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Post by SsnakeBite, the No1 Frenchman on Jan 10, 2017 5:15:54 GMT -5
I need my Final Fantasy fix and after all the things I heard about it, I wanted to try this for myself and of course, I'm a huge fan of this franchise to I was bound to play it eventually. Plus, considering that VIII is not only my favourite in the franchise but my favourite video game period, it wouldn't be the first time my FF opinions would be unpopular (not that VIII is hated, of course, but it's the closest thing to controversial the franchise ever got).
I'm not very far into it having only played it for about an hour and a half (and that's including reading the datalogs) but so far, I think it's okay. I can already see what people mean when they say it's overly linear and repetitive, though. I can't help but chuckle at the fact that the game includes a mini-map when literally every area so far has been a straight line.
And while I actually really like the concept behind the combat system, allowing the player to chain different actions and relying on timing to hit more enemies at once and prevent counter-attacks, I really hope the characters learn some new abilities soon because so far, it has been a whole lot of pressing the confirm button while occasionally using a potion (also, why can't I use them outside of battle?).
I can also see the criticism about the plot being overly obtuse. It just dumps you right into the action, doesn't explain much (except for the fact that the "relocations" are just a cover for extermination, which they feel the need to explain like nine times in half an hour) and immediately goes for a series of battles without setting much of the game's universe, at least outside of datalogs (and even then it's not much).
It's a shame too because the game's universe does sound very interesting and it makes me want to know what's going on and what's at stake so I'm hoping it becomes clearer soon. Plus the visuals are great and make the game very atmospheric; I mean, it's Final Fantasy so of course it's gorgeous.
One criticism I don't get though is about the characters. I know it's pretty much a tradition at this point for people to complain about new Final Fantasy characters but I really can't think of anything wrong with them so far. Lightning is a bit generic but I don't mind her, Sazh is a good foil to her though, being more energetic and sensible. I did have a facepalm moment when he decided he could just drop off a bridge with no problem just because Lightning did it even though she clearly has a device or power that made it possible for her to do that and not die.
Snow is okay, kind of the usual boisterous brawler guy, reminiscent of characters like Sabin or Zell. Actually, come to think of it, he reminds me most of Wakka, except likeable. I also really like some of the banter he has with other characters.
The voice acting also seems solid... for the most part. I have no idea what the Hell is wrong with... er, Vanille, is it? That weird chirpy red-headed girl who looks like she's 15 and acts like she's 7 and has at least one developmental disorder. She's honestly a bit creepy to me. Maybe it's the overly revealing outfit for an underage character (on that note, some of the female characters' designs get a bit silly. Well, to be fair, some of the guys also have revealing outfits but it seems especially common with the women), maybe it's the way she's so enthusiastic about holding a firearm and possibly murdering people and it's definitely because of her weird, awkward voice. Not that I'm really blaming the actress; there's only so much she can do with the "dialogue" she's given.
So overall, I don't mind it so far but it's already showing some cracks and I can see potential for it to go either really right or really wrong.
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Post by Baldobomb-22-OH-MAN!!! on Jan 10, 2017 6:29:13 GMT -5
it gets worse.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2017 7:06:38 GMT -5
The biggest things people don't like about it seem to be:
1. The cast is unlikable
2. Its just one long hallway
3. The story is only about 15% explained in the game, 40% if you read all the data logs
So Since I have never played it, I am curious what you will think of it in the end. Are you doing a playthrough like you did with 8?
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Post by SsnakeBite, the No1 Frenchman on Jan 10, 2017 7:29:00 GMT -5
The biggest things people don't like about it seem to be: 1. The cast is unlikable 2. Its just one long hallway 3. The story is only about 15% explained in the game, 40% if you read all the data logs So Since I have never played it, I am curious what you will think of it in the end. Are you doing a playthrough like you did with 8? Sorry but no. I just finished doing one for Kingdom Hearts so I don't feel like making another one so soon after that and on top of that, my Let's Play of FFVIII was actually my longest playthrough of this game ever, spanning several months and clocking in at almost 120 hours as I kept checking everything to make sure I was being thorough, and that was a game I already played countless times and am very familiar with, so I dare not imagine what it'd be like doing an LP of FFXIII blind and I really just want to see what it's like without getting too deep into it. And that's without even getting into the time spent on writing, uploading screenshots, researching stuff to make sure I got the info right, etc... seriously, I had no idea that Let's Plays were THIS time-consuming. I'm very flattered that you showed interest for such a thing though and I probably will post my thoughts from time to time but yeah, no play-by-play commentary here. |
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Post by A Platypus Rave is Correct on Jan 10, 2017 9:43:18 GMT -5
I forget the exact number of hours I played before giving up...
