Screw you. Ten hours in, this may be not only one of the all-time greats, but perhaps the most important role-playing game of this generation.

This game seamlessly fixes a number of issues present in JRPGs that we've regretfully come to accept with common-sense design and focus. No poor pacing. There are no balancing issues. Character c1asses are instantly useful and allow intuitive, immediately tangible management. The ATB system doesn't feel like a glorified way of slowing down combat, or a gimmicky way of making it exciting; it's up to you to make decisions quickly, and there are consequences if you don't.

My biggest complaint? It doesn't immediately make apparent the usefulness of components, which led me to sell them all off, since I assumed they were items gained for the purpose of sale, much like loot in Final Fantasy XII. Speaking of Final Fantasy XII, this game may be its exact opposite; Final Fantasy XII is meandering, political and subtle, whereas Final Fantasy XIII is hyper-active, emphatically develops character and is grandoise. Almost in every way, Final Fantasy XIII zigs where Final Fantasy XII zags, making playing them at the same time (as I am doing) a remarkable study of contrasts in uncompromising, near-incomparable JRPG design.

Oh, and it just may be the world's most gorgeous game.