Final Fantasy XIII-2 Review
Final Fantasy XIII-2 represents solely the second time that we’ve been given a right away sequel to a Final Fantasy title on a significant console. The primary time was the PS2 title Final Fantasy X-2. However, ultimately this departure evidenced triple-crown merchandising over four million copies worldwide. Final Fantasy XIII affected the series to each the Xbox 360 furthermore because of the PlayStation 3, giving it an out of this world graphical and sound upgrade, however conjointly taking new risks with some nice mechanical changes. The Paradigm system, chain attacks, 2 AI-controlled characters whereas you management a 3rd, and therefore the Crystarium system rounded out a solid product with a deep plot line. Final Fantasy XIII is associate degree exception to the rule; that entry’s greatest accomplishment is the extended area of land , whereas the story may be a convoluted mess. once Square Enix declared an instantaneous sequel, I hoped that Final Fantasy XIII-2 would repair the broken half that equation, elevating the narrative to achieve the heights earned by the outstanding battle system.
Apparently, I expected an excessive amount of. Gamers square measure willing to forgive one mistake, however when finishing FF XIII, I’m troubled that absurd storytelling is that the way forward for the series. This game takes the lamest characters from the last entry (like Serah associate degree Hope) and puts them center stage aboard an annoying moogle and new protagonist Yule. Meanwhile, the simplest characters (like Lightning, Snow and Fang) square measure relegated to background and anaglyph roles.
The plot surrounds the forged with associate degree anything-goes premise targeted on time travel. this is often wherever things get extremely bonkers; time-travel and alternate realities square measure simple excuses to possess a bunch of crazy stuff happens (or not happen) whenever it’s convenient. Why is that enormous afters interference my path? Why is that person acting strangely? Here’s a hint: the solution to virtually each mystery within the game is “a time contradiction did it.” This catch-all crutch makes it not possible to urge invested with within the characters or their actions. you only ought to detach yourself and say “Okay, whatever,” and go beside it.
To make matters worse, you aren’t even obtaining an entire story. The canonical ending (Square Enix measure multiple alternatives “what if” endings) concludes with the words “to be continued ,” and it’s not a state of affairs doubtless to be resolved with future DLC. when the credits, I Sat in disbelief, speculative if I had done one thing wrong or somehow incomprehensible verity ending. I didn’t. Square Enix on purpose left the story incomplete. The announcement of ultimate Fantasy XIII-3 is inevitable. I do know I’m lodging on the negative here, however, storytelling is associate degree integral a part of the RPG genre, and FF XIII-2 screws it up at virtually each flip. The saddest half is however that disaster goes to mark this title in fans’ recollections, as a result of FF XIII-2 is fantastic in alternative ways in which. I’m not simply saying that to temper my harsh comments regarding the story; much each alternative a part of the sport is superb, to the purpose that I’m wanting forward to taking part in it once more in spite of my disappointment within the plot.
The combat of FF XIII returns in an exceedingly acquainted nevertheless improved type, leading to my new favorite battle system within the Final Fantasy series. Fights need a satisfying mixture of strategic management and direct management, forcing you to change your ways and adapt to dynamic conditions. Quickly shift to a defensive paradigm once a boss is near to use a robust attack, or use a buffing/debuffing paradigm to organize for an extended battle. It’s a bit easier than the last one, however, remains fun and fast, while not the minor annoyances that happened the manner in FF XIII.
The biggest addition to battle is the monster assortment, that isn’t simply associate degree nonmandatory side-activity. You’ll continuously have Yule and Serah in your party, and also the third slot is occupied by a monster that you’ve caught by defeating (no Pokéballs necessary). every monster contains a role that you just will level up and use to create your paradigms. for example, Ferine Behemoths square measure commandos, Munchkin Boss square measure ravagers, and White Chocobo square measure medics. You would like to think about these roles beside Serah’s and Noel’s attitudes once forming your paradigms. This adds the level of customization and flexibility that you just didn’t have together with your party before. Plus, finally getting a robust monster that you’ve been searching delivers a particularly satisfying thrill.
Among the foremost distinguished criticisms of FF XIII was its dimensionality, and also the team clearly wanted to rectify that within the sequel. With a couple of exceptions, you management however and after you progress through the most quest with the Historia Crux. The Historia Crux helps you to visit regarding ten totally different areas, however, several have passed present, and alternate incarnations that you just will unlock. bound mission-critical areas should be completed, whereas others square measure nonmandatory and sometimes contain cool sidequests, rewards, and anaglyph appearances. If you get bored or pissed off, you'll continuously come back to the Historia Crux and check out one thing else. the sole limiting issue is that you just want special things – Wild Artefacts – to unlock nonmandatory zones and that they square measure rare and sometimes hidden. Even so, I admired the new freedom that the Historia Crux permits.
With the dimensionality issue handled, smaller considerations from FF XIII also are self-addressed in FF XIII-2. the bogus level caps on the Crystarium are removed, therefore you don’t ought to worry regarding striking a wall till post-game. Thereto purpose, you'll keep taking part in when the credits roll, continued to level your characters, play through undiscovered areas, and collect monsters. although you won’t realize a real new game and mode, you'll reset individual areas once you’ve cleared them so as replay their stories. the flexibility to avoid wasting anyplace is handy, and also the medium action events and voice communication choices add a lot of life to what won't be static cutscenes. These square measure all minor enhancements, however, they add up to an extremely polished and a lot of efficient gameplay expertise.
Listening closely to fan feedback are often dangerous for developers since gamers have totally different – and sometimes contradictory – opinions of what wants improvement. Final Fantasy XIII was a dissentious entry within the series; from the story to the battles, each component of the sport had its champions and detractors. In most respects, the team at Square Enix did a good job singling out and addressing the chief issues. Progression is player-driven, combat is even a lot of diverting, associate degreed an array of alternative changes makes it one in every of my favorite RPGs from a mechanical perspective. I just need the greater part of that coordinated with a story that isn't funny and marginal annoying, and that is wherever Final Fantasy XIII-2 vacillates.
