laid out nicely... I just skimmed through it and haven't really looked at it in depth - That's for the second playthrough).



I did the midnight gamestop pickup and played through a few hours. So far, it's VERY linear, but the battle system is extremely fun. I'm just waiting for some tougher enemies, because battles are pretty easy right now.

It's a VERY different experience compared to other FF games. HP is restored after battles and theres no MP. The leveling up is kind of like the sphere grid from FFX, and I haven't done any tweaking to the weapons yet, but weapon customization seems like the big micromanagement area in the game.

And damn, is the game pretty. at least for the PS3. I don't know how the 360 version compares.

I can't stand the two kids... stupid cutesy Japanese girl and whiney emo boy.


I can't wait. It's killing me. And since I started playing Mass Effect 2 days ago I doubt I will play much of this until I beat that.

[plasmid303]

I just picked up my copy. Seems so odd that there isn't a Limited Edition for the U.S. release of this game. The folks in the UK got a swag-tastic limited edition, but not us.

Also picked up the limited guide book for the art. Can't wait to start playing later this evening when I get the chance.

[kobayashi93]

I'm so jealous to the UK for getting the LE.

I've been playing it for the last hour. The battle system is ridiculously fast paced so far. I haven't encountered the paradigm(sp?) system yet.

[iron.jedi83]

I just picked up my copy. Seems so odd that there isn't a Limited Edition for the U.S. release of this game. The folks in the UK got a swag-tastic limited edition, but not us.

Also picked up the limited guide book for the art. Can't wait to start playing later this evening when I get the chance.

yeah i was sad when i found out no Limited Edition for the U.S.:monkey2

[BadMoon]

Going to fire it up now and give it a try! :banana

[Solidus]

I'm definitely going to get FF 13, but since there's just a standard edition being released (without any bonus extras), I can wait. In addition, I hope that there's going to be DLC in the future. I can't imagine playing an FF game with just a linear storyline, and nothing else. I guess, that I've been spoiled by action RPGs like Fallout 3, and Dragon Age.

[Raikirik]

Anyone start playing this yet?

Like, last week!

I once again tried to get one of the cardboard stand up displays, this time at another store and was met with success! I didn't get to pick it up today but they told me they'll only be using it up until Friday because the manager hates those kinds of things. Lucky me.

[BadMoon]

About an hour in. Loving it so far. :cool: I need to stop playing it until I beat Mass Effect 2 though. There is no way I can tackle these both at once. :monkey2

[Jen]

I pre-ordered this but haven't decided if I'm actually going to pick it up or not.....the reviews have me thinking that maybe I'll wait and pick this up later at a cheaper price........

anyone else start it yet? I curious to hear what people think. If reviews are true that things don't really start rolling until after the 20th hours...I may end up passing on this one for now.

[darthviper107]

I've started playing and at first it's really slow, the first hour or two are just like the PS3 demo.

I can't give a full opinion about it since I haven't completed it (won't be for a while) but from what I've played (3 hours or so) it's got a very confusing plot that's not well explained, characters change their minds a lot and there's some really bad dialogue. I'm playing it on Xbox 360 and far as graphics go, it's not as bad as it seemed from the screenshots, but you can tell the difference, mainly from the hair which looks pixilated.

What's really puzzling is that there's pre-recorded ingame cinematics that look like they were recorded from the PS3 that are used from time to time, but are really unnecessary as far as making things run better, they could have easily done them as a regular realtime cinematic and saved some disc space (or improved the quality of the realistic cinematics which are heavily compressed as it is)

for PS3 owners, are there cinematics that are prerecorded in game?

[Raikirik]

I've started playing and at first it's really slow, the first hour or two are just like the PS3 demo.

I can't give a full opinion about it since I haven't completed it (won't be for a while) but from what I've played (3 hours or so) it's got a very confusing plot that's not well explained, characters change their minds a lot and there's some really bad dialogue. I'm playing it on Xbox 360 and far as graphics go, it's not as bad as it seemed from the screenshots, but you can tell the difference, mainly from the hair which looks pixilated.

What's really puzzling is that there's pre-recorded ingame cinematics that look like they were recorded from the PS3 that are used from time to time, but are really unnecessary as far as making things run better, they could have easily done them as a regular realtime cinematic and saved some disc space (or improved the quality of the realistic cinematics which are heavily compressed as it is)

for PS3 owners, are there cinematics that are prerecorded in game?

What is considered prerecorded? It does cut to a cinematic cutscene using the in game engine every now and then. I'm guessing if there wasn't anything prerecorded (aside from CG) then it would just be all considered seamless?

[darthviper107]

What is considered prerecorded? It does cut to a cinematic cutscene using the in game engine every now and then. I'm guessing if there wasn't anything prerecorded (aside from CG) then it would just be all considered seamless?

Prerecorded, like they had the cinematics already made in the game but they recorded them to a video file and played that in the game rather than having the game engine do the cinematic in real time. Usually they do that when the cinematic wouldn't be able to load fast enough (like if it's switching between scenes quickly) so they play a video of the cinematic instead of the actual cinematic.

In the Xbox 360 version it does it a lot when it really doesn't need to.

[Raikirik]

Prerecorded, like they had the cinematics already made in the game but they recorded them to a video file and played that in the game rather than having the game engine do the cinematic in real time. Usually they do that when the cinematic wouldn't be able to load fast enough (like if it's switching between scenes quickly) so they play a video of the cinematic instead of the actual cinematic.

