Home Theater Forum › Home Theater Forum › Entertainment › Video Gaming › Final Fantasy XIII
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Final Fantasy XIII

post #1 of 39
3/9/10 at 7:28am
Thread Starter 
I haven't loved a FF game sinse FF7.  Anyone know anything about this one?
Reply
post #2 of 39
3/9/10 at 8:03am
I'll be picking up my copy in an hour or so, so all I know is based on reviews and opinions of those who have played the Japanese version.  The overall comments seem to be mixed, as the game heavily departs from many traditions of the japanese rpg:

- there are no cities to wander around in
- no shops (you shop from the save points)
- only two equipment slots per character
- the game is pretty linear
- for the most part you have no say as to who is in your party

That all being said.  a LOT of reviews turn those minuses into pluses, and say they all help to make the game the most enjoyable FF ever, with a taut movie-like story, interesting characters you actually care about, and battles that are difficult and rewarding.

Basically, it seems that if you like the new direction the game was taken, you love the whole thing.  If you dislike the departure, you hate it all.

I'll let you know my thoughts after a few hours in.
Reply
post #3 of 39
3/9/10 at 6:08pm
I just got it today, played about an hour and a half.  So far, the reviews are spot on.  It's a little dull at this point but I'm hoping it gets better.
Reply
post #4 of 39
3/10/10 at 8:28am

Quote:

- there are no cities to wander around in
- no shops (you shop from the save points)
- only two equipment slots per character
- the game is pretty linear
- for the most part you have no say as to who is in your party


 


I actually welcome some of those changes. I’ve always enjoyed FF games since FFVII, but some of those elements can get awfully tedious in those games such as the ridiculously long and nearly impossible sidequests/minigames you have to go on to obtain certain items/ultimate weapons etc. Playing hours upon hours of tedious card/coin games. Having to build up to God like status to defeat certain side enemies, spending hours just getting equipped items for all your characters right.


I know you don’t have to do all that stuff but the game demands sooooo much for the full completion/experience.

 

So I kind of look forward to playing a FF game where I don’t have to worry about all that stuff

Reply
post #5 of 39
3/10/10 at 3:44pm
Yeah, they basically streamlined the game a lot.  Also, the battles are simplified so it's more about strategy than brute strength.  You have to see which paradigm setups will get the enemy into stagger mode the quickest so you can pummel them down.  It's kind of neat.

If you don't know what paradigm and stagger refer to, read up on the game or just buy it.  They're integral to the battle system in 13.
Reply
post #6 of 39
3/10/10 at 5:55pm
Question: The box has the Dolby and DTS logos on them, but I can't figure out how to toggle audio options on the PS3. Anyone know?
Reply
post #7 of 39
3/11/10 at 6:54pm
In the XMB, go all the way to the left, then over to the right one and you should see a list of settings.  Pick the audio one and go through the setup process for it.  You can limit what sound it outputs.

This is a PS3 setting, not a FF13 setting.  You need to set the console.
Reply
post #8 of 39
3/15/10 at 9:30am
I beat the main story. (I played it far too much over the last week :))
Quote:
- there are no cities to wander around in
- no shops (you shop from the save points)
- only two equipment slots per character
- the game is pretty linear
- for the most part you have no say as to who is in your party

There are towns - but you don't buy/sell in them like you normally do.  This fits in nicely with the story
You start with 2 equipment slots - but you will gain more. (max of 4)
The game is linear for the first 15-20 hours - if you remember FF7 where you spent the first giant part of the game in the city it was very linear as well.
Starting with Chapter 10 (15-20 hours in) allows you to change your party line up, Starting in Chapter 11 you have total control (the majority of the game)

The graphics are top notch, the story and acting is typical Japanese RPG - this isn't Mass Effect or Dragon Age.

The Combat system starts out simple but ends up very enjoyable (and non-trivial). The item upgrade / disassemble system is addictive.

Personally I'd give it a 9.5/10.

