Final Fantasy XIII: The war from within begins tomorrow!!!!!

[lordtodd75]

Final Fantasy XIII will be out tomorrow and I am already try to change my schedule around for optimum play time. Love this franchise!!!!

[Epyx]

I started with old school CRPGS (Ultima/Wizardry/Bards Tales etc) and about 4 years ago got convinced by a buddy to try JRPGs...loved them.  Just increased the spectrum of rpgs for me...I still tend to prefer a game like FFXII which is not too non-linear than the totally linear story driven ones (FFX) although I still enjoy them.

My fear with FFXIII (but ill still buy it) is that it will be even more linear.

[lordtodd75]

A lot of the reviews I have seen are saying that it is linear for about the first thirty hours of the game, then after that it opens up. Pretty comparable to FFX, which I loved, so that will not be an issue for me. May be something you want to consider if that is going to be a problem.

[Ginsu Victim]

I just don't have that sort of time anymore.

[Epyx]

May be something you want to consider if that is going to be a problem

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I had heard the same about it opening up...30 hours is a lot but like I said ill likely get it anyways...I have all the others.

[hypernova]

Right after work, I'm picking it up.

[wp34]

Curious what you guys think of it after playing it.  My mom and son both act like it is the greatest game ever.  I don't have that kind of time anymore but have gotten a kick out listening to the two of them.  I will say the graphics and cut scenes are pretty impressive.

[Epyx]

Not bad so far...*very* linear but decent storyline and combat system...I do hope it opens up a bit soon...I do like me my free roaming.

[HaRuMaN]

You can get a copy at Newegg for $54.99 (with promo code) and free shipping...

I just bought a copy.

Newegg link

Look about halfway down the page.

[Malenko]

Im takin mine back tomorrow, bought the game and guide and the more I think about it the less likely I'll play it

[hypernova]

So far...I am not impressed.  I received my first eidolon.

I'll keep playing it, because now I'm into the story, but I'm hoping it gets better.

It is extremely linear.  There is virtually no exploring except a few sinewy paths scattered here and there that lead to an item.

[Epyx]

So far...I am not impressed.  I received my first eidolon.

Ya I would agree..story is "ok"...at least enough to keep me being pulled by the nose through the linear progression path (which I hate in RPGs...grr give me free roam).

But...ill keep playing since i plunked down the coin

[lordtodd75]

Yeah, it is definitely linear which sucks, but at least i was prepared for it after reading the reviews. The story is ok so far. I guess my biggest gripe is it just does not seem much like final fantasy. The music is mostly electronic which is a big let down, I really love the "epic" scores of the final fantasies of past. I do like the challenge. I have died numerous times which is unusual for a final fantasy game. There is definitely a little more strategy involved in the battles.

[draginit]

ive got about 10 hours into it now and i just really hope that this linear playing is just a huge character background buildup and long tutorial of whats to come...cuz right now im starting to get dissapointed and since i never read any reviews i dont know what is to come. i just assumed ya know it had to be good,..the only other FF that ever let me down was FF8, but right now aside from graphics and great cut scenes even 8 was more fun. welp ill give it another 10 hours and see how it goes..jmo

[hypernova]

I've died almost a dozen times as well.  It's nice you don't lose half an hour when you do.  That first boss after the water crystallizes can kill in one attack set if you don't play it correctly.

Music isn't that great to me either.

[Epyx]

Apparently the first 30 hours are this linear...then it opens up...hopefully not right before the end

[hypernova]

I'm starting to enjoy it more, if not just for the boss fights.

Aster Protoflorian.  Heck of a boss.  I even had the crystarium filled to that point for both characters.  So I do like the fact that you can't simply overpower your way through the story.  At least not yet.

The game does an excellent job of mixing it up on who you control.

For all the items you can collect for upgrading, they don't give you very much.  You need to be selective on what you want to upgrade.

[haveaniceday]

Mine is on the way...