In the Xbox 360 version it does it a lot when it really doesn't need to.

So how do you tell? Sorry I'm so noobish at this. There are some scenes that load during the game on PS3 made obvious by the Now Loading at the bottom of the screen. It also cuts to scenes where the screen turns black and starts another scene? Am I getting anywhere close to describing the proper thing?

[kobayashi93]

I'm enjoying it so far. I just beat Shiva.

The story is told in a fashion that I don't really like. Like they expect you to know what is going on already. I really dig the new battle and level up system. I get mad when I don't get 5 stars...

[Raikirik]

I'm enjoying it so far. I just beat Shiva.

The story is told in a fashion that I don't really like. Like they expect you to know what is going on already. I really dig the new battle and level up system. I get mad when I don't get 5 stars...

Yeah, you should read the datalog to fill in any gaps but I found the more I progressed the more I understood what was going on.

There are flashbacks as well which will give you an understanding as to what is going on. The Purge happens on Day 13 so the flashbacks go through the days before.

Advancing + Datalog + Flashback.

[plasmid303]

Prerecorded, like they had the cinematics already made in the game but they recorded them to a video file and played that in the game rather than having the game engine do the cinematic in real time. Usually they do that when the cinematic wouldn't be able to load fast enough (like if it's switching between scenes quickly) so they play a video of the cinematic instead of the actual cinematic.

In the Xbox 360 version it does it a lot when it really doesn't need to.

I've read somewhere (I think on 1up.com) that some cutscenes that are rendered real-time on the PS3 version are just compressed video files on the 360, so yeah, you're perceiving things correctly.

I'm about 3 hours in. I like it so far, generally, though the first 'dungeon' you're put into is incredibly dull and sparse, with rather boring level design and some dead-end pathways.

I like that the story is introduced in media res (in the middle of things).

[Odowankenobi]

I like the combat so far. it's very fast paced and intuitive. The Paradigm Shift mechanic is great. Sometimes you need a white mage, and sometimes you need three soldiers. They finally let you do that at will.

[darthviper107]

I've read somewhere (I think on 1up.com) that some cutscenes that are rendered real-time on the PS3 version are just compressed video files on the 360, so yeah, you're perceiving things correctly.

I'm about 3 hours in. I like it so far, generally, though the first 'dungeon' you're put into is incredibly dull and sparse, with rather boring level design and some dead-end pathways.

I like that the story is introduced in media res (in the middle of things).

It's easy to tell on the 360 if it's a recorded video rather than real time since the hair ends up looking nicer, but there's also compression artifacts that are noticeable in the picture that give it away.

But still it's puzzling that they did it that way, really there are lots of times where they could have just done it in real time like normal without the issue of not having enough resources.

[Vader AL]

It's easy to tell on the 360 if it's a recorded video rather than real time since the hair ends up looking nicer, but there's also compression artifacts that are noticeable in the picture that give it away.

But still it's puzzling that they did it that way, really there are lots of times where they could have just done it in real time like normal without the issue of not having enough resources.

they probably did it to save time on porting it.

[kobayashi93]

Yeah, you should read the datalog to fill in any gaps but I found the more I progressed the more I understood what was going on.

There are flashbacks as well which will give you an understanding as to what is going on. The Purge happens on Day 13 so the flashbacks go through the days before.

Advancing + Datalog + Flashback.
Yep. It's all pretty clear for me now.

I really dislike having to use the team of Sazh, Hope, and Vanille.:banghead

[Havok]

I'm enjoying it so far. I think I'm about 3 hours in or so and yeah the linearity is there but it doesn't really bother me. The combat system is nice so far but I'm just bracing myself for the inevitable difficulty spike.

The only things I have a small problem with is there's no way to pause the combat to use potions and input commands and all that. I know that's how they intended it though so it's not really a fault, I'm just more used to that kind of system. Also the story is somewhat confusing. I'm trying to grasp the whole thing but it's kinda hard so far.

Otherwise this game is great. :D

[plasmid303]

I hope the game actually takes some time to develop its story concepts with some show & tell instead of us players having to go into the Datalog to read about it.

I'm only about 4 hours in, and generally I don't mind if a game or a film drops its audience into the thick of things right off the bat, but man, if at 3-4 hours in I'm scratching my head as to what a Fal'Cie is or what whatever the game is doing something wrong.

[THX-182]

Got my copy today. I got it for the PS3 to keep it uniform because I have FF VII-X2 and XII on the Playstation. Probably be a little while before I get to it. I have so many other games to finish.

[BadMoon]

The story is told in a fashion that I don't really like. Like they expect you to know what is going on already. I really dig the new battle and level up system. I get mad when I don't get 5 stars...

I was going to post the same thing about the story. The only flaw I can see in this game is they make the assumption that you already know what the hell is going on. I didn't feel like reading the data logs last night so I think that will help. I was only going to play for an hour and well, that turned into about 4 hours. :lol I am loving it! Like I said earlier, a game that I don't have to run around and talk to a bunch of meaningless people is tailor made for me. So if that makes it linear for however amount of time I am 100% fine with that and applaud them for not wasting my time. :lol The graphics are what one would expect them to be from Square at this point. The story (although confusing) seems to be good too. I can't wait to play some more. I just got to the paradigm part where they teach you how to use all of that. What seemed simple just got a whole lot more involved. I turned it off after that so I could really go over it all again so I understand fully how it all works. Anyways this is another fantastic FF game. If you have played them and love them, then this will be no different. Enjoy! :duff

[kobayashi93]

I just beat Odin. It took me four attempts.:lol He's one of those bosses that makes you want to turn the system off.

