Hey guys,
 
I've been recently reading a lot about the game, reviews and such, and trying to watch trailers and so on.   I'm on the fence as to whether or not I should buy this game and was looking if you guys could offer some help.
 
I enjoy the occasional RPG here and there.  I enjoyed FF7, FFX, Legend of Dragoon, Suikoden, and Dragon Age.  I bought FFXII, but only played through a few hours of it before losing interest.  I've always been semi-interested in the Final Fantasy series, however, I'm a bit worried that the battle system will be too complex for me to follow.  I wasn't a huge fan of the sphere grid in FFX, but I got used to it over time.   Anyway, is the game "newb" friendly, in a sense, that it eases you into the battle system and explains how to play.
 
Thanks for any tips, advice you can offer!  

It'll be cheaper sooner or later.  If you're on the fence, a $20-$40 price tag will probably make the decision easier.

The leveling system is a much more streamlined sphere grid, in fact its only a few steps away from being a traditional leveling system.

As for the battle system, they ease you in fairly slowly, you don't get incredibly involved until the 2-3 hour mark when the "job" and leveling systems are brought in. It's simple enough to grasp if you go through the tutorials, even though gameplay footage may make it look overwhelming, though you can decrease the ATB speed in the options if need be.

Maybe give it a rent first and try to make some decent progress, or as suggested wait for a price drop. Hell, if you trade in games I think gamestop is selling it for $20 if you trade-in two games from a sustantial list

If your primary concern is whether or not you will be able to grasp the battle system, then worry not.  They hold your hand and ease you into it far more than they actually should.  As complex as the system can get later on, they definitely take their sweet time making sure you understand EVERYTHING about the battle system before they add another layer to it. 

 I watched a friend play it and it was really boring the hour i watched. 

If you like Japanese RPG conventions, you should buy it. If not, get Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening instead.

just buy a fence

" If you like Japanese RPG conventions, you should buy it. If not, get Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening instead. "

" @extremeradical said:

" If you like Japanese RPG conventions, you should buy it. If not, get Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening instead. "

I dunno, I say pick up Mass Effect 2 instead...that at least has a solid plot with non-predictable twists and a very nice cast of people.  Plus, it has Seth Green so it's an instant win. "

" @extremeradical said:

" If you like Japanese RPG conventions, you should buy it. If not, get Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening instead. "

I dunno, I say pick up Mass Effect 2 instead...that at least has a solid plot with non-predictable twists and a very nice cast of people.  Plus, it has Seth Green so it's an instant win. "

Since you said you like FFX  I suggest you give it a try. These games are basically similar in the fact that you basically walk in a straight line and fight monsters as you progress. FFXIII has better characters and a more engaging plot but not a lot else(And yes I do enjoy FFXIII). 

" If you like Japanese RPG conventions, you should buy it. If not, get Dragon Age: Origins - Awakening instead. "

" I should add that I am biased since count Dragon Age as my current favorite game ever. "

The game eases you into it. This seems to be a turn-off to people that prefer to be thrown straight into the deep end of the pool, but if you're a dip-a-toe-into-the-water kind of guy, there is no game I can possibly think of that is more for you than FFXIII.

" if you get bored easily, don't do it. i quit after about 15 minutes. so did my roommate, though he got through about 45 minutes.  joystiq said the game doesn't even get really good until 15 hours in. FIFTEEN HOURS. "

  @GetWhatYagive said:

"  Hey guys,   I've been recently reading a lot about the game, reviews and such, and trying to watch trailers and so on.   I'm on the fence as to whether or not I should buy this game and was looking if you guys could offer some help.   I enjoy the occasional RPG here and there.  I enjoyed FF7, FFX, Legend of Dragoon, Suikoden, and Dragon Age.  I bought FFXII, but only played through a few hours of it before losing interest.  I've always been semi-interested in the Final Fantasy series, however, I'm a bit worried that the battle system will be too complex for me to follow.  I wasn't a huge fan of the sphere grid in FFX, but I got used to it over time.   Anyway, is the game "newb" friendly, in a sense, that it eases you into the battle system and explains how to play.   Thanks for any tips, advice you can offer!   "

" The game eases you into it. This seems to be a turn-off to people that prefer to be thrown straight into the deep end of the pool, but if you're a dip-a-toe-into-the-water kind of guy, there is no game I can possibly think of that is more for you than FFXIII. "

Do you like JRPGs?  If so, I'd say get it.  It's a very solid JRPG.  If not, well...you probably won't like it.  I feel if you liked past FFs, including FFX especially, and you go into this with an open mind, you'll like it.  Don't go into it expecting FFVII-2 or a WRPG and don't go into it intending to look for every little detail.  If you want to convince yourself this game is bad, you'll be able to.  Lots of players are going into this game with a very negative mindset, just looking for the bad parts, and having their fears confirmed.  Just play it with an open-mind.
 
Sure it doesn't have some of the staples people associate with JRPGs, but I feel that is just a streamlining of the overall formula.  Include a fantastic and interesting battle system that makes you actually look forward to combat, and it's a solid buy.  Great cast of characters, good story, great combat.   
 
That said, if you are a WRPG player looking for the next RPG and you may have played some JRPGs in the past, this may not be for you.  THis doesn't have the open-ness that is characteristic of WRPGs.  Myself, I am glad it doesn't, but your mileage may vary.

Thanks guys!  I appreciate all the info and feedback.
 
Looks like I will give it at least a rent, and possibly purchase it there after.

20 hours to get to any of the good parts, and even when you reach the good parts, they are just good, not great. Horrible cast of characters, and horrible voice-acting. Story is just a mess; you understand it, but you will be sayin "WTF!?" all the time. 
 
I still don't get why anyone would call this an RPG. You aren't doing anything but watching a movie half the time, and the other half is linear combat. Other Role playing games allow you to play a certain role and play the way you want to. 
 
The graphics are nice.
 
Biggest gaming disappointment of the decade.

Hey guys,
 
Just picked up the game earlier today.  I'm not too far in it, but I'm enjoying it so far.  Thanks again for all the info and opinions!

Personally I'd say the biggest disappointment of the decade is Lambert.  You've obviously not played the game, just parroting other people's comments on it, who probably haven't played it either.  If you don't like "watching a movie all the time"  you've the wrong avatar, as that's all Metal Gear 4 was.  I won't say the game is perfect or flawless but just to say everything's bad except the graphics is flat out wrong, imo.  Enjoy =)