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10.0

Gamesradar Final Fantasy 13 Review

It's hard to talk about Final Fantasy XIII without getting into a debate about what an RPG should or shouldn't be. With a series as beloved and long-running as Final Fantasy, combined with its history of reinventing itself (or at the very least, changing things up) with every major entry, it's understandable that a lot of nervous hopes ride on the first FF of the current gen. We all have our favorite game in the series (which we'd practically go to the death defending), so it makes sense that fan expectations for FFXIII vary widely too.

So it follows then, that since the Japanese release, fan reaction to certain aspects of FFXIII has been mixed. If you're reading this, you've probably already skimmed through many a kneejerk reaction forum post of rage that made you anxious to see the reality of the final product for yourself. So let's get right to it.

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Vivi5180d ago

First 4 reviews of the actual English version have been like this.. (no import BS)

Gamesradar- 10/10

PSM3 EU- 9.4/10

Games Aktuel 9/10

Offical Playstation Magazine US- 5/5

Day 1.

knifefight5180d ago

It's a main-series Final Fantasy. No big publication would dare risk the PR shaft from Square Enix that would happen if they gave it an Average marking....

(I'm not stating an opinion of the game here, just making note of the business end of things. No one should be surprised by this.)

SpoonyRedMage5180d ago

Well all the people who I know who have played it have said it's really, really good but lacking.

The sentiment seems to be that it's a great game, but nowhere close to the best FF.

lloyd_wonder5180d ago (Edited 5180d ago )

I'm sure some people said the same about FFX when it first came out. Anyway, great score to a game that's been long overdue.

iamtehpwn5180d ago

Great game. Not everyone's going to like it, but it's VERY much like Final Fantasy X in the way that everything is excuted... If you liked FFX you'll love FFXIII.

Redempteur5180d ago

@spoony

i agree ..but is it really a problem that it isn't the best FF ?
the quality of titles are those who leave a mark in time IMO ...

being the best FF is subjective IMOand all that should matter is that ff13 is a great game really

blitz06235180d ago

Honestly, I wouldn't really care about the reviews this game gets.

I have always been a fan of the FF series so whether this game averages a 90 or a 75 I couldn't care less. Still a Day 1 for me :)

Montrealien5180d ago (Edited 5180d ago )

If you Review a new Final Fantasy game and always compare it to your first Final Fantasy experiences you embark on a long and sad road of deception. I would try as much as possible to approach it like a brand new game everytime, infact, that`s the main idea behind final fantasy games in general.

That being said, this game seems to be getting clean reviews up until now from people who just see it as a AAA game, wich it is, and not as just a second rate Final Fantasy game, which, it is.

I am lucky enough to be able to play this game now, I compared both versions for my own pleasure and noticed little to no differences. I will be buying the PS3 version simply because that feels right in my heart. From my first experiences with this game, about an hour on a demo machine here at work, it seems to be an epic adventure that I will gladly play till the end, I am actualy excited to get home and really sink my teeth into it.

This game will be getting great reviews because it deserves them, and because it seems to be a great game. End of story.

SpoonyRedMage5180d ago

Yer, it doesn't matter that it's not the best FF, especially considering the fanbase can't agree on which is the best anyway!

It's good to see more impressions from people who have actually played it as well.

Marceles5180d ago

"Well all the people who I know who have played it have said it's really, really good but lacking."

Yeah that's pretty much it, it's a good game and probably the best JRPG I've played this gen, but compared to the older ones there's really not alot of depth to it. You can get every weapon and accessory in the game by buying them, but getting everything will still take about 100+ hours.

Montrealien5180d ago

well, whats more important? the fact thats its really really good? or the fact that its lacking? All I see is really really good.

It`s like sex, its really really good, but sometimes its lacking, however the bottom line is that its sex. amirite?

Danteh5180d ago

I love Final Fantasy and never really understood why it got so much hate, this reviews are what I was expecting :D
I loved FFX so I have a feeling I'm gonna enjoy this!

Best gaming month ever with FFXIII and GOWIII

wicko5180d ago

Nothing wrong with the import reviews unless you were looking for a 360 review. The game should be identical minus localization.

gamesmaster5180d ago

no Towns means this game could never get a 10/10 from me.. I like that freedom to explore in my RPG's. Still going to be a great game no less.. but i am shedding a huge tear for th freedom of freedom.

