Yep. The best comparison article that I've read is from Digital Foundry and they basically make the argument that Square made a hash out of the 360 port. For example, for some reason Square used Bink Video to create the FMVs with locked in bitrates instead of using MS's VC-1 codec with variable bit rates which would have produced much better looking videos.
In any case, the PS3 version is the best one to get by default now regardless of the fidelity issues because it is supposed to come with beta invites for FFXIV.
this gets down to storage, plain and simple. 3 discs now, 4 or 5 if things where done higher quality. There are not many games where storage comes into play, but this is one. While the 360 is pretty much on top of things, MS made a mistake with its storage (optical) when it got in the middle of the whole pissing match for the next format. The only correct thing they did was not commit to soon (no HD optical drive in the 360) which was a double edged sword.. 90% of the games it wont matter, but 10% it does and will. There are not many, but there are some multi disc games. Disc swapping isnt a big deal, but part of the whole wireless controlers and all that is so you dont have to do that stuff.
But onto FF XIII. As an OLD FF player (havent played but a few minuts of anything since 9, this is my first (in ages) FF i purchased on launch day.
I myslef dont care for 10+ minute cutscenes I bought the game to play, I watch movies for deep stories. I know many like to be "involved" in the game, no problems with that. RPG's are stories, but I am more about building the character and fighting the battles. The last few FF turned me off with the cutscenes.
So, to start the cutsences are perfect in the new one, small, alot of them, put in between battles. Perfect in my mind, tells the story, are short enough to not stall the game and there seem to be enouhg the people who love um will get there fill too.
Story, it has a bit of the "what the heck is going on" feel, I'm not confused but im walking a tightrope trying to keep track of whats going on. one more name that uses "chi" with I'chi, U'chi, ip'chi (examples not real names in game) to make me wonder who the heck it is will drive me nuts. But overall, so far its not to bad, not great, not awfull.
Fighting, they do an EXCELLENT job of ramping it up slowely so you can learn the combat system. Its real time to a dagre, and looks pretty. I prefer turn based combat, but this system didnt piss me off like most new RPG systems do (sorry at my advanced age (42) my reaction times are no where near what they used to be and the timed button pushing games are not for me). its complicated enough to make it interesting, but not so much that its a chore to do (star ocean, Infinate undiscovery, I'm looking at you). But so far its far to easy, not easy, but "holy heck, can i lose if i try?" easy. many reviews pointed this out and state about 20ish hours in it starts to get harder and challangeing.
Characters are all pretty good, more then a little "standard RPG fare" Tough guy with heart of gold, Tough chick with tender side, cowering boy (suprisingly the most used JRPG character, and yet almost the most annoying) supre Happy girl (in this game the most annoying), sinister hot chick, goofy sidekick, etc.. they are all here and many times i facepalmed at the dialog. But basicly its not to bad, and sometimes is pretty good.
Character building is the now standard FF stuff, a map of some kind with links to get to new stuff, "+30 HP", "flamesrike", "+30 MP", etc... but now instead of a flat (easier ot understand) map of the older games its now 3D and makes navigating it and looking at the big picture a bit harder.
The battles are you and others, but you only reallly control your action, which at first I hated, but later with "parigram shifts" (basicly stance/ attitudes/etc that other games have used in the past) basicly you set up (before battle) 5-6 wasy you want your people to fight.
example:
Kick butt: character one DPS, character two DPS, character 3 DPS
balanced: Character one DPS, Character two debuff, character 3 heal
slow um: Character one debuff, character two debuff, character 3 heal
slow win: character one tank, character two heal, character 3 heal
the healing characters will still attack if you dont need healing, but will heal if you do. You cna shift paragrims at any time, you can modify them before battle. it works better then I expected and keeps you juggling them.. which in turn changes how long battles last, etc..
most battle will start with you DPS'ing with all characters till healing is needed, then generaly shifting to a parigram that has the healer Healing instead of DPS'ing..
Overall, its pretty, very pretty, story is good enough for the "jaded" person such as myself, character develpment is kinda simple, but fun to do. battles are FAST, but for us old school players not to fast. Far to easy (battles) yet, and if they dont get to be more a challange at 20+ hours as most reviewers mention may be a problem. Far to early to tell on that.
FF players -must buy, RPG players- must buy, 90% of the people I play with in FPS on LIVE- far to much story and such for you, stick to tea bagging in HALO.
side note: I did not preorder, but at noon on release day the local Bestbuy had the giant square stand with rows and rows of slots for game, but it was about 2/3rds gone. the local gamestop was sold out, and Walmart also didnt have any. So in my end of the world its selling great.
as for the 360 Vs PS3, if you have both the PS3 is version to get (one disc, improved graphics(basicly unoticeable) and beta invite to the new FF MMORPG game (at least that has been reported). I know I sure wouldnt buy a PS3 just to play it. (maybe just to play Demons Souls, that game is game of year!!!!).
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