Nov 27, 2007

Taking place in the dual locations of Pulse (a scummy underworld) and Cocoon (a heavily regulated Utopia), Final Fantasy XIII features a trademark bewildering plot of political intrigue and warring factions, characters of steely determination and sudden mood swings, and a vast scope which will suck dozens of hours from your life. Here are the reasons why it will be an instant classic:

1) Battle Mode
FFXIII will retain the fast-paced, real-time battle system seen in FFXII, relying on command inputs to decide a scrap. 

2) Moves List
Battle commands are selected from this rolling menu, and they're then stacked up in a queue.

3) ATB Points
Commands will cost ATB points, as in FFXII, but now you'll be able to execute orders as the bar refills.

4) Mystery Girl
Lightning is the codename of this mysterious girl on a mission to destroy the hovering city of Cocoon.

5) New Engine
The game is powered by the White Engine, Square-Enix's all-singing new game engine which will power new cutscene-like real-time visuals and awesome effects.

6) Watch the Meter
This appears to be the Overclock meter, which is filled as you fight. Once full, the selected character enters a trance-like state of heightened focus.

7) Worlds Apart
FFXIII is split between two worlds - Pulse and Cocoon. The latter is an idealised government state defended by machines; the former is where those who don't fit in are banished.

8) Defence Force
Lightning has been chosen to breach Cocoon's considerable defenses, but it ain't gonna be easy.

9) Morphing Rangers
Call on these creatures to morph into a helpful machine (like a bike).

10) Rock Hard
Lightning's been chosen by Pulse's mysterious Crystal, a powerful life form with the ability to change destiny. Cocoon has its own Crystal to oversee and protect the city.

11) Weight Gain
Lightning can control gravity. She has a gun-sword hybrid, too.

12) Online Worlds?
Expect an online element to make it into FFXIII, featuring large-scale battles and new, online-only enemies.