Final Fantasy 13, the day has finally come

[nstgc]

That is true. You don't really play a role so much as experience someone else's. However, would it have really been hard for them to include some more sidequest and spice things up a bit. They spent a lot of time and money on making it visually appealing, could they not have diverted some of that to developing the game itself. I don't expect it to be like Dragon Age: Origins, but the retardedness that has existed in games in the genra "RPG" is not so much a pleasant element as it is a requirement. If you are going to make a movie, make a movie, if you are going to make a game make a game. With its extreme linearity they may as well made it into a movie.

While I admit that the whole idea of side quests is absolutely absurd, its what makes it a game.
"If you wish to weild the Sword of Unending Truth you must first beat me in an apple bobbing contest, when you are ready please talk to my assistant"

"Dude, you fuck'tard, I'm trying to save the world"

"Yes, but how can you expect to beat Xor'lof if you can't beat my apple bobbing record!?"

"How do you know I'm trying to reseal Xor'lof who was only recently released from his 1000 year slumber?"

"If you wish to weild the Sword of Unending Truth you must first beat me in an apple bobbing contest, when you are ready please talk to my assistant"

*sigh*

JRPGs in particular are bad about this.

[godcheese]

Umm... you do realize Final Fantasy games tell... stories... right? Stories that generally have a beginning, middle, epic climax, and and end.

I cannot think off of the top of my head, from 5-13, a final fantasy game that has had "multiple choice" as far as stories go... (I say this because i havent played 1-4)

I mean... really? Would it have made you all think it was less linear if it let you pick and choose which order you played the events in? Well I wanna storm the Palomecia right off the bat and maybe go to Nautilis later... UMMM Wait.

Because using DAO as an example, the story is heavily railroaded, you just get to choose the dialog. And, it doesnt matter what you get templar/mages elves/lycanthropes nobles/commoners... HEY YOU STILL FIGHT IN THE SAME CITY, and kill the SAME boss in the end.

OR would you rather have the WorldView layout where the story can say GO TO X... but you being the rebellious non linear player you are, go to Y and accomplish nothing except maybe advancing your level/power a bit because THERE is no scripting set up to interact with you there yet as the story isnt there yet... You want non linear... play the elderscrolls. Have a blast... want a story... final fantasy is for you.

tl;dr: complaining that final fantasy is linear, is like saying a book is too linear.

[forsaken]

Yeh, non-linearity is an illusion. Just because you've got side-quests to distract yourself with doesn't mean that you don't end up just following one main storyline of quests.

I think the game's amazingly well rounded... A real HQ-package, so what if it's different from previous FFs? I say different is good!

[nstgc]

At what point did I say that side quests alter the main story?

Imagine a tree. Its trunk is the main story and the branches are side quests. To get to the top you must climb the trunk, not just the branches. Clearly the trunk is very important. Now imagine a tree with no branches. Yeah you have a trunk, but climbing it is more difficult, and it certainly isn't pretty.

[MammalSauce]

At what point did I say that side quests alter the main story?

Imagine a tree. Its trunk is the main story and the branches are side quests. To get to the top you must climb the trunk, not just the branches. Clearly the trunk is very important. Now imagine a tree with no branches. Yeah you have a trunk, but climbing it is more difficult, and it certainly isn't pretty.

So a game lacking in side quests is harder to play and isn't as pretty as a game that isn't. Makes sense to me. 

[nstgc]

At what point did I say that side quests alter the main story?

Imagine a tree. Its trunk is the main story and the branches are side quests. To get to the top you must climb the trunk, not just the branches. Clearly the trunk is very important. Now imagine a tree with no branches. Yeah you have a trunk, but climbing it is more difficult, and it certainly isn't pretty.

So a game lacking in side quests is harder to play and isn't as pretty as a game that isn't. Makes sense to me.  

It isn't harder to play, but it is harder to get into. Side stories, when not completely screwed over, flesh out the main story. For example, Its not unusual for an RPG to have a side quest for each character. The games dedicate a whole side quest or two for that character's back story. While in some games, like FF 9, this is part of the main story, often times, like in Dragon Age: Origins, its not. To understand the characters in your party in DA:O you really need to do their side quests.

[edity] I should tack on that I've played for over 12 hours and it is fun. I'm just pointing out faults.

[MammalSauce]

At what point did I say that side quests alter the main story?

Imagine a tree. Its trunk is the main story and the branches are side quests. To get to the top you must climb the trunk, not just the branches. Clearly the trunk is very important. Now imagine a tree with no branches. Yeah you have a trunk, but climbing it is more difficult, and it certainly isn't pretty.

So a game lacking in side quests is harder to play and isn't as pretty as a game that isn't. Makes sense to me.  

It isn't harder to play, but it is harder to get into. Side stories, when not completely screwed over, flesh out the main story. For example, Its not unusual for an RPG to have a side quest for each character. The games dedicate a whole side quest or two for that character's back story. While in some games, like FF 9, this is part of the main story, often times, like in Dragon Age: Origins, its not. To understand the characters in your party in DA:O you really need to do their side quests.

