God I hope every game doesn't start copying FF. FF has sucked since it went 3D (with the notable exception of FFIX), and there are dozens upon dozens of JRPGs that I'd rather play than the other 3D FF games. FF is the most casual RPG in existence, and I'm including Pokemon in that. It lives on the idea that if it has pretty graphics it doesn't matter if everything else sucks, and that's what sells it. So, I'm sorry to hear that LO is copying Final Fantasy. I'll stick with good JRPGs thanks.

PS: Blue Dragon was a much better game than reviewers gave it credit for.

darthdevidem01 said:

WHY all the FF HATE suddenly

because a bunch of reviewers are comparing it to FF....

LOL. Way to pass an opinion of as a fact. The 3D Final Fantasy games have been great and brought a lot of new fans to the series which benefits everyone. If's the fault of gamers around the world that FF is on it's current pedestal as they constantly buying them and ignoring other JRPG's had resulted in FF being put on this pedestal. I would say that I've enjoyed the FF experience over the past 10yrs, some games more than others, but all within the level of expectation. I think it's more that die hard fans of other JRPG's can't stand that FF name is remembered while other 'better' JRPG's in their opinion get forgotten.

I mean, in the end, even though sales is not inductive of quality, it definitely influences what games are remembered and which games are not. The remembered games go on to get more publicity, more attention, thus resulting in more sales. Consumers only have themselves to blame for the fact that FF is on a pedestal in regards to JRPG gaming because they are the ones who put it there.

I bet you anything that FFXIII does not get a 7.5 gameplay even if the gameplay is horrible.

http://au.xbox360.ign.com/articles/849/849907p1.html

Got an 8.

It got a 7.5 for gameplay. The major markdown was that it doesn't innovate.

Having never played a JRPG im almost done with the first disc and so far think this is one of the best games ive ever played. So i guess its a matter of opinion. For seasoned JRPG gamers, do you want more of something great with a few tweaks (ring system, wall system) or something completely different.

As far as I could see they didn't specify which version they reviewed (Japanese or PAL), but despite giving it a 9 for graphics, the review claims there was some framerate issues and screen-tearing. Again, either they are reviewing the Japanese version (which was known to have FR issues), or they are talking about the 2,3 and/or 4th disk, because I simply have not faced one single screen-tearing or framerate issue in 9 hours of playing.

Gameplay

"It all works - despite AI and balancing issues - but the real problem isn't the gameplay itself, but the concepts behind. It's all been done before."

I cant speak to balancing issues having never played a JRPG, but as someone new to the genre I have to say this game is amazing. If you are looking for something new buy this game now it is excellent. But I guess if you are a seasoned JRPG gamer you have to decide if more of the same with a few differences is what you are after. Personally, I despise the fact that this game's mark has clearly come down because it didn't redefine the genre, but what can you do.