This review contains spoilers
I would argue that The Archylte Steppe is all the "open world" a game like FFXIII needs.
I would, but I'm not going to.
A good friend streamed Final Fantasy 13 while wearing a Lightning cosplay. That's what got me to play.
Right out the gate, I have to say, I love Hope. His entire arc rips my heart out. I can't begrudge him at all for the way he acts in the first half, his growth and development is palpable and resonant. I understand his behavior is childish and grating, but I would challenge anyone to remain composed after watching a parent die and having your world torn apart, thrusting you into a journey of life or death. Specifically the parent dying part though. I'd hold a grudge too. Maybe it's just because I find it easy to tap into his adolescent angst, I can't hate him for it.
The rest of the cast is incredibly sweet as well. Vanille & Fang, survivors of an ancient war, Sazh's devotion to his son, Snow's bumbling commitment to save Serah, even (and especially) Lightning's brooding but caring leadership. (I mean, c'mon. She had to overcome her Eidolon's awakening to protect Hope.) I got very attached. I love how their relationships grew naturally over time, it was touching. Finally culminating in tears at the climax of just about each game in the trilogy.
And the Paradigm System. The complexity and flexibility in party make-up is enthralling. I did stick to each member's base job/class as the one I maxed out, but it still allows for varied Paradigm settings. I maybe enjoyed XIII-2's Pokémon take on the system more, but I'll get there later.
I truly enjoyed my time with FFXIII, which I tout at every opportunity, telling other FF oldheads I'm an "Official FF13 Enjoyer". (Mostly sincere, with some snarky contrarianism thrown in there). Anyway, give it a fair chance.
I would, but I'm not going to.
A good friend streamed Final Fantasy 13 while wearing a Lightning cosplay. That's what got me to play.
Right out the gate, I have to say, I love Hope. His entire arc rips my heart out. I can't begrudge him at all for the way he acts in the first half, his growth and development is palpable and resonant. I understand his behavior is childish and grating, but I would challenge anyone to remain composed after watching a parent die and having your world torn apart, thrusting you into a journey of life or death. Specifically the parent dying part though. I'd hold a grudge too. Maybe it's just because I find it easy to tap into his adolescent angst, I can't hate him for it.
The rest of the cast is incredibly sweet as well. Vanille & Fang, survivors of an ancient war, Sazh's devotion to his son, Snow's bumbling commitment to save Serah, even (and especially) Lightning's brooding but caring leadership. (I mean, c'mon. She had to overcome her Eidolon's awakening to protect Hope.) I got very attached. I love how their relationships grew naturally over time, it was touching. Finally culminating in tears at the climax of just about each game in the trilogy.
And the Paradigm System. The complexity and flexibility in party make-up is enthralling. I did stick to each member's base job/class as the one I maxed out, but it still allows for varied Paradigm settings. I maybe enjoyed XIII-2's Pokémon take on the system more, but I'll get there later.
I truly enjoyed my time with FFXIII, which I tout at every opportunity, telling other FF oldheads I'm an "Official FF13 Enjoyer". (Mostly sincere, with some snarky contrarianism thrown in there). Anyway, give it a fair chance.