Square Enix trademarks SE-Masterpeices!!

[Runa216]

Oh, interesting how this thread has progressed!  Nothing of value said though. Final Fantasy games are pretty complicated to properly compare and contrast, but comparing XIII and XII is like comparing Brutal Legend to Age of Empires, respectively. I could elaborate if anyone wants, but it boils down to quality of game and aesthetics.  While I could totally understand someone liking Brutal Legend for it's art direction, music, and characters, the fact is that the game is a super simplified RTS with some action/adventure elements, whereas Age of Empires (or any of the spinoffs from that developer) are greatly detailed, richly engrossing games with much more depth and customization and infinitely better gameplay.  some may find it to be a little confusing, thus preferring the simplicity of Brutal Legend, but for those willing to put the time forward for the more complicated game, the rewards are much greater.  

I noticed a similar issue with Final Fantasy VIII, lots of people hated it for the emo story and the tedius junction system, but for those who took the time to 'get' the game's subtle nuances, they found it a truly engrossing game with much depth.  

Final Fantasy XII is the same.  the Gambit and License system actually make a lot more sense than people think and the depth is astronomical.  Betweem the myriad of hunts, sidequests, subplots, and hidden areas, the game will likely keep you busy for months if you let it.  sure, the main plot is a step below that of previous FF games, and the characters are not all that memorable, but the gameplay is arguably the best in the series. 

Final Fantasy XIII gives you next to no customization, no depth, and no freedom.  I have no problem with Linearity, I love FFX and dozens of other very linear games, but FFXIII is Linearity done wrong.  hell, even the battle system requires stringent rules to win most fights.  certain enemies HAVE to have a certain ravager/commando combo to work, others you HAVE to stagger, others you HAVE to have a sentinel in your party, and one deviation will result in death, and short of having uncanny foresight, you WILL die a LOT.  same with the accessory and weapon upgrades, short of clairvoyance, you're gonna be wasting a lot fuddling around with that.  It HAS the hunts, but as others have said, there's little incentive to do them since it's just for a trophy and there are no real rewards.  

Final Fantasy XIII was a horrible excuse for a Final Fantasy game, it took everything that made the series great and said "forget that", and did something new.  New directions are good, but taking everything that makes something special and taking it out is not a good new direction.  FF XIII is a joke, a stain on the FF name, and it deserves all the hate it's recieved and more.  Final Fantasy XII was an underappreciated gem, needlessly hated for its complicated battle/gambit/license systems.  

Naturally, I'm up for discussion on that point, but I don't see the point.