Ben-DutkaMarch 9 marks the US release of Final Fantasy XIII , which remains one of the most anticipated games of the generation…despite the dislike that's starting to accumulate.
But being an ardent fan of the series, I've been interested to find the source of this vexing suspicion and even hatred. As it turns out, if I'm to understand all the combined negativity, these bad vibes are coming from a linear adventure, "too much cinema" (gee, haven't heard that before in regards to a FF title), and a "step backwards" by reimplementing the separate battle screens. On that same note, the linear aspect is also considered to be a "backward step" by all those progressive, "I can't sit still for two seconds to learn about a story" twitch gamers who require constant movement. Essentially, it seems that people are complaining that FFXIII is more like FFX than FFXII, which is downright absurd .
I haven't played the game, so I don't know how it will turn out. I definitely can't defend something I haven't played; I've never done that and I won't start now. But the rising dislike for the game seems to stem from the aforementioned "issues" and I really despise such a standpoint. First of all, regarding the cinema aspect and idiots who say, "I don't want to play a movie," that has never even been remotely close to accurate in describing any Final Fantasy . All of them, dating from FFVII, are at least 25 – 40 hours in length and none of them feature more than a few hours of combined cinema; the ratio becomes even more ridiculous if you opt to do the optional stuff. It's far more accurate to say franchises like MGS are "playing a movie" but the ratio of gameplay to non-interactive cut-scenes in those games makes one thing plain: you're playing a game.
So forget the idea that you'll be watching more than playing in FFXIII. Seriously, just toss it out of your head. It's too stupid to consider. As for the linear aspect, I understand the complaint if you really liked FFXII and the inherent exploration involved, but in case anyone is forgetting, nothing was stopping you from going back through every area in FFX. Granted, you couldn't really wander off the path much – except maybe in the Calm Lands – but you could always go forward and backward, as you would along any path. Yes, I know people don't want a "path" these days but the linear aspect doesn't really impact the gameplay. The gameplay centers on the combat, as it always has and from everything I've read, the combat is just plain bad-ass. How is that getting glossed over?
Look, like it or not, FF has always been about the story. It's what we remember most from all of them. If you have no interest in story, if you're one of those twitch gamers who require constant action and movement, fine. Don't play it. FFXIII has a story and a story has a fixed progression. Essentially, as far as I can tell, the major complainers want FF to become Fallout while the true fans are glancing about going, "…wait, what?" Are we actually berating FFXIII for being Final Fantasy ? Have we become so caught up in the flow of online multiplayer and "exploration and customization is everything" that we can't even appreciate a different type of game, anymore? A game that just might feature something besides wandering around and attacking things?
Hey, I loved FFXII. Dumped 110 hours into it, beat Yiazmat, etc. I love almost all the FFs. But I can tell you that FFXII, despite its excellence, has not become branded on my memory like other FFs before it. Why? I just wasn't as involved in the storyline. If Square-Enix wants to put a larger emphasis on story and less emphasis on kind of wandering aimlessly around larger environments, I'm not about to complain. If you want something like Fallout go freakin' play it. Stop believing that one type is somehow superior or "more advanced" than the other. And above all else, stop believing that everybody wants the same thing! Thank you.
Haters are the most stupidest people i met , especially wen they hate a game that is awesome but never played it lol
Contradictory statement my friend.
An awesome game, that people hate, but hasn't been released yet.
Your proving that they shouldn't hate it yet, but you also prove at the same time, that you cannot say it is awesome.
Even if you HAVE played it, doesn't make the game 'awesome'.
lol @ "most stupidest," oh the irony.
If i want exploration i'll play an MMORPG. If i want a good story i'll play a console RPG. SE promises a good story for FFXIII, i'll be there to buy it.
I dont hate FINAL FANTASY, but the idea behind FINAL FANTASY 13…man they have cut half the Game content, so it would fit in a Freaking DVD.