the maps never really evolved passed the straight line... except where it branched in 1 or 2 places... only to immediately connect in the same exact place.
And no the combat system didn't really evolve past confirm.
and yeah... the game never really tells you what the f*** is going on and always just expects you to know what the hell everyone is talking about...
Granted some stuff is explained buried in pages of exposition in the codex, but if you need supplementary reading material just to understand the basic premise of a game you have failed as a game.
Especially as some of the stuff that happens in the game blatantly contradicts what is written in the codex.
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J is Justice
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Post by J is Justice on Jan 10, 2017 11:11:05 GMT -5
And while I actually really like the concept behind the combat system, allowing the player to chain different actions and relying on timing to hit more enemies at once and prevent counter-attacks, I really hope the characters learn some new abilities soon because so far, it has been a whole lot of pressing the confirm button while occasionally using a potion (also, why can't I use them outside of battle?). The combat becomes more complex the tougher the enemies get, but you can say that for every FF. Also, your health is restored after every battle, so there's no need to use potions outside of it. |
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Push R Truth
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Post by Push R Truth on Jan 10, 2017 11:12:51 GMT -5
I'm already feeling sorry for you buddy. Let us know when you give up and quit.
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Shai
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Post by Shai on Jan 10, 2017 11:43:51 GMT -5
I really don't get the hate for this game at all. I love the 13 trilogy. It's not my favorite in the series, that would be X-2 but I've played all of 13, 13-2 and am currently playing Lightning Returns since it was on sale for the holidays.
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Post by SsnakeBite, the No1 Frenchman on Jan 10, 2017 13:15:13 GMT -5
It's not my favorite in the series, that would be X-2 Well there's your problem. |
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Post by Captain Stud Muffin (BLM) on Jan 10, 2017 13:39:26 GMT -5
13-2 is better. 13 is passable. Stay away from Lightning Returns
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Zone Was Wrong
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Post by Zone Was Wrong on Jan 10, 2017 15:57:17 GMT -5
I'm going to replay it after I finish XV, Tactics, and VIII again. Still playing XV and I'm loving it. Playing Tactics on my phone now. Forgot how difficult it was but it's still amazing. Got VIII on PC and modded the hell out of it and can't wait to play through it again. XIII has beautiful music and visuals and for that I do want to play through again
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Shai
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Post by Shai on Jan 10, 2017 18:03:04 GMT -5
It's not my favorite in the series, that would be X-2 Well there's your problem. 😝 Unless it's a great game that's really worth it, I prefer female protagonists. It's a quirk. |
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Post by SsnakeBite, the No1 Frenchman on Jan 10, 2017 18:11:44 GMT -5
Wow, I thought people's complaints about Hope must be the usual exaggeration as American guys really seem to hate male characters who dare show emotions... but he really is a bitch, isn't he? I got a good laugh out him shrieking "leave me alone!!" in a scene where no-one was even talking to him, especially since it was right after he also cried "why me?!" after being turned into a L'Cie. Guess he doesn't care about everyone else, it's only a big deal that it happened to him.
I still don't mind Lightning and Snow (in fact, Snow is pretty cool in my book) and I'm liking Sazh more and more. Dude's the only one who's got his shit together. AND he's got a chicobo in his afro. What's not to like?
