First of all, FF XIII was said to be a major success in all over the world, becoming one of the most best-selling game ever. Yeah, just go ahead and check the 10 top games board of the year on Gamefaqs and you'll see what I mean. Sure, the graphic, just like any other FF series, is really stunning and amazing. The story too has been improved a lot since FF XII (which I personally think was kinda boring and too pushy, especially in the political field) and I like it a lot.
And it's not Final Fantasy if the characters aren't developing greatly. Yeah, I really like their personalities and how they grow by overcoming trials and hardships, exposing some 'humane' sides, especially Lightning. The mask she wears eventually shatter as the story advances, revealing a more soft and caring personality many have never expected for her to possess. Snowe and the others personality change too are entertaining to watch. Seeing how Snowe learn to be more rational is kinda amusing, actually. And there's also Hope, whose maturity is greatly shown after he learns about the world and his friends.
So overall, the story almost don't leave a room for complaints. And the item creation is back, too. But this time, no Muggles to talk to. Instead, we can create and mix our collection of items at the save station located in the area. I personally like this since I can customize my own weapon and armor, throwing the old 'buy and sell' system out of the window.
The exploration system is quite entertaining too. Now we can adjust the camera freely, making us able to enjoy the 3d environement in the game (which is very stunning if I do say so myself). The encounter system is fine and I enjoy surprising my enemies, kickin their butts right and left.
But (oh, there's always 'but', y'know), I AM kinda dissapointed with the gameplay, especially how the battle siystem works.
Hell yeah, I was expecting a brand new system with awesome control and 'kick your ass' action. But what do we get? A normal turn based system game with some new--and boring--enchancements. I mean, sure, changing the roles in battle in order to adjust our fighters to the circumtances is quite interesting. But... that's all? No new moves or actions to impress us, gamers?
I know it's lame, and there's still more. The 'Auto' command you can use IS almost perfect. If you hit the 'Auto' command, then your characters will attack the enemies as they please, striking their weak points with a continuous chain of attack. I was expecting the 'Auto' command could be edited just like the 'Roles' system, but wasn't granted. It seems all too easy, yeah? So in the end, I think FF XIII turns out to be another level-based RPG game with a normal turn-based battle system...
And now, here comes our second contestant in this topic: SO 4.
Now this is the RPG I've been waiting for!
The graphic (should I say it again?) is quite stunning, just like FF XIII, although it's a bit more 'anime-ish' in style. But that's not a problem since Square Enix has to make a new breeze in their project. Although this game lacks a good camera control system, I still find myself able to enjoy the environment in the game. And if you're really pay a close attention, you'll realize how detailed Edge's armor is in every scene and in-game shots. Two thumbs up for the graphic to say the least.
The exploration system here is kinda similar to Monster Hunter series in my opinion. Well, you get to harvest some items, mine ores, surprise your enemies, and even dash forward. And the best part is yet to come: the battle system!
The battle system here is really great although I know it's just following its former titles. But I like it nontheless. At least you get to run arround and kick some ass, jumping and evading enemies' attack while casting some great spells to stun them. I too love the variety of weapon and battle styles the game offers since I'm getting tired of using close range attack. And the way you can change your character in battle is also entertaining, making you're able to develop a greater effectiveness of your strategy.
I can't utter a word of complaint for the gameplay although, sadly, I have to say that I'm rea~lly bored with the story.
SO 4, in my opinion, is a typical 'heroic' game that is circled arround our 'wannabe hero' main character, Edge Maverick. As a young man with a great potential (and a mysterious power), Edge sets out on a mission to find the missing crew of his allies, uncovering a strange phenomenon behind their dissapearances. He is accompanied by his childhood friend, Reimi Saionji, who appears to have some crush on him. And as you can already guess, our hero will meet new friends and enemies as he jumps from one planet to another while helping those in need.
And the most annoying thing I find is the characters.
Edge Maverick, our main character, is a teenager who loves helping others. He is quite a cheerful and strong-willed person with responsibilities, supported by his talents in swordmanship and leadership. And our heroine, Reimi, is just the typical hero's childhood friend who has a crush for him. She supports him whenever he goes, and sometimes act like a big sister for Edge too. And the rest... is just our typical group consists of a strange little girl, a curious and sharp partner, etc.
But that's the only lack I can find in the game. So overall, I'd say that SO 4 is the winnah!!! XD
(Don't start throwin some stones on me now, it's MY opinion, 'kay?)
