[Bond]

So, I am a little over three hours into FFXIII and here are my very brief impressions:

- The production values are amazing: graphics, voice acting, menu system, they are all superb.

- I like the reintroduction of the ATB system. I was quite partial to it in FFVII, and seem to equally like it in this game.

- The linearity has not been an issue for me at all. While it would annoy me if it carried on for long stretches of path with nothing to break up the action, this is not how it is handled. Cut scenes and NCP break up the walking bits nicely. It certainly isn't anything like the traditional towns, but I think it is somewhat similar.

- I like how the annoying parts of FF have been simplified in this game. Maybe it is because I have less patience for videogames, or maybe it is because I am no longer in middle school and actually have a life, but I just don't have time to fully master a complicated RPG and feel as though I had a productive day. I like this compromise.