[Raikirik]

Hahaha, the Shiva sisters were so much easier ne?

I've faced Brynhildr (Sazh's Eidolon) and even she seems easier than facing Odin.

[ink]

I just beat Odin. It took me four attempts.:lol He's one of those bosses that makes you want to turn the system off.

:monkey2:monkey2

[Havok]

I just beat Odin. It took me four attempts.:lol He's one of those bosses that makes you want to turn the system off.
That's not something I want to hear. :monkey2 :lol

[BadMoon]

How about you tea baggers start using spoiler tags if you want to share this ____. Is it really that hard? :dunno

[hairlesswookiee]

How about you tea baggers start using spoiler tags if you want to share this ____. Is it really that hard? :dunno

lol..I know right?? We need to have an official Spoiler thread if not.

[BadMoon]

Anyways I can't stop playing. I tried but I can't. The first real boss I got to I got my *** handed to me like 6 times. It's taking me a bit to adjust to the combat. To be honest the only RPG's I ever play are FF games. I've only ever beaten 10. LOL! I get frustrated. So this game I'm going to really try. As I expected I really like the no nonsense to the point game style. The graphics are amazing as well. After I read all the primer's the story (while still not making complete sense) is a bit easier to swallow.

[Raikirik]

They aren't really spoilers as they didn't reveal anything about advancing the plot in any way. We didn't say what the reason for facing them was.

Well, perhaps it ruined the surprise that you have to face them but otherwise you should be familiar with names like Odin and Shiva.

Sorry about that guys, will try to avoid 'spoiling' you in the future. Even went and edited my previous post. :monkey1

[kobayashi93]

No one posted anything in here that shouldn't have already been expected. That said I will post further progress reports in spoiler tag to prevent any further potential spoiling.

[Hulksmashed]

Anyways I can't stop playing. I tried but I can't. The first real boss I got to I got my *** handed to me like 6 times. It's taking me a bit to adjust to the combat. To be honest the only RPG's I ever play are FF games. I've only ever beaten 10. LOL! I get frustrated. So this game I'm going to really try. As I expected I really like the no nonsense to the point game style. The graphics are amazing as well. After I read all the primer's the story (while still not making complete sense) is a bit easier to swallow.

I think thats why they made the game the way they did. To draw in more people. Kinda irks me a bit, as the main reason I LOVE Final Fantasies is the open world and ability to accidentaly wonder into an area where the monsters can own with one hit.

Can someone tell me...is there opportunity for extra leveling, or is it so linear that basically everyone will be the same level after chapter 10?

[BadMoon]

I think thats why they made the game the way they did. To draw in more people. Kinda irks me a bit, as the main reason I LOVE Final Fantasies is the open world and ability to accidentaly wonder into an area where the monsters can own with one hit.

Can someone tell me...is there opportunity for extra leveling, or is it so linear that basically everyone will be the same level after chapter 10?

I leveled up until I could buy out all of the cystal grid thing for every character (level 1). The mini strat guide said there really isn't a point in doing this until later levels but I did it anyways.

[Hulksmashed]

I leveled up until I could buy out all of the cystal grid thing for every character (level 1). The mini strat guide said there really isn't a point in doing this until later levels but I did it anyways.

dang! You maxed your grid out in level 1?? Nice!

[BadMoon]

dang! You maxed your grid out in level 1?? Nice!

Yup! Took about an hour. LOL!

[Hulksmashed]

Yup! Took about an hour. LOL!

An hour?? Wait, is there more grid to fill up after level 1? Or did you max out the grid for the game in level 1 in an hour?

[BadMoon]

An hour?? Wait, is there more grid to fill up after level 1? Or did you max out the grid for the game in level 1 in an hour?

Just level 1 on the grid. Apparently other levels don't even open up until different chapters. So it's impossible for me to go any further.

[Raikirik]

The levels of the Crystarium are capped at certain points. If you gain enough CP you can max out a role (possibly 3) available for your character but it's kind of useless to grind for CP at the early stages of the game.

Progressing normally will net you the CP necessary to go through battles and advance. You'll get lots more CP from the enemies later on and this is where you're going to want to grind for it because all 6 roles will be available to each character.

[kobayashi93]

I like how they cap things off early. It means I have all the skills and power I need to take out the level's boss. So I don't waste time trying to develop when I don't need to.

Where are you at Raikirik?
I just beat a giant flower looking thing with a ton of HP. I'm about to start chapter 7.

[NASEDO]

I used to like leveling my guy up, making him badass. But I hate that I can only control the chic. I'm just getting the hang of the gameplay, dont know how good the game is yet.

[Raikirik]

I like how they cap things off early. It means I have all the skills and power I need to take out the level's boss. So I don't waste time trying to develop when I don't need to.

Where are you at Raikirik?
I just beat a giant flower looking thing with a ton of HP. I'm about to start chapter 7.

I'm past that part so I'll put stuff in a spoiler tag so you can read it if you want.

I have Sazh's summon which is the next one to be acquired after Odin. I'm on Chapter 9 and it looks like the whole party will finally be together again. You'll be facing quite a few regular enemies with a lot of HP and bosses with even more than that!

[isis_x10a]

I'm thinkin' about buying this game for my xbox. however, I would like to know, is the gameplay/fighting style same as Final Fantasy XII?

[BadMoon]

I'm thinkin' about buying this game for my xbox. however, I would like to know, is the gameplay/fighting style same as Final Fantasy XII?