[edity] I should tack on that I've played for over 12 hours and it is fun. I'm just pointing out faults.

Yeah it's all a matter of opinion, really. Some people have an easier time getting into a more linear game. I just wanted to point out how terrible that tree analogy was, is all.

[Proin Drakenzol]

At what point did I say that side quests alter the main story?

Imagine a tree. Its trunk is the main story and the branches are side quests. To get to the top you must climb the trunk, not just the branches. Clearly the trunk is very important. Now imagine a tree with no branches. Yeah you have a trunk, but climbing it is more difficult, and it certainly isn't pretty.

So a game lacking in side quests is harder to play and isn't as pretty as a game that isn't. Makes sense to me.  

It isn't harder to play, but it is harder to get into. Side stories, when not completely screwed over, flesh out the main story. For example, Its not unusual for an RPG to have a side quest for each character. The games dedicate a whole side quest or two for that character's back story. While in some games, like FF 9, this is part of the main story, often times, like in Dragon Age: Origins, its not. To understand the characters in your party in DA:O you really need to do their side quests.

[edity] I should tack on that I've played for over 12 hours and it is fun. I'm just pointing out faults.

A sidequest to find out more about your allies, or one that is based on your role in the world is fine; a sidequest to forge the Star Metal of the Heavens in the fiery Pits of the Abyss and then Consecrate it on Mount Celestia is fucking cool.

A sidequest to (in)breed chocobos or play underwater soccer to get T3H U|_T!/\/\4T3 W3P0NZ 0R $U/\/\/\/\0|\|Z 0F PWNZR!!!!!1111ONEONEELEVENTYO NE is fucking retarded.

[MammalSauce]

A sidequest to find out more about your allies, or one that is based on your role in the world is fine; a sidequest to forge the Star Metal of the Heavens in the fiery Pits of the Abyss and then Consecrate it on Mount Celestia is fucking cool.

A sidequest to (in)breed chocobos or play underwater soccer to get T3H U|_T!/\/\4T3 W3P0NZ 0R $U/\/\/\/\0|\|Z 0F PWNZR!!!!!1111ONEONEELEVENTYO NE is fucking retarded.

Oh come on, I had fun dodging hundreds of lightning bolts in the Thunder Plains for hours on end trying to get Lulu's celestial weapon majigger!

[TorturdChaos]

Oh come on, I had fun dodging hundreds of lightning bolts in the Thunder Plains for hours on end trying to get Lulu's celestial weapon majigger!

Stupid &&%$$#%&^*((*&^$^%  Lightning bolts......


Ne ways, after FF10-2 being kinda  let down, and FF11 being a MMO, (which made me cry and I don't really even count it as a FF) and 12 being so damn impersonal I never got drawn into the story, I haven't had high hopes for 13.  Since FF8 I have rushed out and bought it as soon as possible, excluding 11 of course, but with 13 I am holding back for a price drop or to find it in a pawn shop.  Hopefully it can redeem my faith in the series.

[nstgc]

That would be best. This game isn't a waste of time, but it is a waste of $60. I'd rather have waited a couple months and purchased it used for $40.

As for the side quests in FF X, I didn't attempt half of them. FF IX on the other hand, I think I finished all side quests excluding the one where you have to get to the final area within 12 hours. I wasn't going to start a new game just to rush through.

[LegendX]

After completing this game the other day...I am crying at how much extra stuff I have to do for the platinum!

Plus sides:
-I got a special code for beta opt in FFXIV (7 Year since beta wow veteran that wants to STOP!)
-New themes for my XMB
-Target Gift Card for $10 for buying it there where I work (plus discount!!)
-My Final Fantasy XIII box is kinda holographic!! Coool!!!!
-New Battle system is more strategic despite seeming easier to play.

Down Sides:
-Short game with much less side-adventures (Blitzball for 40 hours ftw?)
-Story was probably the worst (imo) of all the Final Fantasies...excludi ng #1...Even #2 was more dramatic (Firion woot!)
-I've never (even at 3, 4, 5 AM) have fallen asleep while playing Final Fantasty. This includes #11 and X-2. Yes I said it, X-2.
-Once I platinum this game I won't return it because I'm a slave to the fanboyness which is this franchise.
-Fights in this game range from SUPER FREAKING EASY (Like, I am spamming X while I walk to the kitchen next to my room to grab some milk and cookies during a boss, I'm serious...) to SUPER HARD (Like spending more than an hour and a half on one fight?) There is no middle ground.

Maybe the positive notes were a bit sarcastic, as this game does shine in many obvious ways.

