7.2.2012

It was with no small amount of trepidation that I approached Final Fantasy XIII-2, FFXIII got so much wrong that it was enough (along with the disaster that was Final Fantasy XIV) for Square Enix CEO Yoichi Wada to remark that `The Final Fantasy brand has been greatly damaged', no kidding.See, many of us have grown up with the Final Fantasy brand, we remember the opening of FFIV backed by Nobuo Uematsu's mighty score, Cloud and Aerith in FFVII and of course that laughter scene in FFX. However when FFXIII finally came out most of us discovered a series that had stubbornly refused to mature and grow up with the times. While today western RPG's from Dragon Age and the Witcher series to the Mass Effect trilogy present dark worlds inhabited by deep,complex characters, difficult storyline choices where good and evil are often blurred and multiple playthroughs are rewarded. Compared to these, FFXIII with its hateful anime/jrpg clichés, the usual mix of perky, one-dimensional characters, awful scriptwriting ("Operation Nora"), worrying ecchi relationships, villains which were designed with more thought for their wardrobe then their motivations and this is before I get to the lack of towns/shops/free choice/thirty hour tutorial and `the tube' that never-ending corridor of moving from A to B endlessly. When you can watch all the cutscenes on youtube without playing the game and feel comfortable you haven't missed anything then you know the Final Fantasy series is in trouble...Anyway enough about FFXIII, let's talk about Final Fantasy XIII-2, well Sakaguchi, Nojima and Uematsu, the old guard of Final Fantasy are long gone, instead directing the game we have Motomu Toriyama (FFX/FFX-2) with Masashi Hamauzu (FFX) on the soundtrack and Kitase (veteran of Final Fantasy) producing. They clearly put a lot of effort into responding to the criticism against FFXIII. The game is now open-ended including time-travel, alternative realities, dialogue choices and hidden endings. Shops are back (albit with fan service and giant wings), towns are back and looking better than ever (from villages by the sea to future metropolises). Moveable cameras, a faster pace of battles, monster collecting and dozens of side quests and optional content to keep you very busy!Opening with a very exciting and dramatic video (only a handful of which are in FFXIII-2) we see Lightning (the only character worth a damn in FFXIII + Sazh) leading a massive army of monsters against the shadowy Caius and his own army. Massive meteors drop, summons are utilised, it's all very exciting. Caius himself is the sort of villain FFXIII could really have used, compelling, driven to succeed and you can actually emphasis with him. While he doesn't get as much scene time as he deserves, his presence really does help to drive the story (voiced by vetern Liam O'Brian who did Kain from FFIV and Gaara from Naruto to name just two roles!)After this quick introduction control switches permanently to Serah (Lightnings younger sister) and newcomer, `the last living human of the future' Noel who has come back in time to change the future. While there is mostly a distinctive lack of chemistry between the two they make for a fine duo, Serah is easy-going and inoffensive, Noel is mysterious enough and semi-aloft. The overall excellent voice acting really helps to sell the characters in their struggle across space and time.The story here is much shorter then FFXIII (you can get through it in 20hrs) but there is a lot of additional content from slot machines to hunting down `fragments' in time. The battle system is the only thing really not to have changed dramatically, it's still set to `auto-battle' by default but a host of smaller improvements make a meaningful difference, paradigm shifts are now instantaneous, a party leader being downed is no longer a game over and some dramatic quick-time events spice up major battles.Your third party slot is now filled by a `tameable' monsters (of which there are over 150!..I think) which are swapped in and out with your paradigm shifts and have their own individual stats, can be accessorised, named, combined and a host of other interesting features. Certainly the battles are far more interesting then FFXIII (debatably easier maybe) and even more fast paced, just don't expect any eidolons to show up and transform into a stealth jet.So the main characters are good, battle system is much improved, the new freedom to explore areas (some of the maps are very complex with multiple levels/entrances etc etc) makes the game much more open and enjoyable. The ability to save anywhere along with the ability to travel through time to another destination at any time rewards exploration and `messing' around. The graphics are good, not quite up to the standards of FFXIII but with a controllable camera that's to be expected, overall the art/character design is solid (mostly). The core voice actors do a great job although not all characters get such care and its normal to hear the same conversation quips from citizens as you explore around town. The soundtrack is worth particular mention as being particularly good boosted with a large number of vocal tracks.So yes, Final Fantasy XIII-2 is most certainly an improvement on FFXIII, it is a scattershot attempt to right all the wrongs of Final Fantasy XIII, with regards to the story it maybe goes too far...FFXIII was complex enough before time travel, fragments and other realities got involved and at times you can be left scratching your head at the exposition dumps and technobable that would make Piccard blush.Still the attempt to deliver a highly playable JRPG that addresses the shortcomings of its predecessor are laudable. If you completed FFXIII and thought it was `meh' or it was `good' then go get Final Fantasy XIII-2 now - you will enjoy it. If you got half way through FFXIII or have completed many of the older FF games wait a bit, read around and wait for that price drop. If FFXIII left you distraught and angry then truthfully FFXIII-2 is not probably going to be able to bring you around - why not go and buy the Metal Gear Solid HD collection? FFXIII-2 shows JRPG's can still be relevant and interesting and although it still feels like they are running to try and keep up with Skyrim and the like they are still there and highly enjoyable for those that enjoy a good JRPG. FFXIII-2 has been worth the money and good fun, this is what we should have gotten back in 2010. Overall it gives me hope that the inevitable Final Fantasy XV will be something special to live up to our memories of this excellent although increasingly challenged series.The collector's edition comes in a larger box and includes,- A snazzy lenticular/3D print of Lightning- 6 CG postcards of the main characters- An impressive mini artwork book on FFXIII-2- A soundtrack CD with six tracks of musicIt's a nice little set but only worth getting if you can get it for a similar price of the standard edition!

