Final Fantasy XIII Site Launched

[Kevin Grey]

Starting off with it, I personally have no idea what the heck is going on but I'm assuming they feed that to you over the course of the game or at least some kind of 'level set' during this extended tutorial opening segment. I think I read somewhere (here?) that the data logs flesh things out as you go but you'd have to actually read them. Guessing the reviewer may not have. 

Yes, the data logs flesh things out a great deal and I would recommend reading them ASAP.  They are also quite concise so it isn't very onerous. 

[KePoW]

Has he never heard of an ensemble?  FF13 is hardly the first Final Fantasy to be an ensemble- so was FF6 and so was FF12 (though many people also didn't realize that).  

Yeah, I always laugh when people think Vaan is the 'main' character for FF12.

Vaan was probably the least important character of the group.

[skystride]

But they tend to repeat the same information over and over.  I literally fell asleep reading through stuff I already know.

I hope there are more funny ones like the Chocobo log.

[Kevin Grey]

But they tend to repeat the same information over and over.  I literally fell asleep reading through stuff I already know.

The only place that seems excessive is The Event Log where it seems like each entry is kind of a running summary of the entire game. 

Speaking of which, all RPGs should have something similar.  Because of their length I often take extended breaks (as I will from 13 next week when God of War 3 hits) and after weeks or months away I often can't remember what I was doing or even the details of the story so far.  It's nice that FF13 has something to catch me up if need be. 

Yeah, I always laugh when people think Vaan is the 'main' character for FF12.

Vaan was probably the least important character of the group.

I've always said that Vaan and Penelo are the R2D2 and C3PO of FF12's cast (which is probably intentional given the obvious Star Wars influences in it).  They serve as the gateway into the characters and world. 

[KePoW]

Speaking of which, all RPGs should have something similar.  Because of their length I often take extended breaks (as I will from 13 next week when God of War 3 hits) and after weeks or months away I often can't remember what I was doing or even the details of the story so far.  It's nice that FF13 has something to catch me up if need be.

I agree with this 100%.  I tend to stop in the middle of long RPGs too, especially during a busy gaming release period.

I've had to start over in several RPGs cause I couldn't remember anything.

[Kevin Grey]

Speaking of which, all RPGs should have something similar.  Because of their length I often take extended breaks (as I will from 13 next week when God of War 3 hits) and after weeks or months away I often can't remember what I was doing or even the details of the story so far.  It's nice that FF13 has something to catch me up if need be.

I agree with this 100%.  I tend to stop in the middle of long RPGs too, especially during a busy gaming release period.

I've had to start over in several RPGs cause I couldn't remember anything.

I took a 4 month break in the middle of FF12.  I watched all of the cutscenes on the internet to catch up to where I was (which was enjoyable since they were so well done).

But what was especially awesome was how much the gambits helped.  When I started playing it again it was like I was using a ghost recording of myself from four months ago.  So I was able to rely on my previous gambits while I got back up to speed on the different gameplay systems. 

[KePoW]

Speaking of which, all RPGs should have something similar.  Because of their length I often take extended breaks (as I will from 13 next week when God of War 3 hits) and after weeks or months away I often can't remember what I was doing or even the details of the story so far.  It's nice that FF13 has something to catch me up if need be.

I agree with this 100%.  I tend to stop in the middle of long RPGs too, especially during a busy gaming release period.

I've had to start over in several RPGs cause I couldn't remember anything.

I took a 4 month break in the middle of FF12.  I watched all of the cutscenes on the internet to catch up to where I was (which was enjoyable since they were so well done).

But what was especially awesome was how much the gambits helped.  When I started playing it again it was like I was using a ghost recording of myself from four months ago.  So I was able to rely on my previous gambits while I got back up to speed on the different gameplay systems. 

Yeah!  That's why FF12 is by far my favorite Final Fantasy since 6/7.  Loved everything about it... I was disappointed that they didn't release the International version for the U.S., although I can see why.

[Doopri]

Quote
After 30 hours of Final Fantasy XIII, however, I still couldn’t figure out whose story it actually was.

Has he never heard of an ensemble?  FF13 is hardly the first Final Fantasy to be an ensemble- so was FF6 and so was FF12 (though many people also didn't realize that).

ya why does this continue to happen?  i remember a huge uproar with it in ffxii but im pretty sure its occurred before.  i cant be in the minority here and i know sometimes i LOVE games that have a well fleshed out backdrop of enormous events shaking the world, while a ragtag group sort of gets swept up in them and tries to make it through.  ill be honest from the trailers ive watched of xiii it was one of the things i was excited about as it seems it takes this approach.