Montrealien5180d ago (Edited 5180d ago )

No offence gamesmaster, but that tear is getting a little dry no? Square have decided on this more linear approach to the Final Fantasy games since FFX now, almost 9 years ago now.

you want freedom? Play FF14 or any major MMO imho.

Aquanox5180d ago (Edited 5180d ago )

The game looks absolutely gorgeous on Xbox 360 in my 1080p TV. Since the console upscales it to 1080p automatically, graphics are crisp and detailed (something that the Ps3 doesn't do) tThis is most likely the exact same experience Gamespot had when they said the Xbox 360 version looked better In-Game.

If you have a 1080p TV and care more about In Game graphics than Pre-Rendered Cinematics, the Xbox 360 version is for you. It also runs velvet smooth through the WHOLE game.

DaTruth5180d ago (Edited 5180d ago )

"It`s like sex, its really really good, but sometimes its lacking, however the bottom line is that its sex. amirite?"

Bubbles for the awesome comparison!

@Aquanox: That was just sad! Why would anyone chose 576p upscaled to 1080p over true 1080p? It looks like the difference between upscaled DVD and Bluray! (massively huge difference)

In Europe 576p is a smidgen from standard definition(540p)

FamilyGuy5180d ago

BUT after reading comments from people who have downloaded and played the 360 version the game is "still one of the most beautiful games to have graced their console".

Lower res doesn't really men much when you have comments like that so maybe we could stop bashing the 360 version and being on some revenge kick over all the times they do it to us? We ARE supposedly the "more mature gamers" right?

WengYong5180d ago

Fail there again buddy. Your 360 fanboyism is showing through like crazy. Upscaling does not do it perfectly, just like DVD and Blu Ray. Anyone who says DVD upscaled looks as good as Blu-Ray is either a liar or someone who doesnt own a 1080p TV. However if your using your standard TV it will look good.

It isn't often the 360 version is inferior, but it is clear FF13 is. And seeing as you dont own a PS3 dude enjoy FF13, because thats the best part of it, everyone enjoying games. STOP BEING A FAN DOUCHE

nveenio5179d ago

I wouldn't say that this game will be a 10, BUT I WILL say that it should be judged on its own merits at today's standards. I DON'T think it should be compared to other FF games...and I think that's what scores have been all over the map.

Personally, I'm passing on this one until waaaay down the road because there are just too many great PS3 exclusives this year. I can't afford everything.

+ Show (16) more repliesLast reply 5179d ago
GiantEnemyCrab5180d ago

Is this for the PS3 version?

10/10??? Bu bu the 564p's

zack615180d ago (Edited 5180d ago )

This is for the PS3 version.

ClownBelt5180d ago (Edited 5180d ago )

It's 576p numbnuts. lol

This is the Xbox version by the way.

Edit. Oops it is the PS3. My bad lol

Biggest5180d ago

It'll be the same for the 360 version. . . Unless they compare.

BeaArthur5180d ago

GiantEnemyCrab...nice try but that's a pretty transparent joke ---------------->

Udidntlistenpunk5180d ago

The PS3 version is confirmed 5 times better than the 360 version.

Because 1080p >>>>>>>&g t; way bigger >>>> 576p

Get it?

hellraiserpop5180d ago

The score is same for both versions.
Atleast metacritic thinks so, they put up the score for both versions.

My friend with the *ahem* version says the game doesn't look too much different in his 40" set compared to his import ps3 ver.

Still, I think majority of the reviewers will knock off atleast 0.5/10 for the 360 version.

Montrealien5180d ago

Udidntlistenpunk , I played both versions on the same monitor and trust me, the differences are minimal no matter how much the ps3 fan people will try to spin it.

fact of the matter is, xbox 360 and PS3 owners will be able to enjoy a great jrpg. the rest is not important to 99.5% of the worlds gamers. get it?

tronz5180d ago (Edited 5180d ago )

"This is for the PS3 version"
^take another look at the pics showing both versions.

"It's 576p numbnuts"
^No proof of that from any credible experts. No random site members please.

Shaman5180d ago

Yes it is 576p,but its duo to dvd limitations.It wont bother you because the game is probably one of the most beautiful games i have EVER seen.Lower res is because of compression,but textures or any effects are not sacrificed.Its better that way,its better to have lower res then lower texture quality.Looking at the game from 3 feet is really really not noticeable.Blame it on dvd...

