There's been a lot of crying and moaning in the blogosphere recently. So much so that I really felt the need to interject something positive. I know everyone's getting sick of Final Fantasy XIII blogs. But honestly, I feel like I have a very fresh perspective as a long time gamer. Frankly, I've been gaming longer than some of you have been walking. FACT.



This new game has been a real breath of fresh air. Its just not everyday that you get a game of this calibur, and people really need to stop and appreciate that. I know you have very strong opinions about voice acting, storyline, exploration and all that. That's great. More power to you. But sometime, i think, the need to pass an "honest" (read "negative", amirite) opinion just seems to cloud the receptors of an otherwise rational and respectable gamer.

If you're looking at this game and just getting frustrated by the dialog, lengthy tutorial and arguably complex upgrade system, then ... frankly, I can't understand you. Granted, its clearly not the greatest work of interactive or linear fiction ever created, but I think some concessions can be made to appreciate the game around those flaws, or otherwise appreciate that content for what it is. Culturally, narrative just flows a little different in Japan, I think. Which also goes for the English-from-Japanese vocal beats in FFXIII. Despite the culture shock, there are some really solid and interesting things happening in the story for the first few hours.



Now, I haven't really gotten to the part where it opens up, but honestly, I'm not pining away for it. Exploration in JRPGs is a bit overrated, I think. The meat of it is the characters and how they interact. Like some other esteemed bloggers have stated, no one complained about the linearity of Final Fantasy X. And for a game called "Endless Ocean: Blue World", it was a little surprising to be so limited at first. So long as the story goes somewhere, as they often do in Final Fantasy games, I'm sure this game will still top most people's best games ever lists.

That said, I have some concerns about the combat. I didn't really enjoy the combat in FFXII, with the programming and waiting and watching. However, I'm not so sure I can get behind this combat system either. Its not really tough yet, but I can see myself getting frustrated with menu browsing while the real-time action is in full swing. But again, not a deal breaker. I trust in the developers to continue to guide the experience in this lengthy tutorial period. That's why its there, after all. I'm a seasoned gamer, yes, but I don't know this game, an i appreciate the assist.



Also, I'm a little disappointed by the water surface effects. Again, NOT MAKING A BIG DEAL ABOUT IT, but I have to say I expected better, considering the really fine work done on games like Uncharted 2, Little Big Planet and Mario Galaxy. Considering all the games that have come before this one that have water down to a science, I really was expecting to be impressed. But whatever. Its really not breaking the overall experience but... you know?! I guess I just expect a higher standard of quality from these guys.



But ultimately, the meat of this game isn't about silly things like dialog, combat quirks or shallow water nitpicks. As much as people have complained about Final Fantasy XIII, I'm really enjoying this game. It pushes all those gamer nostalgia buttons while offering a new experience on an old paradigm.

Well, that's my two cents anyway. As I play more, I'll be sure to keep you posted.



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