IF YOU AS A GAMER, WANT A CUTED VERSION OF A GAME? AND THIS ONLY TO MAKE SOME BUCKS MORE…
go to Hell WADA go to HELL
Last edited by Kain81 on 1/23/2010 4:44:31 AM
@ Akuma : yeah your right , i never thought of it like that
All those who are whining and crying about how Square "Edited" the game need to be quite. For all you know Final Fantasy II thru XII, could've been longer or more side quests, more of "this" or "that". You don't know 'cause it was never mentioned. Yes Square needs to learn to keep certain subjects from the public, like the editing process. But really what if FFVII included alot more than it did I bet reviews and memories would be a whole lot diffrent than they are. But we'll never know.
Stupid whiny babies.
"What If's" Don't Exist!!!
This is still a day one purchase for me. I'm getting the Collectors Edition along with the Limited Edition Guide. So There.
And the fact that is costs money. Of course.
😀
Well said.
Also the fact it went to M$.Thats my only negative on the game. Which is BIG for me.
S..E..X..ual intercourse now costs money? 🙁
*cries*
Time is money.
I have had my conserns but I never hated on the game and always said I would get it, maybe not day one but I will get it.
I agree with Ben that XII didn't have the best of storys but I loved the battle system, ability to set up predetermined comands and still be able to control everyone in the heat of battle if needed was awesome. The LP map was a little funky but not bad, just different.
Well Ben thanks for saying something about this because I've been bugged by the bad hype and have said a lot in this still unreleased games defense! I look at this game as a slight change in the FF series and a welcome one at that so everyone please just holster your negative tounges until we know more about something that's actually bad about the game and until then… REJOICE DAMNIT ITS F**KIN FINAL FANTASY lol ^_^
Im one of those people, who don't believe its a welcome change in the series.
Im a HUGE fan of the earlier FFs and desperatly wish the series to return to its roots….to my dissapointment.
I will hire the game, if its awesome, then im sure ill buy it at some point, but until then, i have my reservations and dissapointments.
I hate that Square-Enix took extra content out so the ps3 version can be on par with the 360's. ;
That's my main thing about it, that and Wada's an idiot.
Last edited by sunspider13 on 1/23/2010 12:00:56 AM
I admit, i dislike that too however you can hate it all you want, but if you like final fantasy then boycotting it like many people intend to do will lead to only one thing- less final fantasy.
SE taking stuff out does'nt bother me much.Them making it for M$ DOES.
For me FFX was awesome i had great moments in that game and the story was so good Still remember most parts and all the cutscenes were excellent i actually like cutscenes gives you a chance to just sit back and watch. Like an awesome cartoon.
I'm getting this game, so what if some content was cut, the game is still gonna be awesome.
I'm having no problem with all the bad hype except the "No town" rumour which is bothering me.
I'm in the same boat as Snaaake here, The game being linear like FFX is not a problem for me, there being no towns at all is a major disappointment, AND the fact that i was cut out so that FFXIII can go multiplat. I'm not gonna get on day 1, but I'll wait for PSXe's review. Please PSXe, in your review address the negative rumours currently out there, my purcase of FFXIII depends on it.
Last edited by WolfCrimson on 1/23/2010 4:58:26 AM
I don't have a lot of interest in this game, it just didn't grab my attention like past FF games. But that doesn't mean i'm gonna bash it, it seems most people who do haven't even played it and are just fallowing the dumb crowd.
Even if the game does have issues, i'm sure the overall experiance will be great. Really looking foward to Final Fantasy Versus 13, the art style of the games trailer got me interested.
Last edited by iGraves1 on 1/22/2010 10:06:27 PM
Good to hear your counterpoints Ben, but I think what really has some gamers in a tizzy for this iteration is the stuff that was cut out, no matter what anyone says we area always going to assume it was because of the 360 version. Add that to the reports of there being little in the way of towns to explore, and the fact that you SHOP AT A MENU and I understand the anger.
I too have loved all the FF's but going back to what works best (a battle screen with actual commands) is not a step back, it's a step over that messy pre-arranged tactics battle format of XII.
I personally can't wait for XIII, but I understand the angst. Usually tend to play my FF's in a rather linear fashion anyway, though I would have expected a return to the world map and at LEAST the ability to go back to old maps, I can probably tolerate whatever is in store. I really hated those snakey sinewy dungeons in XII anyway. They went on forever and ever. And well, in that case the backtracking was both necessary and unfortunate.
