Great review, Rob. I never seem to get tired of reading FFXIII reviews from people who also saw how painful a linear experience can be when it's just pushing you from one bad dialogue to the next. I've played through the game twice now, only to stop both times at Chapter 11. I wont' make that mistake again; next time I'll just finish up my damn game. Because you're right: the first 10 chapters are a tutorial.
Note to gamers: when someone shoots you in the face, they aren't "gay." They are "psychopathic."