No its an all new system.

[NASEDO]

I'm starting to think this game sucks. I'm in Chapter 4, but the battle system and leveling up sucks. And then where's the freedom of an RPG, I go down one path after another. I already started skipping the story cause I had no clue what was going on before. But the graphics are awesome, this game better pick up.

[NASEDO]

Just beat Odin, but I'm quiting this game. Its so linear, like running from point A to B. I loved FF12 but this is too boring. Time for a different Orgin in Dragon Age.

[plasmid303]

I felt the same way for the first 8 hours or so, and then I just came to accept it. I really disliked the characters at first. Lightning was kind of a _____, Snow was a douche, Hope was a whiny kid, Vanille...is kinda hot until she opens her mouth. The only cool character was Sazh, and he's pretty much the jive black guy, which is always great in an FF game.

The battle system was so boring, the Crystarium was bare-bones, inventory and customization was also anemic.

The game should open up at around chapter 12 or something, and the linearity should end then. Man, I really hope so.

As much as the game's world is pretty and interesting, it's not enough to keep me engaged.

[BadMoon]

I'm starting to think this game sucks. I'm in Chapter 4, but the battle system and leveling up sucks. And then where's the freedom of an RPG, I go down one path after another. I already started skipping the story cause I had no clue what was going on before. But the graphics are awesome, this game better pick up.

Yeah the story is confusing as hell. :confused::dunno But Im going to stick with it.

[Jen]

OK - I picked this up (though I wasn't going to) played about 20 minutes and I was bored to death. Now reading these last posts makes me wish I would have waited.
Man I hope this gets better, because aside from the killer graphics...it is major lame-o.

[hairlesswookiee]

Yeah the story is confusing as hell. :confused::dunno But Im going to stick with it.
Not sure I want to play this game now...or ever.
OK - I picked this up (though I wasn't going to) played about 20 minutes and I was bored to death. Now reading these last posts makes me wish I would have waited.
Man I hope this gets better, because aside from the killer graphics...it is major lame-o.

Thought you were gonna wait??? God of War III is out in 3 days!!!!

[Jen]

Thought you were gonna wait??? God of War III is out in 3 days!!!!

I was going to wait...but then I had a little extra change in my pocket and thought what the hell....I enjoyed the last couple FF games....but damn....I don't know if I'll make it through this one.

Well I'm definitely getting God of War III. Got it pre-ordered. :D I'll be dying for something decent to play after a few days of FF. :monkey2 Which bums me out....I wish I liked it. Oh well. Maybe I'll do another round of ME2 instead. :D

[THX-182]

Well these posts aren't giving me hope for this game. They love it and go nuts for it in Asia though.

But then again they love some weird ____ and neglect their children playing online games so there you go.

[Raikirik]

Wow, the story is not confusing at all.

[Jen]

Decided to take a FF break. I know...I've only played it for 20 minutes....but I'm just not into it. Perhaps I'm in a more action oriented mind frame after obsessing over ME2. I miss not aiming and shooting.

Going to play GoW I and II to get myself ready for III. Then I'll pick this up again and see if I like it better.

[hairlesswookiee]

Well these posts aren't giving me hope for this game. They love it and go nuts for it in Asia though.

Isn't it an actual national holiday whenever a FF gets released??

[plasmid303]

Isn't it an actual national holiday whenever a FF gets released??

:lol No it's not. The closest equivalent would be when a new Dragon Warrior (known in the U.S. as Dragon Quest) releases and productivity in Japan takes a huge hit.

[plasmid303]

Well these posts aren't giving me hope for this game. They love it and go nuts for it in Asia though.

But then again they love some weird ____ and neglect their children playing online games so there you go.

That's a bit of a generalization. There have been stories of obsessive gamers in China and Korea, but that doesn't really have any bearing on Final Fantasy (a franchise that is most popular in Japan and the U.S.). And is it any worse than reported incidents in the U.S. regarding gaming-related acts of violence?

[Jen]

OK...I decided to give it another shot. Played for a couple hours....it's getting a little bit better. I'm now at some crystal lake place. Anyway....still on the boring side but I'm hoping things pick up. Some of the reviews I read said things don't really kick in until the 20th hour mark...so I've got a ways to go yet.

[Vader AL]

OK...I decided to give it another shot. Played for a couple hours....it's getting a little bit better. I'm now at some crystal lake place. Anyway....still on the boring side but I'm hoping things pick up. Some of the reviews I read said things don't really kick in until the 20th hour mark...so I've got a ways to go yet.

Welcome Jen....I'm glad you're here.....I can't wait to find you....er...meet you.

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/8251/jasonm.jpg (http://img638.imageshack.us/i/jasonm.jpg/)

[THX-182]

That's a bit of a generalization. There have been stories of obsessive gamers in China and Korea, but that doesn't really have any bearing on Final Fantasy (a franchise that is most popular in Japan and the U.S.). And is it any worse than reported incidents in the U.S. regarding gaming-related acts of violence?

I was joking really but now that you mention it I have never seen it proved that games are truly the cause of violent acts in the USA. It's so easy to blame a game when someone goes nuts and here in America we love to pass the buck on some scapegoat. I never believe those "mortal kombat and GTA made me do it" excuses. Not to say they are not a factor in desensitizing but they aren't the cause.

Games in Asia have been proven to have disasterous results though. But that's another discussion for somewhere else.

[Jen]

Welcome Jen....I'm glad you're here.....I can't wait to find you....er...meet you.