Brian
Reply
post #9 of 39
3/15/10 at 6:13pm
15-20 hours to get to chapter 10?  Man, I'm just over 20 right now and nearing the end of chapter 9.  You must have plowed through the game to get that far that quickly.  All the reviews I've read suggest 25 hours or so to get to the open-ended parts.
Reply
post #10 of 39
3/15/10 at 8:08pm
Yeah I'm just over 20 hours as well, and just finishing chapter 9.  Reactions after one week of playing: this is definitely in my personal top three of FF games, along with VI and X.
Reply
post #11 of 39
3/15/10 at 8:37pm
Sometimes there is a difference between incredible realism and art.  This game is really an amazing work of art.  Playing it, the creation of characters is really unique in comparison to anything else I've seen.  I'm loving it, and the storyline is intriguing.
Reply
post #12 of 39
3/16/10 at 6:57am


Quote:
Originally Posted by Morgan Jolley View Post

15-20 hours to get to chapter 10?  Man, I'm just over 20 right now and nearing the end of chapter 9.  You must have plowed through the game to get that far that quickly.  All the reviews I've read suggest 25 hours or so to get to the open-ended parts.

I should go back and check my save game - I think it was 20 hours and change.  And I didn't plow ;-)  I grinded gil/CP at 2 spots, one in chapter 8 and once in chapter 9.  Each time for about an hour.  I upgraded my weapons which made fights shorter.  I think that's the key - shave time off of every fight speeds up the game significantly.  I also played high risk with the fights - rarely swapping for a medic, and ending many fights in the red health.
Reply
post #13 of 39
3/16/10 at 8:53am


Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Kleinke View Post

I upgraded my weapons which made fights shorter.  I think that's the key - shave time off of every fight speeds up the game significantly. 

From what I've read, the game actually takes the level of your weapons and accessories into account when it calculates the target time, so upgraded weapons can also *hurt* your battle rating, even they are sped up.  I sort of like this, as it encourages players to actually understand the fight mechanics and "get better" over time (which you obviously have, since you are snagging good ratings in fast times with upgraded weapons).
Reply
post #14 of 39
3/16/10 at 10:58am


Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh Dial View Post

From what I've read, the game actually takes the level of your weapons and accessories into account when it calculates the target time, so upgraded weapons can also *hurt* your battle rating, even they are sped up.  I sort of like this, as it encourages players to actually understand the fight mechanics and "get better" over time (which you obviously have, since you are snagging good ratings in fast times with upgraded weapons).

That's exactly what it does - one fight - guide has a snapshot - gives a strategy to kill it in 2 mins - screen shot shows 2:28 as par time. I beat that fight in about 1:05, my par time was 1:28.  I only got 4 stars, but it didn't matter because it was a preset fight - loot is predetermined.

Real boss fights will cast doom on you if you take too long - if you're underleveled your in big trouble, if your overleveled you can beat the boss before they even cast doom.  This ensures you don't end up some place you have no chance of beating any of the fights.

Reply
post #15 of 39
3/17/10 at 5:38am
 Hey Guys,
Need some help with the Mini Boss in Chapter 3. I keep getting wiped out quickly...  It's the big Robot that looks like it has a dog face...  I have the Strategy guide, and it says to create a new Paradigm Shift.. Which I have..

My hit Points on the Main character are 320, the tall guy Snow is 550 and the long haired red head girl is 400+..

any hints??  I have tried at least 50 times....   

Reply
post #16 of 39
3/17/10 at 9:33am
Steven,

Do you mean the Manasvin Warmech?  If so, you basically jump between a damaging paradigm and a healing paradigm.  Start off in Relentless Assault (COM/RAV/RAV), and stay in it until he shoots his massive gun, at which point you switch to Diversity (COM/RAV/MED).  Both of those paradigms feature coms to maintain the chain gauge, and a rav to drive it up.  As soon as you are healed up, switch back to Relentless Assault and pound his face more.  Bounce between the two as needed, and you'll win.
Reply
post #17 of 39
3/17/10 at 7:04pm
 Yes,
I have tried that, and seem to always get wiped out... NO matter what I do....   I have gotten over a minute into the fight, and done lot's of damage and still seem to get taken out...  

Sometimes, I get taken out in like 15 seconds...   There are times I can't even heal fast enough...  This soon in the game, I didn't think I would get this much challenge in a mini boss....