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Post by A Platypus Rave is Correct on Jan 10, 2017 18:24:05 GMT -5
Wow, I thought people's complaints about Hope must be the usual exaggeration as American guys really seem to hate male characters who dare show emotions... but he really is a bitch, isn't he? I got a good laugh out him shrieking "leave me alone!!" in a scene where no-one was even talking to him, especially since it was right after he also cried "why me?!" after being turned into a L'Cie. Guess he doesn't care about everyone else, it's only a big deal that it happened to him. I still don't mind Lightning and Snow (in fact, Snow is pretty cool in my book) and I'm liking Sazh more and more. Dude's the only one who's got his shit together. AND he's got a chicobo in his afro. What's not to like? Sazh is pretty much the only character that the majority of people liked from it.  |
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H-Virus
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Post by H-Virus on Jan 10, 2017 19:15:59 GMT -5
Wow, I thought people's complaints about Hope must be the usual exaggeration as American guys really seem to hate male characters who dare show emotions... but he really is a bitch, isn't he? I got a good laugh out him shrieking "leave me alone!!" in a scene where no-one was even talking to him, especially since it was right after he also cried "why me?!" after being turned into a L'Cie. Guess he doesn't care about everyone else, it's only a big deal that it happened to him. I still don't mind Lightning and Snow (in fact, Snow is pretty cool in my book) and I'm liking Sazh more and more. Dude's the only one who's got his shit together. AND he's got a chicobo in his afro. What's not to like? Sazh is pretty much the only character that the majority of people liked from it. I actually quit playing the game before even getting Fang in my party, but I've never heard much in the way of criticism for her. Was she a decent character? Being an aussie chick who's also some form of dragoon makes her seem like a character I'd enjoy. |
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2017 19:28:22 GMT -5
Completed the game myself. I'd say it was the worst FF I've played, but then I remember 2 exists.
There will be a point in the game where you just want it to end. You're only a few hours in, so it'll be a while before you experience it.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 10, 2017 19:34:23 GMT -5
Wow, I thought people's complaints about Hope must be the usual exaggeration as American guys really seem to hate male characters who dare show emotions... but he really is a bitch, isn't he? I got a good laugh out him shrieking "leave me alone!!" in a scene where no-one was even talking to him, especially since it was right after he also cried "why me?!" after being turned into a L'Cie. Guess he doesn't care about everyone else, it's only a big deal that it happened to him. I still don't mind Lightning and Snow (in fact, Snow is pretty cool in my book) and I'm liking Sazh more and more. Dude's the only one who's got his shit together. AND he's got a chicobo in his afro. What's not to like? LOL. Your descent has begun. Hope stinks. He makes your Vaans, Tiduses and Squalls look like John Rambo by comparison. |
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J is Justice
Patti Mayonnaise
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Post by J is Justice on Jan 10, 2017 20:21:56 GMT -5
Wow, I thought people's complaints about Hope must be the usual exaggeration as American guys really seem to hate male characters who dare show emotions... but he really is a bitch, isn't he? I got a good laugh out him shrieking "leave me alone!!" in a scene where no-one was even talking to him, especially since it was right after he also cried "why me?!" after being turned into a L'Cie. Guess he doesn't care about everyone else, it's only a big deal that it happened to him. I still don't mind Lightning and Snow (in fact, Snow is pretty cool in my book) and I'm liking Sazh more and more. Dude's the only one who's got his shit together. AND he's got a chicobo in his afro. What's not to like? Yeah, I usually don't mind chars like Hope, but he was too much. I liked Snow, too. |
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Post by Red Impact on Jan 10, 2017 20:57:44 GMT -5
It did some things better than people give it credit for, but it is the worst story in a FF game by far.
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Post by Baldobomb-22-OH-MAN!!! on Jan 10, 2017 21:13:57 GMT -5
Wow, I thought people's complaints about Hope must be the usual exaggeration as American guys really seem to hate male characters who dare show emotions... but he really is a bitch, isn't he? I got a good laugh out him shrieking "leave me alone!!" in a scene where no-one was even talking to him, especially since it was right after he also cried "why me?!" after being turned into a L'Cie. Guess he doesn't care about everyone else, it's only a big deal that it happened to him. I still don't mind Lightning and Snow (in fact, Snow is pretty cool in my book) and I'm liking Sazh more and more. Dude's the only one who's got his shit together. AND he's got a chicobo in his afro. What's not to like? Sazh is the character the game SHOULD'VE been about. he's pretty much the only character with a real arc in the whole game. |
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