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/8251/jasonm.jpg (http://img638.imageshack.us/i/jasonm.jpg/)

:rotfl:rotfl:rotfl:rotfl

Speaking of games and having an affect on people - I will admit that after playing GTA4 back in the day...I got in my car and damn did I have a major case of lead foot! :lol :lol I had to really concentrate to drive at the normal speed because I had gotten so used to speeding around on the game. :lol

A video game had never made me feel violent though. Maybe frustrated where I wanted to smash my controller - but never to go out and harm someone.

[plasmid303]

I was joking really but now that you mention it I have never seen it proved that games are truly the cause of violent acts in the USA. It's so easy to blame a game when someone goes nuts and here in America we love to pass the buck on some scapegoat. I never believe those "mortal kombat and GTA made me do it" excuses. Not to say they are not a factor in desensitizing but they aren't the cause.

Games in Asia have been proven to have disasterous results though. But that's another discussion for somewhere else.

You're right that it's a discussion for another place, but google "Mortal Kombat murder" and take a look at the results if you'd like. And there have been enough tragedies stemmed from mere arguements over a match in a video game that I don't even think I need to mention.

[THX-182]

Sorry to derail this further but I had to respond. I fail to see how it's Mortal Kombat's fault they killed the little girl. Just another case of passing the blame to try and duck responsibility. They knew that kicking and punching her was going to hurt her. They may have been pretending to be a MK character or whatever but so what? They could have been mimicking Bruce Lee instead. Had they said that would we blame him?

If I see my neighbor hit his wife can I hit mine and blame him? I saw him do it and I was only pretending to be him. Honest. Arrest him, not me.

[Raikirik]

OK...I decided to give it another shot. Played for a couple hours....it's getting a little bit better. I'm now at some crystal lake place. Anyway....still on the boring side but I'm hoping things pick up. Some of the reviews I read said things don't really kick in until the 20th hour mark...so I've got a ways to go yet.

Keep at it. There are things that gradually get added to the gameplay over the course of the game. The first two chapters were pure introduction. If you noticed, you didn't even get CP to increase your stats or expand your abilities.

Lake Bresha is still very early.

[bumblebee]

I'm on chapter 3 or maybe its chapter 4...either way its been very straight forward and boring so far. Game looks great but damn its boring right now. :(

[THX-182]

I'm on chapter 3 or maybe its chapter 4...either way its been very straight forward and boring so far. Game looks great but damn its boring right now. :(

Aren't games supposed to rope you in with the first few levels? How do they expect to keep your attention for a 30 hour game if the first 20 hours are boring as ____?

[Predator vs. Alien]

I actually never found the game to be boring(okay maybe my 1st hour playing) but it really picks up. You just have to give it a chance. It takes awhile for anything to take effect(upgrading, leveling up your weapons, ect.) but its all worth while.

[plasmid303]

Sorry to derail this further but I had to respond. I fail to see how it's Mortal Kombat's fault they killed the little girl. Just another case of passing the blame to try and duck responsibility. They knew that kicking and punching her was going to hurt her. They may have been pretending to be a MK character or whatever but so what? They could have been mimicking Bruce Lee instead. Had they said that would we blame him?

If I see my neighbor hit his wife can I hit mine and blame him? I saw him do it and I was only pretending to be him. Honest. Arrest him, not me.

I can understand what you mean, but the same applies to those parents you mentioned before. The ones who allowed their baby to die? They fed their kid rotten milk and hit and abused him when he cried. Is that the fault of a video game addiction? I don't think so. And who is to say those same parents didn't use their apparent addiction as a scapegoat?

It's all in the same boat. And this discussion has derailed from it's own purpose, that you're generalizing a whole race of people based on some broad inflection of a video game franchise you know little about.

Enough from me. I need to play some FFXIII now, and hopefully it stops being so boring soon, because I'm in this for the long haul. Please please please....

[THX-182]

[QUOTE=plasmid303;2385498a video game franchise you know little about.[/QUOTE]

Who said I know little about it? I have almost all the Final Fantasy games...

[ink]

I'm on chapter 3 or maybe its chapter 4...either way its been very straight forward and boring so far. Game looks great but damn its boring right now. :(

I just played the first 2 save points at the beginning. this game is frickin sweet. I like the way you can control both people in fights. I got 4 stars vs the thing with the saws & 5 stars vs everything else so far

[Kratos]

K I can't remember the last time I played a FF Game, I think it was FF5 on an Emulater or DS? Can't remember lol
Is this game worth picking up? It looks to be a beautiful game

[BadMoon]

A controller was almost just smashed. :lol I got to the ProtoFlorian Thing. Fought it for 20 minutes and died with him almost dead. Nothing like fighting for 20 minutes only to have to start over. ____! :monkey4:banghead:rotfl

[ink]

I'm level 3 on the ice lake. it takes a while to get the magic & skills set up

[ink]

A controller was almost just smashed. :lol I got to the ProtoFlorian Thing. Fought it for 20 minutes and died with him almost dead. Nothing like fighting for 20 minutes only to have to start over. ____! :monkey4:banghead:rotfl

:monkey2:monkey2

[NASEDO]

I thinking of putting my FF on ebay. I love RPG's and played every FF, but this to me is a let down. I still need to check out Star Ocean and Demon Souls but Dragon Age is by far the best RPG I played this year.

