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Final Fantasy XIII (PS3) | 
| From: Square Enix
Category: Video Games
List Price: £49.99
Buy Used: £14.75
as of 6/9/2010 10:21 CDT details
You Save: £35.24 (70%)
New (26) Used (27) from £14.75
Seller: Dual vaand
Rating:  reviews
Sales Rank: 157
Platform: PlayStation 3
Genre: role-playing-games
Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
ESRB: Everyone
Media: Video Game
Edition: Normal
Discs: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Age: 11 - 18 years
Operating System: Playstation 3
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 6.8 x 5.3 x 0.6
MPN: PS3FINALFANTASYXIII
EAN: 5060121820821
ASIN: B000FN5EYE
Release Date: March 9, 2010
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
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Product Description
- Newest installment of Final Fantasy features futuristic civilization illuminated by the Light of the Crystal
- Features the latest in cutting-edge technology
- Provides tangible, intuitive controls
- Delivers seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and stunning in-game cinematics
- Developed by Square Enix
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| Customer Reviews:
 Final Fantasy XIII March 11, 2010
Mr. J. C. Hull (Hereford, United Kingdom)
20 out of 26 found this review helpful
It's strange to think that this game is finally here. After four and half years of waiting with baited breath, watching almost every video released, new updates coming with but a trickle of new information; you can understand why the hype level for this game has been set so high. Understandably so, the Final Fantasy faithful are looking towards XIII with vigorous eyes - a hope that this game will return their beloved series back towards the light after its somewhat dip in form with the past two releases. With producer Yoshinori Kitase back at the production helm for the first time since Final Fantasy X, it was the hope that his influence would spur the series topside again - or at least give this incarnation of the series a half decent story.
It would not be remiss to say that Final Fantasy XII was a flawed game. From the outset, the main character was designed to look far too female for a western audiences liking, not to mention the fact that his part in the story was so minor that it was hard to swallow for anyone who loved the character development that the Final Fantasy series has prided itself on. On the other hand, the game did deliver in the gameplay factor. It was a step in a completely new and daring direction for the series, which split the fans reception for it, but would consider itself a successful experiment.
Final Fantasy XIII, however, is somewhat of a step back. Not in quality, but mechanics. For as FFXII was set in real time, XIII heads back towards its turn based roots. That's not to say that it isn't fun, because it is, it really is, but this change may well be the tipping point that frightens the audience that Square Enix took so many risks in attracting with XII in the first place. That said, the battle system is genuinely good fun. Even during the first 5 hours or so of the game, which is but a basic template of the things to come later on, it is a design that works well. It's fast, action packed and full of promise - and it delivers on a whole new level once the skills and abilities earned throughout the game are learned and mastered.
But while the fighting is fast, the story certainly is not. Somewhere along the line Square decided to trickle the information much in the same way they did regarding the game during its development. And for the first 25 hours or so of the game you are taken along a clearly marked path that is exemplified by the mini map in the top corner with a small yellow arrow leading you onwards. There are small offshoots from the main path, but small they are, and it is always obvious that there will be an item waiting at the end of it. However, during all of this, the game keeps your attention. Cutscenes are introduced with regularity that keeps the story moving, and always teases the player to carry on. Not least of its long list of attributes are its graphics, which are simply stunning in every respect, and it's highly applaudable at how well the development team has managed to meld the CG graphics into in-game footage and still leave the player wondering whether it's still a cutscene. And the English voice acting this time around, is excellent on the whole, which has been so delicately produced into the game, that the team reanimated all of the characters so that speech went perfectly with the character mouth movements and emotions.
It's safe to say that Final Fantasy XIII is impressive. Its depth is unparalleled. The battle system is deep and rewarding, and only gets deeper as the game progresses. Around half way through the game the world opens up and allows for some time out from the heavily beaten story - though it has to be earned as it takes around 25 hours to get to this point. The development system is similar to that of Final Fantasy X's sphere grid system, taking place along a grid which allows the player to purchase skills and attribute enhancements with hard earned points from battle. And the story, although slow to begin with, is rich and thought-provoking which constantly throws the player with its twists and turns.
