Role Playing Regality- Final Fantasy XIII Review

After years of eager anticipation by series fans, Final Fantasy XIII has arrived, with a wealth of undeniable charms. From the title’s opening cinematic- with its sweeping shots of picturesque landscapes and nearly photorealistic characters, to a requisite epic final boss showdown, the game is overflowing with high-definition sumptuousness. Yet, the lauded Crystal Tools engine permits for more than just posh polygon pushing- it allows each of the title’s protagonists to convey emotions through the subtlest of motions. From the widening of an eye in amazement to a mouth taunt with restrained sneer, Final Fantasy XIII’s ability to convey the understated nuances of interaction are nothing less than incredible.

Equally adept is the game’s narrative construction, which lives up to the expectations set by the franchise. As a testament to the Final Fantasy XIII’s storytelling capabilities, I was affected by a character with only two lines of dialog in the title’s commencement. Although some players might scoff at the game’s propensity to drift into the melodramatic, Japanese role-playing aficionados will recognize the traditional tenors exhibited by the title. Like more recent entries in the Final Fantasy series, even seasoned players by be initially overwhelmed by the game’s argot. Fortunately, players can access an in-game databank, while returning players are given a helpful synopsis of proceeding events as the title loads.

Variety is constructed by Final Fantasy XIII’s shifting control of characters. Evoking FFVI’s mechanic, control varies across the title’s roster of six protagonists, which helps maintain the title’s brisk pace through its forty hour plus campaign. Sporadically, plotlines intersect and even flashback, displaying the game’s carefully crafted trajectory and exhibiting new facets of each character. While each of the title’s heroes are familiar archetypes- ranging from the dashing hero with the heart of gold to the young woman bursting with optimistic innocence, the game’s narrative tapestry focuses on the interaction between characters, rather than each individual’s timeworn personality.

Yet, arguably Final Fantasy XIII’s paramount aptitude is the title’s multifaceted battle system. At first, combat is woefully simple, requiring a strategy no deeper than selecting an ‘auto battle’ option to robotically strike foes, as the game’s Active Time Battle gauge fills. Soon, layers of new elements are added, each with an optional tutorial. Within a few hours, players are introduced to Paradigms, which are preset (and customizable) classes for each member of the party. By shifting paradigms mid-battle, teams can be given different goals, from maintaining a defensive stance and maintaining each characters’ HP, to all-out aggressive attack. Players are encouraged to be actively involved in each enemy encounter- not only will the survival of boss battles require a healthy amount of Paradigm changes, but the speed and ferocity of each clash is used in calculating the game’s distribution of post-skirmish loot.

Final Fantasy XIII‘s cutscenes might represent the contemporary pinnacle of CG craftsmanship. Each is gorgeously rendered, and often eerily lifelike. Players that gaze into the eyes of each of the game’s heroes will not see the conventional empty mannequins that permeate most now-gen titles, but rather actors that appear consistently genuine. Close-up shots between characters feel extraordinarily intimate, not just from the rendering of each facial hair and curling eyelash, but from each scene’s polished staging and sense of movement.  Almost as confident are Final Fantasy XIII’s in-game graphics, which except for infrequent drops in framerate and the occasional sporadic flat texture, look stunning.  Aural purists will revel in both the game’s voice-overs and soundtrack, especially when the later swells into mounting orchestral pieces that frame the on-screen action expertly.

Despite an extensive array of virtues, some players might find a single significant impediment in Final Fantasy XIII’s expedition- the game’s linear nature. Those expecting familiar franchise rudiments such as speaking to townsfolk, minigames, and supplementary discovery will be dismayed to know that the first ten chapters of the game push players down preset pathways. During this extended duration, there are small alcoves for exploration, but they are limited to impasses that hold an item or a bit of currency. Once players are about twenty-five hours in, the game allows adventures to venture on a multitude of side-quests, and familiar exploratory elements surface. For some, these opportunities will arrive inexplicably late; others may be too wrapped up in the game’s other potencies to be concerned.

There’s little doubt that Final Fantasy XIII is a milestone; the game’s lavish visuals and captivating battle system look to remain unsurpassed for the foreseeable future. While some will admonish the game’s linearity, there are enough triumphant components for role-playing aficionados to relish in for weeks. After years of frenzied expectation, Final Fantasy XIII has arrived; players will be pleased to know that the title meets the expectations set by every minute of its protracted anticipation.