[BadMoon]

:monkey2:monkey2

Yeah it's the first challenging fight in the game. I was really pissed. :rotfl

[BadMoon]

I thinking of putting my FF on ebay. I love RPG's and played every FF, but this to me is a let down. I still need to check out Star Ocean and Demon Souls but Dragon Age is by far the best RPG I played this year.

To each their own. I'm loving this! :banana

[ink]

Yeah it's the first challenging fight in the game. I was really pissed. :rotfl

it took me 2 tries to kill the Cie

[hairlesswookiee]

Sorry to derail this further but I had to respond. I fail to see how it's Mortal Kombat's fault they killed the little girl. Just another case of passing the blame to try and duck responsibility. They knew that kicking and punching her was going to hurt her. They may have been pretending to be a MK character or whatever but so what? They could have been mimicking Bruce Lee instead. Had they said that would we blame him?

If I see my neighbor hit his wife can I hit mine and blame him? I saw him do it and I was only pretending to be him. Honest. Arrest him, not me.

This is exactly how I feel about the subject. I watch action/horror movies all the time. Watched them when I was a kid, teen, and still today...I turned out somewhat fine. I've never hit or fought someone and put the blame on someone/thing else. While I do agree in the sense that kids are influenced by this stuff to a point, but this is why Parents are supposed to do their jobs and educate their kids that its not real and just a game/movie.

[darthviper107]

I'm surprised at how short the first disc is--the game is supposed to be like 50 hours, but I had to change discs at 8

[kobayashi93]

A controller was almost just smashed. :lol I got to the ProtoFlorian Thing. Fought it for 20 minutes and died with him almost dead. Nothing like fighting for 20 minutes only to have to start over. ____! :monkey4:banghead:rotfl

That guy was a beast HP wise. I don't remember anything to hard about him though.

I'm about to start chapter 9.

[BadMoon]

That guy was a beast HP wise. I don't remember anything to hard about him though.

I'm about to start chapter 9.

Good for you! I have played him three times! The first time was no problem! I almost had him and then boom dead. I get worse every time I try now. I guess I'm over thinking it. :banghead

[kobayashi93]

You can do it.

I played for a bit today, until I got my *** kicked three times by a run of the mill enemy. Decided to turn it off for the day.:lol Tomorrow I'll try him again with one of the booster sprays.

[Starkiller]

THis game seems to be getting shredded by fans. I read and watched the reviews and decided it wasn't like the FF I remember. I'm glad I passed.

[BadMoon]

You can do it.

I played for a bit today, until I got my *** kicked three times by a run of the mill enemy. Decided to turn it off for the day.:lol Tomorrow I'll try him again with one of the booster sprays.

Just beat that ____! 4th try! :rock The ____er! :banana

[BadMoon]

THis game seems to be getting shredded by fans. I read and watched the reviews and decided it wasn't like the FF I remember. I'm glad I passed.

That's because people don't adapt to change well. I love this game. It is every bit a FF game to me. :cool:

[karamazov80]

Wife got this and is playing as we speak. Based on the graphics and cut-scenes, it seems like this was made with girls in mind. "Acting" in the cut scenes is extremely melodramatic and cheese-tastic. I know lots of Japanese games are this way, though. Even Metal Gear has its moments, but this is really bad. Black guy looks to be a Mal Reynolds rip-off.

Graphics here are very good, though.

[Jen]

A controller was almost just smashed. :lol I got to the ProtoFlorian Thing. Fought it for 20 minutes and died with him almost dead. Nothing like fighting for 20 minutes only to have to start over. ____! :monkey4:banghead:rotfl

I think that's the battle I just finished. Dang did that take awhile to finish. Was able to get him to stagger a couple times, thankfully. Still took awhile though...but got him on my second try.

[BadMoon]

I think that's the battle I just finished. Dang did that take awhile to finish. Was able to get him to stagger a couple times, thankfully. Still took awhile though...but got him on my second try.

I Staggered him once. LOL! I mostly spent time healing, and then healing some more. :lol That is one thing about these games that I get more than none other. A huge sense of accomplishment when I finally beat a boss like that. :rock

[darthviper107]

I Staggered him once. LOL! I mostly spent time healing, and then healing some more. :lol That is one thing about these games that I get more than none other. A huge sense of accomplishment when I finally beat a boss like that. :rock

It gets worse though

There's one part where there's some really tough creatures to kill--you don't have to take them out, but it's an option, and it takes forever to win but what's ridiculous is you don't get that much more crystogen points than from taking a minute on an easier enemy.

The rewards to winning aren't equal to the effort put in and that's ridiculous

[BadMoon]

It gets worse though

There's one part where there's some really tough creatures to kill--you don't have to take them out, but it's an option, and it takes forever to win but what's ridiculous is you don't get that much more crystogen points than from taking a minute on an easier enemy.

The rewards to winning aren't equal to the effort put in and that's ridiculous

Yeah I didn't earn a single star on that boss battle. LOL! Not a damn one. I mean come on. LOL! I beat the ____er didn't I? That should at least give me 1. Hahaha!

[Raikirik]

You can do it.

I played for a bit today, until I got my *** kicked three times by a run of the mill enemy. Decided to turn it off for the day.:lol Tomorrow I'll try him again with one of the booster sprays.

That starts to happen A LOT. By the way, if any of you guys get to Chapter 7 or 10, there are some really good ways to farm gil. In Chapter 10 you can fight a soldier that always drop incentive chips. These sell for a lot!

By the way I'm on

Gran Pulse

The enemies are tough here but there is one spot where you can farm for CP which should put to rest all those Game Over screens you keep seeing :lol

[darthviper107]

Is there really an opportunity to upgrade the main weapons and equipment?

