Square-Enix just came out and SAID it? I respect their honesty.

[DMiller]

I actually liked the story being told in a historical context instead of focusing on the characters. It made you feel like you were a part of the greater conflict instead of just skating on the outskirts until the bad guys finally decided to give a damn about your little band of misfits. I don't think it's a one or the other proposition, though, and hopefully FFXIII mixes the best of both methods of storytelling.