Final Fantasy XIII on Retro Game Master

In just two short days the agonizing wait for Final Fantasy XIII will be over, at least in Japan.  The above video shows the game being played on Retro Game Master (aka Game Center CX), a Japanese television show on Fuji TV.

This is the first time I have really been able to watch the game being played as apposed to watching gameplay highlighted in a trailer.  Considering how close the release date is, I believe it is reasonable to assume we’re looking at the retail version of the game, which is exciting!

The first scene which impressed me is when an Adamantoise lumbers across the world map.  It’s difficult to tell, but it almost looks like it walks over the party…  The thing is just massive!  At one point a co-host attempts to engage the Adamantoise in battle.  One swift stomp to the ground instantly wipes out the leader (Fang) and most of the party causing a game over.  It would appear that this is a foe best confronted later in the game.  Hopefully there are many other formidable foes like this.

Next we get our first look at summoning in action.  After the host gets a game over, he tries  fighting a considerably smaller enemy.  Fang summons Bahamut who comes down from a glyph in the sky, as summons so often do.  After wailing on the enemy a bit, someone suggests that they try driving mode.  Bahamut begins its transformation which is reminiscent of Transformers, Power Rangers, and the like, with just a bit more class.  Fang climbs on Bahamut and a whole new onslaught begins ending with Bahamut’s Mega Flare.  Soon the enemy is razed and celebrations commence.

My only complaint if you forced one from me is that I was hoping for some way to attack the enemy on the field to get a preemptive strike or something like that.  Instead you just walk up next to them and raise your guard.  Still, the game looks fun and I am loving the epic enemies.