Welcome to Final Fantasy XIII Week, Riddlethosians. The long, long wait is over; in less than seven hours, I’ll be traipsing across the street to my local GameStop and snatching my very own copy.

For the PS3, of course. Even though the Xbox 360 version IS better. (Sorry, I know I’ve plugged that article before, but I just… love it so much.)

I think it’s safe to say that, despite the fact that it’s yet to even be released outside of Japan, Final Fantasy XIII is one of the most controversial titles in the series. Lots of negativity has been circulating around the interwebs, and a lot of gamers are already set-and-ready to hate on the game. Needless to say, it has a lot to live up to – more, perhaps, than is possible.

I’d be lying if I said that I’ve avoided the buzz entirely. But, for what it’s worth, I haven’t read anything related to the game since it was released in Japan – and I’ve yet to read a single review.

Few series hold as many memories for me as Final Fantasy. Part of me is frightened that, after all these jaded years, Final Fantasy XIII won’t have the same magical effect on me that previous entries have.

But, by the same token, I’m ready to be blown away once again. Buckle up, everyone; me and Ethos are going to do our best to make this one a week to remember.

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