Final Fantasy XIII Member Review for the Xbox360

First off, let me explain a few things. In my opinion FFX is possibly the best video game I have ever played (I've played through it at least 8 times), second only to the Ocarina of Time. I'm a final fantasy fan though. I've also played FF 7 and FF 8.

I know this review may be dated, but I imagine it serves the purpose.

Quick note: I won't be that specific in this review because i'm doing this about 20 minutes before I go to bed.

In this review, I will cover a few different categories, including: Story, Gameplay, Battle Systems, Story, Overall Game Mechanics, Pros and Cons.

Recommendations at page bottom.

First off, story. This part of the game is lacking in a sense, because unlike previous FF games, this story gives very little information about even the smallest plot elements. Who the **** are these people? What's a pulse La'Cie? What the hell is this battle system? While the story gradually, and I mean very gradually, picks up to a reasonable pace, the lack of a background is definitely a major fault with this game design. Overall: C

Secondly comes gameplay. This game consists of basic corridors with no room for exploration. Literally every small detail is mapped out far in advance with enemies positioned at specific parts of the maps unlike the random encounters of previous games. Also, the main characters walk very loudly. When you are not walking down a linear corridor you are probably in a cut scene; which, I hate to admit, are very well designed with beautiful graphics. This game falls really flat on its face when it comes to gameplay in all honesty. Overall: C-

Next comes the battle system. This was by far the biggest disappointment for me. While the system may seem fast paced at the beginning, it later becomes nothing more than auto attacking with the same four attacks over and over again. Also, the lack of being unable to control your teammates is a flaw. You basically get your ass kicked because you can't hurt an enemy until you hit them enough for some reason, so you wait until you can and just have at them, they revive, repeat. And while some say that this system makes for a strategic game, its the complete opposite, because the characters don't take any risks and just cast weak spells or attacks the entire time. This battle system was definitely a major let down, simply because of how menial and simple it is. Overall: D-

Story: All I can say about this story is that it is in no way memorable. I played this game basically nonstop for and entire long weekend, and I haven't even thought of playing this since. The story has no suprises, sends the characters to do missions with no background of what it's for, and has no passion in anything it accomplishes.
Unlike other FF games, this story is lousy, enough said. Overall: C-

Characters: The characters are annoying. Lighting's a *****, Vanille's annoying, Snow and Hope are ****s, etc. However, they are entertaining to make fun of. Overall: B

Now with all these faults you may be asking, what's good about this game?
Well, heres a list of the major pros and cons
Pros:
Great graphics
Another Final Fantasy to play
Long
Entertaining for the most part
(Note: I know i'm not being specific, but that's basically all it is, it's entertaining while you play it)
Cons:
Ultra Linear
Characters are just plain annoying
Bad Story
Laughable battle system
No background info
You will be confused to what's going on

Overall, since nowadays the price is probably pretty low I'd suggest getting this game, but don't expect to have it be a game you replay or lose any sleep over. All ranting aside, the game isn't terrible and if you have some extra time and money you may want to look into getting it.

I've hope you all enjoyed my review. This is my first one, so let me know what you think I should improve on. Have a fantastic day :)