Others have commented more eloquently (and humorously) than me about the main aspects of the game, but I would like to comment on one issue that may disappoint some buyers the most. This game has almost zero replay value: once you've finished your 50-55 hour run, you'll find very little to compel you to play again, unless you found the story to be so captivating you need to experience it again. Without spoiling too much, beating the game unlocks a "Postgame" section that lets you explore certain areas again with your fully-developed characters, but you'll find that beyond finishing the optional monster-hunting missions, there is nothing to do.

Also (and most importantly) you can't carry over your completed characters to repeat the story mode. If you want to replay the story, you have to start all over again. For the older Final Fantasy titles, this isn't too much of an issue, but for FF13, frankly, it just wasn't good enough to warrant doing all that work over. Shallow battle mechanics and a lack of depth, lack of exploration, and a lack of activities permeate the whole game. New fans may not be dissuaded, but series veterans will be heavily disappointed. Not to say the game is terrible, but the price you pay for excellent graphics, voice-acting, and production value is a serious slice into the "fun" factor. "Mediocre" is a better description of the gameplay itself. (It's obvious where nearly 5 years and millions of dollars went: Hollywood blockbuster presentation and graphics).

For the cost-concious gamer, I think a rental is more appropriate. I may replay this game if I get bored enough, because the story was alright, but that decision ultimately stems from investing the full $60+tax day-one purchase price into it.

It can't compare to all the classics from FF10 and earlier, but here's one consolation: at least it's better than FF12.
Others have commented more eloquently (and humorously) than me about the main aspects of the game, but I would like to comment on one issue that may disappoint some buyers the most. This game has almost zero replay value: once you've finished your 50-55 hour run, you'll find very little to compel you to play again, unless you found the story to be so captivating you need to experience it again. Without spoiling too much, beating the game unlocks a "Postgame" section that lets you explore certain areas again with your fully-developed characters, but you'll find that beyond finishing the optional monster-hunting missions, there is nothing to do. Also (and most importantly) you can't carry over your completed characters to repeat the story mode. If you want to replay the story, you have to start all over again. For the older Final Fantasy titles, this isn't too much of an issue, but for FF13, frankly, it just wasn't good enough to warrant doing all that work over. Shallow battle mechanics and a lack of depth, lack of exploration, and a lack of activities permeate the whole game. New fans may not be dissuaded, but series veterans will be heavily disappointed. Not to say the game is terrible, but the price you pay for excellent graphics, voice-acting, and production value is a serious slice into the "fun" factor. "Mediocre" is a better description of the gameplay itself. (It's obvious where nearly 5 years and millions of dollars went: Hollywood blockbuster presentation and graphics). For the cost-concious gamer, I think a rental is more appropriate. I may replay this game if I get bored enough, because the story was alright, but that decision ultimately stems from investing the full $60+tax day-one purchase price into it. It can't compare to all the classics from FF10 and earlier, but here's one consolation: at least it's better than FF12.