Final Fantasy XIII is a strange contradiction: a step backward in game structure, but an advancement in graphical polish and cinematic quality. The game simply doesn't have the depth of previous installments. The battles are simpler and can even be automated, while the plot progression and navigation follow along a strictly linear path. There is no exploration to be had or curiosity to be satisfied. This design approach leaves me at a loss, because the potential was clearly there to build massive, immersive 3D worlds. If the company can demonstrate Final Fantasy VII in HD, surely they can bring the fascinating concepts of that game to their modern productions.

Much has been made of the series becoming more marketable, or mainstream. First off, I think many conclusions about the progression of the series are based on faulty data. Most of the installments have sold very, very well. Final Fantasy is one of the best-selling franchises outside of the profligate Wii titles. Final Fantasy VII was one of the best-selling games on the PlayStation. There was, and is, a market for legitimate titles in this series. I don't expect that to change any time soon. More to the point of XIII specifically, many of the changes can simply improve the series, so long as gameplay remains strong.

The graphics in this title are stunning. They set a new standard for what I expect from blockbuster titles. The graphical style seemed to have been planned meticulously, and the cutscenes are truly of cinematic quality. You have to credit Square Enix for bringing these kind of graphics to aging consoles. These presentational advances do give me hope for the future of the series. Square Enix surely realizes the mixed reception this game received, especially for one as hyped and long-coming as this. I trust them to bring back the power and enjoyability of the job and turn systems from older entries, while continuing to push ahead with beautiful worlds. I can't wait to see the middle ages in HD.
Final Fantasy XIII is a strange contradiction: a step backward in game structure, but an advancement in graphical polish and cinematic quality. The game simply doesn't have the depth of previous installments. The battles are simpler and can even be automated, while the plot progression and navigation follow along a strictly linear path. There is no exploration to be had or curiosity to be satisfied. This design approach leaves me at a loss, because the potential was clearly there to build massive, immersive 3D worlds. If the company can demonstrate Final Fantasy VII in HD, surely they can bring the fascinating concepts of that game to their modern productions. Much has been made of the series becoming more marketable, or mainstream. First off, I think many conclusions about the progression of the series are based on faulty data. Most of the installments have sold very, very well. Final Fantasy is one of the best-selling franchises outside of the profligate Wii titles. Final Fantasy VII was one of the best-selling games on the PlayStation. There was, and is, a market for legitimate titles in this series. I don't expect that to change any time soon. More to the point of XIII specifically, many of the changes can simply improve the series, so long as gameplay remains strong. The graphics in this title are stunning. They set a new standard for what I expect from blockbuster titles. The graphical style seemed to have been planned meticulously, and the cutscenes are truly of cinematic quality. You have to credit Square Enix for bringing these kind of graphics to aging consoles. These presentational advances do give me hope for the future of the series. Square Enix surely realizes the mixed reception this game received, especially for one as hyped and long-coming as this. I trust them to bring back the power and enjoyability of the job and turn systems from older entries, while continuing to push ahead with beautiful worlds. I can't wait to see the middle ages in HD.