4.0 out of 5 based on 6 reviews. – Customer review on 01/04/2010

Final Fantasy XIII is beautiful to look at. The HD graphics make it a whole new experience in the Final Fantasy series. However, it isn't without flaws. The main fault can be described with a single word - LINEAR. The storyline is linear with little in the way of choices. You move from cutscene to cutscene without any branching, feeling more like a passenger than a player at times.
The character development is linear - with a slimmed down version of the sphere grid from FF X. You move from sphere to sphere with only very occasional side branches, and those branches are single abilities or accessories. A bit of a disappointment for fans of the series (which I am - starting with FF7 and every game since) but it will give a good grounding for players not familiar with the history of the games.
Maybe there will be downloadable upgrades or bolt ons for this game in the future, or perhaps the next instalment will be able to merge amazing looks with better gameplay. Either way, Final Fantasy XIII is visually stunning but with the potential to disappoint hardcore fans.

5.0 out of 5 based on 6 reviews. – Customer review on 09/03/2010

Finally! We've been waiting three and a half years for this game, and by golly, was it worth the wait! Firstly, the game looks simply beautiful. The dungeon crawling elements are somewhat linear and crampt, however this does nothing to deteriorate from the gameplay. The story is fantastic, and so is the voice acting. The battle system strips what we know of Final Fantasy combat back to it's bones and adds many new elements, which somehow works very well indeed. Highly recommended.

4.0 out of 5 based on 6 reviews. – Customer review on 03/04/2011

Visually, the game is amazing and delivers beautiful rendering and slick animations. In terms of the world, each field area is unique and generated with "expansive" in mind. Any addict for eye candy will love this.

In terms of gameplay, the battle system is fast paced but can be adjusted for those who need more time, and contains all the essentials of a FF battle for the old FF fans. One notable difference is the lack of MP, which is replaced by the real-time nature of battles. Being only in control of one character at a time does make for less interaction by you with the controller in battles but is a chance to enjoy the graphics.

Plot is engaging, but lacking in real emotional depth. The game plays quite linearly but is suited to the plot in giving the player the sense of urgency to move on as the characters and story demands. But the Paradigm Shifts for changing battle styles during battle does require thought if one wants a 5 star rating for the battle, which means less time battling, and is also a requirement for some trophies.

Music is a mix of styles from jazz to orchestral pieces choir vocals. Each piece is well suited to the setting or event but there is much recycling of themes.

Overall a good play, a solid 40 hours for the story and 70+ hours for all the extra missions and trophies.

4.0 out of 5 based on 6 reviews. – Customer review on 24/11/2010

Graphics for this game are amazing and, of course, it is very enjoyable- as the whole Final Fantasy series is...BUT: the game is way to linear. Up until nearly the end of the game there is no room for just strolling around the world or doing side quests.
Good game but not the best of this series.

5.0 out of 5 based on 6 reviews. – Customer review on 11/05/2010

Arrives in good time, and the game is decent. Not the best Final Fantasy though

5.0 out of 5 based on 6 reviews. – Customer review on 04/03/2010

The latest installment of FF is by far the most lush and detailed yet. It is the first time that FF has released a title on PS3 and the game offers unparalleled graphics. The game has a female lead character much like 10.2 but without all the annoying frills. Definitely worth playing.