Same thing World, I must admit I always loved to advance, I hated backtracking. Though the main gripe over here is, everything shoulda been intact, nothing cut out because of 360, that's just the point.
I have to disagree with you here World.
If (and I say if because i haven't played the game) you really are in control of just one of the party members (the others are controlled by the PS3 and you can only change how they behave: attack, defend, heal) how is it any better than FFXII or the earlier iterations.
And if it's true that any given moment you have just the party members that you see on the battle screen (no switching members during battle) where is the strategy or tactics part – you have to fight with what you were given at this point in the game.
I like to wander around the FF world and level up a lot before I go into serious battle. In FFXII I was usually 20 or something levels above what the FF guide suggested for that point in game. If in FFXIII I cannot go back to previous maps and I'm stuck only to go forward than how will I be able to level up like this – unless the enemies respawn.
That's what grinds me gears about FFXIII.
Take care.
PS: I will most likely buy the game. But it for sure won't be a first day buy. I'll wait for Ben's review.
Last edited by mbg77 on 1/23/2010 5:37:33 AM
Well – being me… I'm NOT a fan girl – so I actually listen to BOTH sides. There are people who undeniably say it's the best thing and bash anyone who says anything bad about this game and there is the opposite side too.
From what I have been reading – this game definitely seems to have flaws story-wise and game-play-wise. I read the game play issues and while a few points are indeed disappointing (and you really can't deny it unless you're a fanboy), it also has got some redeeming points too. I did NOT read the story commentary 'cause I want to keep that as a surprise. But from my understanding the characters of focus is not who we though they were.
Either way, I AM getting this game without a doubt – I may even get the limited edition (depending what it comes with… yes I know there is a leaked post on here but I want confirmation). Personally, I do have a feel that I will be somewhat disappointed with this game but being a long-time FF fan, I commit myself to playing each and every game I can get my hands on. From here on I just hope for the best.
EDITING:
From what I hear:
– Almost no towns (kinda disappointing… but I'll survive)
– Almost no NPC interaction
– You shop from the menu/save (that really sucks… sorry but I can't help it)
– Very linear (aren't they all… kinda?)
– Battle is primary button mashing (I don't mind this I guess)
– You only control one member of the team and if he/she dies it's game over (this REALLY sucks… I guess this is my biggest issue with the game so far and AI aren't exactly smart… by this I feel like I'll be just be a button masher during regular fights and a healer during boss fights)
– If the mobs decide to gang up on the person you are controlling high chance it's game over
– HP completely healed after battle (not to fond of this)
– Spend most of the time running through dungeons and battling (most RPGs are like this anyway)
– No actual mini-games that FF are notorious for having (just some hunts… again with the hunts/battling…. I like hunts but I do WISH they added a mini-game of some sorts).
The truth is… the good old square soft FF is gone. I don't mind any of the points listed… except for the only one person in the battle… and the shops maybe. Apparently people are saying the story is not as good as they thought it would be and they are somewhat disappointed with it (possibly due to super high expectations) – but I'll be the judge of that.
Last edited by Mystearica on 1/22/2010 10:29:25 PM
Heyo, Im gonna take a shot at some of your points if thats ok, some I do agree with, some I dont:
From what I have played in the 34 hours Im in:
– Healing after Battles: Thankfully they do this, because more times than none you will find yourself in battle after battle, and some of them are so hard you will be glad they do this.
– Battling is semi-button masher: You still have to use a deal of strategy in battle, and your AI partners are not as dumb as you would assume. They know when to heal, and they know what to do just as long as you set them up to do so. I have found myself surviving the toughest of fights as long as I knew what Optima changes to use. Trust me, you'll get the rhythm real easy.
I do agree that NPC interations are not there, there are a few places that you do, but it's nothing that really impacts the game. So I understand the traditional town stuff is gone. As for the item/save point thing, it can go both ways, it helps that you can upgrade weapons etc etc, at save points as it helps you prepare for those challenging boss fights.
The game is really tough, and it'll be a challenge for all of us RPG'ers, but I don't think it's the worst game out there. You'll have fun.
@DIsmael, but do you think it's a great game?
How about the fact you can only control the main character tell us your opinion on that.