12.3.2013

I have played many of Square Enix's games especially the Final Fantasy series, all since Final Fantasy 7 (except the online versions) and generally love them all. This one is a great sequel to it's predecessor, that said, my opinion is that this game is so much better than Final Fantasy 13 in many ways, the story is great and really draws you into it and just makes you want to keep playing to find out how it progresses, whilst I felt that FF13 was so very lacking.I was happy to see all the characters from FF13 make an appearance in this game, even if only for a short period of time. I find that the game play itself is a lot better than the one before it as on this one you have the choice to go where you wish instead of the never-go-back style of FF13,

31.10.2013

Final Fantasy has a huge fanbase and is criticized left, right and center when new outings are released - I think that alot of fans are after a perfect combination of FF7, along with elements of the other (this is a personal assessment). This game, sadly, doesn't provide that but does continue the story from th fantastic FF13 - which I thoroughly enjoyed.The RPG elements are still evident and leveling is alot of fun (Whats an RPG without leveling!) as you make your way across the Historia Crux to visit different areas at different times of history - leading to alot of different enemies, secrets and evil big bosses.

25.8.2012

The game builds on the first FF13 in almost every way but I understand it is not for everyone, but it's certainly been for me! The combat is more diverse due to the monster system, allowing one of many monsters to replace the 3rd person in your party. While you can only control one of two humanoids as a result of this; it allows for much greater diversity and a further RPG element (beyond regular FF fair) almost akin to Pokemon.Gone are the long narrow corridors for hours on end as in the 1st, whilst you are confined to one 'time/world' at any particular time, you can almost always come and go as you please and there is more than enough variety in landscape to keep the geography fresh.The graphics are even better than in the former,

4.5.2012

Don't be put off by the bad reviews, i was sceptical at first, like most people i thought.. can't be better than any of the classics and can't be worse than its predecessor, XIII (i enjoyed 13, its downfall being the lack of freedom) but this game offers an exciting experience.This game took me a while to appreciate it, this for me was the first game since x to give methat feeling you get playing the best of final fantasy series. They really have addressed all the problemswith 13 and created a game full of fresh excitement and offer so much to explore.Content:- Catch and train monsters and add them to your party.(some dlc even lets you capture the essence of lightning and sazh etc.)- side

5.2.2012

Some people hated FF XIII, unfairly in my opinion. O.k, it wasn't the best of games but it was still pretty good. Final Fantasy XIII-2 takes all what was bad about XIII and destroys it.No longer so you feel pushed along a linear path having no control over the game. This time around you can walk around towns, interact with NPCs, take on side quests and so on. There's even a casino if you feel like taking a breather from adventuring (Similar to FF VII's Gold Saucer).Combat pretty much remains the same. The two main differences being that enemies spawn from thin air and you have to initiate battle with a sword strike (Kind of like the SMT: Persona games) also,

