Final Fantasy XIII

[MrDeathNote]

...significant differences...

The key word here is significant... there still are differences non the less.
But, I don't care either way, I'm not getting it for 360

Exactly, and not worth arguing about insignificant differences. We can simply agree to get it on our respective systems and enjoy it either way.

Agreed

[Sanshin77]

I've looked at a few reviews, and the ratings are pretty mixed - from 3/6 to 10/10.

They say the music and graphics are amazing ( perfect ) but the first third of the story is slow and linear and the leveling system is too simple and linear. (It's like the Sphere Grid in X, but only one way to go, so you don't really control the development of your character's stats)

Only thing I'm concerned of is the linearity of the leveling system(don't remember what it's called), I like to customize and develop my characters. I don't think I'll have a problem with the story.

Some Links:
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/107/1074843p1.html
http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/revie ... tasy-xiii/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fantasy_XIII
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/107/1074227p1.html

[LeonBlade]

I'm hoping to see the game ship today for pre-order people...
Is this true?

[hurstshifter]

I'm hoping to see the game ship today for pre-order people...
Is this true?

I know that retail stores already have it and many are doing midnight releases so I would assume that rush shipping online pre-orders will have theirs by tomorrow. I stuck with the safe route and just reserved it at my local gamestop.

[LeonBlade]

[DaveB]

Yeah just picked up my copy from my local Walmart, and of about 20 people there, only 1 person got the 360 version.....lmao

[Sanshin77]

Only a few hours left for me, just have to get through some hours at school!

I've seen it get a few 9/10 from people who actually like the linearity, check out IGN's review btw: http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/107/1075775p1.html

[hurstshifter]

Just picked up my copy and the limited edition strategy guide (looks reeeeal nice) about an hour ago. I'm still at work though and I have class tonight so I won't be playing until 9pm EST or so.

[LeonBlade]

FFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU-
Also, I put my public address here... I don't really care to shoop it out
Changed my mind... also, this is 10 hours from my house
STUPID BEST BUY BASTARDS!

[Sanshin77]

I picked up the collectors edition early today and I'm really satisfied with the game. I've been playing it for about 5-6 hours straight(almost, I have to take breaks to eat). It is freaking amazing.

I'm going to bed now so I'll just list a few pros(+) and cons(-) and then I'll log off.
+The combats are challenging, but if you fail theres a good retry system, so you won't have to go back to your last save.
+I LOVE the new battle system. It's challenging, fast paced, tactical, deep and introduced well.
+Good variety of cool and imaginative monsters to fight
+New combat and leveling mechanics are introduced in a decent way.
+Very impressive graphics, cut-scenes and city designs
+Good soundtrack, but not as catchy and memorable as previous titles
+The crystarium system is not as bad as I thought, it's almost completely linear, but you can choose a few branches, and you have a separate tree/line for every class, so you can to some extent choose how you want to develop your characters.
-The crystarium system is linear, nonetheless.
-The first 1-2 hours are kinda slow, until you get magic (and other mechanics shortly after). After this point though, I got really interested in the combat, the characters and the story.
-Some parts where you're just running to get across places or out of places are a little too long, and too much time goes by before any new advancements in the plot.
-Some of the themes are very similar and not memorable (It's still good quality and moody though). A few of the songs and the main theme, are really good though.They replaced the classic victory fanfare .

I'm really enjoying the game and can't wait to spend 60+ hours with it in the coming week(s). Even though the story might be moving slowly at some times, that doesn't really bother me, coz the combats are very satisfying, challenging and fun/cool. If you're interested in the game but haven't decided yet I'd say go for it, but it's still a JRPG(with an innovative and fast-paced combat system) so if you hate that genre this isn't a game for you.

Would love to hear what you think of it so far!

[JaxDragon]

I got this game and I played it for roughly 3 hours straight. It is indeed VERY fun. Also I just think I should mention, if you bought this for a PS3, you get free items and possible beta access for FF XIV While 360 versions get slight graphical tune-downs and they need 2 discs to play. I am very impressed with this game, and I would highly recommend it.

As a side note, I also bought the strategy guide. They're always good to have for finding all the loot etc.

[Falco Girgis]

Goddamnit, you guys are making me really jealous!

[LeonBlade]

Goddamnit, you guys are making me really jealous!

I'm jealous too
FUCK YOU BEST BUY! SEE IF I EVER BUY FROM YOU AGAIN!
My game is still in Kentucky... at least... that's what it says

[DaveB]

Yeah so im now 5 hours in, and although it is very different from the previous installments, it is no way shape or form a disappointment. All the hate about not having towns and shops only being at the save is a matter of perspective, to me it helps speed up the game a bit.

The flow of the game is nice and does a really good job at telling the story, although some of the characters do seem to be a bit on the whiny side, it does not subtract from the experience at all. The battle system is very well done and involves a lot of strategy. The paradigm system is a very refreshing addition to the series and the only thing I would add is the ability to switch which character you control in battle. Only about 5 hours in and I cant wait to continue on.......so I will :D

P.S.: I did get the PS3 version, but may I ask what the item you receive is? Some people say they register and nothing happens ?

[Sanshin77]

The paradigm system is a very refreshing addition to the series and the only thing I would add is the ability to switch which character you control in battle.

I believe you can change which character to control later on. You can't change in-battle, but you can choose in the paradigm menus.