Is this a true generational leap for JRPGs or has Final Fantasy lost its magic?
Format: PS3, Xbox 360 (version played) Dev: Square Enix Pub: Square Enix
Out: 09/03/10 Players: 1
Since Square’s defining separation from Nintendo to release Final Fantasy VII on the Sony PlayStation, the series has long been a magnet for controversy – for fans and money-spinners alike. But the fact that this series has run for so long, and for so many instalments, makes each Final Fantasy more controversially reviewable than the last. It’s always “how does it compare to the others?”, “does it still feel like Final Fantasy?”and so on.
As the video game market grows, the cynical view is that they are becoming ‘samey’. The market is currently saturated with FPSs, fast-paced combat, sci-fi or post-apocalyptic settings and, arguably, very little substance – something which the Final Fantasy series has always been able to maintain. So where does Final Fantasy XIII slot in?
Well, it is as much accessible, exciting and immersive as the majority of big budget RPGs, but conversely, it’s also somewhat of an anomaly. The first, and most major thing to point out about the game, is that it is very, very linear. The game has a subtle force, constantly driving you forward. There is virtually no opportunity to stray off your path, and only one major side quest throughout the entire game. Many critics have used this as a basis for criticising the game. But is this such a bad thing?
Final Fantasy XIII is focused, and the nature of its narrative is being on the run. It’s a story, which is a convention the series has stuck to, but they’ve simply trimmed off the excess.
It is now both relevant and necessary to follow on with the expected positive appraisal of the graphics and visuals of Square Enix’s title. FFXIII is breathtaking to behold, with magical environments and gorgeous animation. Easily one of the best looking games for the Xbox 360 and PS3 – something we can all agree. Final Fantasy has always squeezed every bit of potential out of each machine the series has appeared on (think back to our love for Final Fantasy VII’s visuals, then to Final Fantasy IX which truly pushed the PlayStation to its limit, and Final Fantasy X and FFX-2 which were some of the best graphics ever produced for the PS2).
Around a third of the entire game is cutscenes. Stunning, beautifully animated cutscenes. It’s a true joy to watch, and they have real cinematic quality and flair. But “watch” is an operative word here. You’ll be doing a lot of watching and listening. Again, is this a bad thing? That’s something you’ll have to decide for yourself. Because Final Fantasy is so story heavy it may put a lot of casual gamers off or those looking to play with freedom – those who love the more open, western RPGs, such as Elder Scrolls, Fable, Fallout and so on.
FFXIII’s story takes place in the sheltered world of Cocoon. To nutshell a narrative so complex is very difficult, but the game follows several strangers who come together for different reasons and become enemies of the state. Beneath Cocoon resides another world, called Pulse. It is feared by all the citizens of Cocoon and seen as a ‘lower world’. Those native to Cocoon consider Pulse to be a threat to their peaceful society, and believe it is ridden with untold evils and dangers (or at least this much is dictated by Cocoon’s government).
About an hour in you will become familiar with the terms ‘fal’Cie’ and ‘L’Cie’, which are used in a variety of contexts. The fal’Cie are mechanical entities with indescribably epic powers, essentially godlike. Both Cocoon and Pulse are sustained by these beings, from food and water, to heat and light. L’Cie describes those who have been ‘chosen’ by the fal’Cie of either world for a greater purpose. L’Cie are given Focuses, which are basically missions to complete for the benefit of their world. If they do not complete their Focus in the time given, or die in the process, they become a ‘Cie’th’, mindless decaying beings plaguing the world.
However, the reward for completing the Focus is arguably not much better: transformed to an eternity of stasis encased in crystal. For this reason, being chosen as a L’Cie is somewhat bad luck and seen as a curse. They’re also seen as a threat to Cocoon, which doesn’t bode well for our main characters. It’s moving, exciting, desperate and perhaps more stylised than previous Final Fantasy titles. Like many Hollywood action films, FFXIII is spectacle heavy, but the unique sci-fi/fantasy settings and variation make this a solid effort, and gives the game substance.
I can confidently say the battle system is a hybrid between Final Fantasy X-2’s rapid, almost real-time, combat, Final Fantasy XII’s system whereby monsters are readily in play, and the crazy acrobatics of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. FFXIII uses an active time battle (ATB) system, and each ability (from attack, to cure or thunder) takes up ATB slots. As you progress through the game, upgrading stats and learning abilities using the Crystarium (an even more linear version of the Sphere Grid from Final Fantasy X), you will also gain more slots to use. It’s very fast paced and very fulfilling. There are a lot of battles in the game, which are generally a mix of combat, cutscenes and moving through wonderfully detailed locations.
If you’re a Final Fantasy fan prepare to be surprised by the direction this game has taken. You are constantly moving forward with no time to stop and chat – I mean this literally, you can’t communicate with any NPCs, instead they shout some dialogue at you as you walk past. But you’re on the run, so it wouldn’t be realistic to stop off in a town, help some people find an item and play cards. Final Fantasy XIII is solid, smooth and graphically beautiful. It has a gripping story, fast and pulsating combat and some well developed characters (especially Sazh, who has a chocobo chick living in his afro). If you can get past the linearity, then the latest instalment of Final Fantasy should be thoroughly enjoyable.
Lewis Townsend
Tags: final fantasy, rpg, square enix
