On November 01 2011 10:36 holdthephone wrote: "Professional" reviews were all over the place, and IMO they are no more well footed than some random message board poster's opinions. Some well known sites didn't even finish the game they hated it so much, while others gave it AAA scores. Some praised the narrative, others praised the combat, it was all over the place and is why I never read reviews anymore -- no one knows how to look at a game and tell me if it does what it does well.
FFXIII's draw backs, the actual ones (of which I agree with you on points):
1. Battle system had a very nice design to it, it just took a while to heat up and there were a few moments of monotonous pacing in the beginning segments. Later on it was rather brilliant.
2. Story was great but a couple characters (Snow and Hope) dived too deeply into melodrama to remain believable.
3. Crystarium had little point to it since you couldn't do anything with it beyond move it forward. Should of been different or completely removed to further streamline the experience.
4. Hammy dialogue, but mostly this ties into #2. All FFs are written in a corny fashion and in a way it works well, but in all of them it eventually comes on a little too strongly at points. Except FF12 --that has an amazing english script.
Other than that I have only resoundingly positive things to say about XIII. It's unfortunate Square has to try to fix things that aren't broken, but as long as they are confident in making XIII-2 more "open" and know how to do it well, I'll remain optimistic. I have a huge respect for this developer since they really have the opportunity to milk us for all were worth, yet they still try to do new things with the amazing level of polish we have come to expect from them.
If people want to actually talk about deeply flawed Square products, we can talk about FF14.
The actual FF14 haven't released yet, it's next year dude. Square apparently is remaking the whole game (new engine, new storyline, etc.). FF13 wasn't a bad game, i actually enjoyed it alot. The only draw back is NOT because it doesn't look like another FF, it is its linear gameplay. Literally you're only moving forward the whole game without any option to explore the world (except a little bit on Pulse). I don't really hate the idea of having no towns either, since they are now outcast, of course they're not supposed to be in town. The story is actually one of the best story i have seen in a while, the idea of fighting against fate? awesome. It's just because of other so called "fan of FF" been complaining about FF13 doesn't feel like FFVII, square decided to make another sequel to save it. God damn i hate these people.
FFXIV has been out for awhile and it as well dive-bombed spectacularly despite having plenty of things going for it, as in plenty of chances to make it RIGHT and not taking it.
Also an update for the OP Snow is in the game but he's just without his trademark bandana making him MUCH HARDER TO RECOGNIZE he looks VERY different. Hope is in the game with a tie and he's pretty pro now.
On November 01 2011 10:36 holdthephone wrote: "Professional" reviews were all over the place, and IMO they are no more well footed than some random message board poster's opinions. Some well known sites didn't even finish the game they hated it so much, while others gave it AAA scores. Some praised the narrative, others praised the combat, it was all over the place and is why I never read reviews anymore -- no one knows how to look at a game and tell me if it does what it does well.
FFXIII's draw backs, the actual ones (of which I agree with you on points):
1. Battle system had a very nice design to it, it just took a while to heat up and there were a few moments of monotonous pacing in the beginning segments. Later on it was rather brilliant.
2. Story was great but a couple characters (Snow and Hope) dived too deeply into melodrama to remain believable.
3. Crystarium had little point to it since you couldn't do anything with it beyond move it forward. Should of been different or completely removed to further streamline the experience.
4. Hammy dialogue, but mostly this ties into #2. All FFs are written in a corny fashion and in a way it works well, but in all of them it eventually comes on a little too strongly at points. Except FF12 --that has an amazing english script.
Other than that I have only resoundingly positive things to say about XIII. It's unfortunate Square has to try to fix things that aren't broken, but as long as they are confident in making XIII-2 more "open" and know how to do it well, I'll remain optimistic. I have a huge respect for this developer since they really have the opportunity to milk us for all were worth, yet they still try to do new things with the amazing level of polish we have come to expect from them.
