I wont buy it for $60.

It's different, but enjoyable. You can always try the demo, if you haven't yet.

Go for Bravely Default or even FFXIV (you don't have to stay for too long if you don't enjoy MMOs, one or two months would be enought).

Hmmm, that is a tough one because you're one of the few people who likes XIII more than XIII-2. I'm not very far into Lightning Returns yet, but so far I do appreciate what they've tried to do with making it a time management game along the lines of the Atelier series. The sense of tension it creates seems promising.

Some of the other stuff - like the changes in the battle system and a lack of traditional leveling up - I'm less keen on and still trying to come to grips with. But whatever its other failings, the XIII series is aesthetically very beautiful and Hamauzu's score has been brilliant, and LR is no exception there, so there's that going for it! (On the music tip, this sultry saxophone playing in the background right now is really something else. I hope they keep Hamauzu around for future installments, even though he's a freelancer now.)

Read the OP :P

I have played the japanese version(to some extend) and the demo but it still couldn't impress me. For example, when I first played FFXIII battle it completely blew me away. Though I still hope that in the later game it will become more tactical with more choices and enemy variety.

I ain't your mother, I'm not gonna motivate you. If you don't want to play it then don't play it.

Now that is something promising. I totally forgot the great music.

How would you compare the 3 worlds  the games play in? I thought FFXIII had a really exciting world with lots of variety. The moment when I first saw the huge Adamantoises in the valley were goose bumps material. Also the Cradle. FFXIII-2 was fun as well with the different variations of the same zones.  Are there any moments like these in LR?

I do want to play it but I don't want to go in there with too much of a negative attitude.

Ah, sorry I read between lines. In that case there is nothing someone might say to convince you. Wait for a price cut of the game, so the spend will not hurt so much if you don't like it :P

I see no reason to try the demo. I found it to be very fun in my opinion. Might get it when it's cheaper and I have more time for a game like that.