Despite all the naysayers out there, FF has managed to sell millions upon millions of games with most every release.
Maybe people complain because, at one time, the RPG genre in terms of breadth has expanded over the last 6 years on the console side of things. FF, at one time, was the hallmark of console RPG greatness.
Now, after the post Bioware/Bethseda/western style RPG etc., we see a PC to console convergence that has brought on a cultural-gaming clash in ideals. These days it's JRPG's and RPG's.
I'm glad FF has stuck to it's heritage and continues to be what has made it so popular. I can't go anywhere else and get the sort of artistic greatness, and superb production values in any other RPG.
I've been playing through FFVII on my PSP while I wait to get a new PS3, because my launch model gave up the ghost, and the nostalgic trip back has made me even more excited for FFXIII.
I disagree that FF has "stuck to its heritage." It is far from it in fact.
I'm pretty sure all the hate is coming from the loyal Sony followers who feel betrayed by the fact that Xbox 360 fans will also get to enjoy this excellent game.
Kind of an unofficial strike against the game it seems. So everyone is trying to piss on the game and find reasons to not buy it or like it.
Last edited by Hitch on 1/22/2010 10:26:37 PM
you clearly haven't been around here lately then.
No, you got us all wrong. We love it when the best franchises are limited by inferior hardware when the PS3 is capable of so much more.
Hitch, just doesn't seem to be a very objective person.
Sounds alot to me like a 360 fangirl
I don't know about you guys, but I bought a PS3 so I could play mediocre Xbox games. Not all the PS3's great exclusives. That's why i was ecstatic when FFXIII was announced for the 3sh!ty, eeer..I mean 360.
DVD9 FTW!
😉
Thank you Ben for posting this. Damnit it needed to be said. I don't understand the rising hate for this game either. I have been playing it. Literally. The CG sequences are not long what so ever, and there is a lot of gameplay and tons of challenging battles. I would go as far as saying it's the toughest Final Fantasy I have played in a while. No where near pushover. My opinion of the hate is because it's no longer an exclusive title.
lol, you literally have been playing it?
^PS. I should have proofread my writing. It sucks – full of grammar mistakes. Sorry. Anyway, I know quite a few of you will bash me because of my post. But I'm just looking at both sides here and like I said – I will buy it, play it and be the final judge of it myself.
Last edited by Mystearica on 1/22/2010 10:33:19 PM
On the subject of grammer.I think us Americans are geting so bad with grammer,well i mean the younger generation. Texting is at fault, I belief.
I'm trying to decide if Roach's many errors were intentional or ironic. I'm leaning toward the former.
Last edited by Fane1024 on 1/28/2010 9:36:58 PM
Don't care if content was cut out, im still getting this. The main reason i play games is for story.
Whenever I watch the deleted scenes from a movie, I always think, "That was dumb. I'm glad they cut it out." Is that the situation with FF13? Or did they legitimately cut out good stuff?
What ever happened to Versus XIII, I haven't heard anything about it in awhile. Did it just drop of the face of the earth?
And any more news on XIV online? Since I missed XI, I've been kind of more interested in more news on XIV over the other two.
I'll probably still invest in XIII at some point because when it comes down to it, it's still a Final Fantasy, but I was kind of disappointed in XII so if I'm disappointed in this one, I'll be thinking hard about whether to buy the next one or not.
Actually from what I have played, I can see a connection with Versus XIII, but I will not say for spoiler reasons. I'm sure they know people have picked up on it, and I'm sure it's still in development.
Versus, is going to be EPIC….
Thats all i can say =D
Me too Chinook, if this one disappoints, XV will be a late cheap buy and I will cry over FF's grave.
^So there is a connection… that's good to hear 'cause when they mentioned all three FF would be linked I had a hard time imagining it when I read the story synopses.
I think people are not mad at FF, just Square Enix. & since people can't do anything about Square Enix…well, they release their anger on the game. By not buying it.
not going to buy this game until last quarter of year.
GOW 3 pandora box gonna left me with little resources and there's a game that need more help.. Yakuza 3 .
Last edited by Oxvial on 1/22/2010 10:50:32 PM
Exactly, too many great games coming out.
I'll definitely rent this when I can though