[Gratch]

Honestly, this statement itself is pretty ludicrous:

After 30 hours of Final Fantasy XIII, however, I still couldn’t figure out whose story it actually was.

Has he never heard of an ensemble?  FF13 is hardly the first Final Fantasy to be an ensemble- so was FF6 and so was FF12 (though many people also didn't realize that).  

I can only conclude that the dude is not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer, if you catch my drift.  While I'm sure the story gets more complex later on, I'm having zero trouble following things at the 12 hour mark.  I'd even say that, so far, this has been one of the easiest FF games to understand.

[Ridah]

Honestly, this statement itself is pretty ludicrous:

After 30 hours of Final Fantasy XIII, however, I still couldn’t figure out whose story it actually was.

Has he never heard of an ensemble?  FF13 is hardly the first Final Fantasy to be an ensemble- so was FF6 and so was FF12 (though many people also didn't realize that).  

I can only conclude that the dude is not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer, if you catch my drift.  While I'm sure the story gets more complex later on, I'm having zero trouble following things at the 12 hour mark.  I'd even say that, so far, this has been one of the easiest FF games to understand.

Apparently he never discovered the datalog.

[Vindel]

Ok total noob question but can you or how do you swap party members? And can you change the leader of the party or is it always Lightning?

[Kevin Grey]

Ok total noob question but can you or how do you swap party members? And can you change the leader of the party or is it always Lightning?

The game determines that for you.  You can't change any of that until really far into the game. 

[Vindel]

Ok total noob question but can you or how do you swap party members? And can you change the leader of the party or is it always Lightning?

The game determines that for you.  You can't change any of that until really far into the game. 

Ah ok, thanks for letting me know. I was going crazy trying to figure out how to swap party members.

[Kevin Grey]

Yeah!  That's why FF12 is by far my favorite Final Fantasy since 6/7.  Loved everything about it... I was disappointed that they didn't release the International version for the U.S., although I can see why.

Not sure if you have a soft-modded PS2 or a beefy enough PC to emulate it but supposedly there is an English patch for the International version.  I just figured out how to patch PS2 games last week so I can play the Dragon Quest 5 remake so I think I'll definitely be looking into playing FF12 International in English. 

[KePoW]

Yeah!  That's why FF12 is by far my favorite Final Fantasy since 6/7.  Loved everything about it... I was disappointed that they didn't release the International version for the U.S., although I can see why.

Not sure if you have a soft-modded PS2 or a beefy enough PC to emulate it but supposedly there is an English patch for the International version.  I just figured out how to patch PS2 games last week so I can play the Dragon Quest 5 remake so I think I'll definitely be looking into playing FF12 International in English.  

Oh wow cool.  I don't know anything about PS2 emulation on PC and I've never done it before, but I'm about to get a new desktop computer so it should be good enough.

Please let me know how to do this, if you get FF12 International.  Would love to play it on the PC.  I don't have a modded PS2.

[Kevin Grey]

Yeah!  That's why FF12 is by far my favorite Final Fantasy since 6/7.  Loved everything about it... I was disappointed that they didn't release the International version for the U.S., although I can see why.

Not sure if you have a soft-modded PS2 or a beefy enough PC to emulate it but supposedly there is an English patch for the International version.  I just figured out how to patch PS2 games last week so I can play the Dragon Quest 5 remake so I think I'll definitely be looking into playing FF12 International in English. 

Oh wow cool.  I don't know anything about PS2 emulation on PC and I've never done it before, but I'm about to get a new desktop computer so it should be good enough.

Please let me know how to do this, if you get FF12 International.  Would love to play it on the PC.  I don't have a modded PS2.

PS2 emulation is currently being handled by http://pcsx2.net/.  Unfortunately I don't know much more than that.  I haven't messed with it yet myself because from what I understand it's much more processor dependent than video card dependent and I'm using dual core instead of quad core.  Still, from what I've read, it's come a long way. 

Personally I use an original PS2 softmodded with HD Loader (improves loading times dramatically) so that is probably the route I'll go with FF12 International. 

[DamageInc]

Been playing and just finished Chapter 4.

I like some of it, the battle system is an improved idea off The Last Remnant, but they seemed to include some of the BS from that game too.
Insta-death would be one (I am looking at you bombs)

I love challenge (like the Odin fight), but insta-death makes me feel like I am playing a slot machine.