I've spent all my time upgrading Lighting's weapon, but it took quite a bit to level it all the way, I can't imagine doing that for everyone's weapons much less the special items they wear.

[BadMoon]

Is there really an opportunity to upgrade the main weapons and equipment?

I've spent all my time upgrading Lighting's weapon, but it took quite a bit to level it all the way, I can't imagine doing that for everyone's weapons much less the special items they wear.

I don't understand the upgrade system at all. Was thinking of buying the guide just for this purpose. I don't know what items have what effect. It seems a bit of a pain in the arse.

[ink]

I don't understand the upgrade system at all. Was thinking of buying the guide just for this purpose. I don't know what items have what effect. It seems a bit of a pain in the arse.

some improve the attack & some improve the magic. watch the HP number, some upgrades lower it

[darthviper107]

some improve the attack & some improve the magic. watch the HP number, some upgrades lower it

Oh ____, I was just upgrading it with whatever crap I found around, I thought it was just that some stuff gave it more XP than others so you would want the more valuable stuff to upgrade it faster

[BadMoon]

Oh ____, I was just upgrading it with whatever crap I found around, I thought it was just that some stuff gave it more XP than others so you would want the more valuable stuff to upgrade it faster

That's what I started to do. LOL! I was like well I have no idea what this is doing. Hahaha!

[ink]

Oh ____, I was just upgrading it with whatever crap I found around, I thought it was just that some stuff gave it more XP than others so you would want the more valuable stuff to upgrade it faster

put the power braclet on snow, you'll need it later

[ink]

I'm stuck on chapter 3 when snow fights those 2 floating things to take their powers

[BadMoon]

I'm stuck on chapter 3 when snow fights those 2 floating things to take their powers

I died the first time because I didn't understand what was going on. I thought I had to fill that meter all the way up. You don't, right when the meter gets to the words hit square. That meter is dumb and confusing. LOLZ at that meter. :lol

[ink]

I died the first time because I didn't understand what was going on. I thought I had to fill that meter all the way up. You don't, right when the meter gets to the words hit square. That meter is dumb and confusing. LOLZ at that meter. :lol

GD it...that's what I though too :monkey2

[BadMoon]

GD it...that's what I though too :monkey2

I thought that might have been the problem.

[darthviper107]

I thought that might have been the problem.

That messed me up the first time too

[BadMoon]

That messed me up the first time too

Glad I'm not the only one. I had it the first time and thought I needed to fill that sucker up. LOL! I don't know what made me decide to hit square the second time. If I recall I was frustrated that the timer was going down and I hit it a few times anyways. LOL! Sure enough I beat them right after I hit that. Hahaha!

[Jen]

I'm almost done with Chapter 7. Got this one boss fight to do....it's a pain in the ***. :mad:

[BadMoon]

I'm almost done with Chapter 7. Got this one boss fight to do....it's a pain in the ***. :mad:

Harder than the plant thing?

[Jen]

Harder than the plant thing?

Well to be honest, I only tried beating it once last night before I went to bed...but it killed me FAST. I think I lasted about 1 minute. :lol So I need to figure out a good strategy and give it another go....though not today. That battle will have to wait until tomorrow.

[Raikirik]

If you want to upgrade weapons and accessories you're going to need a lot of gil and components.

Like I mentioned earlier, there are good spots for farming gil. As for components there are certain organic ones that will bring the experience bonus to up to x3 after using about 36. They're actually pretty cheap in the shop. After that you can use more expensive mechanical components which give higher experience but can also lower the bonus. With this method I don't use as many expensive components.

I've almost fully upgraded one of Fang's weapons to its Ultimate form and have the other characters' weapons at a high level as well.

[Jen]

Harder than the plant thing?

Well I decided to give it another go before I went to work and beat it. Wasn't bad...but I didn't get any stars because I took my time to make sure my team had good health and shields at all times.

[Kratos]

Is this game a good starting point for first time FF players?

[ink]

I thought that might have been the problem.

now I'm stuck on lightning & hope vs doom on chapter 4 :monkey4

[Jen]

Is this game a good starting point for first time FF players?

I'm not liking it as much as some of the others - but it's picking up. (I'm on Chapt. 7). A great game, imo, sucks you in right away....this one doesn't do that. The graphics are pretty though.

I haven't played that many FF games - only X and XII - so I'm probably not the best person to answer that question.

[BadMoon]

Well I decided to give it another go before I went to work and beat it. Wasn't bad...but I didn't get any stars because I took my time to make sure my team had good health and shields at all times.

I just don't understand not getting one damn star. I mean really zero stars should mean you didn't win right? :lol:banghead:duh

[ink]

I just don't understand not getting one damn star. I mean really zero stars should mean you didn't win right? :lol:banghead:duh

I got zero stars for most of chapter 3 & 4

[BadMoon]

I got zero stars for most of chapter 3 & 4

Oh I got stars usually 4 or 5 in the normal fights. The last boss battle not so much. Not a damn one and I'm bitter about that. :lol

[Raikirik]

Getting zero stars means you didn't perform well in the battle.

If you'll notice, there's a target time on the results screen. This is based on your party's stats and current equipment. Beating the enemies in a far shorter amount of time than the target time results in five stars. Get closer to the target time and you'll get three stars which is a par rating. Lastly, if you go past the target time well, I'm sure everyone is familiar with the ratings there. :lol

The better your rating the higher chance there is for an enemy rare drop to appear in the spoils at the end of the battle.

