Final Fantasy XIII won't have a traditional level up system, instead swapping out the familiar EXP of your average RPG with Crystalium. Despite the pompous name (would we expect anything else from a Square Enix game?), the Crystalium system is an interesting new way to progress your characters, totally doing away old concepts.
The new method of character leveling takes some cues from Final Fantasy X, given that you spend Crystal Points, earned after each battle, to unlock skills and abilities on a circular chart. Special abilities like "Fire" spells, and attribute improvements like HP, are all found on this chart, and new paths on the chart open up as skills are unlocked.
So, that's your experience system in Final Fantasy XIII. Now let us all sit back and imagine a world where Square Enix has run out of silly made-up words for its game features.
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Contest:
8:00 PM on 11.01.2009
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...Here's hoping it'll work better for FFXIII.
It was okay before, but I hope they tweak it, limit it a bit more for each character. The problem with FFX was by the time you were halfway through the game you could have every character with every important skill, Tidus could become better at black magic than Lulu, etc. Character selection became entirely irrelevant after a few hours, as did any ''tactical'' levelling up paths. I hope they restrict it back in this so every character still has a unique use and you need to think a bit more about who you use rather than plumping for whoever has the not-quite-as-bad voice acting.
I thought they should come with something better and the first sign is not.
I used to love the system of FF IX.
Now just no more awkward laughing scenes, please Square? Pleeeease?
I can dig it.
If a JRPG allowed choices, that would be innovation.
FFXIII will look outdated in game mechanics compared to WRPGs such as Dragon Age, Mass Effect 2, Fallout New Vegas, Alpha Protocol, The Witcher 2, and Fable III.
EVERYTHING looks outdated in terms of mechanics when it comes to The Witcher 1
;D
I'm supposed to not read things like this anymore, I'm trying to avoid spoilers. But I can't resist..!
EVERYTHING looks outdated in terms of mechanics when it comes to The Witcher 1
;D"
Actually its ahead in WRPG game structure, where there is no clear right or wrong actions as well as your decisions made early in the game make an impact later. Most WRPGs have no real impact on your decisions except through a morality meter.
Yes, but not everyone cares about innovation, many people want traditional gameplay and in fact I'm sure there are are many people who would be happier if FFXIII used the systems of FFV, VI or VII instead of X's.
I think texasgoldrush's point was that they were hyping the leveling system to be shiny and revolutionary when it doesn't sound like it will be. While that is the PR guy's duty to build hype for the game, this was a bit of a stretch on their part. I'm not saying I always want innovation here, I'm just trying to call 'em out on trying to promise so much. I love new takes on things and I also dig some straight-up older mechanic affairs in new games like DQVIII, I boner that game.
Why can't characters just be specialized like in FF6? Having a preset 'job' or 'class' helps define their roles within the game's setting anyway.
How does the circular chart change things much from the sphere grid? Doesn't seem to be enough information at the moment to determine what the system is like, but spoilers should be flooring across the 'net once the game hits Japan soon enough to reveal it.
DO WANT
MMO? What gave you that impression?
I think you're thinking of FFXIV.
Also, this sounds very much the same as FFX. Meh.
Unless all the characters are going to be specifically designed to be specialists in their own way, I doubt thisll be interesting.
Yea, with the exception of FF12:Zodiac Brave System. I really hope they implement that kind of extra customization to 13. It really made 12 a whole lot better imo.
Even worse you could completely game the FF2 level up system by hitting yourself over and over with magic and weapons leveling everything up before you left the starting area.
Non-linear does not always mean good.
Looking forward to it.
FFXI actually has a better storylines than FFVII, FFVIII and FFX (lacking Kitase has a lot to do with it). Opinions are cool and all, but no one plays MMOs for story and everyone knows going in that major storylines will take a while to unfold, even if half of them were soloable.
They actually did add new soloable mission content, but naturally our hardcore PC gamer fucktard friends can't stop decrying that casual-friendly content even exists.