FINAL FANTASY XIII

How appropriate is it that my 400th post shall be used to absolutely geek out over Final Fantasy XIII? After these past several years, it is an absolute pleasure to be able to play this latest addition to the Final Fantasy series. How much of a pleasure? Having the day off today, I've gone about 8 hours straight so far and I am enjoying myself too much to stop, more or less.

Of all the things that have been said about this game, one statement I must agree with is that this Final Fantasy is truly unlike any that has come before it. It does indeed do things differently then it's predecessors and that isn't exactly a bad thing. The changes, while drastic in some cases, are actually refreshing in my opinion. For instance, I worried about how it was said that the game play itself is quite linear. I'm liking it so far because it surely does keep a fast pace to the play and the story too.

Another thing that is a little different for me is how the group seems to stay separated, at least that has been so during the time I have played. Again, not quite a bad thing as it does give the various characters room to branch out and it does allow the player to get a little better acquainted with the characters themselves.

I am also loving the music so far too! Some good stuff, but I am finding myself missing that good old victory fanfare...

Ok, so it hasn't quite been all great and here are a couple of things that kind of bug me about the game. Nothing game breaking, but just minor things that kind of are annoying to me.

Speaking of characters, they are quite a motley crew (more so then the gang from FFXII in my opinion) and of them all, the only one I am finding a little irritating is Hope. Not enough to want to make me toss him off of a cliff, but still. I just have to wonder this: Will he ever stop whining?

- Leader dies, game over: This does up the challenge, but what sucks is when you get SMASHED during the opening round of a fight. I've had this happen to me a few times already...

- The team of Sazh and Vanille is terrible! Fights that usually end quickly, ends up taking this dysfunctional duo an upward of 5 minutes! Okay, maybe they aren't as bad... but I am liking this combo much better after Sazh gains access to the Commando role.

- The battles in the beginning are pretty dull! Things surely pick up after opening up the Paradigms, but until then... snooze fest...

Other then that, yes I am enjoying the game quite a bit so far and I am hoping to throw in another couple of hours before I call it quits. I want to see when these guys get their acts together and join up once and for all!

One last thought: That collector's edition guide for the game... er... what was so great about this thing again? I love how I've managed to misread the description and expected there to be a art section in this pricey guide. Was there such? NOPE! The label on the cover says the guide is illustrated with exclusive art! Doh!