RagTagBnd4455180d ago

@Shaman
In game resolution has nothing to do with the size of the game, it is about the power of the hardware and how well coded the game is.

no_more_trolling5180d ago

"Who the hell would buy a gimped version. "

people who dont have a ps3 u idiot

Shaman5180d ago

No it actually has,how do you explain cutsceenes at 576p?Its not like its bad port...everything is the same except res,game runs at locked 30 fps,no screen tearing and only thing that sucks is 576p res.There is no excuse for sub hd res this gen.Both hardwares are pretty capable of 720p and 2xaa...wonder how Remedy puts 4xaa at 720p and still has better looking game...

bjornbear5180d ago

so yes 10/10

bu bu bu 3 disks and removed compressed content FTL go home and cry.

tronz5180d ago (Edited 5180d ago )

"this is PS3 version
so yes 10/10"

Lets wait for the 360 version review. Oh! wait :)

DaTruth5180d ago (Edited 5180d ago )

Lets not fool ourselves! We spent the extra money on a 1080p set for a reason! If you did and now are saying there's no difference, you're an idiot!

Why would you buy something that costs more but makes no difference?

I upgraded from 720p to 1080p after 2 years because of the ridiculous difference!

Edit: You know how many one pixel and .2 frames comparisons we've seen 360 fans boast over. This difference is tremendous in comparison! Suddenly, "teh difference is not that big!"

Greywulf5180d ago (Edited 5180d ago )

Nope..

becauses theres nooooo bias in the media. Right?

Oh wait...

+ Show (13) more repliesLast reply 5180d ago
hay5180d ago (Edited 5180d ago )

Quite big discrepancy between current reviews and what we were fed since JP release.

lloyd_wonder5180d ago

Agreed. Quite a confusion, especially to the people who have already made up their minds about the game because of those reviews.

lonestarmt5180d ago (Edited 5180d ago )

not shocked at all. They changed FF to cater to more to the west, so no doubt the west sites will eat it up. I'm sure its going to be awesome, but I don't care what this reviewer said, It's going to be real hard dealing with no towns or NPC's. He says there boring and fluff BS, but they actually add to the story and make JRPGs, JRPGs. I hope I'm wrong, but this review actually made me more worried. lol

Baka-akaB5180d ago (Edited 5180d ago )

@above

Nothing to do with that idea .
The japanese reviews have been overall as great and generous . it is a few importers that kept stating the game wasnt great . Some of them would never like the game no matter what , when they keep comparing it to the "freedom of wrpgs" .

Or people drawing as usual that a 7-8 is a bad score , and had even any meaning coming sometimes from some rather obscure sites most only care about when they need to trash or hype a game .

Not to mention the usual (at least this year) amount of sh*tty "jrpgs are dying , WRPG are bettaaar" articles without depths .

Hell i'm laughing right now ...
I wont bother taking names , as i hardly needed a review with my opinion already made , (and my usual distrust of most review sites anyway) ... but i clearly remember a few folks , going like "oh but it's normal ... it was expected ... bla bla bla" when they were clearly predicting and stating that the game would receive some kind of backlash in the west .

Omega45180d ago

Finally a review for the english version, and it looks like to wont disappoint.

Final Fantasy still as epic as ever

BeaArthur5180d ago

Yeah, glad to see a review from a website that I am actually familiar with and has actually played the English version of the game (with the exception of Game Informer and OPM UK).

phalanges5180d ago

Must own for RPG gamers. Next to ME2, this is the second best game released this year. MLB: The Show 2010 is third.

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70°

The 7 Best Final Fantasy Characters: Unveiling the Legends

While FFVII ranks highly, there's more to the series than one game. Here's Chit Hot's picks for the seven best Final Fantasy characters.

220°

The older it gets, the more I respect Final Fantasy XIII

Alex Donaldson: "Hindsight is a hell of a thing, however, and in the years since Final Fantasy XIII, my respect for the decisions its developers made has skyrocketed. In the two Final Fantasy titles since we see both the brilliance and the folly in alternative approaches - and in Final Fantasy VII Remake, we get a more nuanced understanding of what FF13 was trying to accomplish from many of the same development leads."

Einhander1972139d ago

FFXIII is actually one of the best Final Fantasy games.

I also sort of was disappointed at the time, never as much as the bandwagon. But really all the fantastic 3D rendered cutscenes and I actually liked the characters and the story though convoluted was actually fantastic and the ending was extremely emotional. So much budget and time were put into that game Square had such big plans, I actually have always felt kind of bad for how things played out.

