Square-Enix Explains Necessity Of Linearity In FFXIII

Last week, Square-Enix tried to explain that some of the lower review scores for Final Fantasy XIII came because of two reasons: firstly, the Western viewpoints are different than Japanese and secondly, the reviewers didn't like the game's linearity.

We're still not on board with the former but as for the latter, it's definitely a possibility. Critics these days really don't like linearity for almost any reason, even when it's absolutely essential for the telling of a cohesive, well-written story. And Square-Enix boss Motomu Toriyama elaborates on this with an official statement over at the European FFXIII site; it's right there in front of you when you click through. Oh, and to alleviate any concerns that the "entire" game is linear, he adds that the second half of the game places you in the open-world atmosphere of Pulse. But here's the most important aspect of the linear explanation:

"In order to allow the player to become absorbed in the drama of the storytelling and the new and exciting world of Cocoon and be drawn to the characters without getting distracted or lost we have deliberately used a linear game design for the introduction sections so they can be enjoyed in the same manner as watching a film. We are aiming for a vibe while playing that is similar to the experience of an FPS style game, where the player rapidly progresses through a series of dramatic events and experiences one after the other on an imposing and atmospheric battlefield.

This kind of design is also very beneficial for the player in allowing them to gradually and systematically learn the brand new battle system that this installment brings to the series. It is set up such that the player will experience and try out each character’s possible roles in battle and naturally internalise the intensely tactical nature of the paradigm shift system."

We have never questioned the need for linearity in story-based games. It's simply a necessity. Therefore, nobody should be condemning FFXIII because it isn't like Oblivion or Fallout 3, two games that - in my opinion - nobody plays for the storyline. That bit about Western critics just not "getting" the appeal of the game isn't flying with me, though; Western reviewers have loved just about every major FF title in existence. So if they have problems with FFXIII, we shouldn't just gloss that over. However, to say "it's too linear" simply means you A. have no clue what is required to produce a great plot, and B. have no interest in stories in games...well, that doesn't fly, either.

Related Game(s): Final Fantasy XIII

2/22/2010 10:28:27 AM Ben Dutka

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Comments (100 posts)

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piratedrunk
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 10:50:13 AM
Reply

This is exactly what I had in mind when I first heard it was linear. I personally get bored with many open world games because the story doesn't drive me.

6 up, 3 down

Gone
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 10:50:31 AM
Reply

Guess I won't need a strategy guide now.

6 up, 3 down

Gone
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 3:28:43 PM

I will still buy FFXIII, but after I finish play GoW III. Oops I spoke too soon it looks like that will be an article in about a week (Ben's Poll).

2 up, 0 down

godsman
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 10:52:02 AM
Reply

When they say linear with no towns, is it more similar to Crisis Core? If that's the case, I'm not too happy with it.

6 up, 1 down

karneli lll
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 10:57:02 AM
Reply

Why cant they just grow some nuts and say the dvd brought a lot of cuts, Capcom did it (and without shame said it'll come later as DLC)!

16 up, 2 down

godsman
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:00:35 AM

I really respected Kojima when he made a public apology for delaying his game. If we gamers feel the same passion from Capcom or even Square Enix, I'm sure we'll respect and forgive them.

4 up, 0 down

cLoudou
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:42:09 AM

Nah, it's a necessity for SE to keep its mouth shut to continue recieving MS checks.

5 up, 1 down

Alienange
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 12:40:07 PM

@ karneli III - No... friggin'... kidding.

2 up, 0 down

darxed
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 10:57:39 AM
Reply

Well that's just what I've been saying all along... Games are not checklists where you deduct quality if an item is not present... "Ok, great characters?, check, good story? check, non-linear, what? this is a POS!" Games are an experience and can only be judged by that, not by arbitrary standards set by who knows... Day one for me! I'll be waiting for your review to get some vindication and deliver some "I told you so" to some people around here...

11 up, 2 down

godsman
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:07:17 AM

Completely agree with you. It's just disappointing because they created so much hype in the beginning as our ideal FF game. For the last couple years, we've been hearing news that strip us away from that ideal game. Think about what we heard in the beginning and now

FFXIII:
multiplatform
no towns
linearity
control 1 character in battle

It's not like GT5, where every delay, they bring up some bigger and better news

GT5:
custom tracks
1000+ cars
weather effect
day/night driving
damage to cars

17 up, 2 down

godsman
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 10:58:48 AM
Reply

This is just a bunch of BS from Square Enix to shut the nongaming press up. It would be an insult to us gamers' intelligence to believe their words.