If people want to actually talk about deeply flawed Square products, we can talk about FF14.
The actual FF14 haven't released yet, it's next year dude. Square apparently is remaking the whole game (new engine, new storyline, etc.). FF13 wasn't a bad game, i actually enjoyed it alot. The only draw back is NOT because it doesn't look like another FF, it is its linear gameplay. Literally you're only moving forward the whole game without any option to explore the world (except a little bit on Pulse). I don't really hate the idea of having no towns either, since they are now outcast, of course they're not supposed to be in town. The story is actually one of the best story i have seen in a while, the idea of fighting against fate? awesome. It's just because of other so called "fan of FF" been complaining about FF13 doesn't feel like FFVII, square decided to make another sequel to save it. God damn i hate these people.
FFXIV has been out for awhile and it as well dive-bombed spectacularly despite having plenty of things going for it, as in plenty of chances to make it RIGHT and not taking it.
Also an update for the OP Snow is in the game but he's just without his trademark bandana making him MUCH HARDER TO RECOGNIZE he looks VERY different. Hope is in the game with a tie and he's pretty pro now.
I don't know wtf ur on about FF14, but what released last year is not FF14 that was supposed to be out. That's why they remaking it, that's my point, i don't even know what ur trying to argue against here :^
And all of those news are at least 1 month old now
On November 01 2011 10:36 holdthephone wrote: "Professional" reviews were all over the place, and IMO they are no more well footed than some random message board poster's opinions. Some well known sites didn't even finish the game they hated it so much, while others gave it AAA scores. Some praised the narrative, others praised the combat, it was all over the place and is why I never read reviews anymore -- no one knows how to look at a game and tell me if it does what it does well.
FFXIII's draw backs, the actual ones (of which I agree with you on points):
1. Battle system had a very nice design to it, it just took a while to heat up and there were a few moments of monotonous pacing in the beginning segments. Later on it was rather brilliant.
2. Story was great but a couple characters (Snow and Hope) dived too deeply into melodrama to remain believable.
3. Crystarium had little point to it since you couldn't do anything with it beyond move it forward. Should of been different or completely removed to further streamline the experience.
4. Hammy dialogue, but mostly this ties into #2. All FFs are written in a corny fashion and in a way it works well, but in all of them it eventually comes on a little too strongly at points. Except FF12 --that has an amazing english script.
Other than that I have only resoundingly positive things to say about XIII. It's unfortunate Square has to try to fix things that aren't broken, but as long as they are confident in making XIII-2 more "open" and know how to do it well, I'll remain optimistic. I have a huge respect for this developer since they really have the opportunity to milk us for all were worth, yet they still try to do new things with the amazing level of polish we have come to expect from them.
If people want to actually talk about deeply flawed Square products, we can talk about FF14.
The actual FF14 haven't released yet, it's next year dude. Square apparently is remaking the whole game (new engine, new storyline, etc.). FF13 wasn't a bad game, i actually enjoyed it alot. The only draw back is NOT because it doesn't look like another FF, it is its linear gameplay. Literally you're only moving forward the whole game without any option to explore the world (except a little bit on Pulse). I don't really hate the idea of having no towns either, since they are now outcast, of course they're not supposed to be in town. The story is actually one of the best story i have seen in a while, the idea of fighting against fate? awesome. It's just because of other so called "fan of FF" been complaining about FF13 doesn't feel like FFVII, square decided to make another sequel to save it. God damn i hate these people.
FFXIV has been out for awhile and it as well dive-bombed spectacularly despite having plenty of things going for it, as in plenty of chances to make it RIGHT and not taking it.
Also an update for the OP Snow is in the game but he's just without his trademark bandana making him MUCH HARDER TO RECOGNIZE he looks VERY different. Hope is in the game with a tie and he's pretty pro now.
Yes they're working on FFXIV 2.0.
