Giant Bomb talks Final Fantasy XIII's combat system.

[Joe]

From what it seems, It almost seems like inactive characters play roles similar to the inactive characters in Kingdom Hearts. They act in comparison to their classes for the most part. Just like donald and goofy acted according to the vagueish behaviors you set for them. I'm really excited to give this battle system a shot, as I've been looking forward to a more strategy and fast paced battle system for a while.

The landscapes are gorgeous, cinematics and in battle graphics are very impressive. Also, that battle theme is absolutely SEXY.

[Rocky]

Is it just me, or does the summoning system feel similar to the old FF1/FF3 style magic system, where you actually have to conserve your spells because you get a certain amount before needing to rest at an inn? I thought it was a nice gesture and gameplay mechanic to be re-innovated.

The 3D Crystal system looks hella daunting, but very exciting as well. My question is, do the upgrades you get in the classes carry over to the main character, or do they just stay in that class. (Like let's say you get +10HP for the Synergist for Fang, does she keep the +10HP after switching classes or does she lose it?)

I wonder how the characters and the storyline will turn out. I like the fast paced battle system though!

[Che]

Is it just me, or does the summoning system feel similar to the old FF1/FF3 style magic system, where you actually have to conserve your spells because you get a certain amount before needing to rest at an inn? I thought it was a nice gesture and gameplay mechanic to be re-innovated.

The 3D Crystal system looks hella daunting, but very exciting as well. My question is, do the upgrades you get in the classes carry over to the main character, or do they just stay in that class. (Like let's say you get +10HP for the Synergist for Fang, does she keep the +10HP after switching classes or does she lose it?)

I wonder how the characters and the storyline will turn out. I like the fast paced battle system though!

From what I gathered, you can level up each character's class. If you put 15 total points into Medic for Lightning, and no points into the other classes for Lightning, she will be a strong medic, but if you change it up and switch her to Synergist mid-combat, she won't have any points invested in Synergist (since you used them all on Medic).

So basically, you only use the upgraded parts of classes if that class is currently "equipped" or whatever on that character.

I could be wrong, but that's how I interpreted it.