The whole point of FF is to have a linear storyline, but not linear gameplay. I love the way in old FF games where you stay leave the town to find stronger spells, weapons, and leveling up, THEN return to the town after you are ready to face the next cutscene/mission/boss.

Of course I haven't seen much of the game myself yet, I cannot judge them based on what others say. For now, I don't like it.

13 up, 3 down

SvenMD
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:03:29 AM
Reply

You know I almost feel sorry for Square-Enix right now. Usually before a launch, most developers are holding press conferences to hype their game...it seems like everytime SE speaks it's to defend FF XIII or they have to EXPLAIN something.

I will still withold as much judgment as I can until this game is in my PS3...then I will see who's right and who's wrong.

11 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:45:30 AM

Their two big mistakes with this game were first making lots of public noise about it being a PS3 exclusive and then backtracking on that commitment. Their second big mistake was ever admitting in a public manner that content had been removed. These two mis-steps have created more than enough evidence for internet chatter. There have been other things that could have been done better as well, but these are the two 'biggies' in my mind.

16 up, 1 down

godsman
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 3:37:12 PM

I'm just wondering what else they screw up the game on where they were actually SMART enough to keep their mouths shut about, that we didn't know about.

3 up, 1 down

Oxvial
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:15:42 AM
Reply

lol FPS style that sounds bad.

ff was always good in the story department they don't need to try another style.

4 up, 1 down

XxNoir
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 8:48:25 PM

Actually i think its worst then that:

They're releasing kingdom hearts yearly to keep the fans happy? =( I no Happy.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:22:44 AM
Reply

Im over it. I just want to play the game.

8 up, 3 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 1:57:00 PM

word.

2 up, 4 down

www
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 2:04:58 PM

word again!

2 up, 3 down

cLoudou
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 2:31:45 PM

The bird is the word.

9 up, 2 down

SnipeySnake
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 7:20:17 PM

Wor.....I'm getting this game.

1 up, 1 down

mexgeo86
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:23:31 AM
Reply

I don't think it's a good thing if they have to come out and defend more or less their game even before it's been launched.

5 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 4:19:26 PM

SE's word is turd

5 up, 0 down

bridgera
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:29:28 AM
Reply

Storyline wise, there's been linearity in almost every FF game. Some allowed you to go other places and do sidequests, others actually had branching plots where as long as you ocmplete all the events, the order of completion didn't matter.

I guess now I'm not sure how this game is more or less linear than some of the other games.

2 up, 0 down

Cavan
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:33:22 AM
Reply

i remember some critics knocking uncharted 2 for it being linea, crazy eh??

2 up, 7 down

cLoudou
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:35:12 AM

Only Uncharted 2 isn't an RPG.

8 up, 0 down

Alienange
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 1:11:31 PM

I wish SE would tell us what makes FFXIII an RPG.

5 up, 3 down

Milonakis
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:37:44 AM
Reply

I think that FF XIII was doomed since they announced it would be multi plat. I don't care if it's semi linear. I enjoy a good linear plot on occasion. I just am not down with the sacrifice of quality to be on the 360 as well.

5 up, 1 down

Highlander
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:43:27 AM

Well, from the reports I am reading it seems that the only sacrifice in visual quality for FFXIII is on the 360. The PS3 version runs in real honest to goodness high definition, while the 360 version runs in a wonderful sub-HD (576p) mode which is perfect for PAL regions and is a resolution at which the 'free' AA hardware in the 360 is available without additional overheads. It seems as though the 360 version is a quick port which renders to a lower target resolution and uses AA and hardware scaling to trick the eye. Oops. So the sacrifice of quality that is demonstrable, is the sacrifice of visual quality for 360 owners. Looks like the PS3 version is the one to have - for once.

14 up, 0 down

WolfCrimson
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:48:56 AM

They did it to us with Bayonetta, we do it to them with FFXIII. An eye for an eye :P

Last edited by WolfCrimson on 2/22/2010 11:49:14 AM

2 up, 0 down

Milonakis
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:51:25 AM

That's good to here, I thought we were gonna get boned over because Square wanted a quick buck in the pocket.

2 up, 1 down

godsman
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 12:14:32 PM

My question for TheHilander:

Are those screenshots of the xbox version the cgi cutscenes? Or are they in-game graphics? They look even worse than Xbox to PS3 ports. The screenshots show the character's hairs look like they've been scrubbing the toilet bowl with them.