:)
Reply
post #18 of 39
3/17/10 at 7:31pm
 I just tried what you said, I open up with Relentless, then he quickly does his laser.. I switch to Diversity...  I cant get enough healing in time...  He then pounds me again, and my character dies....   I just can't get past this....
Reply
post #19 of 39
3/17/10 at 7:59pm
Try changing your primary paradigm so you don't have to change to it at the beginning of the battle.
Reply
post #20 of 39
3/17/10 at 8:13pm
A few other suggestions:

- don't be afraid to use potions.  They don't use up an ATB section, so they basically free actions while the bar is charging, and after you pass about 800 or so HP, they are effectively useless anyway.
- try changing the battle speed to slow.  Until you start getting a bunch of two-atb-segment abilities, the slow setting makes the game slightly easier.  However, as an aside, at around chapter 8 or so (when you get 2+ segment abilities), I think the game is actually harder on slow (it has to do with spells charging and casting animations and other variables).
Reply
post #21 of 39
3/18/10 at 5:35am
 Just tried it on slow... Same results... Lightning has 330 max hit points by the way... I start my first attack with Relentless, then he laser beams me, i try a Paradigm with healer in it, and while im waiting for a cure, the ice kills me...  Every time...  Getting very frustrated guys!!


Reply
post #22 of 39
3/18/10 at 9:07am
While you are waiting for a heal, pop a potion or two?  There are a few fights in the early part of the game that are literally impossible without a potion (unless you get crazy lucky with targetting).  1 potion will heal 50% of your HP, and you can always slap on the accessory that doubles their effectiveness.  Remember potions don't cost ATB to use, so if you are hurt, and you think a heal isn't going to make it in time, cancel everything you are doing (with the O button) and drink.
Reply
post #23 of 39
3/18/10 at 6:34pm
 Tried popping a potion, can make it through, then I switch right to relentless...  Get killed within 5 seconds, every single time...    
Can someone just send me a save file?? :)

Steve

Reply
post #24 of 39
3/18/10 at 7:46pm
If you are still having issues tomorrow, I'll see if I can make a video of a kill and toss it on youtube--hmmm, that might take a while getting to chapter 3...
Reply
post #25 of 39
3/19/10 at 5:19am
 Guys,
I have tried and tried...  I am stumped on this boss...   I have confirmed you can copy a save file.. Could someone send me a save file, right past this boss??  Please?? :)

If anyone here is a cigar smoker, I would gladly send you a nice cigar or 2..
Reply
post #26 of 39
3/20/10 at 6:55pm
 Anyone?? Spare a save game??
Reply
post #27 of 39
3/20/10 at 7:12pm
How do I get the saved game off my PS3?
Reply
post #28 of 39
3/21/10 at 9:26am
You go into your save game utilty in the ps3 menu... Find the final fantasy save games. Then you hit the the triangle and hit copy, then you save it to a thumb stick drive or sd card ... Then just email the files ... Or zip/Rar the files up so it's a one file send... My email is darth23@optonline.net thx in advace!! :)
Reply
post #29 of 39
3/21/10 at 10:09am


Quote:
Originally Posted by Steven Simon View Post

You go into your save game utilty in the ps3 menu... Find the final fantasy save games. Then you hit the the triangle and hit copy, then you save it to a thumb stick drive or sd card ... Then just email the files ... Or zip/Rar the files up so it's a one file send... My email is darth23@optonline.net thx in advace!! :)
I'll try that on Monday (won't be around much today).
Reply
post #30 of 39
3/22/10 at 1:14pm


Quote:
Originally Posted by Steven Simon View Post

 Just tried it on slow... Same results... Lightning has 330 max hit points by the way... I start my first attack with Relentless, then he laser beams me, i try a Paradigm with healer in it, and while im waiting for a cure, the ice kills me...  Every time...  Getting very frustrated guys!!

 

How close to max were your grids?  I'll need to see what Strat is in the guide - I don't recall having any problems with him.  There are MUCH harder fights later vs these type of baddy.

Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Video Gaming
Home Theater Forum › Home Theater Forum › Entertainment › Video Gaming › Final Fantasy XIII