Final Fantasy XIII Collector's Edition reviews

They have done it again. Setting the bar higher and higher for in-game graphics and immersive story structure. Though some have dubbed Final Fantasy XIII ‘Final Corridor XIII’ due to its very linear gameplay style, I feel this works in the game's favour. Being an intensely story and character driven game rather than a player driven game linearity was a given. Featuring a brand new battle system called ‘Paradigms’ Final Fantasy XIII brings combat strategy to a whole new level. Want a party that can heal, buff and tank damage, but can also debuff, cause elemental damage and get in nice and close for a sword to the throat? FF XIII has that covered. Each character can assume any of the roles (but still favour 3 in-particular) and these roles can be swapped IN BATTLE! Though limited to 3 Active party members, who cannot be swapped out in battle, they all gain experience from battles so out-leveling is out of the question. Well worth the time and definitely worthy of becoming part of your collection.

This game is a personal favourite of mine – not for the gameplay exactly, but for the amazing graphics that are consistent throughout the game, and the stunning cut scenes – making me think of this game more as a movie.

Unfortunately this is the first Final Fantasy I have played so I cannot compare this the other titles. However I do quite enjoy this game with many things to praise, but sadly this game has its downsides as follows..

The gameplay is from 3rd person and the areas you travel through are very linear and doesn't allow the player to move in their own direction – which is a definite downside to any RPG.

Your ability to customize your characters is also very limited. Unlike other RPG games where you have to sacrifice some abilities to gain others, the “crystarium” system is as linear as the areas – giving the user only one possible path to improve. This is the same with weapons and accessories, only being able to use the base attributes – no addition of fire or ice attributes etc. For me this was a big let down as I love to make my own characters with my own weapon sets etc

However I do acknowledge that Square Enix is thought to have taken a different take at this Final Fantasy, making it more cinematic – and for this I believe Final Fantasy XIII as a stepping stone, or a beta to a better Final Fantasy.

For $30, the game with a whole ton of collectors stuff, I have no complaints on this game – worth its value and more, hoping for a great “Final Fantasy XIII 2.”

8/10

I got this on sale for $30 and it included so much stuff that I couldn't help but love it.
The games graphics blew me away but the story was a bit lacking.
All together a great game.

The final fantasy game starts off slow, but as soon as you get further into the game, it gets more interesting.
Final Fantasy XII is worth a try if your into these game types :)

Great graphics, great gameplay, hours and hours of content, an all round awesome game :D

One of the best Final Fantasy games I have played to date, can not wait for the sequel that is coming out soon.

Between FF7, 8, 12 and 13 I own, this one's got the best character CG in my opinion.