How can the gamers and reviewers that claimed they saw the game side-by-side say they look identical? I know Xbox will look bad, but not THIS bad. There's something fishy about those screenshots.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 1:47:28 PM

The dude that did the screenshot comparison was using HD captures of actual gameplay on both Xbox and PS3. He's someone that does a lot of this kind of thing for one of the better hardcore graphics forums on the 'Net. According to what he said, the side by side image checking was done using a late Beta of the PS3 version against a gold (production) copy on the 360.

4 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 4:01:09 PM

sooo...a non retail build of the pS3 version was better then he retail Xbox version?

HAHAHA

3 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:54:30 AM
Reply

Here Squeeeeenix, I'll let you hold my hand...

It's ok, I never needed you to hold my hand through FFVII, VIII, IX, X(maybe a little), X-2, or XII

But NOW, now after many many years, you feel like we're DUMB gamers

We need to be held by the hand and watch the story FORCEFULLY just because you say so.

It's ok, we're dumber now than we were in 1997! Aye aye!

Squeeeeenix knows we've caught them with their hands in the mud...

Seriously, for any other rpg it would have been OK, maybe an 8/10. For FF, this is unacceptable.

And he says for "half of the game." Yeah right! It's almost at the end of the game that you get to explore one big field........ -_-

9 up, 3 down

Highlander
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:57:25 AM

Well, I am reading what they are saying about this story requirement as 50% rationalization and 50% reality.

3 up, 0 down

WolfCrimson
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 12:00:32 PM
Reply

Well, I don't think SE themselves understand what the legit complaints are. What I've understood from different complaints is that "Too linear [gameplay]", in this case, means the game is basically a series of kill-tubes for the first 20 hours. Ok, first 5 hours, I understand. First 7 hours, yeah, sure, why not. First 10 hours, that's stretching a bit too far... but we'll overlook it. But first 20 hours?! Just... fail.

7 up, 2 down

JackieBoy
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 12:12:13 PM
Reply

Hmm not sure about this "Fallout 3 and Oblivion not playing for the storyline" thing Ben...
I like freeroaming too but F3 had good story that kept me exited untill the very end (did't play Oblivion).

4 up, 0 down

Alienange
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 1:15:47 PM

Oblivion's is good too. Probably better actually...

1 up, 3 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 2:01:15 PM

Sorry Jack, I loved Fallout 3 but the main story was pretty thin.

2 up, 1 down

www
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 2:19:39 PM

Yep Jack, like World said, Fallout 3's story was ridiculous. Find your Dad, help Dad activate something, and it's all over, I was like wth?! Still a great game though.

3 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 12:16:54 PM
Reply

Ben my brain can't take anymore FFXIII information, it's going to explode.

3 up, 1 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 12:30:46 PM

I am at the mercy of headlines.

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 2:41:18 PM

I'm at the mercy of this site, I'm on here way too much, someone kick my ass.

2 up, 0 down

Dancemachine55
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 4:05:31 PM

WHACK!!

Oh, dammit!!! Sorry World, that was your crotch. You alright, man?

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 5:19:48 PM

Ouch! I'll be okay in a about half an hour, oooooh the pain.

0 up, 1 down

Deleted User
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 12:25:54 PM
Reply

You know how I feel. It's all Microsoft's fault. This is the only way they could fit the game onto a 360 disc, well, 3 discs. I'll still buy it March 9 but my opinion doesn't change. My expectations for this game are not high. I think Yakuza 3 might be the best game of the two I buy that day.

4 up, 3 down

Kr3sn1k
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 2:38:12 PM

i agree its microsofts fault the game wont be as good as it should be but the linearity of the game in my opinion was always gona be there and they never planned on adding towns and stuff like that just my opinion though

3 up, 0 down

carl0975
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 4:54:03 PM

I might buy it on February 29.

0 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 5:16:08 PM

Actually, it's not MS's fault.

MS is only doing the only thing it knows how to do.....it uses the scent of wet b!tch-dog scented greenbacks as bait to lure greedy company's with Pinocchio sized proboscises, that are "in-heat".

So, in actual reality....
If SE allows itself to accept any of MS's pay-offs, then that now "enables MS" to attack & stifle it's competition once again.

