As a fan of RPGs and considering all the hype focused around this game I had to buy it. This game series has been around for many years and I was more than pleased when I heard it was coming out on the 360. Then, the day came, I received my copy and I started to play.
The graphics - amazing.
The sound and music - Brilliant.
The gameplay - Fluid and responsive.
The story line - Involving.
The overall execution of all of the above - BORING!!! A PERFECT CURE FOR INSOMNIA!!!
Considering this game is supposed to be an RPG I found it to be mindlessly repetative as you lead a bunch of cliched characters from the start of the level to the end. For some reason the concept of freedom, which has been a fundamental part of RPGs since the days of Phantasy Star, has been removed from this game and it plays more like a platformer. From the very first level of this game the structure remains the same, you start with a pre-chosen group of characters, you fight a bunch of monsters and traverse a linear track through the level. And that's it. The only thing that changes are the back drops.
The only real sign of freedom comes after about 30 hours of gameplay when you arrive at a large expanse of countryside on the planet's surface of Pulse. But even this is a sly trick to make you think you have a choice of direction. All this level consists of is a larger game map, about 20 submissions (which all involve killing a unique creature) and that is all.
For a game that was supposed to be a mould breaker, a real trend setter, the greatest role play game ever invented, it falls far below all praise. If, like me, you're a fan of RPGs then please heed my warnings, this game is aweful. There are so many better RPG's out there to play. Star Ocean, for instance. Infinate Undiscovery. Even, The Lost Odyssey, completely wipes the floor with this boring, over hyped, snore fest.