Overall, if you like the series, I'm sure you will enjoy playing this game being thrown back into the world of Final Fantasy. Even 12 was kind of a bummer for me at some points, but I still really enjoyed it and logged many hours. One thing I'd like to point out is the game being linear. Yes, everyone knows this, but this is because they tried to do something that they had never tried before. Immersing you into HIGH ACTION story driven gameplay. Everything from the CGs and Cutscenes to the hack and slash battle makes you feel like this. Honestly, at least my controller was getting more uptime than playing Xenosaga (AND YOU KNOW THIS IS TRUE!!) They intended that you never be bored until Chapter 11! Did it work? Not for me, maybe for some people, but the story needs to be much more captivating...

[kyubixmunky]

Just got to Gran Pulse like 20 hours ago. Fucking Amazing. Like 60+ hours of side quests and grinding (Titan C'ieth Stones anyone?). Sure the first 9 chapters are pretty linear, but then BAM Gran Pulse just blows your mind. Beating the game is just the halfway point, just like in FF-X where it was pretty linear, play some Blitzball here and there, then at the end of the game, just before the final boss, you grind and get all the summons, and the celestial weapons, unlock the celestial weapons' secret powers, and finally fight the super hard optional bosses.

[godcheese]

mmm I just got to Gran Pulse, 30 hours into the game total... ive completed about... 5 c'ieth stone quests ranging from dodging high powered monsters I couldn't possibly fight yet to walking over there and smashing X while I browse 4chan.

[nstgc]

Just got to Gran Pulse like 20 hours ago. Fucking Amazing. Like 60+ hours of side quests and grinding (Titan C'ieth Stones anyone?). Sure the first 9 chapters are pretty linear, but then BAM Gran Pulse just blows your mind. Beating the game is just the halfway point, just like in FF-X where it was pretty linear, play some Blitzball here and there, then at the end of the game, just before the final boss, you grind and get all the summons, and the celestial weapons, unlock the celestial weapons' secret powers, and finally fight the super hard optional bosses.

If Gran Pulse is anything like Blitzball, and thats half the game, I'm quiting while I'm ahead.

[fohfoh]

Just got to Gran Pulse like 20 hours ago. Fucking Amazing. Like 60+ hours of side quests and grinding (Titan C'ieth Stones anyone?). Sure the first 9 chapters are pretty linear, but then BAM Gran Pulse just blows your mind. Beating the game is just the halfway point, just like in FF-X where it was pretty linear, play some Blitzball here and there, then at the end of the game, just before the final boss, you grind and get all the summons, and the celestial weapons, unlock the celestial weapons' secret powers, and finally fight the super hard optional bosses.

If Gran Pulse is anything like Blitzball, and thats half the game, I'm quiting while I'm ahead.

Oh boo hoo. $70 movie is $70 movie.

[MammalSauce]

while I browse 4chan.

Why am I not surprised?

Oh boo hoo. $70 movie is $70 movie.

Long cat is looooooong... cat? First time I've ever seen anybody fuck up that catchphrase. Good job!

[forsaken]

while I browse 4chan.

Why am I not surprised?

Oh boo hoo. $70 movie is $70 movie.

Long cat is looooooong... cat? First time I've ever seen anybody fuck up that catchphrase. Good job!

mammal with the double-burn

I too have now earched Gran Pulse. I'll probably just end up grinding CP for a day or two while I watch some movies.

Also I'm not sure I like the concept of beating the game and THEN powering up my chars, getting the ultimate weapons/summons... I dunno, I like to work FOR something when I flesh out my chars. Seems kinda pointless if I've already defeated the storyline's main boss...

[kyubixmunky]

while I browse 4chan.

Why am I not surprised?

Oh boo hoo. $70 movie is $70 movie.

Long cat is looooooong... cat? First time I've ever seen anybody fuck up that catchphrase. Good job!

mammal with the double-burn

I too have now earched Gran Pulse. I'll probably just end up grinding CP for a day or two while I watch some movies.

Also I'm not sure I like the concept of beating the game and THEN powering up my chars, getting the ultimate weapons/summons... I dunno, I like to work FOR something when I flesh out my chars. Seems kinda pointless if I've already defeated the storyline's main boss...

See: Disgaea

[Proin Drakenzol]

So, I've watched about 6 hours of the game (in English this time) and here are my preliminary thoughts:

• I like the main characters. ALL of the main characters. Even Hope, who I  thought would be a total whiny bitch, isn't bad, and reacts in a fairly sensible manner. And Vanille is great, I love her English VA, and her vectors are sexy.
• The plot and the setting seem reasonably internally consistent so far.
• The Chocobo chick. He is great.
• The battle system is interesting. I like how you switch between specializations.
• I like how, as far as I can tell, status buffs and debuffs have received a major effectiveness upgrade in comparison to other Final Fantasies.
• The "tutorial" section is a tad long. 3 hours before you can level up? 5 before you can start upgrading items? Seriously, Square, the battle system doesn't have that much of a learning curve.

As for the "movie" thing... if people are willing to pay $20 for a movie that's 1 1/2 to 3 hours long then what's the big deal about paying $60 for a 60 hour long interactive movie? It's still less per hour.