Final Fantasy XIII (2009)

This game released in 2010? Maybe my brain is broken, but these graphics seem almost on par with the PS5 version of FF7R that I played recently. It definitely seems to share the exact generic-villager-NPC character model that hasn't been updated in Final Fantasy games since FFX.

Also.. people hate Snow? The reskinned Vaan/Tidus generic-K-Pop-boy Hope, sure -- I'd get that. But, my boy, Troy Baker? The pinnacle of videogame voice talent, Troy Baker?

I flipped through my guidebook and realized I am actually nearing the end of the game, because so much of Gran Pulse is meant for post-end game stuff.

The method for upgrading the items has finally clicked for me, but it is SO expensive. I do find it a bit annoying that the game pushes you to sort of pick 1 item to start upgrading, but then keeps giving new weapons even this late into the game. But, if I was replaying this anytime soon I would probably just save my money until I got the items that I knew I wanted to upgrade.

After my break, I am back on this game. With so much of the game opening up a lot of the strategy and need to grind level a bit is popping up. Not necessarily a bad thing, but every fight for a while has been hard!

I think I have a team I like, but I wish I could use Eidolan for more then just my party leader :/

About 18 hours in now. I am loving the development the characters are going through. Many characters who start off pretty annoying are having epiphanies that really feel earned over the hours spent with them.

I am really amazed how well written all the characters are, the only standout that I still am not sold on is Snow. Special props to Sazh for being such a fun and nuanced character.

I am about 9 hours in, and remembering why I really like this game.

Normally I prefer turn based combat; however, there is something about the combat of this game that flows incredibly well.

The visuals for it are stunning, I cannot believe it is as old as it is. It makes me extremely sad that when I first played it, it predated me having an HDMI cord or a nice tv, so I didn't get the full effect.

I know a major complaint of the story is that it's confusing, but I wonder if some of that is because it is trying to use more elegant narrative devices to tell it's story. Rather then front loading a lot of details OR going for a stereotypical plot, FF13 tries something I really like. Story beats trickle in, as we are forced to confront challenges to the party. Details about who the characters are, are left vague, and slowly filled in during flashbacks and them talking with each other. Honestly, I think it's pretty brilliant storytelling.

I'm really excited as I vaguely remember some of my favorite scenes are coming up and cannot wait.

So update maybe... 13 hours or so into Final Fantasy 13, here's a party member tier list at the point I'm at rn, just finished chapter 6.

S tier: Sazh. Man is all character development, the most grounded out of all the characters, and very useful in combat. Kind of turns into the comedic relief when he's hanging about with Lightning.

A tier: Lightning. She's Cloud, but girl. She's badass and seems to be going through an arc with Hope.

B tier: Hope. A lot of people think he's annoying but he's literally just a kid who lost his mom, driven by rage. I fuck with his arc so far.

C tier: Vanille. I don't know what she's doing here. It's pretty obvious she's from Pulse. I imagine I'll get more on her soon, but I don't get her motivation yet. She's kinda growing on me.

D tier: Snow. He's going to be important soon I guess. Haven't used him in a hot ass minute, with the story just reminding me that he exists every chapter.

So I realized what was up with Vanille's voice that I thought was odd. Her voice actress Australian, and I've literally never heard an Aussie Kawaii Girl. And... Speculation ahead if she's from Pulse (which I'm led to believe is a sort of underworld to Cocoon) like I think she is, that's the funniest fucking casting decision I've ever seen and I hope everyone from Pulse is Australian.

Some more thoughts, I really wish there was a town or something to visit and flesh out the world some. My main 3d FF experience is with Chipcheezum's fantastic let's play of FF7R and that had so much worldbuilding in just the little things like NPCs standing around blabbing to each other so the lack of any friendly NPCs kinda hurts.

The way that literally every single combination of paradigms has its own name is so cute and I love that.

Eidolon battles are rough and feel more like puzzles than battles. I appreciate the save points before hand.

Combat is actually very fun now that I'm getting the hang of switching paradigms and not just rocking one medic and one to two bruisers.

Overall I'm pleasantly surprised by this game and will probably play the sequels. And hey, lots of people say this is the nadir of the series, so nowhere but up to go from here lol