20.7.2017

This sequel to Final Fantasy XIII, for me, was a little strange.From the start, I was fairly confused about what was going on and felt a bit overwhelmed.Eventually, you settle into it and get used to what the game throws at you.This installment also feature time travel...which, in itself, can be quite a bit of a headache. This is emphasized and amplified by the various timeline elements and how you interact with them.Confused? Yup, you should be lol.This game continues where the first installment left off with Lightning playing a slightly smaller part and mainly focusing on her younger sister, Serah and a fellow time traveler named Noel.Again, grand story elements,

17.12.2012

I'm a huge Final fantasy fan, I've been an avid collector since I first played ff7.This game follows the story from Final Fantasy 13 in the footsteps of Serah. It takes a different approach, much like Final fantasy 10-2. Once the initial opening of the game is through, you are able to choose your destination and complete missions in each area and time. Areas interlink and so some backtracking across areas is required if you aim for completion.Re-playability is very good. Like FF13, you have a party of 3 members, Serah, Noel.. and any Monster you like! There are so many combinations to choose from, keeping the original job system. Each monster is different, has different stats, skills and abilities,

1.8.2012

Final Fantasy 13-2 is based directly after the events of 13, after Cocoon was saved from destruction by Lightning and co. However, her sister, Serah soon finds Lightning has vanished, and those who knew her claim she vanished upon saving Cocoon!The story takes Serah as the leader to discover Lightnings fate, along with the help of Noel and Mog, who come from the end of time.The gameplay offers a new system to combat. Unlike 13, enemies will appear from a rift in time, which must be attacked by Serah to initiate combat. This is similar to older Final Fantasy combat systems of the random encounter system. The game does offer a great story however as you travel through time to discover the truth of the events occuring.

17.4.2012

Really, for those who either love or hate final fantasy 13, its sequel addresses what fans have wanted, a dynamic travel system, town, gil, and side quests. All in all a great game.We see Serah Farron, teaming up with Noel Kriess, in search for her sister Lightning who goes missing, and off they go traveling the time and space in search for her, via the historia Crux.The paradigm system returns and remain the battle core mechanic, while monsters now take up the third party member role and you can fine tune your roles for normal, wide or single targets depending on the situation.The collectors edition was a great buy really, with embossed sleeve and case, along with, limited 3D lithograph, cards,

5.3.2012

I got this game after I heard that it had some monster taming features, and thought hmmmm this could be interesting. I played FFX-2 and was kind of expecting a similar sort of experience - some interesting features, worth a playthrough but a bit rubbish overall. It looks like an expansion to the original game (FFXIII) but it plays like a game in its own right which was really surprising. The features they have added to the gameplay are all good additions and the story is actually really interesting despite my initial thoughts that it was just a bolted on far-fetched excuse of a story. Perhaps not entirely worth the full-price tag but definitely worth a play!

19.2.2012

Long live JRPG's. If you loved the first, you'll love this. If you didn't or don't like JRPG's then you won't. This game is an extension of the first with a few tweaks here and there. Still huge fun to play, still with stunning graphics, great voice acting (although Kupo does irritate) and an extended music score. Somehow this managed to be squeezed onto one disk. It's still a formidable and lengthy game just with fewer video-style cut scenes (save the grand opening sequence).Really enjoying this.

27.10.2012

This game is excellent - it arrived on time and the game's storyline is fantastic apart from the ending, which shocked me initially and also made me quite sad. This ending is the only negative thing about the game for me. The price at the time of purchase was quite good. I admit that the storyline does however need a couple of changes but is great like I said. I like the features and the choice of downloadable content. Overall, I love it.

31.10.2014

as a final fantasy fan this is just like the others its definately a challenge and also you need a memory so you do not keep recovering the same areas,there are 13 areas to cover each one with its own merits and challenges,i have give 5 stars but over all rating in my opinion would be 8/10 because no game is perfect however i recommend this game if you want some thing different and like puzzling challenges and with good playing time

28.2.2012

This game is really fun,theres so much extra than XIII, people who played XIII well at least the beginning said it was linear yet failed to notice you can free roam all you want, this sequel is more free roam from the start,the graphics look slightly more polished and it is just a better overall game,worth the price to you could potentially spend days worth of gaming on here like 100 hours+ just like the classic FF!!

Final Fantasy XIII-2 - Reviews

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