Final Fantasy XIII is an accomplished and polished game that sacrifices a small amount of the series hallmarks, such as town shopping and NPC dialogue, to make up a faster and more tactically engaging game overall. Although it was with some distain that the development team retreated from the system they began to build with XII at first, it is a healthy compromise for the cutting edge story-telling experience that FFXIII so lovingly weaves. It's another new beginning in the Final Fantasy chapter, for better or worse, and this is one aspect of the series that will never be changed, and what's left here, is a deeply accomplished game that delivers in almost every aspect, but most importantly, is a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Another worthy entry in a great series May 29, 2010
P. Simpson (Edinburgh, United Kingdom)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
We own all the games in the FInal Fantasy series, however we still have the intention to objectively judge a game. We have played this game to the end and all but one side-quest (still working on that!), and can safely say that we have enjoyed every minute of at least 80 hours of gameplay.
First impressions of the graphics and quality of craft & design were amazing, with some truly jaw-dropping immersive environments. There is a typical band of well-developed characters with backstory, strengths and weaknesses. It is a story-driven game, with emphasis on the characters' destinies and conflicts. The first few hours are almost purely story, tutorial based, but don't get the wrong impression. Have patience and you will eventually find the freedom and expansive options you crave! The new battle-system does take time to learn, but it is innovative and focusses you on strategy, tactics and teamwork. Although there is AI control of your other party members, you as the leader have control and choose the strategy, which is essential in complex, difficult battles. It also makes the power-levelling sections less of a chore.
We respect other people's opinions, but we really can't fault this game. There is a very small technical annoyance, in that on our standard definition television, we had some screen tearing in fast-moving cutscene movements. Also, Lightning's legs are too thin! Other than that, it's great! Some people haven't enjoyed the game, maybe because it is so different in gameplay from others in the series. However, you have to commend Square for trying something new and original. People would no doubt have complained that they were sticking to a formula and not moving forward!
In short, if you want an involving story with exciting combat and a truly detailed, incredible visual experience, you will enjoy FF XIII ! It is not a traditional RPG and there is not the world-map, town visiting system - but there is still room for exploration, character and weapon development.
Pretty nice September 3, 2010
Istiaq
nothing like the ps1 collections, however a game that is still lovely none the less
Give it time... March 18, 2010
S. Ward
5 out of 7 found this review helpful
I love this game, the graphics are stunning, the storyline suitably mental and the depth of weapons/accessories/items and their various upgrades will keep people occupied for weeks if that is their thing, especially the ability to dismantle equipment and obtain rare items not available anywhere else. There are also Ultimate weapons to strive towards for each character.
The battle system allows an X button thrash but you will need to know your Paradigms before tackling the later bosses and the massively powerful beasts you encounter further down the line. If you want more control, you can choose your actions more carefully but it may be worth slowing the battle speed down in the options (which I believe you can do).
The character upgrade is similar to the Sphere Grid in FFX, with the option to grind really opening up around chapter 10, but it's worth careful thought where to spend you hard earned Crystalarium(?) points.
There are hunt missions as in FFXII which I haven't reached yet, but I believe the game opens up completely after the main storyline has finished allowing the player to explore/battle to their hearts content. I have the Piggyback book to accompany this and the bestiary lists some big creatures not remotely beatable (within a sensible time) at the moment.
It IS very linear during the story, but in terms of the entire life of the game, it's not a huge problem for me as I know the story will finish and then I can really start levelling and getting on with the hunts.
If you can stand Hope's whining and Snow's winking, stick with it is my advice. It's a great game.
well worth the wait! March 14, 2010
Marty
7 out of 10 found this review helpful
First off, this is an incredible looking game with the best soundtrack i've heard in a long time. As a fan of the series the initial linearity did not distract from the story or become an issue for me. The game offers literally a whole world of side quests, customizing and upgrading later on so rpg fans will not be dissapointed. Battles are fast, fun but sometimes incredibly difficult and require a more tactical approach than just traditional level grinding. It's a welcome edition and adds a fresh take on the active time battle system. Without giving anything away, the story is solid but definitely not the best in the series. This is not helped by the pacing, and often leaves you wondering just what is going on! There are logs to help keep you updated but surely the point is to appreciate the story through the cinematics?! Ultimately this is remedied by the half way mark and should not put players off what is actually a great story with really memorable characters who are easy to relate to. I give this game top marks for it's originality, graphics and value for money - side quests included there's a lot of gameplay here. Most importantly it's a fantastic entry in a long running series that offers something for most gamers.
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