Pull, lose
Pull, lose
Pull, ahhhhh, nope still lose
Pull, oh look I won!

If you grind a tiny bit you get get enough CP to level the HP segments of the classes and this with the Ember rings helped with the bombs.
Just seems retarded to be playing a VERY linear game and then get insta-death on your first turn, it's just senseless.

I am going to keep playing because some of it is very impressive, but at the same time I long for the FF XII style.

[DamageInc]

anyone care to discuss inventory / equipment options?  and what kind of crafting / bazaar stuff (if any) is in?

I have unlocked item leveling but I don't quiet get how it works.  You get a variety of crafting drops that can be used to upgrade the weapon level.  What I don't get is why you should use crafting resource A over crafting resource B?  If some of them have special effects, I haven't noticed.  If that's the case, do I have to memorize what crafting drop has what effect?  Seems like a lot of work since they mentioned there are over 100 types of crafting drops.  You can also break down items to get crafting resources unavailable any other way.

The only equipment slots so far are just 1 weapon slot and 1 accessory slot.  No armor slot.

You unlock new online stores by reaching certain points in the game or getting a store access loot drop.

Minor pet peeve - why do I have to hit X to loot when there is no loot dropped after a fight?

The loot/crafting is very similar to the Demon's Souls system or for that matter ME2. You basically get a few weapons to choose from (in the beginning) and then you upgrade them using items.
The catch though is balancing experience and how it affects NPC "stagger" bars. (You are basically "leveling" the weapon)

In essence you want to wait until you have a good amount of the same item(s) you need or want to use and then upgrade it.
If you try to do it a bit at a time your weapon can actually become less effective initially.

You can max out a weapon, and then to further it along you can meld it with another to advance it.

There is also the "idea" of set items they call symbiotic (or something like that). Certain groups of weapons and accessories will grant bonuses.
The only way to find out though is to try different combos. You will see a symbol (a circle with an arrow pointing NW) next to the bonus attribute.

You also get summons (Eidolons), but you have to fight them a very specific way to get them.

That's about all I know right now. (On Chapter 5)

[jersoc]

i wouldn't say it becomes useless(your weapon that is) if you do small bits, the reason you want to do large chunks of a smaller item is to get the 3x XP bonus. then you go balls to the wall with big xp items and gain a trillion levels with a fraction of the items you would have used.

[DamageInc]

i wouldn't say it becomes useless(your weapon that is) if you do small bits, the reason you want to do large chunks of a smaller item is to get the 3x XP bonus. then you go balls to the wall with big xp items and gain a trillion levels with a fraction of the items you would have used.

You are correct. I did some more research and basically it works like this.
Please keep in mind this is the most efficient way to do this. It can cost you a truckload more, but you can do it any way you wish.

There are 8 base weapons for each char. Each can be upgraded three times from base. (Three tiers)
Each base weapon has certain bonuses, strengths/advantages and disadvantages.
Choose the weapon first, then figure out the cost and components needed. (Hopefully there will be an online reference for this)

Use Organic (claw icon) components to increase the multiplier to 3x which takes 501 or more multiplier points. Do this in one shot.
One item they mentioned that was the best to do this was Vibrant Ooze. It has a +14 multiplier effect and costs 80 Gil each. So you will need 36 of them which will take you to 504 (3x)

The next part is figuring out how much EXP it will take to upgrade it in one shot.
The reason is what was mentioned above in the quote. Increasing EXP requires Mechanical components (Bolt icon), but each one you use reduces the multiplier.
The catch is that the multiplier is reduced at the end of the upgrade. So by doing it all at once you get the full 3x multiplier reducing your overall cost to upgrade.

A good item that was mentioned was Superchargers at 1600 Gil a pop.
The amount you need will be based on the overall Rank and Level of the weapon you are upgrading. The Rank affects the EXP increment
The higher the Rank the smaller the EXP increment per level. Each item has a set increment.

Once you get the weapon (or item) to the max (denoted by a "star") you need a Catalyst item to boost it to the second tier.
Then rinse, lather and repeat the process (Way more expensive however)

The third tier is the Omega version of the weapon, same process, big money.
All weapons require the Trapezohedron catalyst to move to the third tier, but different ones are used to go from tier one to tier two.

In summary, you use Organics (claw) to get the multiplier to 3x, use Mechanical (bolt) to actually "level" the item and you use a Catalyst to move the item to the next tier.

