Graphics: 99%

Sound: 99%

Gameplay: 80%

Control: 85%

Story: 90%

Overall: 85%

http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/Final_Fantasy_XIII/index.html

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well seeing as this is the first review that will go on metacritic, i think its safe too say that its a AA game at this point. Although i am dissapointed by this outcome im still gonna enjoy the game nonetheless. But yea this is probably going to dissapoint players that were expecting more. Expect an 8-8.5 on metacritic

Still waiting for a AAA JRPG 4 years into the gen ;_;

The Verdict

I've beaten all of the other Final Fantasy games save XI, and XIII is one of the better single playthroughs of the bunch. Its major flaw was obvious once the credits rolled: Aside from tooling around with a few more missions, I had no reason not to shelf the game indefinitely. Maybe that's not a new thing for Final Fantasy, given that the series isn't exactly renowned for its non-linearity or replayability. Still, it is likely to disappoint folks who bought a PS3 purely for FFXIII (assuming the XBox 360 port didn't already have them crying into their pillows at night) as it falls short of being the system-selling game that FFVII was for Playstation and FFX was for PS2.

A final, hopefully illustrative comparison: FFXIII is sort of like that really hot chick with the amazing body who may be fun to hang around but doesn't grow on you that much. Infinite Space, 2009's best original RPG by my count, is like the awkward girl with the thick glasses and bad skin. She's got a chip on her shoulder and you have to get over your initial impression, but once you do, you realize that she's the coolest and most interesting person you've ever met, and ultimately she becomes not just a potential conquest but a lifelong friend. I don't mind FPS games that fall into the former category, but for RPGs, well, call it a fetish, but I'll take the lovable crater-face every time.

In spite of packing the series' best battle system, in spite of Pixar-level graphics, in spite of an Oscar worthy soundtrack, FFXIII lacks depth. It's sad to have to say that about a game that is superlative in so many ways. Strip away all of the amazing visuals and music and you have a 7, 7.5 game that scrapes by on the virtues of its combat.

Still, FFXIII is a landmark game if only by virtue of its production. Square Enix has raised the bar not simply for JRPGs, but all seventh generation games to come. It's a must-own for series fans and a must-see for just about everyone else. Here's hoping for some meaty DLC or a stronger showing from Versus XIII.

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Their other scores for FF's (these are DOMESTIC reviews not import review likt he FF13 one):

FFVII -- 90%

FFVIII -- 95%

FFIX -- 92%

FFX -- 93%

FFX-2 -- 72%

FFXII -- 97%

This review WILL NOT GO ON metacritic as its an Import Review (see review & then go to section of PS3 import reviews....these don't go on metacritic)

Well, it has been a rough road for RPG reviews this Gen. When games as awesome as Demon's Souls, LO, and VC average out in the 70's and 80's, it does not give me confidence that even the amazing FF series will average above 90%.

Regardless the game is going to be EPIC!

Darth the US release will not be much different from the Japanese. This is not WKC where they add in a shit load of bonuses for the western audience. This will be the excat same game with english dubbed voices and different soundtrack. Look i no u dont wanna hear this but ur setting urself up for dissapointment if ur expecting 9.0-9.5 metacritic ratings at this point

So the gameplay is great and the graphics are great and most aspects about it are great.

Sounds great.

I can't wait to buy it.

@ Darth - dude your gonna have to be alittle more optimistic, you do know that "every" import review/preview is saying the "same" exact thing? im still gonna go into FFXIII with a open mind, and you should too... realistically I dont see the western reviews being that much different.

just saying as there is a large discrepency between their Import score & domestic score

Valkyria Chronicles goes from 88% to 95%

& many other games follow this too

all I'm saying is that I expect most metacritic sites to review it & give it famitsu/dengeki scores = 90+

I have always claimed FF13 will get amazing sales, but I always remained mum on its metacritic potential, as I know FF's aren't that strong metacritic wise speaking relatively, with FF8 not even over 90%, FF13 may very well be between 85% - 89% range, but for me that wouldn't be a disappointment

however its is far more likely for it to fall in the 90 - 95 range

I hope your right Darth!!! Cause if this goes on metacritic I'm screwed!!!

I must say I'm extremely disappointed at the negativity the game has received so far. I'd go and read the review, but I'm already playing the game now so I'm going to give it my own score.