Quote Originally Posted by DieAvsDie
I've been looking for a new game to get, and XIII is on my short list.

How is it? How are the RPG elements? The one thing I remember hearing is that it is very linear.
Quote Originally Posted by zebehm
Extremely linear, especially when it comes to Final Fantasy games. As far as FF games go, it is a mediocre game at best.

The graphics are amazing, the music is good, the combat system is fun but limiting, the storyline isn't anything special and it's way too linear. There is really only one place that you can break away from the story line and do some sidequests. Chocobos "mini-game" gets old after the second try and the missions mini-game is long but unsatisfying IMO.

A good RPG overall, but not up to par for FF games.
It's definitely linear. My one gripe about this game is that there aren't any "towns" so to speak. You are in them, but they're part of a story and you can't go back and look at shops. The weapon/item shop is all at a save point.. which is kind of stupid.

As for the game itself, I personally enjoyed the story. I think it has the best character development from the cut scenes and story standpoint. The battle system is unique and I found it easy to learn. Some bosses are actually challenging if you don't have the right set up, so that's kind of cool.

Quote Originally Posted by Maddogg420
I played FFXXIII for about half an hour and couldn't stand it. Maybe I don't really like the androgynous hero(ine) or ithe black guy who takes wacky stances with his guns and has a bird in his hair. Or maybe I just didn't like the feeling that I had zero control over combat or character. Looked real pretty though.

Or maybe I'm just a ME/Fallout/Oblivion fanboy.
I played this game from start to finish because I enjoyed it and I couldn't wait to play it everyday when I got home from work. Then again.. I'm a huge JRPG fan and don't really care for Western RPGs like Fallout, Mass Effect... etc.. =x Plus, I've been waiting for FFXIII for a looooong time with all the delays.