[farley2k]

I have put in 6 hours or so - I am all the way through the tutorials I think (I hope) and I am still not sure I love it.  I have the same concerns as others have voiced.  The writing has really been cheesy often.  Some of the delivery is pretty bad. 

I also don't really care for the battle system.  I understand wanting to speed up fights for the ADD generation but you lose so much control.  Sure the AI picks the right spell most of the time but I want to pick what my team does.  Paradigm shift is a help but it is still just scripted AI.  Sometimes I want something else done - even if it is not the best choice.  I guess in today's age I am just a throw back but I like controlling everything.

[Roguetad]

That crafting system sounds nuts...and seems really convoluted compared to the rest of the RPG steamlining I've experienced so far in the game.  I hope it just reads that way, and that when I get to the crafting it will be more intuitive. 

[skystride]

The crafting system is actually too simple.  I don't like the idea of having 100 different materials when all they do is give different amounts of xp/multiplier.  It's only convoluted if you want to min/max.

[DamageInc]

The crafting system is actually too simple.  I don't like the idea of having 100 different materials when all they do is give different amounts of xp/multiplier.  It's only convoluted if you want to min/max.

It's not a min/max thing, just a cost efficiency. The items you use don't affect the resulting weapon in a different way.
There are 8 weapons per char with set/fixed attributes. When you level the weapon it just goes to the next pre-programmed version.

(Think ME2, here's a gun, here's a better gun, and here's the final uber gun. No variations from person to person)

So if you don't do it efficiently, you will need to grind more to get more Gil. Honestly, it is silly to do it differently unless you love grinding.

I don't know if you can beat the game with level one weapons or not so I am not sure if this entire process can be avoided.

You are correct that most of it is a waste. I plan on selling the inefficient/non-valuable items to help buy the efficient ones.

[DamageInc]

I have put in 6 hours or so - I am all the way through the tutorials I think (I hope) and I am still not sure I love it.  I have the same concerns as others have voiced.  The writing has really been cheesy often.  Some of the delivery is pretty bad. 

I also don't really care for the battle system.  I understand wanting to speed up fights for the ADD generation but you lose so much control.  Sure the AI picks the right spell most of the time but I want to pick what my team does.  Paradigm shift is a help but it is still just scripted AI.  Sometimes I want something else done - even if it is not the best choice.  I guess in today's age I am just a throw back but I like controlling everything.

You can control the AI and your commands if you want to, the option is there. (only for yourself however)
Go through Chapter 3 and even 4 and then make the decision. The game gets more complex and haried as you progress. They are still throwing out tutorials at the end of Chapter 4

You will find yourself constantly shifting, canceling and forcing before full ATB at a frantic pace. It is quite intense.
I have yet to run into a situation where I felt I needed to micro-manage the AI. The key is setting up all the P-shifts prior to setting out.

Everytime my group changes I create and change the order of my P-shifts before I set out.
I know some people prefer to manage it like a true D&D game, but this does not seem to be built for that.

[skystride]

It's not a min/max thing, just a cost efficiency.

That's what I meant, min/max the use of mats.  A lot of people are probably not going to bother with all that, like saving a huge stack to get the 3X bonus.  Will it hurt them while trying to finish the main storyline?  I'm guessing no.  The efficient use of resources almost sounds borderline gaming the system.  If that's not the case and these master crafted items are required to progress, they really should have explained it better in-game.

[farley2k]

You will find yourself constantly shifting, canceling and forcing before full ATB at a frantic pace. It is quite intense.
I have yet to run into a situation where I felt I needed to micro-manage the AI. The key is setting up all the P-shifts prior to setting out.

Every time my group changes I create and change the order of my P-shifts before I set out.

That really threw me last night.  I had these Paradigms I liked, party switched on me and suddenly I didn't have squat!  That is something they should have mentioned in the tutorials. 

[DamageInc]

You will find yourself constantly shifting, canceling and forcing before full ATB at a frantic pace. It is quite intense.
I have yet to run into a situation where I felt I needed to micromanage the AI. The key is setting up all the P-shifts prior to setting out.

Every time my group changes I create and change the order of my P-shifts before I set out.

That really threw me last night.  I had these Paradigms I liked, party switched on me and suddenly I didn't have squat!  That is something they should have mentioned in the tutorials. 

The thing is that you will probably have to do this for a good chunk of the game because you can expand the development of your chars into other areas.
This means more P-Shift combos are needed.

I corrected something above, you can only micro manage youself, the AI is always controlled by the P-shift.
Also the AI becomes "smarter" once you have fully learned each enemy NPC you are fighting.