Main points:
1. Tanaka resigned so instead Naoki Yoshida has taken over. The short version is Naoki Yoshida can be trusted (past successes, taking player feedback, working 15-16 hours a day with only 3 hours of sleep, etc).
2. Engine is being rebuilt (one year development already). New trailer in E3 2012. Also the game was free to play for just over a year (it's no longer free to play though).
In a sense FFXIV launched incomplete because they say they're only 50% done with it. It will be done within next year or so (well 2.0 that is). 2.0 will add features such as DirectX 11 support (for PC) and other things to keep everything up to date. UI and everything will be overhauled. Addons (like WoW) will be supported. Areas will be redone completely. Game will be better optimized server and client side for 2.0.
3. They've taken every person they can to work on FFXIV to rebuild it (250+ currently). Apparently they would have taken people from FF13 team if they were free.
4. They want FFXIV to succeed because FFXI was such a good money maker (while it's no WoW, it did have 500k+ subscribers at its peak for a while which is still a lot of money). As long as they maintain a steady amount of subscribers like FFXI for years and years, it will succeed (even if it's no WoW in terms of subscriber count).
So yeah the tl;dr is I'm sure it will be at least good by 2.0. The latest patches have already been good and it's getting better (new job system will be introduced next patch). They still have PS3 release coming after 2.0 is released for promotion.
On November 01 2011 10:36 holdthephone wrote: "Professional" reviews were all over the place, and IMO they are no more well footed than some random message board poster's opinions. Some well known sites didn't even finish the game they hated it so much, while others gave it AAA scores. Some praised the narrative, others praised the combat, it was all over the place and is why I never read reviews anymore -- no one knows how to look at a game and tell me if it does what it does well.
FFXIII's draw backs, the actual ones (of which I agree with you on points):
1. Battle system had a very nice design to it, it just took a while to heat up and there were a few moments of monotonous pacing in the beginning segments. Later on it was rather brilliant.
2. Story was great but a couple characters (Snow and Hope) dived too deeply into melodrama to remain believable.
3. Crystarium had little point to it since you couldn't do anything with it beyond move it forward. Should of been different or completely removed to further streamline the experience.
4. Hammy dialogue, but mostly this ties into #2. All FFs are written in a corny fashion and in a way it works well, but in all of them it eventually comes on a little too strongly at points. Except FF12 --that has an amazing english script.
Other than that I have only resoundingly positive things to say about XIII. It's unfortunate Square has to try to fix things that aren't broken, but as long as they are confident in making XIII-2 more "open" and know how to do it well, I'll remain optimistic. I have a huge respect for this developer since they really have the opportunity to milk us for all were worth, yet they still try to do new things with the amazing level of polish we have come to expect from them.
If people want to actually talk about deeply flawed Square products, we can talk about FF14.
The actual FF14 haven't released yet, it's next year dude. Square apparently is remaking the whole game (new engine, new storyline, etc.). FF13 wasn't a bad game, i actually enjoyed it alot. The only draw back is NOT because it doesn't look like another FF, it is its linear gameplay. Literally you're only moving forward the whole game without any option to explore the world (except a little bit on Pulse). I don't really hate the idea of having no towns either, since they are now outcast, of course they're not supposed to be in town. The story is actually one of the best story i have seen in a while, the idea of fighting against fate? awesome. It's just because of other so called "fan of FF" been complaining about FF13 doesn't feel like FFVII, square decided to make another sequel to save it. God damn i hate these people.
FFXIV has been out for awhile and it as well dive-bombed spectacularly despite having plenty of things going for it, as in plenty of chances to make it RIGHT and not taking it.
Also an update for the OP Snow is in the game but he's just without his trademark bandana making him MUCH HARDER TO RECOGNIZE he looks VERY different. Hope is in the game with a tie and he's pretty pro now.
Yes they're working on FFXIV 2.0.
Main points:
1. Tanaka resigned so instead Naoki Yoshida has taken over. The short version is Naoki Yoshida can be trusted (past successes, taking player feedback, working 15-16 hours a day with only 3 hours of sleep, etc).
