Description: This game is a dizzying version of the original Tetris, very fun!

Game Informer posted an in-depth article about what you need to know before you start playing Final Fantasy XIII. I have posted a few bits from the list below.

It’s not all linear:
Early importers have been complaining a lot about how linear the game is, but complaints that the whole game just shuffles you from one corridor to the next are indeed unfounded. And the level design isn’t the only thing to open up; the weapon upgrade system, summons, and party management all take time to be fully realized. The game isn’t meant to be an eight hour experience, so don’t be upset if everything isn’t to your liking when you first pick up the controller. This is Final Fantasy after all, not a shallow action game.

Pro tip: Try not to die:
I realize that seems pretty obvious, but more than any previous Final Fantasy game, FFXIII punishes you for falling in combat. As you probably already know, you only control the actions of your party’s leader – the other characters will be controlled by AI. The biggest change to the formula comes from the fact that if your leader dies during battle, it’s instantly game over: You can’t resurrect yourself with a Phoenix down, or be revived in any other way by your teammates. That means that even if an enemy’s attack only floors you but leaves your partners with full HP bars, the battle still ends. The internet is already awash with criticism of this new gameplay mechanic, but if you’re aware of it going into battles, it’s usually not a big deal – especially if you heed the next bit of advice…