Libra Technique and the Librascope items help with this.

Let's say an enemy NPC has a weakness to Ice, but on the info screen it still shows "???". This means the AI won't know to use Ice as an attack.
So fully learning each enemy NPC as you fight helps the AI.

[jersoc]

It's not a min/max thing, just a cost efficiency.

That's what I meant, min/max the use of mats.  A lot of people are probably not going to bother with all that, like saving a huge stack to get the 3X bonus.  Will it hurt them while trying to finish the main storyline?  I'm guessing no.  The efficient use of resources almost sounds borderline gaming the system.  If that's not the case and these master crafted items are required to progress, they really should have explained it better in-game.

psstttt...you can buy materials.

[Pharaoh]

Ya the secret to this game seems to be using Libra ASAP on new mobs, getting their info sheets tracked so your party knows what to do. Then its a matter of setting the autopilot on ability selection, and making sure your paradigms are matching the flow of the battle. Commando + X to build the stagger,  full ravager to make it trigger, and then commando + ravager to Launch and nuke em to death. Repeat as needed.

Its weird how it looks like Final Fantasy, but plays like a simple flash game. I just hit Chapter 8, and I hope it takes off soon...cause two people parties are boring. I'm sure when its a full 3 person party, having a balance between attacks, buffs, and healing will make combat more interesting.

Oh btw, I do appreciate this is the first Final Fantasy in years that's actually hard. Bosses can and will mess you up unless you know your tactics.

[Gratch]

Its weird how it looks like Final Fantasy, but plays like a simple flash game. I just hit Chapter 8, and I hope it takes off soon...cause two people parties are boring. I'm sure when its a full 3 person party, having a balance between attacks, buffs, and healing will make combat more interesting.

Dunno about a flash game, but I do agree that two people parties are not nearly as much fun as three.  There are also a few enemies that I have yet to figure out how to properly attack (those damn Crawlers).  I keep ending up with only 2-3 stars, but I'm not sure what I could do differently against them. 

[jersoc]

crawlers on what chapter?

[Gratch]

7, I think.  Will have to check when I get home.  They're the little slug-looking things that usually come in groups of 4-6.

Same thing with the Gremlins.  They never pose a serious threat, but I've never gotten more than 3 stars when fighting a group of them.

[Kevin Grey]

I'm only in Chapter 5 but I never had an issue with getting 5 stars with Gremlins.  I think I was using COM/RAV.  I also made it a point to trigger the attack queues early since they have relatively few HPs.

[jersoc]

the guys vulnerable to fire?

the crawler thing in chapter 7 makes me think of those guys with the gatling gun of death attack.

[DamageInc]

the guys vulnerable to fire?

the crawler thing in chapter 7 makes me think of those guys with the gatling gun of death attack.

Yeah the motorbike NPC with the Gatling Gun instant kill attack. (Another NPC added to my list with Bombs already on it)
Took me three tries to kill it on the first visit. Even casting Sentinel buffs didn't save Snow.
I lucked out on the third attempt as it lit up Hope instead.

That's that slot machine mechanic I spoke of from The Last Remnant. The only way you win that fight is by luck instead of strategy.

[Kevin Grey]

Maybe you need to level more?  Neither the bombs nor the cycles were instant-kill for me (though the latter required using Sentinel). 

[DamageInc]

Maybe you need to level more?  Neither the bombs nor the cycles were instant-kill for me (though the latter required using Sentinel). 

Definitely helps, that's why I said on the first meeting. They do set caps on CP use/leveling per level.
Once I was able to level after the first meeting, neither of those enemies were an issue.

I do find it hard to believe that you didn't have one party wipe due to the Bomb Self-Destruct attack especially when they have two do it at the same time.
Even with being maxed in that level my party would wipe if two Bombs initiated Self-Destruct at the same time.

[Kevin Grey]

I do find it hard to believe that you didn't have one party wipe due to the Bomb Self-Destruct attack especially when they have two do it at the same time.
Even with being maxed in that level my party would wipe if two Bombs initiated Self-Destruct at the same time.

No wipes with the bombs and I cleared out every enemy on that level multiple times.  Offhand I can think of only one time I may have had two self-destruct at the same time and IIRC both came out by the skin of their teeth.  I generally didn't let that happen though. 

[metallicorphan]

here in the UK the PS3 version of FF13 sold more than the 360 version

PS3-54%
360-47%

which adds up to 101%..that's how much we have in % over here

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