Final Fantasy XIII- A Mixed Bag

Final Fantasy XIII is a very good game. It does not match the greatness that is associated with the franchise. While the game looks fantastic and combat system is very well done, the story is mediocre and the world you explore ends up being one long hallway. But if you enjoy Final Fantasy games then you will have a fun time of this game.

                The graphics of this game are pretty mind-boggling. Everything looks stunning, from the characters to the areas you explore. And the cut scenes look even more impressive, while at the same time transitioning smoothly between game play and the cut scenes. Combat is initiated by coming into contact with enemies on the map, much like Final Fantasy XII, except, instead of in real time, combat takes place in a separate battle map. Each character has certain roles they can use, from physical attackers, elemental magic user, healer, etc. Finding the best fit for each character you must use (for much of the game you can’t choose your party.) Enemies have a stagger gage, which, when filled up, allows additional damage. It is all very fun to execute, though it can lead to a sense of detachment from the action when the choices are automated most of the time. Characters level up with the Crystarium, similar to the Sphere Grid from Final Fantasy X. Characters spend points to gain better stats and abilities along a path for the role they wish to improve. It is one of the best put together aspects of the game. Weapons and equipment can be upgraded as well, but it is not as smooth or as important as making you characters stronger.

                The story of the game is kind of lousy, especially considering the pedigree the game comes with. The players follow Lightning, a stoic heroine, and several others who are trapped by a purge initiated by contact with beings from Gran Pulse, the dreaded other world to the characters home of Cocoon.  From there the characters become L’Cie, get a Focus, and must complete said Focus or risk becoming mindless monsters. Many of the characters fail to grab you, at least initially, except for Sazh, the pessimistic gunslinger with a chocobo in his afro. Awesome. The levels could have been better designed, as most areas you explore end up being long corridors, shuffling you from one end to another, until a cut scene occurs, then you get to move through another corridor. The world opens up later, but it’s too little too late. Other faults with the game include the relative uselessness of your summons, the fact that you don’t win money from battles, and the blandness of the side missions. But overall the experience is rewarding for those who invest the time and effort into the game. There is a lot of entertainment to be had in this game, but people may not want to wade through the problems to get to the real meat of the game. With a sequel coming this year, hopefully Square Enix fixes those problems and delivers a truly great game.