The Final Fantasy series has seen a large number of installments, and in the process it has racked up a large sum of followers. The time has come for the franchise’s first appearance on the next-gen consoles, but will it manage to please the fans as well as newcomers? We’re about to find out.
At the heart of FF13 lies an incredible story filled with excitement and magic. It is however a little confusing at times especially with some strange words you’ve never heard before (which we’ll get to in a second). The story revolves around six unlikely characters whose paths cross after the City of Bohdum is seized by a group known as the PSICOM soldiers. The soldiers are looking for people who have become l’cie (la-see); beings that have been chosen to fulfill specific tasks by fal’cie (fal-see), who are God like beings and considered a threat to humanity. This may all sound confusing but eventually it falls together to create an atmospheric and immersive story. Coupled with great voice acting and quirky Japanese humour, FF13’s story will not disappoint.
FF13 is a Japanese RPG which is played out from a third person perspective with a turn based battle system. The game allows for up to three characters to be used at a time, however you will only be able to control one character which will constantly switch as you progress through the story. The battle system for FF13 works via an ATB (active time battle) which allows for players to execute a number of attacks as your time bar fills up. As your characters further their abilities, the bar will grow, allowing for players to make use of larger combos. The battle system contains what is known as a ‘paradigm’ which allows players to assign specific roles to each character, which can be changed with the flick of a button during battle in order to alter the player’s tactics. These roles include medic, commando, synergist, saboteur, ravanger and others. Each role performs a different function which can be used in combination to get the better of your enemies. Players will also gain the ability to summon Eidolons, which are creatures that can deal some serious damage. Overall the battle system is very solid and works incredibly well.
As you progress through the mostly linear levels (with the exception of later levels), you will encounter a number of enemies with who you can engage with in battle. Some battles can be made optional as you are granted some time before the confrontation, which you can use to run away like a little girl. Sneaking up on enemies also allows for players to make use of a ‘pre-emptive attack’ which can be used to your advantage. At the end of each battle your characters will gain ‘crystarium points’ which are used to advance your characters roles by increasing HP, magic or teaching new abilities.
Square Enix has really gone all out with some jaw-dropping CG cutscenes as well as with some incredible and uniquely stylized visuals which will be sure to impress. The character models are immaculate and highly detailed. The environments are unique and beautifully designed to fit in with the magical feel that the game has to offer.
Overall FF13 is a great game. It has an incredible, yet sometimes complicated story; a tactical, yet easy to use battle system and mind-blowing visuals. It offers you great value for money as you make your way through roughly 60 hours of playtime and you’ll enjoy every moment of it. A word of caution to this tale; while it may not appeal to all gamers, it is certainly one to consider if you’re a big RPG fanatic.
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