Final Fantasy has, at last, entered the current generation of gaming.
Square Enix’s latest installment in its flagship series, Final Fantasy XIII, features its latest group of heroes battling destiny and fighting for survival. This particular fantasy features the game’s primary heroine, Lightning, as she fights to rescue her sister and save her homeworld while resisting a corrupt military regime and its omnipotent mystical leader. Lightning travels with her allies to great lengths, and even another world, in her quest to for justice and redemption.
Final Fantasy XIII’s cast features the aloof and quiet Lightning, her brother-in-law to be Snow, former soldier Sazh, youngsters Vanille and Hope and the mysterious warrior woman Fang. Each character comes complete with their own personalities and goals, often clashing with each other but ultimately working together to find success. Players will likely find at least one character they can relate to and probably another that will rub them the wrong way. This should come as no surprise to fans of Square Enix’s projects as strong character development has always been a mainstay.
Let me say one thing right away: this is not your traditional Final Fantasy. The typical formula of turn-based attacks, world exploration, NPC interaction and non-linear gameplay has been tossed in favor of something less familiar but by no means terrible. Combat has a more real-time feel to it and allows the player somewhat more control over the outcome. Players control only the leader instead of the entire party but they can still call the shots. Party control comes in the form of various strategies called paradigms that players can customize to have party members heal, absorb enemy attacks or cause as much damage as they can; strategies which can be changed at any point during the course of battle and which allow the player to adapt to any situation.
I’m going to be honest and say I haven’t finished the game yet. I’m at about the halfway point but the way I see it, with the exception of the rest of the story, I’ve seen enough of what the game offers to be able to pass along an opinion. I’ve enjoyed the battle system and the paradigm shifting is great; it really does allow you to dictate the flow of battle and play in whatever style you want. At any point you can alter your party’s complexion from all-out offense to casting status ailments and party buffs to healing and defending in a matter of seconds. The single member control can be frustrating since the game ends whenever your character is defeated regardless of the status of the rest of the party, but the game does allow you to retry at the start of whatever fight ended your quest.
Exploration is nonexistent until around the game’s midpoint and to be honest the game is very linear up until that point. Players can travel through the areas the game places them in but other than that, there is very little freedom offered. There is no backtracking or revisiting areas already cleared and the only movement is forward. Admittedly, yes this does deviate from the typical Final Fantasy gameplay, but in the context of the story of XIII, it makes sense when you consider your party is on the run and must remain incognito lest they be captured or executed. Considering it’s been some time since a truly nonlinear Final Fantasy existed, this is not as big a deal as many have made it seem.
If I had any complaint at this point it would be the story. I see the story as one big family squabble between Lightning and Snow over whether Snow is worthy of marrying Lightning’ sister Serah. I understand the story evolves beyond the two heroes into a worldwide scale, but at the center of the conflict is a sister’s disapproval of her sister’s fiancée. The story may only be one aspect of the game, but it is crucial in a game like Final Fantasy where every action is designed to drive the story forward. If there is no motivation to see the remainder of the story, what is the point of playing any further?
In support of the game, there is the previously mentioned battle system, but the game also looks and sounds amazing. Animations are fluid and environments are vibrant and imaginative and are complemented by the game’s soundtrack which is very easy on the ears even though the battle music gets a little repetitive. The character voice actors are acceptable and provide adequate performances, with the possible exception of Vanille whose accent shifts in and out of existence at will. Particularly noteworthy are the eidolon (summon) animations which are jaw-droppingly beautiful (Odin’s especially) and are among the grandest sights in the game.
The gameplay is about as deep as you would expect from a Final Fantasy game, and that is about the only of the series’ roots to remain intact. Experience points have been replaced by crystogen points which allow players to progress through a character’s crystarium, reminiscent of the sphere grid from Final Fantasy X. Each character’s role, of which there are eventually six (medic, saboteur, commando, ravager, synergist and sentinel) can be individually customized and advanced through the crystarium, allowing for completely unique character development at the total control of the player. Various weapons are available and upgradeable and numerous accessories can be equipped which add different abilities and benefits. The only downfall is that players cannot take full advantage of upgrading until well into the game due to lack of components or places to acquire them.
My opinion is this. If you’re looking for yet another traditional Final Fantasy adventure that strictly follows the formula set by Final Fantasy I, stay away from XIII. If you’re among those brave enough to try something new and risk not enjoying it, pick this one up. This isn’t the greatest Final Fantasy ever produced and probably isn’t going to win any game of the year awards, but RPG fans looking for a deep, rewarding experience won’t want to miss it. Rent it first if you can.
