Re: Final Fantasy 13 Dated
 

Thanks for the non-spoilers. :)

I loved FF7-9, but don't you have to say FF13 at least sounds much more linear than those previous three iterations?

Re: Final Fantasy 13 Dated
 

Definitely sounds more linear than FF7-9. Have you played FFX? It's linear as hell, it's also awesome. Uncharted 2 is linear and it's amazing. Most story driven games are linear. Most games in general are linear. Seems like linearity is the new thing to pick on in games. A lot of people complained that FFXII was too open world, and now they're shocked that FFXIII is linear. Gamers are generally full of shit, lets be honest here. Play it for yourself, man. Rent it.

Re: Final Fantasy 13 Dated
 

I completely agree.

I never got when linearity became a bad word in gaming. People actually picked on Uncharted 2 for being too linear, but it was an AMAZING experience, and they could do that because it was linear.

Like all things in life, choices have their good and bad things. FF 13 chooses to be linear helps them to focus on the pacing of the game, the character development and the battle system. But it also gets rid of the feeling of exploration and freedom that people expect from RPGs.

On the other hand, if a game is too open world, it can quickly become a jumble mess. GTA IV was like that for me as you would end up with 50 missions to tackle at first with no real idea of which would progress you further in the story. Then you complete one mission that would block off 10 more, and it becomes an exercise in patience.

Long rant short, linearity doesn't make a bad game. We grew up on linear games, hell two of my favorite franchises made their bread and butter on getting from point A to point B as best as possible.

Re: Final Fantasy 13 Dated
 

I agree. I think I just need to stop trying to compare FF13 to FF7-9, and try to appreciate it independently for what it is...

Re: Final Fantasy 13 Dated
 

Yeah, that's the best thing to do. From my understanding FF8-12 are all completly different. If you're looking for the same experience as an older game, you're not going to find it in the final fantasy series.

Heck, even FFXIV (the new MMORPG coming this year) looks incredibly different from FFXI, or any MMORPG that's ever been done before really. (No leveling up? Does this really count as a MMORPG??) You almost have to let go of the idea of the "direct sequal" in the FF series. FFXV might look and play like a FPS for all we know.

Re: Final Fantasy 13 Dated
 

Babsy, most FF games are linear up to a certain point. The only ones that haven't been are the online ones, and 12 - and even 12 was really restricted up until a specific point when you can explore the entire world and do all of the side quests.

Re: Final Fantasy 13 Dated
 

This is true.

The big difference between the older ones and the new ones is that you got the "free roaming" world map in the older ones. But that world map does not open up until you've gotten through a liner part of the game that in most cases takes hours to complete.

And, I think the zoomed out, free-roaming world map.. while fun.. is kinda out dated. I doubt any new FF games would implement it.

Re: Final Fantasy 13 Dated
 

Okay, I think need to clarify my point, I know that older FFs are linear in structure to get the plot rolling, most RPGs are, but you folks don't understand just HOW linear FF 13 is, the game progress quite literally down a straight,singular path.

There are VERY minor turn offs where you might find an item, but for the most part, its a straight line.

Where in other games, you have a clear path, but you aren't really forced straight down it.

And even when this "opens" up, its only one area from what I know.

I don't think the free-roaming world map is out of date, Mass Effect still uses something like it.

Re: Final Fantasy 13 Dated
 

Mmm, from the reviews I've seen, it's linear longer then most FF games, but it does eventually open up. IGN claims that 3/4 of the first 25 to 30 hours of the game is linear.. so that's 20ish hours of being linear before it gets to the point where the game opens up.

"Of course, players that aren't aware of Final Fantasy XIII's open-world conclusion might be much less enthusiastic, especially if they believe that the entire game is completely linear. "- IGN

I think it is out-dated, how it was pulled off before anyway. I could see a spaceship or sometype of flying vehicle going across a world map.. but the overhead map with a big headed version pf your character walking cross a landscape town to town just won't have the same effect that it used to.

I'm sure a Final Fantasy 7 remake that attempted to be on the same visual level as even FFX (yes, a last gen game) would probably end up scrapping the world map, or they'd create a new system that wouldn't resemble the old game at all... Or it'd just have a unrealistic vibe to it, which isn't bad sometimes.

Re: Final Fantasy 13 Dated
 

Even if it is super linear, so what?
That doesn't mean it will be a bad game or a terrible experience.

Re: Final Fantasy 13 Dated
 

I'd like to recommend reading the 1up review. I almost never read reviews and don't really care about scores, but it looked short and concise so I thought I'd give it a go for fun. Lots of really interesting things brought up. Worth a read.

Re: Final Fantasy 13 Dated
 

Don't get me wrong, I do not equate linearity with quality.

As a matter of fact, I prefer linear experiences like Uncharted or new Super Mario Bros.

I'm just pointing out what this game is in comparison to others, unless not talking to me.

Re: Final Fantasy 13 Dated
 

I'm debating whether or not I should get this game when it comes out on Tuesday.

Re: Final Fantasy 13 Dated
 

I took the plunge and pre-ordered FFXIII on Amazon earlier today. I will be excited to see what we think of the game once it is released.

Re: Final Fantasy 13 Dated
 

Oh I can't find it right now, but about 2 weeks ago I read an article, that basically explained why they're not doing a graphical remake of FF7. Basically the article explained that in order to profit from it at all they would have to be able to complete the remake in less than a year, and apparently at this time that is just impossible. However if in the future there was any possibility, like if technology changed, then maybe. I would say maybe for some big anniversary or something. If square can hang on another 15+ years. Who knows? If I find the article I'll post it. I mean I don't like FF7 that much, but I would like to see it redone graphically. Compared to 8 and 9 the visuals make it almost unplayable to me these days.