It's SE's fault, & SE's fault alone!!!!!
Those greedy traitor bobble-heads up there in SE's hierarchy "ARE" the ones who decided to press their puckered lips up against MS' unwiped bung-hole & chop up the most famous and sucsessful RPG in gaming history.

And just so those "SE Whores of Babylon" could line their now-overflowing fanny-packs with the most cheapened of tainted baubles.

It was during their own version of "THE LAST SUPPER", that SE decided to turn against, & denounce all of it's own most religious followers.

SE HAS BECOME A "JUDAS" OF GAMING!!!!!!

DISCLAIMER FOR ANY SNEAKY SCUMBAG MS/SE LAWYERS:
This post in it's entirety, is just my own personal opinion, but here's a couple of 1-finger salute for each of you, just to help make you feel welcome.....& right at home.

BTW, I'll be using both barrels as usual, of course

Last edited by BikerSaint on 2/22/2010 5:19:29 PM

5 up, 0 down

nogoat23
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 12:34:14 PM
Reply

"We have deliberately used a linear game design for the introduction sections so they can be enjoyed in the same manner as watching a film."

Next areas people will complain about linearity:
movies
books
linear algebra
life

5 up, 3 down

coverton341
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 1:41:53 PM

I really am fed up with this linear style that life has taken now that you mention it. It is almost like I don't have any freedom as to whether I live or die. It's almost like each day I am just driven in the same direction...The Grave...I mean, if I want to explore for ten centuries I should be able to without this cloud of death hanging around saying "Gonna getcha in 60 or 70 years there buddy"

5 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 2:02:37 PM

yeah I'm sick of how movies just FORCE a story down your throat for 2 hours.

5 up, 1 down

Alienange
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 12:42:45 PM
Reply

So there you have it. All these whiners about FPS not being good enough for their RPG tastes and lo and behold, the RPG behemoth that is Square Enix says they want FFXIII to be "similar to the experience of an FPS style game."

This game is going to be good after all!

3 up, 1 down

www
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 2:07:16 PM

Tell me about it.

2 up, 1 down

eLLeJuss
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 12:48:20 PM
Reply

The only thing that frustrates me is theres no word of a collectors edition in NA. All i see is the FFXIII XBOX bundle. What a bummer

4 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 2:06:00 PM
Reply

Wait a minute, how can you say that western gamers don't get it, and that you went for an FPS style in the same breath? Again I must ask you, are the patients running that mental hospital?

I have dropped the idea that this game took this path for going to 360, I think THIS is the game and it was always going to be kind of farked up. I mean look at SE lately, their cheese totally slid off their cracker years ago.

Still getting it though, I for one never explored too much anyway because the FF storylines always held me in a very linear fashion to the plot. Always wanted to see what happened next and hated level grinding. The PSXE review should be interesting.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 2/22/2010 2:06:17 PM

8 up, 0 down

www
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 2:10:37 PM

Same. I never really liked to explore in all the FFs I played, always getting straight to the story. But I still feel 360 is in a way to blame.

2 up, 0 down

Alienange
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 3:40:11 PM

LMAO @ Cheese off their cracker.

2 up, 0 down

johnld
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 6:19:21 PM

yeah, i usually go though the story to see how it pans out. The only time i really went of the story was when my party is still weak or when there were optional characters that can join your party like the ninja girl from VII, forgot her name since i barely used her. I dont remember if vincent was optional. i guess i need to pop in my VII disc since square isnt really going to remake that anytime soon.

1 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 9:42:58 PM

@World,
<<<<their cheese totally slid off their cracker years ago.>>>>

And sadly enough, I think their long-term plan is to also use "the 5 second rule", so they can slap that fallen pool of green rancid Cheese Whiz on all their fortune cookies in the future too.

Last edited by BikerSaint on 2/22/2010 9:45:29 PM

2 up, 0 down

www
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 2:17:13 PM
Reply

I could swear FFVII, FFX woulda still had great review scores even if they were linear like they say XIII is, back in the days.

People shoulda realized by now that games OFTEN get bashed by critics or gamers when they switch to a different path.

Resident Evil 5 : Took out the horror aspect, folks whining.

GTA IV : Got realistic, again whiners on the rise.

Dead Space 2 : Said they were gonna reduce the horror, proactive whiners have already began in advance when they don't even know the release date.

Now its the turn of FFXIII : for being linear, let's vent!

Last edited by www on 2/22/2010 2:20:55 PM

2 up, 4 down

Dancemachine55
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 4:10:14 PM

A lot of truth in that.