[ink]

Oh I got stars usually 4 or 5 in the normal fights. The last boss battle not so much. Not a damn one and I'm bitter about that. :lol

winning is winning. there's no way you can beat some of those bad guys fast

[Raikirik]

winning is winning. there's no way you can beat some of those bad guys fast

Actually there is a target time based on stats on equipment. See my post above.

[BadMoon]

Getting zero stars means you didn't perform well in the battle.

If you'll notice, there's a target time on the results screen. This is based on your party's stats and current equipment. Beating the enemies in a far shorter amount of time than the target time results in five stars. Get closer to the target time and you'll get three stars which is a par rating. Lastly, if you go past the target time well, I'm sure everyone is familiar with the ratings there. :lol

The better your rating the higher chance there is for an enemy rare drop to appear in the spoils at the end of the battle.

That's not my point. Zero means you should have accomplished zero. LOL! bottom line. :rotfl If I beat a boss or a fiend I should get at the LEAST one star.

[Kratos]

I'm not liking it as much as some of the others - but it's picking up. (I'm on Chapt. 7). A great game, imo, sucks you in right away....this one doesn't do that. The graphics are pretty though.

I haven't played that many FF games - only X and XII - so I'm probably not the best person to answer that question.

Thanks Jen
Could someone else then answer if this would be a good game for a first time FF player to pick up?

[Serpentor]

Thanks Jen
Could someone else then answer if this would be a good game for a first time FF player to pick up?

It is, the game was clearly designed to appeal to new players.

[BadMoon]

Thanks Jen
Could someone else then answer if this would be a good game for a first time FF player to pick up?

Yes I would say so. Another good one IMO is FF 10. That was the first one I played all the way through and loved it. I played 7 through 9 as well but never really got into those. :horror I know not like 7 is breaking some sort of nerd law. :lol

[Raikirik]

That's not my point. Zero means you should have accomplished zero. LOL! bottom line. :rotfl If I beat a boss or a fiend I should get at the LEAST one star.

NO, no stars for you! :lecture

Actually yeah I guess that would make sense that you should at least get one star for completing the battle.

Thanks Jen
Could someone else then answer if this would be a good game for a first time FF player to pick up?

This entry is a departure from the older Final Fantasy games. It shares some traits from past games but one of the biggest things taken out is the inclusion of a World Map and towns. Usually you know your objective and you're able to do things other than that but in this game you're set on a straight path so there isn't any second guessing as to where you should go.

You could pick up any FF technically and it would be fine. This one would just be easier in the sense that your objective is just down one straight path. The battles can be a lot tougher than those in previous FFs though so keep that in mind. There a lot of tutorials in game that will help you to understand the mechanics better.

[Hulksmashed]

That's not my point. Zero means you should have accomplished zero. LOL! bottom line. :rotfl If I beat a boss or a fiend I should get at the LEAST one star.

I dont think so actually. Its like a time trial. You can finish a race and still completely fail the time trial. Although I havent started playing yet. So once I start getting no stars Ill come back in and complain with everyone else :lol

[BadMoon]

I dont think so actually. Its like a time trial. You can finish a race and still completely fail the time trial. Although I havent started playing yet. So once I start getting no stars Ill come back in and complain with everyone else :lol

Yeah but you still finished the race. LOL! What makes me mad is if you pull of beating monsters that you have no business fighting you aren't rewarded. You are punished for taking to long. LOL!

[Jen]

Yeah but you still finished the race. LOL! What makes me mad is if you pull of beating monsters that you have no business fighting you aren't rewarded. You are punished for taking to long. LOL!

Now I have beat the time AND still got zero stars. Not sure how that works - I beat the time by over 20 seconds. :dunno

And I will add that I have gone over the time and still gotten 2-3 stars on some of those bigger boss fights. So I'm confused by this rating system. :lol

[Raikirik]

Now I have beat the time AND still got zero stars. Not sure how that works - I beat the time by over 20 seconds. :dunno

And I will add that I have gone over the time and still gotten 2-3 stars on some of those bigger boss fights. So I'm confused by this rating system. :lol

I can't comment on the zero stars as that really shouldn't happen, but you can still get 2-3 stars being over the time. If you're allocated a lot of time for a boss and you go over, it's still possible.

If you continue to get zero stars while being under the target time then perhaps there is something more to the rating system other than speed.

[Jen]

Just started Chapt. 8. :) How many chapters are there?

[ink]

Just started Chapt. 8. :) How many chapters are there?

I dunno, but theres 32 achievement spots :monkey1

[Kratos]

Sweet thanks for the advice guys

[darthviper107]

What's the point of stars or points anyways? You still get the same amount of CP and that's what you use to level up.

[Raikirik]

Getting zero stars means you didn't perform well in the battle.

If you'll notice, there's a target time on the results screen. This is based on your party's stats and current equipment. Beating the enemies in a far shorter amount of time than the target time results in five stars. Get closer to the target time and you'll get three stars which is a par rating. Lastly, if you go past the target time well, I'm sure everyone is familiar with the ratings there. :lol

The better your rating the higher chance there is for an enemy rare drop to appear in the spoils at the end of the battle.

For ratings

Just started Chapt. 8. :) How many chapters are there?

13 in total, no I'm not kidding. Am I blocked or something? I cover the questions you guys ask but they seem to go unread.

[kobayashi93]

I think more stars charges your TP gauge faster. So you can use summons quicker if you perform well.