2. Engine is being rebuilt (one year development already). New trailer in E3 2012. Also the game was free to play for just over a year (it's no longer free to play though).
In a sense FFXIV launched incomplete because they say they're only 50% done with it. It will be done within next year or so (well 2.0 that is). 2.0 will add features such as DirectX 11 support (for PC) and other things to keep everything up to date. UI and everything will be overhauled. Addons (like WoW) will be supported. Areas will be redone completely. Game will be better optimized server and client side for 2.0.
3. They've taken every person they can to work on FFXIV to rebuild it (250+ currently). Apparently they would have taken people from FF13 team if they were free.
4. They want FFXIV to succeed because FFXI was such a good money maker (while it's no WoW, it did have 500k+ subscribers at its peak for a while which is still a lot of money). As long as they maintain a steady amount of subscribers like FFXI for years and years, it will succeed (even if it's no WoW in terms of subscriber count).
So yeah the tl;dr is I'm sure it will be at least good by 2.0. The latest patches have already been good and it's getting better (new job system will be introduced next patch). They still have PS3 release coming after 2.0 is released for promotion.
i only want square to stop with all the mmorpg after this disaster though, because what makes FF series what it is now is the storyline oriented gameplay not all these multiplayer shit.
IMO it's a good deal if you're interested in the soundtrack. $60 for game, $20 for sound track (OST usually costs around that when first released) + artbook.
Not much new stuff but it did reveal that "summons" may return in some form (assuming they're not talking about monster summons) and the fact that paradigm shifting is instant (there's no animation or pause for it like in FFXIII I assume). I hope there is a way to switch the animation on though because I like options in games >.> (and also if *Vanille is playable, I'd like to see her up close doing her paradigm shift animation like in FFXIII ).
*As for playable characters, they still say you play mostly as Serah and Noel but they haven't 100% confirmed that there will be no other characters.
I am not really buying this FFXIII-2 thing, feels really weird that they actually did a part 2 for this game, the ending to me was quite ok to be honest.
On November 12 2011 15:34 ballasdontcry wrote: oh good, we don't have to watch the damn paradigm animations every time now...
easy mode? really? is linear gameplay not enough to dumb down JRPG's these days?
First the major reason for an easy mode was because many (including several who posted in this thread) said they didn't bother completing FFXIII because it got tedious at the end. Easy mode is that solution (turn it on easy to plow through regular enemies, turn on normal whenever you feel like it).
In fact an optional Easy Mode allows the game to be harder (see the article I linked to in previous post. They said FFXIII-2 will be generally harder than FFXIII. The option of easy mode allows them to make it harder without worrying about players being stuck).
The most fun I've had in FFXIII where the fights like the last titan trial where you had to use all the roles (sentinel is a must) to make it through and if more fights are like that in FFXIII-2, that'd be a good thing IMO.
Also I'm sure there will be trophies/achievements if you defeat a certain boss (like 5 starring in FFXIII) on normal mode though.
You can switch difficulty anytime in FFXIII-2. So if you wanted you can probably grind on easy mode, then turn on normal mode on bosses (so far I've heard there are no real penalties for using easy mode).
Another thing is FFXIII-2 will not be linear (*ironically though people are now complaining the game just throws you into the story with little background stuff on other forums >.>).
*This goes with my previous post (on the previous page) that people are complaining about the wrong things and sometimes aren't being constructive enough with their criticism. (Speaking of that, I am curious if the general gist of the plot[time travel] was built around the non-linear gameplay players wanted.)
Here are scans of someone (who has played a play test version) of FFXIII-2 (describes the beginning part so there will be some spoilers):
Like I said earlier, instead of FFXIII where they sort of took the entire game to sort of establish everything (like the characters goals, etc), in FFXIII-2 you're just thrown into the game immediately with a general idea on what's going on and the goal of your character (keep going through time gates, save the present and future, etc).