In the retail and entertainment business (I work both EB Games and cinemas) you soon learn that everyone loves to complain for the sake of finding something to complain about.

2 up, 1 down

Lex Luthor
Tuesday, March 02, 2010 @ 6:36:29 PM

You forgot something:

RE 1 through CV: Survival Horror
RE 5: Action

GTA III through VCS: A lot of missions and replayability
GTA IV: Babysitting a drug dealer, a psycho killer and a prick (Brucie)

I fail to see your logic there, buddy

Last edited by Lex Luthor on 3/2/2010 6:38:43 PM

0 up, 0 down

Andysw
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 2:25:09 PM
Reply

Weren't those western critics the same people that gave high scores to final fantasy VII, VIII, IX, X, etc?

Last edited by Andysw on 2/22/2010 2:37:18 PM

4 up, 0 down

JackC8
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 2:31:17 PM
Reply

I honestly don't mind linearity in a game, but what I've been hearing about "kill tubes" - that sounds too linear even for a shooter. I do have to call BS on their excuses though: If it takes linear gameplay to tell a good story, then apparently they don't think that any of the previous Final Fantasy games had good stories?

And why the entire first half of the game? Is this going to be one of the most complex stories ever told? I very much doubt it. You want to know one of the best ways to ruin a good 5 hour story? Take 30 hours to tell it.

Whatever. I'm still quite happy to wait until it comes out and get the real scoop; then make up my mind.

2 up, 0 down

Kr3sn1k
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 2:41:21 PM

exactly i mean both gtaiv and infamous had amaazing stories so it goes without saying that what their feedin us is a whole cup of bs or they just dont understand "western gamers" as they like to call us

Last edited by Kr3sn1k on 2/22/2010 2:41:30 PM

2 up, 0 down

Dancemachine55
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 4:13:25 PM

Most FF's were very linear around the beginning of the game, but started branching out.

I don't get why people are complaining about the linearity, but the subtraction of towns, world maps, random characters to chat to, etc is what really disappointed me.

That and the fact that MS thinks they can rule the world by throwing money at companies to do their evil bidding. I'm looking at you Square-Enix!!! (Gives them the Evil Eye)

3 up, 0 down

Gamer4Life
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 2:42:51 PM
Reply

I've seen the game in action on youtube. for those of you like me, who play FF just for their storylines and nothing else, ur going to love this game.

0 up, 1 down

chedison
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 6:41:31 PM

This is making me rethink my decision. I did vote for GOW3, but I wasn't really planning on buying it either. I just don't want to buy a game with a good storyline and cinematics, but with a boring battle system/gameplay and interaction. Thats the reason (I'm assuming for the rest of you)we play games in the first place. Otherwise I'd stick with just watching a movie.

0 up, 0 down

just2skillf00l
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 3:36:01 PM
Reply

Well...I guess I'm over it too. I really don't care anymore. It won't be a day one but most certainly a sooner or later. I'll just stay posted for the review here. Who knows, it might end up surprising us all.

2 up, 0 down

JohnnyGold
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 3:37:29 PM
Reply

you know what this really reminds me of?

the months before green day released "american idiot." there was a lot of chatter online about how they were making "a rock opera," and, understandably, long time green day fans took the view that "THATS NOT PUNK!!!!" well, when the album was eventually released, it wasnt necessarily 'punk rock,' but it was a kick ass album that sold through the roof, and reestablished the band as a major act on the music scene.

my only point is... maybe this game isnt a jrpg in the classic sense. but im guessing there will be enough elements of the classic cannon of the series mixed in to satisfy us all. and, im HOPING, that if you take the game experience for what it is... and with an open mind... you will be satisfied with it.

3 up, 2 down

convergecrew
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 3:57:20 PM
Reply

Tanith Belbin!

0 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 5:20:39 PM

Tom Bombadil!

1 up, 1 down

kokoro
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 4:03:03 PM
Reply

"We are aiming for a vibe while playing that is similar to the experience of an FPS style game" *Performs epic fail face palm*

5 up, 1 down

Mr Bitey
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 @ 12:47:45 PM

It's only a matter of time before we see a Square-Enix FPS with generic space marines or set in modern times.

I'd give it maybe a year or so.

0 up, 0 down

Karosso
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 4:05:02 PM
Reply

You can have linear storytelling without linear gameplay!
I Call BS!!