I have been thinking for years how great it would be to get all three games on one disk for PS4 or 5.

Nyxus139d ago

I always liked this game, and I agree, a rerelease for current gen would be nice.

Shane Kim138d ago (Edited 138d ago )

Gotta take off the nostalgia glasses. It's the worst FF. Shiva as a bike, I mean come on.

Elda138d ago

Shiva as a bike is strange but saying FFXIII is the worst FF is not at all a fact, that's simply your opinion.

Terry_B137d ago

*One of the 3 equally bad FF's

DivineHand125137d ago (Edited 137d ago )

When I got my series X a year ago, I bought FF13 for nostalgia reasons but ended up being disappointed. When I first played it around the time it launched, I didn't have a lot of experience with final fantasy games, so I enjoyed it. Fast forward to when I played it again, I found that the game had many unnecessary filler moments instead of just giving us meaningful content.

The game is also very linear and a quote on the article said it best. "It is like a sewage pipe that leads to the ocean until it opens up on Grand Pulse."

The story didn't make much sense either and I believe it is my mistake as I played the FF7 remake on PS5 prior which is a night and day difference in terms of pacing, storytelling and likeable characters even though cloud is aloof.

FinalFantasyFanatic137d ago (Edited 137d ago )

Probably was a mistake to play any of the golden era FFs first (e.g. FF6 through FF10), it makes it harder to enjoy some of the FFs that aren't as good. I think FF12 was where major issues with the series started becoming apparent, and it just got worse from there.

FinalFantasyFanatic137d ago (Edited 137d ago )

I didn't really care for it that much, the only saving grace was that it had a better story than 15 (overall it was better than 15) and possibly 12, and even then, you had to read some of it through primers, like reading a book. Plus the battle system was reasonably fun for what it was, even if it was more the spectacle that was exciting for me (e.g. summoning). And to be fair, the 13 trilogy got better with every games, I still don't like Snow though.

Gamingsince1981137d ago

Ff13 is only good if you haven't played a ff before, or any other games that are decent for that matter.

-Foxtrot137d ago

It is in fact no way the best Final Fantasy game, it's one of the worst

Linear corridors, Cutscene, Fight, Cutscene...rinse and repeat

Dialogue and characters are pretty bad, especially Lightning as the main FF hero, they literally said they tried to make a "Female Cloud" and they failed.

Story was pretty awful

I could go on

I think the only alright thing that came from the game was the music.

Elda137d ago

That's not a fact that's your personal opinion. The game sold 11 million copies between its 2009 release up until 2014 including critically reviewed as an 8 out of 10 or an 80 out of 100. The game does have some issues but it's not at all a fact as one of the worst FF games.

-Foxtrot137d ago

Elda

Not just mine mate

A large majority

So….

Traecy136d ago

N4G commenters such as yourself aren't the majority. The game was well received.

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gold_drake139d ago (Edited 139d ago )

i liked the game alot but i didnt like how they handled the terminology.

i dont mind reading data logs but it had soo many.

but i always loved the music and how it looked. the battle system wasnt too bad either.

but i like 13-2 more :)

i still dont understand why we never got a remaster of the trilogy

Eonjay137d ago

Xbox kinda did. Besides the video files of course which are still best on PS3 due to bluray.

Snookies12139d ago

XIII is a pretty solid game, but XIII-2 is WAY better. XIII-2 was one of the few games I decided to go for a Platinum trophy in, early on. Had so much fun the entire way through getting it too!

Eonjay137d ago

Totally agree. FF 13 was okay but 13-2 is my favorite FF game ever.

shinoff2183139d ago (Edited 139d ago )

I hated this to when it released. I haven't much liked a ff game since ff10 as much , aside from ff7remake. I decided to give it another shot on my series x since it's not on a current ps and was liking it quite a bit(just takes me some time to get over things ) until star ocean 2 remake came out I was all over that.

Square should definitely remaster it or something for ps4 ps5

KillerB138d ago

my favorite jrpg trilogy ever

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70°

Interview: Making music with Masashi Hamauzu

Square Enix Blog: "How do you compose iconic songs that help define a legacy? We speak to legendary composer Masashi Hamauzu about his work on Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy XIII, and Final Fantasy VII Remake, and how to make unforgettable music."

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