I'm sure the story will be explained more thoroughly later on though and they're just doing this to just get you into the game immediately (due to criticism of FFXIII being a long tutorial).
I doubt they modeled this game off the concerns of distraught FF fanboys posting on the internet, especially since it's already releasing in a few months. Obviously they had time to address some issues, but XIII-2 has been a planned project.
Also -- pre-ordered the CE from Best Buy to get that exclusive hardcover Novella book bonus ^_^
I got to pulse twice and had my save taken from me, 1st the PS3 was my brother in laws and he moved out, 2nd my PS3 broke and when it was repaired they wiped it + Show Spoiler +
Fucking asscunt bumbandit dickweeds!
Pretty hyped for this game as all final fantasys, i hope it isnt as fail as the last "sequel" they did, X-2 was so shit..lol, still spent 200 hours maxing out every dress sphere, getting 100% ending then getting the 100% ending from one playthough...lol im so sad :D
wow , that short earlier trailer was complete emo trash , worst trailer ive ever seen in my life for anything
the 7 minute one is much better but i wouldnt watch it if you're gonna buy the game...its like 6 minutes of fmv scenes and dialogue from key points in the game -_-
game seems so heavily drama/emo orientated , its completely unnecessary, like a "modern" version of ff7 (and by modern you know i mean crazily dumbed-down, lacking subtlety)
sarah's tits look so amazing , i would get it for that alone, plus there is an evil loli
vanille is cool but she is basically aeris so idk how you can prefer her over aeris. she is still cool but if they are travelling through time and shit i think they should just ressurect aeris. maybe thats what happens, and everyone freaks out about it which explains all the drama
all FF games are heavily melodramatic. 12 is the only one with well scripted dialogue as opposed to the typical japanese way of developing characters with emotional outbursts. i don't see the hammy dialogue as a flaw, though it's certainly cringe worthy at times -- pretty much the reason why i only enjoy FF games when no one is looking over my shoulder, same with pretty much any anime in existence.
it's just how japan works, and why japanese VAs deliver lines 100x more appropriately.
--
i think vanille is a lot more enjoyable of a character than aeris. she has some semblance of intelligence to her, as opposed to being oblivious to everything.
i kind of expect to be disappointed with XIII-2's story though, which is why i was hoping for just a fun rpg with shameless fan-service like X-2 was. XIII wrapped itself up perfectly, so it's a hard act to follow with a game that centers itself on a character like Sarah =[
On November 15 2011 17:58 holdthephone wrote: I doubt they modeled this game off the concerns of distraught FF fanboys posting on the internet, especially since it's already releasing in a few months. Obviously they had time to address some issues, but XIII-2 has been a planned project.
Also -- pre-ordered the CE from Best Buy to get that exclusive hardcover Novella book bonus ^_^
Unfortunately they sort of have . Whether they overdid it is the question (I mean they even added multiple dialogue selection and used that as a big advertisement >.>.)
They acknowledged they knew about how FFXIII was criticized for being linear + townless which they aim to fix in FFXIII-2.
Hopefully they don't overdo it and I hope the story doesn't suffer.
I mean hopefully SE doesn't assume people don't care about the story (a lot still have no idea what happened in *FFXIII's ending >.>). I know people complain about linearity + lack of towns the most in FFXIII but building on the FFXIII story would be nice too (like elaborate more on the history of FFXIII's world and stuff like that).
Also wow people who like Vanille. Nice to meet you all .
*As for FFXIII's ending here's my + others speculation:
The white l'Cie brand is something that was never really explained. Fang has one (before the game) for example but they never explained how she managed to get it.
White brands no longer progress which means means the person can't be turned a Cie'th (they have unlimited time).
In the end of the game with how all the characters (besides Vanille + Fang) turned to Cie'th then later turning back isn't fully explained.