2 up, 1 down

piratedrunk
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 4:19:15 PM

You can also have linear gameplay without being a bad game.

0 up, 1 down

Andysw
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 @ 4:23:39 AM

Pirate,

Yes but it probably won't be as fun as a nonlinear game.

0 up, 1 down

piratedrunk
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 @ 7:38:26 PM

Not neccessarily. I personally tend to have very little fun in open world style games. There is no such thing as a perfect game for everyone so design choices are going to be hit or miss and this one sounds like a hit for me.

0 up, 0 down

Dancemachine55
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 4:22:11 PM
Reply

We fans who have been following the development of FFXIII for all these years are intelligent enough to see through their excuses and BS.

Is it just me or have the disappointing announcements and problems in development only surfaced after the announcement of it being multiplatform?

I believe that Square Enix is trying to secretly and covertly rally support against MS without announcing or stating it. MS has bound their poor souls to a piece of paper.

Square-Enix are clearly crying for help with these interviews and announcements. I believe they wish they could take back their agreement to work with MS. If these interviews are anything to go by, Square-Enix had to botch up what was going to be their finest game just to fit it onto an inferior console.

FF Vs XIII will fix all this up. Square-Enix will return to their former glory if, and only IF they keep FF Vs XIII exclusive to PS3. That will be their shining moment.

If Square-Enix could hear or read this, I hope they realise the importance of Playstation exclusivity and how it ties to quality gaming.

3 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Friday, February 26, 2010 @ 12:39:10 PM

Very well said.

0 up, 0 down

huh1678
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 5:00:37 PM
Reply

wait wait wait...what!"We have deliberately used a linear game design for the introduction sections so they can be enjoyed in the same manner as watching a film." I mean Uncharted 2 fits the bill since its an action/adverture/platforming/TPS game but Final Fantasy XIII like a film...i don't know about you guys but i see all sorts of wrong with that.No wonder the gameplay is so linear.I myself have always thought of jrpg games as a book with freedom and exploration while the story is unfolding.
Owell i am still picking this up and getting a platinum trophy.

1 up, 1 down

Charger7302
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 5:48:25 PM
Reply

I dont really know much about how an rpg should be. Pokemon is the only rpg I've played. But shouldn't rpgs allow you to choose the characters you want in your party, from what I hear, this game doesn't allow you to customize
your party. Im assuming this since that feat is in all the pokemon games I've played.

0 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 6:14:57 PM
Reply

Question for a certain mangy company....
Do you know what happens when you bed down with flea-ridden hair-matted scroungy mutts who want you to suckle their milkbone?????

Answer.....
You wake up with that skin disease destroying your body, you're constantly scratching at hundreds of new parasitic bite marks, and now nobody want to be near you because your wet-dog stench is now worse than the "in-flow" pipe at a sewage treatment plant.

And you also wind up being infected with rabies, & start foaming at the keyboard ....er...I mean mouth......just exactly like some mutts who have also been doing quite a bit(e) of howling at the moon themselves, as of late.

Please note:
If you still want to continue suckling, then you two sh*t-encrusted flea-bags just need to define who's going to be the Alpha Dog,....and who will wind up as always being the other one's b!tch in heat.

Bonus question"
Answer me something here....is it really be that much fun that two dog's meet up and they always have to sniff out each others butts???

Oh BTW, which one of you get's to name your new litter?

2 up, 1 down

Snaaaake
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 7:19:31 PM
Reply

FFXIII hate probably came from SE hate.

2 up, 0 down

tes37
Monday, February 22, 2010 @ 11:25:28 PM
Reply

SE is definitely in a unique position. The game is going to sell very well, and yet they speak like they're having to beg people to buy it. Trying to convince someone that has no evidence to the contrary that they are delivering a complete game.

1 up, 0 down

pillz81
Thursday, February 25, 2010 @ 11:15:57 AM

The sales in Japan were high in the first week but sales plummetted so sharply and the people who purchased it can't even resell it for more than a couple yen. Used game stores can't handle all the people trying to get rid of their ff13s.
That is why they are being so apologetic.

1 up, 0 down

___________
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 @ 1:17:41 AM
Reply

so games need to be linear to suck the player into the store?
that is the biggest steaming pile i have ever herd!
assassins creed, infamous and assassins creed 2 all say hello!

its official $E is now my most hated video games company.
congrats youve knocked the infamous bobby off the throne!