They said it might have been an illusion but was it? Also how did they all get white brands?
Speculated that with the power of friendship, love, or hope (yeah cheesy stuff >.>) they overcame their Focus and changed it + turned it into a white brand which no longer progresses.
Serah actually changed her Focus and turned to crystal (Serah's Focus was originally turn to Ragnarok as confirmed by Vanille in a flashback but somehow she changed it to gather people to "Save Cocoon" and turned to crystal). So it can be assumed that everyone changed their Focus at the end of game like Serah.
As for Vanille + Fang turning into Ragnarok and saving Cocoon? Well it's speculated that not even the fal'Cie really knew Ragnarok's capabilities. Vanille + Fang turned to Ragnarok thanks to their hope + wish to save Cocoon.
The fal'Cie thought that the only way to turn into Ragnarok is to become enraged but I guess there are alternatives.
So yeah overall there is a lot of speculation going on here. It'd be nice if the stuff were fully elaborated on in the sequel.
Apparently there is this new feature called Historia Crux System. Which is basically time traveling. I find this very interesting concept because it will basically break linear game play. For people who play game like Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross which gave you shit ton of option on what to do, will understand the epic-ness that this can be. I think this feature is more then enough to excite me for the game.
One thing I hate is that ability to recruit monster into battle.....I think this feature is stupid simply because I wont care for them because they arent character. They will not have any plot developement or anything. I think the story was made to focus around Serah and Noel mainly so adding more character will hinder their plot development. So instead of character, we will get monster that will help in battle but will not have any meaning in the story....basically filler character.
They did a similar thing in Tale of Symphony Dawn of the New World and I personally dislike it ALOT. They eventually bring back in old character but you cant recruit them and they are only temporary. I would prefer them add or let you replay the character simply because I think since this is a sequel, it perfect time to farther develop Hope, Snow, Sazh etc etc etc character even more. Yet they are really not doing this....
On November 25 2011 17:47 SheaR619 wrote: Apparently there is this new feature called Historia Crux System. Which is basically time traveling. I find this very interesting concept because it will basically break linear game play. For people who play game like Chrono Trigger and Chrono Cross which gave you shit ton of option on what to do, will understand the epic-ness that this can be. I think this feature is more then enough to excite me for the game.
One thing I hate is that ability to recruit monster into battle.....I think this feature is stupid simply because I wont care for them because they arent character. They will not have any plot developement or anything. I think the story was made to focus around Serah and Noel mainly so adding more character will hinder their plot development. So instead of character, we will get monster that will help in battle but will not have any meaning in the story....basically filler character.
They did a similar thing in Tale of Symphony Dawn of the New World and I personally dislike it ALOT. They eventually bring back in old character but you cant recruit them and they are only temporary. I would prefer them add or let you replay the character simply because I think since this is a sequel, it perfect time to farther develop Hope, Snow, Sazh etc etc etc character even more. Yet they are really not doing this....
Well, i think it has to do with how you're only allowed to play two characters for the whole game (only my speculation) and there must be a third player to add more variety to the strategy hence recruiting monster, but yeah i personally don't see a bright future for this system.
On November 30 2011 03:45 HydraLF wrote: Anyone know if FFXIII-2 will have any improvement in graphics? The whole presentation of FFXIII was extremely disappointing.
Really? Among all the varying opinions on the game, nearly everyone stands impressed by the game's productions values. It's very pretty.
On November 30 2011 03:45 HydraLF wrote: Anyone know if FFXIII-2 will have any improvement in graphics? The whole presentation of FFXIII was extremely disappointing.
tell me any game's cutscene that is distinctly has higher quality that THAT
On November 30 2011 03:45 HydraLF wrote: Anyone know if FFXIII-2 will have any improvement in graphics? The whole presentation of FFXIII was extremely disappointing.
Have you seen this cutscene? Sure it could improve but.. damn. FFXIII looked sexy
EPT
).