Last edited by ___________ on 2/23/2010 1:18:51 AM

1 up, 1 down

NeoHumpty
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 @ 8:50:54 AM
Reply

>ATTACK
MAGIC
SUMMON
ITEM

I miss these commands SO much.....sniff.....

1 up, 0 down

Lotusflow3r
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 @ 9:36:43 AM
Reply

The comments on this piece completely destroy said piece lol

the damage is done Enix

3 up, 0 down

Mr Bitey
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 @ 12:45:28 PM
Reply

If they were to include an airship, imagine the amount of DVD disk swapping that would be involved.

If you went to a location found towards the beginning of the game, insert DVD 1. A location toward the middle, insert DVD 2.

Kind of makes one wonder...

1 up, 0 down

shadowscorpio
Friday, February 26, 2010 @ 12:45:21 PM

Just about every FF has had an airship. If they take it out for 13, I think we can say MS / SE colaboration influenced the potential quality that this game could've had.

The Playstation 3 is PISSED!

0 up, 0 down

Maas8701
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 @ 1:18:14 PM
Reply

ummmmm
"so games need to be linear to suck the player into the store?
that is the biggest steaming pile i have ever herd!
assassins creed, infamous and assassins creed 2 all say hello!

....yeh they had great poignant, intellectual storyline's which discussed philosophical as well as political issues...

0 up, 0 down

peaceflkamikaze
Tuesday, February 23, 2010 @ 2:01:05 PM
Reply

gt5, god of war, heavy rain, uncharted 1 and 2, killzone 2, ratchet and clank... one thing in common. PS3 exclusive. sounds like a recipe for success. unless you like fat microsoft paychecks.

2 up, 0 down

pillz81
Thursday, February 25, 2010 @ 11:18:36 AM
Reply

In Japan, those who bought it on release can't even give it away so it makes sense SE are trying for damage control.

Last edited by pillz81 on 2/25/2010 11:24:40 AM

1 up, 0 down

Jotun
Thursday, February 25, 2010 @ 11:50:39 AM
Reply

There is a definate beenfit to linearity when it comes to story-telling. I'm sorry, Fallout 3, Oblivion, etc. are all good games, but I don't play those for the completelly cursory and entirelly uninvolving storyline.

There is a definative movement towards cinematic storytelling these days and games like Uncharted are amazing for it. Now why doesn't anyone fault Uncharted for being linear?

FF games have ALWAYS BEEN LINEAR well into the second half of the game. You can do a couple of things extra here and there, but who cares? It adds nothing in the end. If you can explore towards the end(as always), who gives a rat's behind as long as the story is amazing?

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Thursday, February 25, 2010 @ 1:43:04 PM
Reply

I'm waiting for the psx review before i get this game now. Who ever heard of a ff game with no mp, no towns, apparently no options and evidently its a movie not a video game. Never paid sixty bucks for a movie, not gonna start now.

Ben as soon as you've gotten us your review i'll make my decision.

0 up, 0 down

Caanimal
Friday, February 26, 2010 @ 2:48:16 AM
Reply

It's plain and simple, there are two types of gamers/critics, the new and the old and the difference between them is thus:

Old gamers = appreciation for a good game story.

New gamers = brain dead individuals entertained solely by big explosions and mindless bloody violence.

These two types aren't reliant on age either; it's just the mentality of the individual. I'm also not knocking either type, just simply stating that the general gamer type has changed over the years. Older style gamers enjoyed story driven games like older FFs while new style gamers enjoy stuff such as Halo.... I have a feeling most of the lower scores were from the "new style" gamers/critics (I don't listen to critics and play what interests me and that's that) while most of the higher scores came from those "old style" gamers/critics. Too much openness can ruin a good game story (like Oblivion, while a great game and good story it could have been quite a bit better if it wasn’t so open), and being too linear... Well, there a LOT of game out there that are VERY linear, just about all games that fall into FPS, Fighting, & Hack n' Slash genres, that are also VERY successful and enjoyable. Games need to be taken for what they are and the entertainment they provide not nitpicked to death because they aren’t a conglomeration of every genre in existence.

1 up, 0 down

DeathOfChaos
Friday, February 26, 2010 @ 2:59:36 PM
Reply

There he goes, comparing it to an FPS game again. I love the Final Fantasy series, but somehow mixing up FPS genre with one of my favorite series...that's just ruining it for me...

0 up, 0 down

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Square-Enix Explains Necessity Of Linearity In FFXIII

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